Upper Moreland Township School District Gifted Programming
Mission Statement
Upper Moreland Township School District gifted support services provides for the individual needs of mentally gifted students through a challenging curriculum that offers opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, and partnerships while fostering self-discovery, creativity, leadership, and independent learning.
Shared Values
Upper Moreland Township School District will:
Support the Social/emotional development of the whole child
Facilitate daily opportunities for authentic and meaningful learning with real world application
Foster curiosity and ambition for lifelong learning
Instill positive self-concept and an appreciation of individual giftedness
Explore talents and abilities to take risks and persists with new and difficult academic challenges
Embrace diversity of thought which enables students to be successful in their interactions within their school environment and greater community
Strengthen Critical, creative and evaluative thinking to address complex issues through collaborative problem solving
Create opportunities for students to learn alongside intellectual peers in order to gain a realistic appraisal of their own abilities.
Develop an awareness of metacognition and its value in the learning process
Capitalize on keen interests and passions, allowing students to drive their learning experiences while developing autonomy and leadership skills
Definition
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, mentally gifted is defined as outstanding intellectual and creative ability the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program. (22 Pa. Code §16.1). The term “mentally gifted” includes a person who has an IQ of 130 or higher, when multiple criteria as set forth in Department Guidelines indicate gifted ability. Determination of gifted ability will not be based on IQ score alone. The determination shall include an assessment by a certified school psychologist. (22 Pa. Code §16.21(d))
Bright Child | Gifted Learner |
Knows the answers Is interested Is attentive Has good ideas Works hard Answers the questions Top group Listens with interest Learns with ease 6-8 repetitions for mastery Understands ideas Enjoys peers Grasps the meaning Completes assignments Is receptive Copies accurately Enjoys school Absorbs information Technician Good memorizer Enjoys straightforward sequential presentation Is alert Is pleased with own learning | Asks the questions Is highly curious Is mentally and physically involved Has wild, silly ideas Plays around, yet tests well Discusses in detail, elaborates Beyond the group Shows strong feelings and opinions Already knows 1-2 repetitions for mastery Constructs abstractions Prefers adults Draws inferences Initiates projects Is intense Creates a new design Enjoys learning Manipulates information Inventor Good guesser Thrives on complexity Is keenly observant Is highly self-critical |
Referral Process
Click here to view the Gifted Referral Process Flowchart
If you suspect your child may be gifted, please send a written request to your child's school counselor.
Primary & Intermediate Schools:
Grades K-1: Ms. Bella Pettinato
Grades 2-3: Mr. Tyler Groody
Grades 4-5: Mrs. Christie Foley
Middle School:
Last Names A-K: Mr. Brian Haupt
Last Names L-Z: Mrs. Jennifer Haney
High School:
Last Names A-D: Mrs. Noelle Barratta
Last Names E-La: Mrs. Amy Purcell
Last Names Lb-Q: Mrs. Lisa Vesper
Last Names R-Z: Mrs. Susan Carney
Additional Resources:
PAGE - Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education
Notice of Parental Rights for Gifted Students