Gifted and Talented Planning Grant

During the next 8 months, a team of 10 teachers/administrators (K-8) will be learning about gifted/advanced learners. A private educational consultant with extensive experience working with gifted/advanced learners has been contracted to deliver five full-days of training which will look at: “What is giftedness?”, How do we meet the needs of gifted students?”, and “Developing policies, practices and provisions for a gifted program.” We also hope to send two team members to the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) Regional Conference scheduled for this spring in Amherst, MA.

The team will also meet during the summer to work on developing a program to meet the needs of gifted/advanced learners in our schools. At the conclusion of this grant, we will be eligible to apply for additional funding opportunities to continue the efforts of the team and offer activities we have hoped to implement for a number of years.

In addition to Tyngsborough, ten educators from Groton-Dunstable and five from Tewksbury are participating in the training sessions. Having the opportunity to work with these other districts opens the doors for future collaboration and enhances discussion around the issues. A nominal fee is being charged to cover costs.

Gifted/Talented Team Members

TECC
Sue Strauss, (Teacher - Kindergarten)

TES
Andrew O’Brien (Assistant Principal)
Don MacIntosh (Teacher - Computer)
Phillip Chevalier (Teacher - Grade 5)
Cheryl Reault (Paraprofessional)

TMS
Kim Johnson (Teacher - Grade 7 Math)
Mary Gail Jaggers (Teacher – Grade 7 ELA)
Caitlin Marcotte (Teacher - Grade 8 Math)
Melissa Vinal (Teacher - Grade 8 ELA)

Central Office
Diane Durden (PreK-8 Curriculum Coordinator)

Throughout the coming months, information will be shared with School Committee, parents and the community through school newsletters and the district website. We are very excited to have this opportunity to learn about gifted/advanced learners and look at ways to begin meeting their needs within the district. Please feel free to contact Sheryl Myers with any questions or comments that you have about this grant.