Enrichment / Gifted Education

Enrichment Classes

Physical Education

Full-day kindergarten through fifth grade will have three (3) periods of formal physical education per week, plus daily activities arranged through the classroom teachers. The Middle Schools have physical education/health taught daily by physical education instructors.

General Music

Students in full-day Kindergarten through 5th grade will have one hour of formal music instruction per week. At the Middle Schools students, will have one quarter per year of instruction. They may also elect to participate in chorus or band which are extracurricular activities that take place before and/or after school.

Art

Students in grades one through five will have one hour of formal art instruction per week. At the Middle Schools students, have one quarter per year of instruction.

Civics

Students in grades 6-8 will have one quarter of Civics each year. 

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Students attend this class for one quarter each year. Descriptions of the coursework for each grade level are listed below.

• 6th Grade - Design and Modeling
  This unit uses solid modeling software (a sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) as part of the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how design influences their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas and communicate solutions.
• 7th Grade - Flight and Space
  Students study the history of aerospace through hands-on activities, research, and a presentation in the form of an infomercial. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build and test a model glider. Simulation software is used to expose students to traveling and living in space.
• 8th Grade - Automation and Robotics
  Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.

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Gifted Education

Kirby School District 140 strives to meet the needs of gifted and talented students. Certified staff work to provide meaningful activities for students in the core academics. The programs are designed to refine and develop skills in areas such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and independent study.

Students will be screened at the beginning of 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in order to identify those who qualify for the Gifted and Talented Enrichment (GATE) Program. Please see the Matrix below used by our GATE teachers to determine qualifications.

• End of 2nd Grade Matrix
• 3rd-5th Grade Matrix

Students will be screened again at the end of 5th grade to determine if they qualify for honors classes in middle school. Qualification is based on test scores, teacher recommendation, and report card grades. 

Students who transfer into a District 140 school are screened upon recommendation of their teacher or parents after nine weeks of enrollment. To be included in the GATE or Honors Programs, all students must meet standards established in a selection matrix.

Programs for Gifted Students and Students Eligible for Accelerated Placement

KSD 140 strives to offer each child experiences appropriate to his or her individual needs, interests, and capabilities. Participation in programs shall be determined solely through the identification of a child as gifted, talented, or eligible for accelerated placement and will not be conditioned upon race, religion, sex, disability, limited English proficiency, socioeconomic status, or any other similar factor. Students with identified extraordinary abilities shall be provided the opportunity to develop their skills. As skills and techniques are mastered, opportunities for exploration of other challenging, interesting, and rewarding methods and subject matter shall be provided through school district programs or activities.

Want more information on academic acceleration programs in Kirby School District 140? Please view our Accelerated Academic Programming Handbook.