GT Spark!

Welcome to a new school year from the Gifted and Talented Department! We’re excited to partner with you as we create meaningful opportunities that challenge, inspire, and empower our gifted learners. Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and commitment to helping every student grow. We look forward to another year of learning, collaboration, and celebrating the unique strengths of our gifted students!

Warm regards,

The FBISD GT Department

Teachers new to GT, AAC, AP, On Ramps, and/or Dual Credit who have not had their 30-hour foundational training should register for GIFT0766, all 5 sections. These courses are offered online only and will be open from September 1 through December 1, 2026.

If you were unable to join the GT Conference at Ridge Point High School over the summer for your update hours, the GT Department is offering both in-person and online sessions for update credit.

Look for the available sessions in eLearning under GIFT0912.

As we step into September, it’s time to gear up for TPSP! To help you stay organized and on target this month, we’ve put together a quick checklist of forms and tasks. For a detailed guidance and full resources, check out the TPSP Website.

September TPSP Checklist

1. Distribute letters to students

1. Letter to Parents and Topic Submission forms

1. Topic Submission forms for final teacher approval

1. Distribute Research Plan/Proposals

1. Review selected TPSP topic and identify how to integrate into lesson planning

*Student profile and participation agreements are due by September 18th. (Resource can be found on the TPSP webpage K-2; 3-5; 6-8, 9-12)

Questions? Email us at GTFBISD@fortbendisd.gov.

As fall begins, please keep in mind that Innovation Hour campuses do not need to participate in TPSP. Innovation Hour features its own dedicated curriculum on Schoology to support implementation—make sure to join the "GT Innovation Hour Curriculum" group to access these materials. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out directly to Terry White or contact the GT Department at GTFBISD@fortbendisd.gov.

Innovation Hour – District Resources

Quail Valley Middle School’s Gifted and Talented Academy (GTA) welcomed 200 incoming sixth graders this year and now serves approximately 540 GT students in grades 6-8. Through its specialized curriculum, students will participate in a variety of off-campus learning experiences, exploring culture, history, science, and innovation throughout the year. Students and staff are looking forward to an exciting year of learning and discovery!

The GT Department has been working to make resources easily accessible for our GT teachers. GT Teachers now have an archive of resources available on the district web page. This will be accessible by link only (not viewable to the public). Teacher newsletters, professional development session listings, job aides, professional organizations, and other resources are housed here.

Teachers-Only GT Web Page

Bookmark it!

Dr. Laurie Westphal, Director

Anela Williams, Elementary Program Manager

Aisha Coleman-Holmes, Secondary Program Manager

Terry White, Curriculum Integration Coordinator

Joe Bernhart, Gifted and Talented Academy Coordinator

Nancy Bryant, Gifted and Talented Mentorship Specialist