PROGRAM OVERVIEW Students in the Gifted Program typically meet with their teacher and classmates two or three times/week. GOALS FOR GIFTED STUDENTS: Students in the Gifted Program will be challenged to develop and apply their skills in critical and creative thinking, problem-solving and decision making as they engage in individual and collaborative experiences. Additionally, these experiences will further enhance students’ leadership, interpersonal, communication and meta-cognitive skills. PROGRAM INFORMATION: The curriculum for Milford’s Gifted Program is based on the higher order thinking skills of problem-solving and decision-making, as well as critical and creative thinking. The Gifted students explore both the process and the product of learning through active problem solving where students are engaged in identifying problems, conducting research, analyzing information, pursuing challenges, developing and applying creativity, as well as interacting and sharing insights with others through culminating presentations. PROGRAM PULLOUT PERIODS: During the "pullout" periods per week (usually in the Media Center and/or Mini Lab), Enrichment students work on independent investigations (alone or with one or more partners). Students are given time at the beginning or end of the pullout period, to turn in homework and to obtain any handouts and new assignments. Students should arrange to obtain notes from a buddy in class. RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISSED CLASSES: Per Pupil Personnel Services, Gifted students do not have to make up a missed class activity unless it is part of a long-term assignment. They are responsible to learn the material covered in any classes missed due to Gifted Program pullouts. Students are required to complete and submit all homework assignments to their regular teacher. If a student has a special activity or speaker in a regular class and feels the need to participate, he or she should inform the Gifted Program teacher at the beginning of the period. If a student feels a repeated need to remain in his or her regular class, we may need to determine if the student should exit the Gifted Program. CONFERENCES/MEETINGS WITH GIFTED PROGRAM TEACHER: Parents/Guardians will be invited to schedule an appointment to meet with the Gifted Program Teacher at the beginning of the school year to discuss their Gifted student's goals and interests. The Gifted Program teacher is also available during the districts fall report card conferences or upon request at other times of the year. END OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION: At the end of the school year, students will have an opportunity to present their projects to their families at a special event. Students will need to prepare a science fair type of display board and an oral presentation for sharing their Gifted Program investigation and accomplishments. Work outside of school is voluntary. PARENT INVOLVEMENT: Parents can get involved by: volunteering to share your expertise with students in our program, chaperoning an Enrichment trip, donating supplies, and joining MAGE (Milford Association for Gifted Education) and supporting its fund-raisers and activities. Money raised by MAGE helps us purchase extra material for projects not provided through the school budget process.