Advancing GATE February 17, 2026

Happy Tuesday! With the beautiful weather this week, it’s hard to believe we’re just coming off an ice storm.

As some of you wrap up testing, it’s great to see you back in classrooms with students. For those still testing — we see you. Please reach out if you need support. And here’s some good news: only 13 school days until Spring Break! What are you looking forward to? 🛌 📖 🏄🏻‍♂️ 🌞

Thank you for continuing to support our students through testing. We’ve heard stories that are both heartwarming and challenging, and you are handling all of it with professionalism and care. Your steady presence truly makes a difference for our students.

We are still waiting on the list of students who qualify based on January scores and hope to receive it next week. Whether we extend the testing window will depend on when those scores arrive and how many additional students are identified. We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more.

Ramadan starts at sunset of Feb. 17 and goes to sunset of March 19

As we enter the sacred month of Ramadan, I urge your attention to the cultural practices of our Muslim students. Many may observe fasting and engage in prayer, shaping a crucial aspect of their identity. Creating awareness and understanding around these practices fosters a more inclusive environment. Encouraging open dialogue, accommodating flexible arrangements for meals, and respecting their commitment to religious observances can significantly contribute to their well-being and sense of belonging within the school community. Your thoughtful consideration of these cultural norms is instrumental in building a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for all.

Congratulations to our GATE teachers who completed the Tennessee Employment Standard in Gifted Education. Your commitment to strengthening your expertise impacts the quality of support our students receive. Well done!

Rebeka Bourlakas

Amy Chojnowski

Trisha Cromwell

Candee England

Kim Frame

Crystal Hall

Jennifer Marshall

Jessica Maxwell

Julia Miner

Lauren Shipman-Dorrance

Hope Sampson

Ashlee Spears

Candice Stone

To ensure compliance with state regulations, please review your TN Compass profile before leaving for Spring Break on March 6. We need all teachers to complete this verification as some certificates seem to be missing from prior completions.

Log in to TN Compass and confirm that your Gifted preparation is accurately documented. If you completed Best Practices in Identifying and Teaching the Gifted Learner: Tennessee Employment Standard through Vanderbilt, please upload your certificate:

TN Compass → Preparation → Attachments → Add Attachment

While Vanderbilt may send documentation to the state, uploading your certificate yourself is the most reliable way to ensure your record is complete. Thank you for taking care of this.

Thank you for submitting your GATE Intent to Return form. Building principals will also ask you to complete a placement form at your school site — please be sure to do so. Even if you are considering a change in placement, completing the form ensures you are included in staffing plans. If you are interested in a placement change, it's fine to discuss with your principal(s), but it is not required, as the GATE support hub will help to facilitate these changes.

We expect to share information about available or required placement shifts after budgets are finalized, after March 20.

EdCamp Nash: February 21

EdCamp Nash is EdCo’s free, annual teacher-driven “unconference,” where participants shape the learning experience.

A collaborative space connecting educators across school types
Sessions created by attendees based on current and relevant topics
A chance to learn, share, and grow alongside fellow educators

If you’re looking for energizing professional learning, this is a great opportunity.

MNPS 2025-26 Build Challenge Announcement! Build the School of the Future

SUBMISSION DEADLINE EXTENDED to March 6, 2025 at 11:59pm

Students are invited to design their “School of the Future” in Minecraft. They will plan, build, and explain features that make their school engaging, comfortable, and effective for learning.

Required elements include:

At least one classroom
A library/media center
A cafeteria
A gym
An outdoor space
NPCs (students, teachers, administrators, staff)

Students must record a guided tour (no longer than 5 minutes) explaining how their design creates an innovative, welcoming space where “every student is known.” Unique or futuristic elements are encouraged.

Projects may be submitted individually or in groups of up to three students. Be sure students review the rubric in the Schoology course and join the MNPS Minecraft Education Build Challenge portal.

For more information, see the getting started tutorial. If you joined it for a previous build challenge it will already be in your Schoology course list. Schoology Course Access code: S585-MMRS-XMRM6

Tapping Individual Potential (TIP) Scholarship Opportunity: March 15 Deadline

The Tapping Individual Potential (TIP) Scholarship, offered through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supports rising 5th–8th grade MNPS students who demonstrate exceptional academic or artistic talent and face financial or other barriers to enrichment opportunities.

Funding may support:

Advanced academic courses
Music or art lessons
Mentorships
Specialized enrichment programs
(Athletic camps are not eligible.)

Families are directed to connect with their school counselor or GATE teacher to apply. If families reach out to you, please direct them to the TIP Scholarship portal to apply: Tapping Individual Potential (TIP) Scholarship. The deadline to apply is March 15.

MNPS Battle of the Books: April 10 & May 14

There are exciting Battle of the Books events this spring!

Elementary BOB -- April 10, Apollo Middle, 9:45 AM-1 PM
Middle School BOB -- May 14, Martin Center, 10 AM-2 PM

Please reach out to Lindsey Kimery, Coordinator of Library Services, with any questions.

Repeat Information (this information is repeated from prior Advancing GATE Newsletters)

Up Next in Testing

Feb 2–Mar 5 GATE Teachers test K–G7 students. Grades 3 and 4 will be prioritized earlier in the window. See Spring Testing Guidelines for details.
TBD Additional Students for testing based on January FastBridge testing identified
Mar 16–27 Early Learning Center (ELC) CogAT Testing for PreK.
~May 18 PK–7 decision letters will be sent to families.

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