AIG Back to School Update

We are so excited to kick off our Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) services across the school! Our goal is to nurture curiosity, stretch critical thinking, and challenge our students to think outside the box.

Here is how our services are launching this month:

• Grades 1–3 will begin the year with weekly, whole-class nurturing sessions right in their own classrooms. These lessons are designed to spark creative problem-solving in every student.

• Grades 4–5 small-group lessons for identified AIG students will officially begin on Monday, July 20.

Here is a sneak peek at what our brilliant students will be diving into over the coming weeks:

Grade Level Highlights-

Kindergarten

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome our newest and youngest learners to the building! To let them get settled into their new school routines, our nurturing lessons for kindergarten will officially begin this winter.

1st Grade: Young Detectives

In our nurturing lessons, students will be introduced to the art of "detective thinking." Once they learn how to spot clues and ask the right questions, they will put their new skills to the test to solve some fun classroom mysteries!

2nd Grade: Logic & Clues

We are starting the year by exploring convergent thinking (using logic to find the single best answer to a problem). Students will learn how to use logic elimination grids to crack various mysteries.

3rd Grade: Preparing for the CoGAT

During our nurturing sessions, we will be helping students prepare for the CoGAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). All third graders will take this assessment in the fall (exact dates to come). The CoGAT measures reasoning and problem-solving skills, and we use it as one of the key tools to help identify students for future AIG services.

4th Grade

• Math: Students will be presented with a series of mind-bending puzzles solved by interpreting data. Once they crack each puzzle, they will use the clues to open different locks on our classroom "Breakout Box" to reveal the treasure inside!

• Reading: We are kicking off the year with a highly creative songwriting and adaptation project. Students will be writing a custom lyric adaptation of the classic Beatles song, "Help!"—rewriting the verses to summarize the highlights, adventures, and stories of their summer breaks.

5th Grade

• Math: Our fifth-grade mathematicians will also tackle data-driven puzzles to crack the codes on our "Breakout Box" locks.

• Reading: We will be analyzing the critical parts of a narrative arc using familiar stories as models. Students will then use these storytelling blueprints to plan and write their very own narrative masterpieces.

DEPs were sent home with students at open house. Please sign and return those forms ASAP. If you have any questions regarding your student's DEP please reach out to me.

New Superstar worksheets will go home this coming Monday!

• Weekly Routine: Every Monday, math AIG students will receive a new Superstar worksheet.
• Expectations: Completed worksheets are due the following Monday. Students are welcome to work on these challenges during their free time at school or as part of their homework.
• Monday Reviews: We review these problems together every Monday. Please note that students must have their completed worksheet ready to participate in the AIG group session that day; otherwise, they will be sent back to their regular classroom to finish their work.

New Hanover County Schools has a new AIG plan for the 2025-2028 school years. If you are interested in reading the plan you can click here. There is also a copy of our AIG plan in the front office for reference.

If you are interested in nominating your student for AIG please email me at kelly.pattison@nhcs.net

Nomination forms can be found here.

The GAC is an independent council of AIG families, local community members, business leaders, and NHCS staff who meet monthly to support and advocate for the NHCS AIG Program. The GAC is part of the community partnership standard in the 2025-2028 NHCS AIG Plan. The council provides perspectives, information, and independent initiatives that are not shared through regular NHCS AIG communications. Please use the link below to join the GAC's mailing list for newsletters and other information for how to support your student and their school's AIG program.

Gifted Advisory Council Contact List - Opt-In

Each school has a parent liaison who attends the monthly GAC meetings. If you are interested in being our parent representative please email me.