Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development

Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development Dear Parent/Guardian: Enclosed you will find the Parent Information Packet which outlines the referral and application process for identification for gifted services and selection to Kemps Landing Magnet School (KLMS). All forms are due to the gifted resource teacher at your child s school on or before February 1, 2013. Students not currently identified for gifted services will be reviewed by the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Gifted Identification and Placement Committee and parents will be notified by mail of the results. In order to be considered for placement at KLMS, a student must first meet the criteria for identification for gifted services in Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Please sign and complete the attached Parent Information Form and return it to your child s school to initiate the process. The school will forward completed forms to the Gifted Education Testing Office. An assessment specialist will administer testing at your child s school; a calendar of scheduled test dates is included in this packet. The KLMS selection process is also outlined in this packet. Any questions regarding the identification or selection process should be directed to an assessment specialist in the Gifted Education Testing Office at (757) 263-1464. Thank you for your interest in gifted program services. Sincerely, Kelly A. Hedrick, Ed.D., Director Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development Enclosures /dya

Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development Grade 5 Referral & Application Packet Kemps Landing Magnet School Parent Information Packet Current Grade 5 Applications are now being accepted for the 2013-2014 school year. Gifted students in Virginia Beach City Public Schools are provided with instruction through a differentiated curriculum responsive to the educational needs of the child. Gifted students may choose to apply to a centrally located full-time gifted middle school, Kemps Landing Magnet School, or students may remain in the neighborhood school and receive services through the resource-cluster program. Both models provide opportunities for gifted students to benefit from learning challenges offered through the differentiation of curricula, the incorporation of strategies designed to raise the level of learning, and the availability of specialized programs. Resource-cluster Program Gifted services are available to identified middle school students in their neighborhood schools through the resource-cluster model. Identified students in grades six through eight are placed on heterogeneous teams and are taught by cluster teachers trained in gifted education. A resource teacher, endorsed in gifted education, assists the cluster teachers in delivering differentiated instruction at a depth and rate conducive to the intellectual needs of gifted learners. Application Process Students currently in grade 5 who are not previously identified for gifted services and identified students who wish to be considered for placement at Kemps Landing Magnet School for the 2013-2014 school year must complete the Grade 5 Referral & Application. The Grade 5 Parent Information Packet can be obtained from the Gifted Resource Teacher at each elementary school in Virginia Beach City Public Schools, or on the division s Website, www.vbschools.com. The parent portion of the student application must be submitted to the gifted resource teacher at the child s school on or before Friday, February 1, 2013. Applications for students not currently enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools must be returned to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted Education Testing Office, 2512 George Mason Drive, P. O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038, on or before Friday, February 1, 2013. Incomplete, faxed, and e-mailed applications will not be processed. To be considered for placement in the full-time gifted program located at KLMS, students must meet the criteria for gifted identification. All applicants will be tested in February or early March, (see attached schedule). Please note that all ability testing considered in the gifted identification process must be facilitated by Virginia Beach City Public School personnel. Department of Curriculum and Instruction February 1, 2013 is the deadline for Office applications of Gifted Education for students currently in grade 5

IDENTIFICATION PROCESS All fifth grade students enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools are screened in September/October to ensure consideration for gifted program services. Students who score 90th percentile or above on the screening instrument who are not previously identified for gifted services are referred for additional testing. Failure to recommend a student for testing in grade 5 based upon screening results does not mean that a student cannot apply to Kemps Landing Magnet School. Parents may request a referral/application for students who do not score 90th percentile but wish to be considered for placement. All information is reviewed by the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Gifted Identification and Placement Committee to determine identification for gifted services. To be considered for placement in the full-time gifted program located at KLMS, students must meet the criteria for gifted identification. KEMPS LANDING MAGNET SCHOOL Kemps Landing Magnet School is a centralized full-time, gifted school designed to serve students in grades six through eight. The curriculum encompasses all Virginia Beach City Public Schools instructional objectives and expands and extends specifically to meet the needs of the gifted learner. The content of the courses is both compacted and extended so students are not only accelerated, but also are covering material in greater depth. Specialized lessons and units are created as needed, with research and independent discovery being major components of each subject area. Kemps Landing Magnet School requires English, math, science, social studies, physical education, an exploratory, and a foreign language. All students entering the sixth grade will take Latin. Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity of continuing with Latin or changing to another language. In addition to these language credits, all students also receive credit toward graduation for Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, and Earth Science upon successful completion of these courses. Because a foreign language is required of all students at KLMS, an extended day allows participation in an exploratory program. Classes such as chorus, orchestra, band, drama, computers, oral/written communication, and other specialized courses are offered. Opportunities exist for students to explore topics or subjects of specific interest through distance learning. Extra-curricular activities include options such as Future Problem Solving, Destination Imagination, forensics, debate, Academic Challenge, SCA, and several other clubs in which students have special interests. The school does not offer a competitive sports program, but students may participate in sports at their neighborhood school. School Information Nights All meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. Kemps Landing Magnet School Schools A-N: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Schools O-W: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Topics for discussion will include the following: Application/Testing Process Program Rigor and Expectations Extracurricular Programs Academic Offerings Transportation A question and answer period will follow the presentations. Contact Kemps Landing with any questions you may have regarding the application process: 4722 Jericho Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455; Main Office: (757) 648-4650; Guidance: (757) 648-4661 Website: www.kempslanding.vbschools.com

