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About me...
About me...
I am a proud native of Colorado! I grew up in the metro area and currently live in Highlands Ranch. I have three boys who attended Douglas County schools and are college graduates. We are a family of sports enthusiasts and enjoy doing anything outdoors, especially hiking, fishing, and hanging out at the lake.
I have been an educator for over 30 years, and it's my eleventh year completing the responsibilities of this role. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from CSU and my master’s degree in Administration, Supervision, and Curriculum Development from the University of Colorado Denver. As a classroom teacher, I have worked at the elementary and middle school levels, teaching first through seventh grade, and have also been a K-8 Instructional Coach with an emphasis on literacy. I was the Assistant Principal at Sedalia Elementary in Douglas County, and as part of that role, I was fortunate to be the Gifted Education Facilitator for 4 years. It was through this experience and my work in the classroom that I further developed my passion, love, and craft for working with gifted and highly able learners.
As a Gifted Education facilitator at MPE, my goal is to work collaboratively with students, parents, and teachers to support the varied needs of gifted and highly able learners so that they are motivated, challenged, and constantly learning. I take pride in working to support all students to strive to reach their highest potential through engaging and fun work.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.
DCSD Gifted Education Helpful Links
DCSD Gifted Education Helpful Links
The Referral for Gifted Identification is linked here: DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral
DCSD Gifted Community Website
DCSD Gifted Programming Website
Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Colorado Department of Education - Gifted Information
Gifted Children's Bill of Rights
Gifted Children's Bill of Rights
You have a right to
know about your giftedness.
learn something new every day.
be passionate about your talent area without apologies.
have an identity beyond your talent area.
feel good about your accomplishments.
make mistakes.
seek guidance in the development of your talent.
have multiple peer groups and a variety of friends.
choose which of your talent areas you wish to pursue.
not to be gifted at everything.
Written by Del Siegle (NAGC President, 2007 - 2009)
Gifted Identification Information
Gifted Identification Information
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in a grade other than 2nd or 5th and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, and you have not done so already, please initiate the Gifted Identification Referral Process by completing the referral form at this link: DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral. Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss the next steps in the gifted identification process. NOTE: Completing the referral form will initiate the process for Gifted Identification. Also, requesting the CogAT assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.
General CogAT Testing Information at MPE
Universal Screen Years at MPE are 2nd and 5th Grade. As part of the Universal Screening process, ALL students in 2nd and 5th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) during the 2026-27 school year. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.
Students in 5th grade not identified for gifted programming will take CogAT in November, as well as, referral students in 3rd and 4th grades.
Students in 2nd grade not identified for gifted programming will take CogAT in February, as well as, referral students in Kindergarten and 1st grades.
The actual test dates will be shared once the schedule has been finalized.
If your child is already identified for gifted programming, he/she will not participate in this universal screen testing.
Discovery Program Application Process
This information will be added later.
Discovery Information Nights
This information will be added later.
Early Access
Click here for information about the Early Access Process to Kindergarten/1st Grade.
Gifted Programming
Gifted Programming
Service Schedule for Gifted Education Programming
Ms. Tafoya will be at MPE Monday through Friday.
Ms. Rayburn will be at MPE Monday through Friday mornings only.
Students will participate in Climb Time for Literacy support and/or Math classes throughout the week.
The days, times, and structure of classes may change based on student and/or teacher needs.
Periodically, Ms. Tafoya and Ms. Rayburn will be attending district trainings, so GT support may be adjusted. These typically occur once per month.
Ms. Tafoya's Daily Schedule:
9:00-10:30 5th Grade Math
10:40-11:50 4th Grade Math
12:30 - 1:00 Kindergarten Groups
1:00 - 1:30 2nd Grade Math
1:40-2:20 4th Grade Climb Time
2:20-2:40 5th Grade Climb Time
2:45-3:15 3rd Grade Math
***No groups on Tuesdays - Compliance Day
Curriculum Resources:
Literacy -
Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program by Grade, Social-Emotional Intelligence, by Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D., and Joyce Vantassel-Baska, Ed.D. (2018)
Junior Great Books Series by Grade, First Semester, Second Semester by The Great Books Foundation
Starting Off Strong, Beginning Shared Inquiry in Your Classroom, Early and Upper Elementary by The Great Books Foundation
Other various reading texts, novels, poems, etc that are at an appropriate level
*Resources will be updated throughout the school year as needed.
Math -
Envision Curriculum
Ed Zaccaro
Continental Math League Euclidean Division
Other various math resources (including challenging riddles and lateral thinking problems) that support the development of mathematical reasoning and critical thinking
*Resources will be updated throughout the school year as needed.
