School Sites - Elementary Schools
Brookhaven Elementary School
Brookhaven, a Blue Ribbon School, is proud of its rigorous academic program. GATE students are challenged and highly motivated to excel in their area of strength and expertise. Our goal is to provide each GATE student with the opportunity to fully develop his/her abilities and interest to their highest potential while maintaining a sense of class community.
GATE students at Brookhaven are clustered within the regular education program with teachers who have been trained in instructional differentiation. Each cluster teacher has created a friendly working environment in which all students participate in well-developed activities. Throughout the year, the teacher provides them with opportunities for enrichment, acceleration, and a variety of challenging educational experiences. Clustering provides the students the opportunity to have higher and more complex levels of discussions with their fellow GATE students.
All Brookhaven teachers have been trained in differentiation of the curriculum in each content area. Differentiated instruction takes many different forms at Brookhaven. For example, students who are reading at a high level, study classic literature selections and have high-level discussion in Literary Circles. Individual students are encouraged to explore a variety of subject areas, from science to social studies, thus expanding their minds and sharing their knowledge with others. The Accelerated Reading program motivates students to read literature several years beyond their grade level. As students strive to earn points, they are increasing vocabulary and comprehension in advanced themes and literary styles.
Bryant Ranch Elementary School
GATE Academies are a hallmark feature at Bryant Ranch. These two hour sessions are held each month targeting areas of academics, artist endeavors, technological designs, and community outreach all in an effort to promote diverse, well rounded students. A few of our favorite academies from the past have been Coffee House Poetry Night, Desktop Teaching, Mathematical Team Challenges, and Mystery Science. Our GATE students feel challenged to think in a different manner, work as a team member, and have an incredibly fun time. That's true learning!
Fairmont Elementary School
The
4th grade students are enthusiastic about school at Fairmont. In math
the students have received 4th grade key math standards and are
embarking on an exciting study of graphing. In social studies we are
learning about California Indians and missions and will create books to
share. In Language Arts, we learn the skills to be a proficient reader
and the students will become engaged in core novels as well as a
program called Novel Quest, where they will be experiencing many
reading adventures.
The 5th grade GATE students at
In math we study pre algegra in preparation for algebra in 7th grade. Math projects include researching and finding the "best deal" in Fast food French fries and the Stock Market project.
In science there are hands-on activities and group work in the study of Land processes and Land forms.
Glenknoll Elementary School
Bright and talented students will become analytical
thinkers, creative producers and practical problem solvers by participating in
the cluster program at Glenknoll.
For the art lover we offer the Art Masters program
as well as many opportunities for independent self expression. Using famous
artists and their unique styles as a jumping off point we encourage students to
create still-lifes, landscapes, collages, and 3-dimenisional sculpture. This
year we have an after school art club which offers students a chance to further
stretch their artistic muscles.
Love acting? Each year many musical productions are
launched at Glenknoll. The 6th grade musical is always on a wide variety of
topics from Geology to Macbeth or Theseaus to Great Americans, the students
love to be involved in these dramatic presentations.
Are you a joiner? Glenknoll has several after
school clubs. There are leadership opportunities, a book club, a newspaper, and
Glenknoll TV for the future newscasters out there. The GATE students have an opportunity to participate
in FSEA-- Future Scientists and Engineers of America. These students will meet weekly after school
with an enthusiastic engineer to create catapults, windmills, popsicle stick
bridges, and more. Working in teams of
two, this competitive club introduces the students to the concept of designing,
building and testing their creations.
The History Buffs will enjoy our simulations. In
4th grade the "Walk through California" simulation allows students to
experience our state from it’s origin as a state.5th grade students
will explore the Revolutionary War and in
6th grade the students will go back to ancient civilizations as an actual
figure from history. Dressed in costume with props they will perform their part
as well as participate in a student created skit.
For the scientists out there we have many
opportunities for you to invent, create, build, or destroy. Hands-on, inquiry
based science is evident in the classrooms as students use the materials we
provide to re-create scientific experiments.
Math lover? Well, we cater to you and your passion.
The teachers collaborate to give high achievers the optimum math environment.
