Gifted & Talented: Welcome

Welcome to the McFarland School District's Gifted and Talented Program. Keep tuned to these pages to stay current on all the latest happenings for GT.

McFarland’s Gifted and Talented Philosophy
The McFarland School District strives to meet the needs of all of their students, including those in the gifted population. We recognize outstanding talents in children and youth from all cultural groups, across all economic strata and in all areas of human endeavor. We strive to identify students in the five areas of giftedness: Intellectual, Academic, Creative, Artistic/Dramatic and Leadership and to provide them with continuous and systematic services. McFarland staff and parents work together to sustain the effectiveness of district G&T Services.

Upcoming Opportunities

Building Level Programming

Upcoming Opportunities

Social Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) - Parent Discussion Group

Participate in facilitated discussions that seek to provide support and guidance
Enjoy an environment where parents of talented children can interact and learn from each other
Develop parenting skills for nurturing the emotional development of talented children
Enhance understanding of:
- Characteristics of high potential children
- Programs and opportunities for talented children
- Relevant books and professional organizations
- Referrals for more in-depth professional assistance
Encourage involvement in and support of appropriate educational opportunities

Tuesdays January 22 through March 8 6:30 - 8:00 in Oregon

Registration form here

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Building Level Programming Options: (roll over a school for more information)

Conrad Elvehjem and McFarland Primary SchoolThe G&T staff provides support during the early entrance and grade acceleration process. The Resource Teacher conducts regular classroom visits to the first and second grade classes. The visits extend the curriculum and enhance the thinking skills instruction. The Resource Teacher also serves as a source for materials to differentiate the curriculum within the regular classroom. The process of identifying students with gifts and talents begins at this level.

Waubesa Intermediate SchoolThe students in grades three through five are served by the G&T department in a variety of ways. Classroom visits by the G&T Resource Teacher may focus on higher level thinking skills or curricular extensions. All students have the opportunity to participate in contests such as Math 24 and Yahara River Writers. Students with identified needs may be invited to participate in pull-out groups such as Science Browsers, Math Extensions, Drama Group, Math Meet team or Survival Guide Group which focuses on social and emotional issues. McFarland is also able to provide opportunities to participate in Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search, and student programs sponsored by the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth and UW– Outreach. Identification of students with gifts and talents continues at this level.

Indian Mound Middle SchoolGifted and talented students at Indian Mound Middle School are provided with many engaging, enriching and challenging experiences. The G&T Resource Teacher collaborates with classroom teachers to enrich the curriculum with high level thinking skills and meaningful products. Identified students may be invited to participate in Math Meet, Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY) online learning co-ops and in independent studies. Identified students are also offered participation in Midwest Academic Talent Search. The G&T Resource Teacher supports all-school events such as the Math 24 competitions, the Yahara River Writers’ Anthology project and Book Club. Identification of students with gifts and talents continues at this level.

McFarland High SchoolMcFarland’s G&T staff provides assistance to identified high school students. This includes high school and college plan development, independent research, and distance learning opportunities such as APEX courses, college classes through Youth Options, WCATY enrichment activities and summer coursework. Advocacy for curricular modifications or course selection is also provided when needed.

In addition, the schools offer a variety of activities in which highly able students also participate. Among these are the National Honor Society, Forensics, Model UN, Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Destination Imagination, Drama, Science Olympiad and Mathlete.

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