Gifted and talented
Mrs. Tatam also teaches Gifted and Talented for grades 3, 4, and 5 at the Harker School.
Students are selected and notified via letters at the beginning of the year (4th and 5th grade) and in January (3rd grade). If your child is selected, with your permission, they will come to Gifted and Talented Time twice a cycle during Comet Time for the 2023-24 school year.
3rd Grade
Some of the projects 3rd Graders explored in G&T took them on a journey through the geography of the United States through scientific experiments involving the weather in each region. They learned about volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes as well as learned how to complete circuits. They also learned about the Oregon Trail, explored pioneer life, and learned Morse Code. Third Grade G&T also has wrote their own children's book. They also work with 4th and 5th grade G&T to create a display for STEAM Night as well as one for Multicultural Night. At the end of the year, our 3rd graders became the gallery in the Mock Trial.
4th Grade
Some of the projects 4th Graders will explore in G&T will include leadership activities and promote anti-bullying and Autism acceptance in the school. In previous years, they have read and discussed a novel, wrote their own children's book, participated in the NBA Math Hoops Challenge, performed a Science Olympiad of various challenges in STEAM areas, they also create a display for STEAM night, as well as learn about topography and created a group map project. Recently they have also participated in Multicultural Night, and learned how to Bollywood Dance. They also became the jury in the Mock Trial.
5th Grade
Some of the projects 5th Graders have explored in G&T included leadership activities that promote anti-bullying and Autism acceptance in the school. They also read and discussed a novel, write a children's book, participated in the NBA Math Hoops Challenge and created a STEAM project that was displayed for our school's STEAM night. They have also created displays for Multicultural Night, and they learned Bollywood Dancing. 5th Graders learn about forensic science, and they perform the major roles of the prosecution, defense, witnesses and courtroom roles in the Mock Trial.
Gifted and Talented (G&T)
Students in Grades K-2, who are identified as intellectually gifted, are enriched within the classroom through curriculum differentiation. The aim is to remove the ceiling on what is learned and promote creativity and higher level cognitive skills. Such extended learning opportunities are designed to support individual learning needs and are identified and provided through collaboration between the classroom teacher and the building administrator. Please go to our Comet Time Page for more information on Enrichment opportunities in Grades K-2, including acceptance Criteria.
Students in Grades 3-6, who are identified as intellectually gifted, are enriched through a Gifted and Talented program. G&T programs run in conjunction with the six-day cycle (Days A-F) for the calendar year. G&T classes are usually held one to two times per week. Students who are selected to be in the G&T program will receive a letter by mid-August.
Click HERE to see the G&T Selection Criteria and Score Distribution Matrix.
The G&T Program enhances the regular curriculum through special projects and/or activities based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, 21st Century Life and Career Skills, and the National Gifted Program Standards of the National Association for Gifted Children. In addition, the program focuses on promoting a sense of Growth Mindset in all the students to build their independence and perseverance.
Students in the G&T program will be pulled 1-2 periods per week during their school's Comet Time period. This period is dedicated to interventions, enrichments, and Comet Cohorts. In addition, SOME of the G&T students in Grades 3-5 may also be invited to participate in our First Lego League or Math Competitions, which may involve after school and weekend times. Students involved with the competitions will be contacted by the G&T teachers. Please be aware that all G&T students must maintain both academic and behavioral excellence in school. Failure to maintain classroom expectations may result in a program furlough or an exit from the program.For more details regarding G&T, click HERE for the G&T Handbook.
In January 2020, the State of New Jersey passed a new law (CHAPTER 338) governing Gifted and Talented Education. To see the explanation and details behind this law, click HERE. If you should have any questions, concerns, please reach out to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.