While all the standards are taught and tested students will also enjoy
budgeting, designing, and building toothpick bridges or completing algebra
puzzles, solving logic based problems, or even learning how to budget and save
money. Interest centers are utilized to give students the opportunity to
explore different areas of the math curriculum
Is language arts your favorite subject? Well, we
have literature circles, literature clubs, and lots of tiered activities to
hold your interest. The students will explore many genres of literature as well
as have opportunities to meet at the public library every three weeks to
further explore the magical world of literature. After reading a book a student
could write a play, perform a reader's theater, write and perform a rap,
collaborate and invent a literature talk show, or a host of other activities. If
you have a yen for writing then you will have an opportunity to write poetry,
Greek tragedies, plays, diary entries, newspaper articles, an online blog, and
even your life story.
Glenview Elementary School
Glenview is proud to offer its GATE students a program that presents challenge, provides encouragement, and promotes creativity. Clustered in small groups within the regular classroom, GATE students can enjoy intellectual peer interaction while pursuing content standards at their own elevated level. With teachers specially trained in Differentiated Instruction, students are supported as they move at their accelerated pace, utilize higher level thinking skills, and pursue areas of personal interest via Independent Study.
With attention to Learning Styles and Gardner's Intelligences, Glenview strives to meet the needs of its highly capable students. Students are encouraged to take risks and to create sophisticated end products that demonstrate, in imaginative ways, what they have learned. They go beyond the basic content to conduct individually designed research projects. Gifted students can option out of material they have already mastered and proceed with enrichment opportunities.
The Glenview GATE program incorporates the Dimensions of Depth and Complexity, the Content Imperatives, and the Scholarly Traits in order to instill critical thinking skills in its students. An emphasis is also placed on organization and study skills. The Glenview goal is that regardless of individual differences, Glenview's gifted students will emerge with self-reliance, resiliency, profound curiosity, and all-around academic excellence.
Golden Elementary School
Golden proudly houses the GATE magnet program for
those elementary schools within the
Golden’s
GATE students will develop the habits of mind that lead to becoming lifelong
scholars, critical thinkers, innovators, leaders, and global citizens.
Our goals are to:
- Provide
an opportunity for academically and intellectually talented students to
experience a taste of rigor with others who share their enthusiasm for
learning in an academic and social environment
- develop organizational and study skills
- facilitate the use of technology
- foster the development of critical thinking
- communicate effectively
- support
the social and emotional needs of gifted students in order to help
students develop healthy self-concepts, increase commitment to personal
responsibility and responsibility towards others, and cultivate
sensitivity and constructive ethical standards.
As a
All GATE teachers at Golden have been trained in
Differentiated Instruction and most have participated in the California
Association of the Gifted Sandra Kaplan training at USC on the elements of
Depth and Complexity and Content Imperatives. Our staff is knowledgeable in
regards to the cognitive and social/emotional needs of gifted students. The
teachers facilitate a positive working environment using curriculum in which
all students feel challenged and safe.
Lakeview Elementary School
Lakeview Elementary, a California Distinguished school, is proud of its rigorous academic program where all students are highly motivated to excel in their areas of strength and improve in areas where they are challenged. Our goal, for our GATE students, is to provide opportunities to fully develop their interests and strengthen their knowledge, challenge their abilities to reach their full potential, while maintaining a sense of class community.
Lakeview's GATE program provides opportunities for its GATE identified and high achieving students in all curricular areas through the use of differentiated instruction, curriculum compacting, and special activities.This year our GATE and high achieving students will have the opportunity to participate in a Community Family Science night, join our literary club, take a rocketry class, and enjoy special art instruction. GATE students at Lakeview are clustered within the regular education classroom with teachers who have been trained in instructional differentiation. Clustering provides students the opportunity to have higher level and more complex discussions with fellow GATE and high achieving classmates. In the cluster setting, GATE and high achieving students have the opportunity to compact the regular class curriculum and progress through the standard text at a faster pace or receive next grade level supplemental materials on focused concept areas in math and language arts.
The teachers at Lakeview are fortunate to continue to receive comprehensive staff development in differentiating curriculum and are adding materials to support this philosophy. All students, from the identified gifted to the learning challenged have abundant opportunities to have their academic needs met. Together with our regular population, our 4th and 5th grade GATE students are encouraged to continue to reach their full academic potential.
