Kinard Gifted and Talented Mission
With approximately one third of the student population in gifted and talented education (currently 242 students), Kinard has a thriving GT Program where students are authentically engaged in learning experiences to achieve their Achievement (academic) and Affective (skills) ALP goals. Kinard is dedicated to ensuring high levels of learning for all students and fosters a safe community where staff are responsive to the individual and exceptional needs of students. Kinard’s GT Site Coordinator analyzes all academic data for incoming and newly enrolled students and establishes fidelity in the identification process by recognizing all factors including culturally, linguistically diverse and twice-exceptional characteristics.
Gifted and Talented Site Coordinator
Wendi Grigg | GT Site Coordinator, Identification, ALPs
Academic Support Mentor
Give Next Program Teacher
wgrigg@psdschools.org
GT Office: 970-488-5447
Programming Opportunities for Gifted Learners
Sixth through eighth graders who meet the academic qualifications have opportunities for accelerated math courses for high school credit, and all students are also offered world language courses (high school credit for 1B & 2). Seventh and eighth graders can apply for honors courses in English, Science, Social Studies, Select Choirs, Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. Kinard’s Gifted and Talented Program focuses on development of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. Students with ALPs explore areas of interest through inquiry projects, career mentorship, college visits, service learning, philanthropy, innovation in technology and media, performing and visual arts, content extensions and ability grouping.
Kinard’s GT Program Overview
Encompasses 247 students identified for Gifted and Talented with Advanced Learning Plans.
Establishes fidelity in the identification process by recognizing all essential factors including culturally, linguistically diverse and twice-exceptional characteristics.
Develops authentic ALPs aligned to Colorado gifted and talented state standards with goal choice options that inspire and challenge students to achieve at high levels.
Focuses on strength-based approaches to advance students’ knowledge and skills.
Provides learning experiences beyond the classroom with real world connections.
Connects students with similar interests through a wide variety of enrichment opportunities.
Provides extensions for deeper inquiry into the Core Knowledge curriculum.
Empowers students’ personal and future success through the Colorado Essential Skills.
Advanced Learning Plan Process
Students in Kinard's GT Program collaborate with staff, teachers, and parents to explore and choose their Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) goals each year. Through a student-driven process, learners in the Kinard GT Program move from engagement to ownership as they grow their exceptional abilities through their ALP goals. Students seek a pathway that is authentic and inspiring in pursuit of a personal interest, a compelling inquiry, a special challenge or a supplement to their educational opportunities provided by the Core Knowledge curriculum. Additionally, a focus is placed on student development and growth in the Colorado Essential Skills standards through the student's Affective goal choice.
Enrichment Opportunities During the School Day
Accelerated math courses for high school credit
Art:visual, pottery/sculpture
Creative Foods (sewing and cooking)
Drama
Environmental Leadership
Entrepreneurship
Give Next Philanthropy
Global Leadership
Honors:English, science and social studies
Kinard CARES
Lego Robotics
Music: Advanced Choir, Band and Orchestra
Mustang Media/Tech
Science Adventures
Tech/Engineering: 21st Cent.; App design;Photography; 3D modeling; Programming
WEB Program
World Language courses
Yearbook
Enrichment Opportunities Before or After the School Day
Athletics
Chess Club
Computer Club
Fitness Club
Fitness Club
Math Counts
NaNoWriMo Novel Writing Club
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
Science Fair Club
Science Olympiad
Student-led Clubs
Theatre Club
Affective Programming for Students in Kinard GT
At Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School, students are empowered to achieve personal and academic growth, exploration for college and career readiness, and are supported in their general wellness and mental health through a team approach led by Kinard’s school counselors, and in collaboration with teachers and the Kinard GT Program. The Kinard GT Program specifically develops capacity through aligning the ALP Affective Goal choices to the Colorado Essential Skills state standards. Students and parents are provided with the Essential Skills from CDE to discuss and select a relevant and authentic affective goal. Students in the GT program complete check-ins and a reflection with the GT Site Coordinator on their progress towards their goal. Additionally, there are ELO small groups available for more in-depth goal choices where students have opportunity to discuss challenges and successes in a safe environment with a school counselor and with other students who share similar affective goals.
For more on the Colorado Essential Skills, please visit: Colorado Essential Skills
Grade-specific GT Services
Students in 6th-8th grade can attend CSU’s Engineering Day, held during the spring, with a math ALP goal. Short term career mentorships are also possible options as an ALP Achievement goal for students across grade levels. These opportunities allow students in Kinard’s GT Program to connect academically and socially with their community while exploring their individual interests. In career mentorships, the student conducts an individual interview or, with a parent, makes a site-visit to the community member’s place of work. For all 8th graders with ALPs, there are opportunities through the Kinard GT Program for college visits to Colorado higher education institutions (CU Denver, School of Mines, UNC, CSU) during the school year.
Examples of ALP Achievement Goal Choices at Kinard
Stress Management and Healthy Habits
40 Book Challenge
10 Genre Challenge
Author Study
Entering a Writing Contest
Entering the Kinard Writing Contest
Tech Squad
Independent Inquiry Project
Career Mentorship
Learning a Second Language
Time Management/Organization
College Visit/Research
Social Action
Coursework Rigor and Growth
Get Involved in an Activity
Performing and Visual Arts
8th Grade College Preview Field Trips
Improving Peer/Social Interactions
Examples of ALP Affective Goal Choices at Kinard
Improve Health and Wellness
Self Motivation
Personal Interactions
Time Management
Stress Management
Develop a Growth Mindset
Participate More in Classes
Improve Peer Interactions
Improve Organizational Skills
Be More Independent
Learn to Self-Advocate
Show More Grit and Perseverance in School