North Hunterdon/Voorhees Regional High School District

Gifted and Talented Programs and Services

            A gifted student is someone who shows, or has the potential for showing, an exceptional level of performance in one or more areas of expression:  Academic, artistic, creative, intellectual, and in leadership.  It is generally recognized that approximately five percent of the student population are considered gifted.  (National Association for Gifted Children:   http://www.nagc.org/index.html)

            Academic:  Academically talented students are extremely strong in one or more subjects; they have a “passion” for their strong areas beyond other students their age.

            To be considered academically gifted & talented, the student must score at or above the 90^th percentile on standardized tests.  Special consideration is given to students who have not achieved the above score but have strong endorsements from teachers and psychologists/social workers.

            Artistic:  Artistic students show high potential for significant contributions in the performing arts and/or visual arts.  The performing arts include acting, singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, and composing.  The visual arts include drawing, painting, sculpting, and graphics.

            Creative:  Creative students tend to think in unique ways.  They ask many questions and often challenge the teacher or the information in the textbook. These students frequently offer a new way to look at information. 

            Intellectual:  Intellectually talented students are extremely strong in all subjects.  They have advanced vocabularies and tend to be avid readers. They tend to know a lot of information on a variety of topics.  Intellectually talented students tend to feel comfortable working alone and can work on projects for long periods of time.  They discuss complex topics well beyond other students their age. 

            Leadership:  Students with leadership potential are excellent at organizing and influencing others to do things. They tend to be independent and not afraid to take risks.

First-Year and Transfer Students

 As an introduction to the high school, an exemplary, three-day summer introductory program called “Freshman Discovery” is available to all incoming freshmen; over fifty percent of the students enroll in this program.   Students are introduced to the academic, activities, and sports programs offered by their home school.

Transfer Students:  Special meetings are scheduled with the guidance counselor(s) to examine previous school records and recommendations for course-level placement, and a conference is held with the student to determine the best course plan.  Students are assigned a guide from the Student Council to accompany them during their first days at their new school. 

Enrichment Opportunities, Services, Recognition, and Nomination

Students who fall into the above areas of giftedness have a plethora of opportunities available to them through over twenty-five AP courses, honors courses, activity programs, artistic programs/opportunities, and athletic program, and in special requests for mentorships/programs through the Gifted & Talented Office.  Each student is encouraged to reach his/her maximum potential.

The Gifted & Talented website, http://www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/GiftedandTal/Index.htm, posts a myriad of opportunities for enrichment in numerous diverse areas; the site is updated on a regular basis throughout the school year and contains detailed information and website links to allow for ease of operation.  Some of the more popular, competitive programs available to gifted students are Governor’s School, The New Jersey Scholars Program, Boys' State, and Girls' State. 

Members of the student body are recognized through various programs, contests and activities.  Students can be honored through some of the following programs:   Amazing Kids in Business (for young entrepreneurs), University of Rochester and other college recognition programs for juniors, the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership program, UVA Jefferson Scholars Program, U.S. Senate Youth Program, and departmental accomplishments to name a few.  The Gifted & Talented Program of the North Hunterdon/Voorhees Regional High School District  serves the entire student body where appropriate. 

Each summer a news sheet, The Stepping Stone, is mailed to all families indicating some of the special programs that are available to the members of each class.  Additional mailings are sent to students in special-interest groups; i.e., specifically opportunities for class officers and academic achievers.  When special area (art, music, world language, English, etc.) opportunities become available, the coordinator works in conjunction with the department chairperson(s) to disseminate the information to the appropriate individual(s).

Student nominations are accepted from faculty, sending districts, students themselves, and parents.  Once a student is nominated, the name and area(s) of interest are entered into a database; the student is then contacted when opportunities arise in his/her specific area of interest.

Students are encouraged to register with the Gifted & Talented coordinator if they are interested in being contacted for special programs of interest.