Gifted & Talented

[download Gifted & Talented flyer]

[download Gifted & Talented Program Identification Process]

Our Mission is to...
Guide students in their exploration of academic, social and emotional issues
Nurture self-expression and talent development
Empower students to implement proactive strategies and take academic and creative risks

Meet Our Staff

Gifted and Talented Program Staff Contact Information
Kelly Etienne, G/T Specialist: etienne.kelly@slpschools.org
Peter Hobart Primary Center, 952-928-6631
Aquila Primary Center, 952-928-6479
Think Links Web Page: www.slpschools.org/ph/think_links

Carmen Murray, G/T Specialist: murray.carmen@slpschools.org
Park Spanish Immersion, 952-928-6761
Sra. Murray's Web Page: www.slpschools.org/psi/GT/DifferentDimensions.html

Mary Kenealy-Bredice, G/T Specialist: kenealy.mary@slpschools.org
Susan Lindgren Intermediate Center, 952-928-6709
Cedar Manor Intermediate Center, 952-928-6538

Joan Brinkman: brinkman.joan@slpschools.org
Advocate for Gifted and Talented
and International Baccalaureate
Senior High School, 952-928-6125
Junior High School, 952-928-6386

Karin DeZiel, Program Secretary: deziel.karin@slpschools.org
Junior High School, 952-928-6386

Community
St. Louis Park is a western suburb of Minneapolis with a population of approximately 44,000. Students come from diverse cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds. St. Louis Park is a "Children First" community and has become a national model by using developmental-asset research to promote positive community attitudes that help children grow toward healthy adult lives.

The Gifted and Talented Program has a proud twenty-five year history in SLP schools. Our program serves as a model for districts throughout the state and is one of the few programs that provides services from primary grades through high school. We are members of the Intermediate District #287 Gifted Education Advisory Committee which is comprised of thirteen west suburban school districts.

St. Louis Park Schools G/T Programs

Peter Hobart Primary Center	Gr. 1-3
Aquila Primary Center	Gr. 1-3
Park Spanish Immersion School	Gr. 1-6
Susan Lindgren Intermediate Center	Gr. 4-6
Cedar Manor Intermediate Center	Gr. 4-6
SLP Junior High School	Gr. 7-8
SLP Senior High School	Gr. 9-12

Identification

• Ability testing of all students in grades 1, 3, 6, 8
• Achievement test scores in grades 2-8
• Teacher recommendations
• Parent, peer, and student recommendations
• Class rank in grades 7-12

Gr. 1-3	Think Links: Crinkles: Gr 1 screening program Thematic units Math Clubs
Gr. 4-6	Different Dimensions: Thematic units Math Challenge Math Olympiads Math Masters (grades 5 and 6)
Gr. 7-8	Group meetings Two short thematic units Social/emotional issues
Gr. 9-12	Group meetings Individual counseling College counseling Advanced programming options: IB, AP, PSEO, Mentor Connection Destination Imagination

The Gifted Department also serves as a resource to teachers and parents of children, both in and not in the program, who might want to discuss ideas or review materials that relate to topics and issues involving their children. G/T resource teachers serve on committees directing strategic planning and curriculum choices.

Acceleration of Students (School Board Policy 640)
Administrative Procedures for Policy 640 Acceleration of Students