New for 2025-2026!
O.W.L. Elective (OWL-E) Course Description:
This multi-grade level elective course is an extension/culmination of the Autonomous Learner Model that students were previously introduced to in Middle School. Students enrolled in this course must meet the criteria for identification as gifted as established by the state of Missouri. Advocacy skills will be developed and academic/scholarship competitions explored by interested students. Opportunities to investigate post-high school options, real world problems/issues, or an idea/topic of individual interest will be provided, and students will work alone or in a group to design, plan, implement, and present an ALM Seminar or In-Depth Study of their choosing. Program expectations will advance commensurate with student growth. The curriculum will be individualized based on student need, interest, and other academic course expectations. Mentorships and/or service projects may be incorporated. Students are encouraged to enroll both semesters to allow for development of long term projects. Students may take this semester-long course more than once for elective credit.
(Nominations for the O.W.L. gifted program are sought annually. Interested students may request to be considered for the screening/testing process.)
Prerequisite - Gifted Program
Grades 9 -12 ½ credit per semester
Gifted Resource and Owl Time Office Hours:
Mrs. Fears will be available to all HS gifted students on Wednesdays during the HS "Owl Time" lunch period. O.W.L. students are invited to either email her in advance to schedule a time, or just drop by the O.W.L./Speech-Language classroom during the HS Lunch hour on Wednesdays to visit.
Mrs. Fears will monitor HS gifted students remotely via the Infinite Campus System, HS announcements, and local news reports. Individual emails and group messages will be used to share information regarding scholarships or other opportunities that might be of interest.
Additionally, students may request a meeting or receive occasional visits from Mrs. Fears during afternoon Guided Study classes on any day except Thursday.
Gifted students who would like a letter of recommendation, job reference, help with an application, etc. may email that request to Mrs. Fears at any time; she will be happy to help!