Linda Vista Elementary School
GATE students at Linda Vista Elementary School are grouped in clusters within the regular education classroom. Their teachers provide them with a variety of challenging opportunities in all areas. Whenever possible, students engage in higher-level thinking assignments and activities promoting logic and problem solving. Differentiation is used in all core subject matters to challenge each and every student to reach his/her academic potential.
4th graders are compacting in math and have the opportunity to accelerate through 5th grade math concepts with individualized contracts in each mathematical area. They are also offered enrichment through more challenging daily assignments. These high achieving students also have the opportunity to participate in Internet mathematical problem-solving activities.
In language arts, our fourth grade GATE students meet in an advanced literature group to read novels and explore and analyze them to promote deeper understanding of the literary work. In spelling, students are assigned word lists of varying difficulty suited to their mastery level of the weekly spelling rules. The process of compacting has the students motivated and excited to do well! Our PTA has purchased the Scholastic "Reading Counts" program to encourage and reward all students for extending their reading.
Social studies in 4th grade offers all sorts of challenging opportunities for our GATE students. Some choose to write journal entries from the points of view of different explorers, while others choose to further develop their map skills. Becoming historical salesmen is always a popular option for these competitive students.
5th grade at Linda Vista is a very exciting year. In September, these students set academic, organizational, personal, and character goals for themselves. As the year progresses, the students assess their own progress in each area. We offer challenge math activities on a daily basis and teach from the sixth grade math book to those students who are ready for it. In addition to daily challenge opportunities in math, our GATE and high achieving students are presented with computer challenges in problem solving. These students meet weekly in a small group to explore and solve the problems of the universe through the web. They have the opportunity to track hurricanes and big storms and forecast theweek's weather and also research various hot topics for discussion.
The GATE 5th graders are concentrating
on literary elements, critical thinking, and inference skills while
participating in a special, weekly literature group. They work with
novels and poetry in this high achieving group.
In social studies, we engage in many interactive colonial activities including Colonial Day, Walk Through the American Revolution, Riley's Farm Revolutionary War Reenactment, and Jamestown Journals. These students have multiple chances to put themselves into the past! Debates are an ongoing activity with our 5th grade GATE and high achieving students.
Together our 4th and 5th grade GATE students are encouraged to try our after school science labs with Mr. Fogg. Our after school Discovery Science Club meets at different times during the year.
Mabel Paine Elementary School
Each
year here at Mabel Paine we provide specific individualized academic enrichment
opportunities for our GATE cluster students. The students are challenged and
encouraged to reach for their personal best in each and every project and
assignment. Students are expected to push themselves towards individual areas
of strength while continuing to strive for excellence in all other academic
areas.
The
GATE cluster students work with teachers that have been trained in
differentiated instruction, as well as in, the correct implementation of higher
level thinking "Depth and Complexity Icons".
In
the area of technology students are participating in a number of activities:
from creating “Web Pages” for novels read during Book Clubs, to researching
information on historical events, authors, book reviews, math and more. The kids are also involved in our first after
school “Internet Class”, in which
the kids participate in “Class Chat Rooms”, “Discussion Boards” and numerous
other assignments and activities.
The
students are also experiencing a differentiated curriculum with their studies
of mathematics. With expanded sessions
focusing on Algebra, Problem Solving, Logic, and Core studies in the
basics. Students also have the
opportunity to explore advanced level mathematics through weekly investigations
and projects.
In
reading this year the students and teachers are reading through the entire Chronicles
of Narnia series, as well as, continuing to read and explore higher level
novels and authors. We are utilizing the Depth and Complexity icons in order to
look more deeply into the authors' intent and messages within the novels. GATE
students are preparing to organize, plan, and implement a small group
"Book Club" for their reading.
We
have also been writing up a storm with poetry, creative writing pieces, and
essay writing across the domains. Our lessons, assignments, and projects are
tiered across the curriculum in order to meet the needs of each individual
student.
In
Social Studies the students have the opportunity to complete an individualized
research/independent research study on a variety of historical themes,
including: The Gold Rush, California Missions, and the Revolutionary War. The
students will also have the unique opportunity to learn about the Justice
system through an Interact Unit.