KLMS Selection Process To be considered for placement at KLMS, students must meet the criteria for gifted identification. Identified gifted students interested in attending KLMS are referred to the selection committee for review. A team of approximately 25 people representing a variety of experiences, backgrounds, and ethnicities serve on the Student Selection Committee. The team will review eligible applicants to determine placement at Kemps Landing Magnet School. The following components will be used in the decision making process: Parent Information Teacher Recommendations (2) Standardized Test Scores Student Achievement (as indicated on the current report card) The team will use a numerical rating scale to complete a holistic evaluation of the applicants. Multiple readers will rate each application independently. The committee will stop periodically to check the reliability of the ratings; if readers are more than one number apart in their rankings, the application will receive further review and group discussion as needed. This process is modeled after those used to select students for the Governor's School Summer Programs and many college admissions offices. A rating scale of 5-1, with 5 being the highest recommendation, will be used. Listed below are the criteria for each numerical rating: 5 = consistently strong in all of the application components; a definite yes 4 = strong in most of the application components; a likely yes 3 = shows strength in some application components, but not consistently excellent; possible, but not a likely yes 2 = few consistent areas of strength; a likely no 1 = not recommended After the applications have been rated, those receiving the highest ratings will be recommended for placement at KLMS. A waiting list will be identified in the event that a student who is offered a position chooses not to accept. The waiting list will remain in effect only until the first day of the school year. Students who wish to be considered for placement for the 2014-2015 school year must reapply. Students Not Currently Enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools Completed applications for students not currently enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools must be received on or before February 1, 2013. Completed forms should be mailed to: Virginia Beach City Public Schools Department of Curriculum and Instruction Gifted Education Testing Office 2512 George Mason Drive P. O. Box 6038 Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038 Incomplete, faxed, and e-mailed applications will not be processed. Copies of the student s report card and standardized test scores must be submitted with the application. Applicants must attend a testing session at Old Donation Center, 1008 Ferry Plantation Road, on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Students will be given two tests. The testing session will begin at 9:00 a.m. and should conclude by 11:00 a.m. All students must meet the criteria for gifted identification in order to be considered for placement at Kemps Landing Magnet School.

Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development Grade 5 Referral & Kemps Landing Magnet School Application for 2013-2014 School Year Applications for students not currently enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools should be returned to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted Education Testing Office, 2512 George Mason Drive, P. O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. (Application coversheets for VBCPS students will be completed by the gifted resource teacher at the student s school.) Application Deadline: February 1, 2013 Please print in black or blue ink only. Student s Legal Name: Last First MI Nickname PERM #: Date of Birth: / / Current Grade: 5 Current School: Current Teacher: Parent/Guardian Name(s): Title (Mr. and/or Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.) First Last Address: Street Address City State Zip Code Home Telephone: Other Telephone: Does this student have a current IEP or 504 Plan? YES NO If yes, a copy of the testing accommodations must be attached. School of Attendance 2013-2014 (if NOT at KLMS): DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE OLSAT Form Date Grade SAI V NV NNAT2 Form Date Grade NAI SAT/10 Date Grade TR RCMP TM PSOL L COMP PBATT SOLs: Other Testing: GIFTED IDENTIFICATION AND PLACEMENT COMMITTEE ACTION R IDENTIFIED; eligible for gifted program services Date: NOT IDENTIFIED; not eligible for placement Date: SELECTION COMMITTEE ACTION SELECTED WAITING LIST NOT SELECTED