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead
August
8/11 - Curriculum Night (parents only)
8/13 - Back to School Bash
8/17 - First Day of School Grades 1-5
8/24 - Picture Day
September
9/7 - No School - Labor Day
9/18 - Fund Run Event
9/21 - No School - Teacher PD Day
9/29 - Parent Teacher Conference
October
TBD - Updated ALPs Sent Home
10/1 - Parent Teacher Conference
10/12 - 10/16- No School - Fall Break
10/22 - Talent Show Performance
10/23 - Picture Retakes
10/30 - Hallowen Parties
November
TBD - CogAT Grades 5 and Referrals Grades 4 (Testing Window is 11/2 - 12/4)
TBD - Continental Math League Meet 1
11/11-13 - Outdoor Education 5th Grade
11/23-27 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
December
TBD - Continental Math League Meet 2
12/11 - Jingle Bell Jog
12/15 - Choir Performance
12/17 - Winter Parties
12/18 - No School - Teacher Work Day, Mid-Year ALP Progress Sent Home
12/21 - 1/4 - No School - Winter Break
January
1/4 - No School - Teacher Work Day
1/5 - School Back in Session
TBD - Continental Math League Meet 3
1/18 - No School - MLK Holiday
1/26 - Parent Teacher Conference
1/28 - Parent Teacher Conference
February
TBD - CogAT Grade 2 and Referrals Grades K, 1, and 3 (Testing Window 2/1-26)
TBD - Continental Math League Meet 4
2/1-5 - Wish Week
2/6 - Sweetheart Dance
2/11 - Valentine's Day Parties
2/12 - No School - Teacher Compensation Day
2/15 - No School - President's Day Holiday
March
TBD - Continental Math League Meet 5
3/4 - Spring Family Night
3/15-19 - No School - Spring Break
April
TBD - Iowa Math Referred Students Grade 5
4/3 - Visual Arts Intensive
4/5-23 - CMAS Testing Window
4/9 - Silent Auction
4/23 - No School - Teacher PD Day
4/29 - 5th Grade Dance
May
5/7 - Field Day
5/27 - Last Day of School
5/28 - No School - Teacher Work Day, End-of-Year ALPs Sent Home
Parent Resources
Parent Resources
This section provides a variety of resources for parents. It will be updated throughout the school year as new resources become available.
Educational Programming - General:
FAQs about Gifted Education (NAGC)
Glossary of Terms (NAGC)
Executive Functioning Support:
Executive Functioning: In - Depth (Seth Perler)
Giftedness and Anxiety:
Book: Freeing Your Child from Anxiety by Dr. Tamar Chansky
Book: 12 Annoying Monsters: Self-Talk for Kids with Anxiety by Dawn Meredith
Book: Anxiety Free Kids: An Interactive Guide for Parents and Children by Dr. Bonnie Zucker
Book: What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide for Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner
Work Book/Help Book: Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety: A Workbook for Overcoming Anxiety at Home, at School and Everywhere Else by Christopher Willard
Work Book/Help Book: The Panic Workbook for Teens: Breaking the Cycle of Fear, Worry and Panic Attacks by Debra Kissen, Bari Goldman Cohen, and Kathi Fine Abitbol
Book: Breathe, Chill: A Handy Book of Games and Techniques Introducing Breathing, Meditation and Relaxation to Kids and Teens By Lisa Roberts
Work by Dr. Dan Peters (@drdanpeters)
Video: What does anxiety look like?
Article: Ten Steps for Parents and Kids to Tame the Worry Monster by Dr. Dan Peters
Gifted Associations and Organizations:
Gifted Experts Blogs, Websites, and Twitter:
www.byrdseed.com (Ian Byrd)
www.giftedguru.com (Lisa Van Gemert)
Hoagies Gifted Blog Hops (subpage on Hoagies' Gifted Education page)
https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/blog/ (Colleen Kessler)
@drdanpeters (Dr. Dan Peters - http://drdanpeters.com/)
@gifted_guru (Lisa Van Gemert - www.giftedguru.com)
@GiftedHF (Gifted Homeschoolers)
@HoagiesGifted (www.hoagiesgifted.org)
@IanAByrd (Ian Byrd - www.byrdseed.com)
@SENG_Gifted (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted)
@wcgtc (World Council for Gifted and Talented Children)
Overexciteabilities:
Article: The Gift of Emotional Overexcitabilities by Regina Hellinger
Article: Overexcitability and the Gifted by Sharon Lind
Book: Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students by Christine Fonseca
Book: Living with Intensity: Understanding the Sensitivity, Excitability, and the Emotional Development of Gifted Children, Adolescents, and Adults by Susan Daniels and Michael Piechowski
Tool: Strong Emotions Survival Guide compiled by Douglas County Schools
Tool: A Shopping List for Kids (and Adults) with Intensities by Ian Byrd
Peer Relationships:
Article: Tips for Parents: Anxieties, Sensitivities and Social Struggles Among Profoundly Gifted Kids by Foley Nicpon
Article: The Developmental Phases of Social Development by Linda Silverman
Book: Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boys, and the New Realities of Girl World by Rosalind Wiseman
Book: Masterminds and Wingmen: Helping Our Boys Cope with Schoolyard Power, Locker-Room Tests, Girlfriends, and the New Rules of Boy World by Rosalind Wiseman
YouTube Video: Playing and Staying Safe on the Internet
Perfectionism:
Book: What to Do When Good Enough isn't Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism: A Guide for Kids by Thomas S. Greenspon
Book: Moving Past Perfect: How Perfectionism May be Holding Back Your Kids (and You!) and What You Can Do About It by Thomas S. Greenspon
Article: Tips for Parents: Perfectionism Resources by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Article: Tips for Parents: Perfectionism and the Profoundly Gifted Child by E. Meckstroth
Article: Perfectionism NAGC
Twice-Exceptional Learner:
The 2e Newsletter (Glen Ellyn Media)
Underachievement:
Article: Underachieving Gifted Students by Carol Bainbridge
Understanding Giftedness:
Gifted Challenges (blog)
Myths about Gifted Students (NAGC)
12 Traits of Giftedness (NAGC)
Book: The Gifted Teen Survival Guide: Sharp, Smart & Ready for (Almost) Anything by Judy Galbraith & Jim Delisle
Book: Living Gifted: 52 Tips to Survive and Thrive in Giftedland by Lisa Van Gemert
Book: The Survival Guide for Gifted Kids: for Ages 10 & Under by Judy Galbraith
Various Resources:
Colorado Department of Education (CDE) - Office of Gifted Education
Gifted Education Resources - Live Binder by Jennifer Ritchotte, Ph.D., UNCO
Hoagies' Gifted Education page ("all things gifted" resources)
Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education and Talent Development - UCONN
Disclaimer: Resource recommendations are based on the opinions of GT Facilitators. While most of this content has been viewed, sublinks and content may change based on the host or resource provider. This section remains under construction...