Science
continues to have a hands-on approach through the use of Interact Units. Such
units include the study of Electricity, Oceans, and an Invention unit where the
kids become inventors.
Lastly,
the Arts continue to be an important part of the curriculum. We include studies
of the art masters and creating student masterpieces along with having various
"Art Days". We also have an annual play in which the students sing,
act, and perform for an enchanted week of performances.
Enriching,
extending, and flourishing continue to be our goals and expectations for all
students at Mabel Paine.
Melrose Elementary School
In our fourth year of
operation,
Each GATE student has the
option of working with the teacher to develop a Personalized Education Plan
(PEP) that outlines his/her specific goals for the year. These areas of focus can relate to academics,
study skills, and/or social-emotional growth.
Students are allowed to “compact out” of material they have already
mastered and pursue individual areas of passion through Independent Study and
Research & Design Projects. All GATE
students seek to excel in the mastery of the core curriculum standards.
At
Morse Elementary School
Morse Elementary School is committed to providing a challenging and engaging educational program that meets the needs of its GATE and high achieving students. Students in grades 4-6 are clustered within the regular education classrooms where all teachers have been trained in differentiated instruction. Lessons are designed so that each student, as an individual, is working up to their full potential. Special emphasis is placed upon teaching students the art of questioning techniques to engage them in critical thinking.
We take pride in offering a monthly academic academy, which is a two-hour time block where GATE and high achieving students participate in rewarding and motivating activities in the areas of science, math, language arts, and computer technology. Topics scheduled for academies this year include: Fire Prevention, Dissection, Computer Animation, Acting, Construction, Poetry, CSI (Crime Scene Investigation), and Photography. All teachers in grades 4-6 are actively involved in teaching these classes on a rotational basis. For a permanent record of accomplishments, each student maintains an individual portfolio of all work completed in the academies. Field trips to places such as, museums, local businesses and CSUF encourage students to begin thinking about their future career paths.
In addition to the academies, Morse students are provided with leadership
opportunities in Student Council, the production of ourschool newspaper,
"The Scoop" and the publication of our “Wild Cat” magazine. As in the
past, parents who have any journalistic experience are welcome to volunteer
with these two publications. Students
are taught interviewing skills, how to take a poll and produce a high quality
product! This year, the Scoop includes the following members: a staff
photographer, advice columnists, movie critics, sports editor, a Man &
Woman on the Street column, a technology column and co-editors.
Although all teachers utilize flexible grouping to accommodate the needs of advanced learners in their classroom, students in the upper grades are leveled for math and in 6th grade, the accelerated class is instructed in the Dolciani Methods and Structures Course II. Our challenging math programs are designed to ensure students reach their highest potential and to prepare them for honors classes in middle school. In addition, a strong emphasis on explicit direct instruction and hands on real-world math situations bring life experiences into the classroom.
Parkview
Parkview offers high school courses that meet the A through G requirements
of the
Independent study can be an excellent alternative for a student who is
working at a GATE level! Parkview does not have a specific GATE program, but
since each student is working independently a unique, standards-based program
can be tailored to meet the needs of each student. While completing the
standard curriculum requirements, gifted students at Parkview often find they
have time to pursue their own special interests and projects at their own pace,
whether it is reading, research, writing, math, history , science, technology
or other area of interest. Research and projects can often be done in the
community, providing hands-on and first-hand contact with community resources
for the student.
While enrolled at Parkview, our
students may also access selected classes or activities at their district
school campus. In addition to all this, Parkview staff is also working to offer
our students opportunities to take part in such challenges as Leadership
Classes, Musicals, Essay Writing Contests, Geography Challenges, Physical Fitness
Programs, Community Service Programs, District GATE Club and other such special
activities. For more information, you may contact
Rio Vista Elementary School
Rio Vista is proud to offer a comprehensive program that challenges and meets the needs of its GATE students. In an effort to foster intellectual peer interaction, GATE students work together in groups of five to eight students for core subjects. These clusters are placed in rooms with teachers who are trained in Differentiated Instruction.
