2024 Q2 Newsletter

Winter break is here! As we close out the first semester of the year, we want to begin sharing information about middle and high school gifted services for next year. There are also ideas for making the most of the winter break along with some resources that families may find interesting. Happy holidays!

As we approach the new calendar year, our middle and high school students will begin the scheduling process for the new school year. It is hard to believe we are already thinking about that! Below is information about middle and high school services. Notices of service eligibility will be sent to families in late January/early February from the Gifted team’s email address. Course scheduling information will come from individual schools sometime this winter. Elementary gifted service information will be coming this spring. Stay tuned!

Advanced Placement & College Credit Plus

Formal gifted services at the high school are delivered through student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) or College Credit Plus (CCP) courses aligned to the student’s area(s) of gifted identification. AP courses are taught by GLHS teachers who have been trained in the needs of gifted learners, and the courses are designed to include advanced content and greater depth of thinking. CCP courses are college courses connected with a university. Some are taught on site by GLHS teachers who meet the criteria to be a university instructor. Others are taught online or offsite directly by university faculty. Students enrolled in AP or CCP courses aligned to their identification areas will receive a Written Education Plan based on that enrollment.

We encourage you to consider the array of needs of your student when selecting classes; students may also schedule meetings with their counselor for additional guidance on course selection, if they choose. Although students will not receive formal gifted services (per state definition) outside of AP or CCP courses, many teachers at GLHS have participated in gifted training, and the school offers a full catalog of quality course options that do not fit this description of gifted service but still are appropriate for your student. Honors course, unique electives, Career Center programs, and other specialty options are available. As you support your student with creating a schedule unique to their needs, please consider these questions:

• What is the appropriate level of challenge based on your student’s readiness and interests?

• What options may add to or reduce academic and social challenges?

• What mix of advanced and traditional courses provide good balance?

• Would other programs, such as the Career Center or Mosaic, provide an opportunity aligned with your student’s goals?

The options are limitless, and all can lead to meaningful college and career placement after high school and a balanced life as a whole, regardless of whether or not those courses are an “official” gifted service.

For a full catalog of high school courses offered, College Credit Plus, or Credit Flexibility, please view the Program of Studies and other resources on the high school website

College Credit Plus Information Session

Gahanna Lincoln High School held their annual College Credit Plus (CCP) Informational Student and Parent meeting on December 11. A link to view the recording will be added to the CCO section of the high school academics website within a few weeks after the event.

College Credit Plus is Ohio's dual enrollment program that provides students in grades 7-12 the opportunity to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking courses from Ohio colleges or universities. The virtual information sessions were recorded and can be viewed on the GLHS School Counseling website.

As shared on the Ohio Department of Higher Education's website, "the purpose of [the CCP] program is to enhance students' career readiness and postsecondary success, while providing a wide variety of options to college-ready students, at no or limited costs to students and families." If your student thinks they may want to take one or more courses through CCP next year, during either fall or spring semester, be sure to attend one or both of the sessions, even if you are not certain it is in their plan. The sessions are also good for families wanting to gather information as you think about future years and consider the options available. More information about the program can be found here.

Scholarships (School Age and College)

Families often wish to enroll their children in afterschool programs, summer camps. Or other special opportunities to help develop their talents or expand areas of interest. Those programs often have a cost associated with them. Or, students may be preparing to graduate this spring and are in search of scholarships to help with college tuition and fees. There are multiple programs that can help offset those costs for students who are gifted (and even one below for any student, regardless of gifted identification.) Check these out!

The Ohio Association for Gifted Children has three different scholarship programs to support the pursuits of gifted learners in Ohio. These programs are for both school-ages and rising college freshmen. Visit their website for applications for the three programs described below:

• 2024 OAGC Student Scholarship - Each year OAGC offers scholarships to K-12 Ohio students for special activities that extend their special talent/interest areas. Note: The deadline is February 15, 2025 for applications.
  

• 2025 OAGC College Scholarship Award - For any student who is about to enroll in his/her first year of college and/or a student currently enrolled full time in an undergraduate program of an Ohio college. The extended deadline is April 15, 2025.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation also offers two programs to support students, one a college scholarship and one a program from current 7th grade students.

• The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities. Applications will open February 2025. For more details, visit the website.
  

Support for Talented Students (STS) is a local organization that provides scholarships for gifted students in grades 3 through 12 to access summer programs aligned to their talents and interests. Awards are based on financial need. The application window typically opens in December or January. For more details and the application, visit their website.

Finally, the Ohio Department of Education has shared an opportunity for Ohio families. The Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) Educational Savings Account program provides funds to low-income families for various enrichment and educational activities. The program is offered through a contract between Merit International, Inc. and the Ohio Department of Education. ACE is available to any Ohio child ages 6 - 18 years old whose family income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.