Gifted & Talented

Rocky Top Student GT Site

Our School’s GT Coordinator(s) Contact Information

Name(s): Aaron Dees and Reuben Maes

Email(s): aaron.dees@adams12.org, reuben.maes@adams12.org

When is GT testing in my school?

Universal Screening: In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, 2nd and 6th graders who are not already identified GT participate in the Universal Screening process for potential gifted and talented identification. Find more detailed information regarding Universal Screening in the Five Star District.

Important dates for the Universal Screening process at our school: 

  •  The Universal Screener administered to all 6th grade and 7th grade students that have not yet been assessed/ previously identified as gifted will be tested on September 21 (6th grade) and September 23 (7th grade).

Parent/Staff/Student GT Recommendation: All students can participate in the GT identification process by submitting a complete body of evidence. Find more detailed information regarding the GT recommendation process in the Five Star District.

If you are interested in having your child be considered for the GT identification process, please complete this GT Identification Form NO LATER than October 12, 2021.

Important dates for the GT Recommendation process at our school:

  • October 12 - GT Testing Form Deadline
  • December 2 - All grade GT Testing (GT Identification Form must be completed by October 12 to participate in testing).

Gifted & Talented Program Offerings

Advanced Curriculum & Extended Learning:  “The Vehicle”
Provides the depth and complexity needed to ensure meaningful academic growth
Our school offerings include:

  • Honors Math (for those who qualify)
  • Greater depth and complexity within individual classes based on the gifted student's aptitudes and interests

Differentiated Learning Pathways:  “The Roadmap”

Provides an education at the appropriate level of readiness and challenge
Our school offerings include:

  • Acceleration: Progressing through an educational program at rates faster than conventional.
  • Cluster Grouping: Placing 15-20 identified gifted students in a classroom with other peers of similar ability.
  • Curriculum Compacting: Standard curriculum is compressed into shorter periods of time.
  • Differentiated Curriculum: The standard curriculum is modified in content, process, product, and/or environment to meet the needs of high ability students.
  • Enrichment: The curriculum is modified to provide greater depth and breadth than is generally provided, resulting in a richer more varied educational experience.

Actively engages and motivates through interests and meaningful learning opportunities

Our school offerings include:

  • Field trips that extend classroom learning promote social-emotional well-being (when permitted by district health and safety guidelines)
  • 6th Grade-Wings over the Rockies 
  • 7th Grade-Squid Dissection at Downtown Aquarium 
  • 8th Grade-Fiske Planetarium (CU Boulder)
  • Grizzly Genius Hour Club (temporarily suspended due to logistical constraints related to the pandemic)
    • Meets once a week
    • Interest area project of a student’s choice
    • Totally open-ended
    • Students are in charge of what to work on

Social-Emotional Learning:  “The Destination”
Focuses on developing the whole child by balancing empowerment and accountability
Our school offerings include:

  • Grizzly Genius Hour Club 
  • Bear Necessities - A class that all Rocky Top students participate in. Through this class, students:
    • Acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions
    • Set and achieve positive goals
    • Feel and show empathy for others
    • Establish and maintain positive relationships
    • Make responsible decisions