Student Resources
Student Resources
This section provides a variety of resources for students. It will be updated throughout the school year as new resources become available.
Arts and Cultural Achievement:
Art Camera - Check out some amazing, famous pieces of art works!
Mensa for Kids - Artie's Art Class - Explore art lessons and practice techniques.
Computer Science:
Code Break - Explore computer science through videos and activities.
Literacy Enrichment:
5 Minute Mysteries - Ask your parents for permission to sign up. Then choose a mystery and have fun solving it!
DOG News - ELA, Science, Social Studies - Read about Current Events
Wonderopolis - What are you wondering about?
Math Enrichment:
Bitesize Math BBC Education - Grades 5-8 math challenges
Figure This! - Math Challenges for Families
Greg Tang Math - A variety of math challenges
National Library of Virtual Manipulations - PK-12, Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Data Analysis and Probability
Maths Challenges 7-12 math problems that are organized by level of difficulty
Math Mavens Mysteries - 3 levels of difficulty when solving math mysteries
Math Playground - K-5 math activities
NRICH Math - Math problem solving by grade and strand
Online Games and Puzzles:
Science and Social Studies Enrichment:
33 National Park Tours - Take a virtual field trip to these National Parks.
DOG News - ELA, Science, Social Studies - Read about Current Events
PBS Learning Media - Ken Burns in the Classroom - Great history site!
Smithsonian's History Explorer - Learn more about historical topics or even create your own museum!
Smithsonian Learning Lab - Parents need to help with setting up an account, but it's a great site!
Today in History - Check out famous events!
Virtual Field Trips - Over 25 amazing virtual field trips to many different interesting places.
Something New and Different:
DIY - Hands on Projects and How to Videos
"Tech Free" Ideas:
Cooking -
Help create a recipe with the ingredients found in your pantry!
Help a parent double or half a recipe to accommodate your dinner guests!
Rewrite a recipe to make it easier to follow!
Games -
Complete a puzzle (time yourself or your family); Complete it again and see if you can beat your time!
Make up a new card game.
Learn a new card game.
Outside -
Go be a kid! Investigate! Notice! Wonder!
Disclaimer: Resource recommendations are based on the opinions of GT Facilitators. While most of this content has been viewed, sublinks and content may change based on the host or resource provider. This section remains under construction...
Teacher Resources
Teacher Resources
This section provides a variety of resources for teachers. It will be updated throughout the school year as new resources become available.
Differentiation:
Extension Menus - Byrdseed
The Differentiator (tool for differentiating in multiple ways based on Blooms Taxonomy, Depth and Complexity & Product Menus)
Gifted Associations (links):
Gifted Education Expert Blogs:
Extension Menus - Byrdseed
The Differentiator (tool for differentiating in multiple ways based on Blooms Taxonomy, Depth and Complexity & Product Menus)
Gifted Experts we follow on Twitter:
@drdanpeters (Dr. Dan Peters - http://drdanpeters.com/)
@gifted_guru (Lisa Van Gemert - www.giftedguru.com)
@GiftedHF (Gifted Homeschoolers)
@HoagiesGifted (www.hoagiesgifted.org)
@IanAByrd (Ian Byrd - www.byrdseed.com)
@SENG_Gifted (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted)
@wcgtc (World Council for Gifted and Talented Children)
Gifted Organizations (links):
Other Resources (links):
Colorado Department of Education (CDE) - Office of Gifted Education
Gifted Education Resources - Live Binder by Jennifer Ritchotte, Ph.D., UNCO
Hoagies' Gifted Education page ("all things gifted" resources)
Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education and Talent Development - UCONN
Disclaimer: Resource recommendations are based on the opinions of GT Facilitators. While most of this content has been viewed, sublinks and content may change based on the host or resource provider. This section remains under construction...
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