Attention to the Dimensions of Depth and Complexity, the Scholarly Traits, Content Imperatives, and Learning Styles assures that these students will utilize higher level thinking skills, proceed at a pace commensurate with ability, and create exciting, unique product.
Each student works with the teacher to develop his/her specific goals for the year. These areas of focus can relate to academics, study skills, and/or social-emotional growth. Students Òcompact outÓ of material they have already mastered and pursue individual areas of passion through Independent Study and Research & Design Projects. All seek to excel in the mastery of core curriculum standards.Accelerated Reader: Students choose to read books in their specific Zones of Proximal Development. This allows GATE students to read literature several years above grade level. After enjoying a book, a student takes a quiz for points. As students aim for "personal best," they are increasing vocabulary and comprehension and getting exposure to advanced themes and literary styles.
Scientific Inquiry: At the conclusion of a Beckman Science Unit, GATE students are encouraged to design and carry out a scientific experiment. It will have all the components of actual inquiry - a question, hypothesis, procedure, and most exciting of all, results! A proper scientific notebook will document the discovery; and who knows where it will lead?
Rio Vista recognizes that GATE students require a differentiated curriculum that meets their needs. Rio also recognizes that students need to belong. In an effort to promote good citizenship and teamwork, Rio Vista's slogan is T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) Rio Celebrates Learning. It's a place where the social and emotional well-being as well as the cognitive development of students is important. It's Great to be GATE at Rio!
Rose Drive Elementary School
Learning the core curriculum through their area of
giftedness and matching their assessment to the area of giftedness is key. For example during the study of Colonial
America a student might exhibit their learning of different aspects of daily
life by constructing a village that displays the content knowledge of the
standard. Learning and expanding upon
the contents standards in Earth Science students show their knowledge by
creating a PowerPoint presentation importing graphics and research acquired
through the use of Internet or news articles on igneous, metamorphic, and
sedimentary rocks. Students might
dramatize life as a pioneer through writing a play and producing it with their friends
through the use
Ruby Drive Elementary School
DISCOVER and GATE identified students are clustered within the mainstream classrooms at Ruby Drive. These students are provided additional enrichment opportunities during and after school hours. Our goal is to challenge our students so that each can fully develop his/her potential.
GATE students, along with their parents and classroom teachers, develop a Personal Education Plan to help individuals strive for success. Student and parent input is used to determine areas of strength and to set goals for the school year. GATE students are given the opportunity to work at an accelerated pace in order to meet their individual needs.
DISCOVER/GATE students have the opportunity to participate in the after-school CASA program. This program provides direct homework supervision, sports activities and enrichment opportunities.
Sierra Vista Elementary School
GATE students at
The teachers of our cluster
students have all been trained in Differentiated Instruction and Depth and
Complexity. Many different strategies
are utilized to ensure that each student is being challenged and provided with
opportunities to succeed and excel. Students participate in book
clubs/discussion groups, literature circles, Latin and Greek root studies,
creative writing, in depth study and research, math acceleration, and
leadership within the classroom and the school.
Our GATE students organize and implement “The Sierra Vista Annual
Spelling Bee.” In a cross-grade
curricular process, students learn how to become an expert in an academic area
of their choice. They then present their
knowledge to their fellow classmates.
In the content area of social
studies, the fourth grade cluster develops enrichment activies for the Gold
Rush unit. The fifth grade cluster plans
an interactive “Colony Day” to enhance their curriculum. The sixth grade cluster prepares and implements
a formal collegiate debate regarding controversial social studies’ topics.
Here at
Topaz Elementary School
GATE and
Discover students at Topaz are clustered when possible within the mainstream
classrooms. GATE and discover students are provided additional
opportunities to address their specific needs. Students are exposed to
depth and complexity concepts in order to help foster social, emotional, and
linguistic development. Students participate in activities such as literature
circles, reciprocal teaching, responses to literature, and creative
writing. Additionally, in order to help foster growth in mathematics,
teachers focus on problem solving strategies and students practice with the
mathematics computer program Accelerated Math. This gives students the
opportunity to work to their own challenge level. By investing in
technology, Topaz is proud to offer GATE and Discover students many
opportunities to research topics and create electronic projects to enhance
their language ability, as well as participate in Accelerated Reader which
allows students to read and check their comprehension at their established
reading level by testing on the computer.
