Williamstown Independent Schools
Gifted and Talented Resources
Welcome to Williamstown's Gifted and Talented Webpage!
Our K-12 resource teacher and gifted coordinator is Casey Kirk. If you would like to get in touch with her, please email: casey.kirk@williamstown.kyschools.us
Mrs. Kirk did her undergraduate work in Elementary Education at Georgetown College, has a Master's Degree in K-12 Art Education from the University of Cincinnati and her K-12 Gifted Endorsement from Georgetown College.
Her teaching philosophy is heavily inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning and she spent four years working as an atelierista at a farm based school in Tennessee. She has intensely studied Waldorf, Montessori, and Constructivist pedagogies. Her art classroom for 18 years was founded on Teaching for Artistic Behaviors and she employs a student led curriculum in her gifted resource room.
Her teaching heros include: Gever Tulley, Bev Bos, Katherine Douglas, and Loris Malaguzzi. She is a maker, creator, inventor, thinker, artist, and lover of life! Her life work centers on seeking out ways to challenge students and help them hone their creative and critical thinking skills.
“Creativity seems to emerge from multiple experiences, coupled with a well-supported development of personal resources, including a sense of freedom to venture beyond the known.” ~ Loris Malaguzzi
Primary Talent Pool
Our PTP is for K-3 students and this program focuses on enrichment through creative thinking, ideation, and exploration. Classes begin with a whole class game, idea exploration, or task, and all PTP classes have built in Maker Space time. This is their time to work through ideas or questions that they may have in their regular classroom using a wide variety of materials. The classroom offers art materials, tools, technical supplies, informational books, and the gift of time. Gifted students often need just time to think and create in order to continue growth.
Fourth and Fifth Grade
Fourth and Fifth graders meet once a week to explore student selected topics, Maker Space ideas, and problem solving. We study what it means to be neurodivergent and work on communication and leadership skills. Fourth and Fifth graders are also welcome to join our Academic Team.
Middle School
Middle school enrichment classes are built around Project Based Learning. Students are given choices in their learning experiences and support for their formal talents. This year we worked on Game Design, Coding, Ciphering, Forensic Science, Global and Environmental Issues, National Parks, Engineering Principles, and Recreational Mathematics. Mrs. Kirk encourages students to enter their work in community and global competitions. Work from this class has been featured at the Cincinnati Art Museum, KET Young Authors, All State, Northern Kentucky University, and we currently have a video game submission and character creation entered in a global challenge.
We also have a highly competitive Academic Team as well as other club offerings that support the gifted learner in middle school.
High School
The high school program offers Dual Credit classes, extensive extracurricular activities, support for GSA, GSP, and GSE programs, and opportunities to participate in state and national competitions. Mrs. Kirk serves as a resource for letters of recommendation, support, and supplies. Mrs. Kirk leads Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and the National Art Education Honor Society.