Parent Information Form Current Grade 5 We value your input and will carefully review your evaluation. Forms should be returned to the gifted resource teacher at your child s school on or before February 1, 2013. Evaluations for students not currently enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools should be returned to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted Education Testing Office, 2512 George Mason Drive, P. O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Please print clearly in black or blue ink only. Student s Legal Name: Date of Birth: Current School: Current Grade Level: 5 Parent/Guardian Name(s): Address: Home Telephone: City, State: Zip: Other Telephone: E-mail Address or Additional Contact Information: Please check one if you wish for your child to be considered for selection to attend KLMS: My child is currently identified for gifted services. I would like my child to be considered for selection to attend KLMS for the 2013-2014 school year. I understand that the testing will be completed by the assessment team and/or school psychologist. I would like my child considered for gifted program services. I understand that the testing will be completed by the assessment team and/or school psychologist. If identified for gifted services, I would like my child considered for selection to attend KLMS for the 2013-2014 school year. Signature: Date: For each statement, check the word that best describes your child. Please cite specific examples. A. My child is an intense learner. This is demonstrated through 1. determination to complete assignments and projects successfully 2. using advanced vocabulary, incorporating it into conversation or writing 3. possessing a large amount of factual knowledge used accurately, reading extensively 4. social awareness, concern for fairness, prejudice, and equity issues beyond age level 5. exploring topics of personal interest beyond age level, becoming totally absorbed in an area of particular interest B. My child is an analytical thinker. Analytical thinking is demonstrated through 6. an understanding of ideas and complex concepts 7. an interest in challenging situations, approaching problems from different perspectives, tackling difficult problems and issues which others may find frustrating 8. learning new skills and concepts quickly 9. an awareness of relationships, using metaphors or analogies, making mental connections 10. a willingness to take risks, showing confidence in answers and willing to support a different idea or opinion

C. My child is a creative producer. Creative, productive thinking is demonstrated through 11. generating different ideas, adapting readily to new situations 12. originality, expressing familiar ideas in unusual ways, offering unique solutions to problems or questions, creating original products 13. creating detailed projects, turning the simple into complex, adding details, embellishing 14. questioning, asking complex questions not typical of age group 15. a sense of humor reflecting advanced understanding, seeing humor in situations others find humorless D. My child is highly motivated in areas of interest. Motivation is demonstrated through 16. working well independently 17. exceeding expectations, doing more than what is required on assignments of interest 18. working cooperatively as a team member, receptive to the ideas of others 19. eagerness to complete assignments of interest on time or prior to due date 20. assuming leadership positions, leading the group Additional Comments: Please be as specific as possible in commenting on any characteristics, abilities, and/or aptitudes of your child that you feel should be brought to the attention of the Selection Committee: The Virginia Beach City Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy and childbirth, or marital status. School Board policies and supporting regulation (Policies 2-33, 4-4, 5-7, and 6-7 and Regulation 5-44.1) provide equal access to courses, programs, counseling services, physical education and athletics, vocational education, instructional materials, and extracurricular activities. Violations of these policies should be reported to the Director of Student Leadership at (757) 263-2020 or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at (757) 263-1133. Alternative formats of this publication which may include taped, Braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Call or write The Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Office of Gifted Education and Curriculum Development, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, 2512 George Mason Drive, P.O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Telephone (757) 263-1405 or (757) 263-1461; fax (757) 263-1412.

Teacher Recommendation Form Grade 5 We value your input and will carefully review your evaluation. Forms should be returned to the gifted resource teacher on or before February 1, 2013. Evaluations for students not currently enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools should be returned to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Gifted Education Testing Office, 2512 George Mason Drive, P. O. Box 6038, Virginia Beach, VA 23456-0038. Please print clearly in black or blue ink only. Student s Legal Name: Current School: Grade Level: Teacher s Name: Teacher s Signature: Subject: Date: For each statement, check the word that best describes the student. Please cite specific examples. A. The student is an intense learner. This is demonstrated through 1. determination to complete assignments and projects successfully 2. using advanced vocabulary, incorporating it into conversation or writing 3. possessing a large amount of factual knowledge used accurately, reading extensively 4. social awareness, concern for fairness, prejudice, and equity issues beyond age level 5. exploring topics of personal interest beyond age level, becoming totally absorbed in an area of particular interest B. The student is an analytical thinker. Analytical thinking is demonstrated through 6. an understanding of ideas and complex concepts 7. an interest in challenging situations, approaching problems from different perspectives, tackling difficult problems and issues which others may find frustrating 8. learning new skills and concepts quickly 9. an awareness of relationships, using metaphors or analogies, making mental connections 10. a willingness to take risks, showing confidence in answers and willing to support a different idea or opinion Over