Travis Ranch Elementary School
GATE students at Travis Ranch Elementary are clustered
within the regular education program with teachers who have been trained in
instructional differentiation. Each
cluster teacher has created a friendly working environment in which all
students can participate in challenging, enlightening, and intriguing
activities, which pursue content standards at an elevated level. Clustering provides the students with the
opportunity for higher and more complex levels of discussions with their fellow
GATE students. Our goal is to provide
each student with the opportunity to fully develop his or her abilities and
interests while maintaining a sense of a class community. The main focus continues to be
differentiation that is rooted in the recognition of the GATE students’
differing learning characteristics and behaviors. Difficult and demanding activities that are
related to core curriculum and take into consideration the pace at which they
learn, the depth of understanding, and their interest through a variety of
strategies are included along with these high expectations.
Tynes Elementary School
Differentiated instruction at John O. Tynes Elementary School's GATE magnet program takes many different forms. For example, students are reading high level, challenging, quality literature selections. Students choose both fiction and non-fiction works that reflect their individual interests. Their selection is explored and discussed in depth to promote deeper understanding. The Accelerated Reader program motivates students to read literature several years beyond their grade level. Individuals are encouraged to explore a variety of subject areas, from novels to science and social studies, thus expanding their own minds and sharing their knowledge with others. Students also use the internet to explore other works written by favorite authors.
Students are also being challenged in each of the math strands in preparation for the advanced math classes at Kraemer Middle School. Students are refining their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The 6th grade students are preparing to participate in the national Math Olympics. In addition, our students are doing a variety of investigative hands-on science projects incorporating the Scientific Method. Students also expand their research skills by exploring the internet and other primary sources for in-depth research for their social studies and science projects.
Van Buren Elementary School
At Van Buren, daily activities and teacher training support and extend the learning of high achieving and GATE students at all levels by providing them with differentiated instruction. Independent work, math lab, writer's workshop and literature circles provide stimulus for all students - primary and upper grade. All fourth, fifth and sixth grade classes break into leveled groups throughout the day for core subject areas. Examples of these accelerated opportunities include high-level math lessons and alternative assignments in social studies that challenge upper graders. Sixth graders have the opportunity meet before school for math enrichment with one of the sixth grade team teachers.
Van Buren has a tradition of enabling our students to meet the highest standards both academically and personally. Teachers and students work together to achieve high goals. At Van Buren, teachers assist students in meeting their emotional and personal growth through school leadership opportunities and cross-grade interactions. Teachers also work with students to prepare them for the rigor and organization needed to be successful in junior high and high school.
After completing coursework at Van Buren, and working with the teachers toward personal goals, Van Buren students are extremely well prepared for the advanced classes in Middle School as well as the IB, AP, and advanced coursework available at Valencia High School.
Wagner Elementary School
Wagner Elementary is very proud of its GATE program as it
continues to grow and change! The GATE
students at Wagner are clustered within the general education program with
teachers that have been trained in the processes of differentiated instruction. Within the academic programs, these teachers
provide the GATE students with opportunities to accelerate, to enrich their
learning experiences, and to be challenged in various ways.
Woodsboro Elementary School
Highly capable students, thoroughly trained teachers, and
supportive parents are key reasons for the incredible success in the Woodsboro
GATE Magnet program. The greatest
benefit of the Magnet program is the devoted attention that teachers are able
to provide their students. By grouping
gifted students in one classroom, the teacher is able to focus on the needs of advanced
learners without being divided between the needs of other learners. This seemingly small factor of teacher
attention has a great impact on the level of classroom discussions, quality of
daily work, and increased time for meaningful projects.
It is extremely comforting for gifted learners to find
themselves in an environment where hard work and unique thinking are valued and
encouraged by their peers. Learning with
other students who are also driven to excel is a very freeing experience. Students in Magnet classrooms support and
encourage each other in ways that unparallel in a cluster classroom. As a result, students build deep friendships
that tend to last throughout their academic career. Although one of the main reasons students hesitate
to leave their home school is the fear of losing old friendships, time and time
again it is the new friendships they make in the Magnet program that become one
of the most important reasons students choose to continue learning in the Magnet
program.