West Sylvan Middle School Talented and Gifted (TAG)
West Sylvan Middle School • Grades 6-8 • Portland Public Schools
8111 SW West Slope Drive • Portland, OR 97225 • Ph 503-916-5690 • Fx 503-916-2681
Questions about TAG at West Sylvan?
Check out the official PPS TAG website: Portland Public Schools: Talented and Gifted
Contact the West Sylvan TAG Administrator, Ben Keller - bkeller@pps.net
Contact the West Sylvan TAG Coordinator, Holly Graham hgraham@pps.net
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the TAG form for parents?
A: HERE it is! Open until 11/29/22.
Q: Who do I contact if I have a question or concern about TAG at West Sylvan?
A: Your first contact should always be your child's relevant teacher: for example, if you have a math-related question, contact the math teacher. Your child's advisory teacher is also a good first contact.
If you have more specific question, contact our school TAG Coordinator Holly Graham, hgraham@pps.net. You can also contact our TAG Administrator, Ben Keller, at bkeller@pps.net.
Q: My child was identified TAG in elementary school. Do they have to reapply for TAG?
A: No! Once a child is identified TAG, they are TAG throughout their time at PPS, from kindergarten to graduation.
Q: Will my child be pulled out of class for TAG?
A: While this is the way many Talented And Gifted programs used to work, many states including Oregon have switched to a model that ensures that students don't miss class time with their peers. In PPS, TAG students receive services from their classroom teachers, who differentiate for students based on their rate and level of learning.
Q: Where is the West Sylvan Building TAG Plan?
A: Look here to access the PPS Building TAG Plans.
Q: How do I find out whether or not my child is TAG and what their TAG identification is?
A: You can check with your child's teacher or the WSMS TAG Coordinator or Administrator. All teachers can view whether or not one of their students is TAG on Synergy, as well as if they are identified as TAG in Mathematics, Reading, and/or Intellectual.
Q: What if I think my child should skip a grade?
A: Please visit the PPS TAG Whole Grade Acceleration page for more details. Additionally, here is a PDF guide about Whole-Grade Acceleration Guidance for Families
Q: What if I am moving into Portland Public Schools from another district?
A: Contact the West Sylvan TAG Coordinator or Administrator to facilitate a transfer. We'll need to contact the previous school district for documentation of the student's TAG status.
Q: How do I refer my child to TAG?
A: Please click on this form here.