C. The student is a creative producer. Creative, productive thinking is demonstrated through 11. generating different ideas, adapting readily to new situations 12. originality, expressing familiar ideas in unusual ways, offering unique solutions to problems or questions, creating original products 13. creating detailed projects, turning the simple into complex, adding details, embellishing 14. questioning, asking complex questions not typical of age group 15. a sense of humor reflecting advanced understanding, seeing humor in situations others find humorless D. The student is highly motivated in areas of interest. Motivation is demonstrated through 16. working well independently 17. exceeding expectations, doing more than what is required on assignments of interest 18. working cooperatively as a team member, receptive to the ideas of others 19. eagerness to complete assignments of interest on time or prior to due date 20. assuming leadership positions, leading the group Additional Comments: Please be as specific as possible in commenting on any characteristics, abilities, and/or aptitudes of this student that you feel should be brought to the attention of the Selection Committee.

Grade 5 & Kemps Landing Magnet School Applicant Testing Schedule 2013-2014 Applicants School Scheduled Test Date Alanton ES February 19, 2013 Arrowhead ES February 11, 2013 Bayside ES February 25, 2013 Birdneck ES February 27, 2013 Brookwood ES February 28, 2013 Centerville ES February 27, 2013 Christopher Farms ES February 15, 2013 College Park ES February 12, 2013 Cooke ES February 27, 2013 Corporate Landing ES February 13, 2013 Creeds ES March 1, 2013 Dey ES February 25, 2013 Fairfield ES February 22, 2013 Glenwood ES February 19, 2013 Green Run ES February 14, 2013 Hermitage ES February 27, 2013 Holland ES February 22, 2013 Indian Lakes ES March 1, 2013 Kempsville ES February 21, 2013 Kempsville Meadows ES February 26, 2013 King's Grant ES February 15, 2013 Kingston ES February 12, 2013 Landstown ES February 26, 2013 Linkhorn Park ES February 21, 2013 Luxford ES February 22, 2013 Lynnhaven ES February 22, 2013 Malibu ES February 20, 2013 New Castle ES February 19, 2013 Newtown ES February 28, 2013 North Landing ES February 12, 2013 Ocean Lakes ES February 19, 2013 Old Donation Center March 1, 2013 Parkway ES February 21, 2013 Pembroke ES February 14, 2013 Pembroke Meadows ES February 11, 2013 Point O'View ES February 28, 2013 Princess Anne ES February 28, 2013 Providence ES February 25, 2013

Grade 5 & Kemps Landing Magnet School Applicant Testing Schedule 2013-2014 Applicants School Name Scheduled Test Date Red Mill ES February 26, 2013 Rosemont ES March 4, 2013 Rosemont Forest ES February 15, 2013 Salem ES February 11, 2013 Seatack ES February 26, 2013 Shelton Park ES February 13, 2013 Strawbridge ES February 13, 2013 Tallwood ES February 21, 2013 Thalia ES February 13, 2013 Thoroughgood ES February 20, 2013 Three Oaks ES February 13, 2013 Trantwood ES February 20, 2013 White Oaks ES March 1, 2013 Williams ES February 28, 2013 Windsor Oaks ES February 11, 2013 Windsor Woods ES February 25, 2013 Woodstock ES February 22, 2013 Bayside MS March 5, 2013 Brandon MS March 5, 2013 Corporate Landing MS February 26, 2013 Great Neck MS February 21, 2013 Independence MS February 14, 2013 Kempsville MS February 19, 2013 Landstown MS February 15, 2013 Larkspur MS February 20, 2013 Lynnhaven MS February 20, 2013 Plaza MS February 12, 2013 Princess Anne MS February 15, 2013 Salem MS February 27, 2013 Virginia Beach MS March 5, 2013 Students Not Currently Enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools Applicants not currently enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools must attend a testing session at Old Donation Center, 1008 Ferry Plantation Road, on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Students will be given two tests. The testing session will begin at 9:00 a.m. and should conclude by 11:00 a.m. Students must meet the criteria for gifted identification in Virginia Beach City Public Schools in order to be considered for placement at Kemps Landing Magnet School.