Welcome to Middle School GT Thompson School District R2-J

Middle School: A time of Transition

Kids feel independent Multiple teachers instead of one Lockers More anonymity But within a supported environment Still strong home-school communication opportunities

Kids feel the power of increased choices Choices in courses Choices in activities Choices in friends But parents can support making good choices

GT services also change Elementary pull-out/push-in combination Middle school instruction left to highly qualified teachers Kids may be clustered or placed in leveled classes GT specialists co-teach or provide support Extra curricular offerings

Ungifting What doesn’t change GT identification ALP established in sixth grade, reviewed in seventh and eighth Ungifting

Preparation for middle school

Talk about it! answer questions/ address concerns understand schedule locker, walk the halls back to school days and nights highlight the positive everyone else is new, too keep in touch with old friends

Homework plan be prepared with supplies how will you organize? don’t throw anything away homework corner help with homework self-advocate

New friends know who they are don’t try to choose them for your child you shouldn’t need to know everything

New interests be involved in sports or clubs in school get involved in community service don’t let your hopes get in their way

Red flags tired/ trouble sleeping withdrawn lack of communication visibly upset/ cries easily loss of appetite visiting school nurse often severe drop in academic performance

Who to contact GT teacher building principal district coordinator

Selecting courses Try something new Take courses with rigor Be prepared for alternate courses

Individual Schools Will have differences

Individual schools Have different bell schedules Have different elective options May have specific area of focus

Bill Reed Middle School Loveland Integrated School of the Arts Core Knowledge

Conrad Ball Middle School Colorado Trailblazer School to Watch

Lucile Erwin Middle School IB World School International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

Turner Middle School

Walt Clark Middle School

Charter middle schools

Questions for our panel

Thank you for coming!