The Gifted Corner

What makes a child gifted and talented may not always be good grades in school, but a different way of looking at the world and learning... ...and we’re in YOUR corner!

Here are some opportunities that have been shared on our Gifted Canvas Course. Please contact me if you are interested in participating.

Become a 2027 Limitless Ambassador!
Passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, and making an impact?

Limitless Ambassadors represent their country, state, or city at the Limitless World Summit, powered by University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship.

Ambassadors join a global community of young leaders, connect with entrepreneurs and industry leaders, take part in hands-on workshops and Innovation Sprints, and compete for a share of a $4,000 prize pool in the Eco-Innovation Challenge.

Spots are limited, and the Priority Deadline is December 8.

Learn more and apply at https://hornentr.com/ambassadorLinks to an external site..

If you have any questions, please contact limitless@udel.edu.

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Robotics Challenge (2-5-27)

The USSEO Human-in-the-Loop Robotics Challenge.is an international, project-based competition where teams (1-4 members) design integrated systems to solve real-world problems.

Unlike traditional arena-based competitions, there is no standardized playing field.

Teams are evaluated on problem-solving, system design, and the seamless collaboration between Artificial Intelligence, Humans, and Robots.

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Chemistry Olympiad (Opened Nov. 1st)

If you are interested in participating in the Chemistry Olympiad, the registration for the local assessment opens on November 1st.

View the TIMELINE. and other information. Step One is to

"The test competition consists of three rounds: The local competition, the national competition (for students selected from the local round), and then an international competition (for very few students).

The best way to prepare for the test is through learning chemistry in classes such as AP Chemistry, if possible.

There are many old local exams posted to the USNCO website, as well as other resources that can be used which can be found here: Prepare for Olympiad Exams - American Chemical Society".

Take a look at the STUDY MATERIAL.

Most importantly, let me know if you plan to take the test locally in Semester 2.

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The application for the 2027

Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) is open!

The Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) thrives on the dedication of mentors who invest their time, knowledge, and passion in guiding the next generation of researchers.

MSAP is a paid immersive summer experience running this summer from June 21st to August 13th.

The program provides talented high school and undergraduate students, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented and under-resourced groups in the sciences, the space, resources and training to conduct an independent research project.

The Application for the 2027 is open and students will have until January 6, 2027 to submit an application.

Click Here. to find out more information and apply. Let me know if you do apply, so I can help you with the process.

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The Diamond Challenge. !💎(1/14/27 deadline)

This is a team competition that started in September, with a submission deadline of January 14th, 2027. It runs through the University of DE and involves the creation and submission of a "concept-based narrative" and video. Teams must consist of 2-4 high school students aged 14-18 and each team is required to have one adult advisor aged 21 or older.

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PennDOT Challenge (1/29/27 deadline)

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Are you strong in ELA-related items and would like to be a part of an authentic publishing opportunity?

Could you see yourself doing any of the following?

• conduct professional interviews;
• research and develop feature stories;
• write for authentic audiences;
• contribute to District and potentially regional media stories;
• receive editorial feedback and professional mentorship;
• earn bylines or contributor credit when appropriate; and
• build published work they can use as part of a college, scholarship, internship, or career portfolio.

Experience the actual process of professional journalism and communications: finding a story, developing questions, interviewing sources, fact-checking, drafting, revising, meeting deadlines, and ultimately seeing your work reach an audience.

Engage in journalism, creative nonfiction, feature writing, interviewing, communications, photography, video, social media, or media careers.

If you are ELA strong and are interested in participating, CLICK HERE.

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Student Eligibility Criteria:

• Enrolled in grades 4-11 (So for the high school, that would mean grades 9 through 11)
• Minimum 3.75 GPA for the current school year
• Actively participating in activities that are of service to others
• Organized or independent activities
• All unpaid volunteer activities from the 2026 calendar year considered
• Additional guidance on service activities
• See our Gifted Canvas Course for more details.

Students are currently working on the following enrichment ideas:

STEAM (Math & Science): Archeology; ASGSR abstracts; Bucks Co. Science Prep; STEM/exploration-based research; Cold Case Studies; Life Science Case Studies; Prep. for the Chemistry & Math Olympiad; Sports Analytics; Parallels in History

Here are some other events that are "in progress":

• Gifted students from our middle schools will be headed to our high school on 11/9/26 to meet with and learn from our Debate Team. What a great opportunity for them to preview!
• The United States Academic Decathlon team is preparing to compete on 11/13/26 in Hershey, PA.

**For our gifted field trip this year, a proposal has been made to visit the 9/11 Memorial/Museum in March of 2027. "As we commemorate this anniversary, a new generation will learn about the unimaginable loss we experienced and the inspiring stories of bravery, compassion, unity, and service that we witnessed, and have rippled through the decades." Registration opens up in December. Stay tuned for more details.

• Update: Congratulations to Aditi Radadia, Olivia Medeiros and Jessica Lackner, whose abstracts have been selected to share at the December 5th, 2026 American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Conference!

• A shout out to Jessica Lackner and all Cross Country students who qualified for States and are running on 11/6/26!
• Update: Kudos to the students who are heading to Hershey, PA on 11/3/26 to represent PHS for the first time ever in the United States Academic Decathlon!

**Are you doing amazing things through enrichment activities/events or awards, and I don’t have you showcased here? Is there a club/activity/idea that you would like to share regarding enrichment? If so, send me a message through Canvas and let’s connect about these things!

Check out what's new in Career Pathways! Stop by the Career Center (Room 307) if you have any questions or would like to learn more. Ms. Marchese is happy to make a connection with you and has tons of resources!

Mrs. SE Thomas, M.Ed. (Room 241)

Gifted Teacher for Pennridge High School

Enrichment Learning Community Advisor

NHS Advisor for Pennridge High School