Delivery of instruction

Whole Group Enrichment

Whole group instruction is delivered to the entire class. These lessons provide students with the opportunity to explore topics not typically covered in the traditional curriculum.

Small Group Instruction

Students who are formally identified through the assessment criteria may participate in small group instruction. This project-based learning and problem solving takes place in the gifted teacher's classroom. Students do miss class time. 

Does my child have to make up classwork?

It depends...
Students are eligible for participation in the gifted and talented program through a combination of factors, including their demonstration of mastery of grade level work. In most cases, children who leave the classroom to participate in GATE are responsible for the content but not necessarily the product. Middle school students are expected to reach out to their classroom teacher, gather any missed work and complete it if that is required. Regarding field trips: Students are required to make up any missed work in a timely fashion. 

Differentiation
within the General Education Classroom

Based on student needs, teachers provide differentiation in a variety of ways such as:
  • Design lessons based on a student's learning style.
  • Create assignments that vary the level of content, style of process or type of product.
  • Group students by shared interest, topic or ability.
  • Assess student learning using formative assessment.

FaQS

How does my child qualify for the GATE program?
In accordance with New Jersey state regulations, Harmony Township School has a gifted and talented education program (GATE) offered in grades K-8. Identifying students for participation begins with a review of academic performance on various standardized assessments administered to all students, teacher recommendation, and a final review of a student's score on tests of aptitude and achievement. Each component is assigned a point value. The final score of the matrix determines eligibility for program participation.
​Can I request an evaluation?
Yes. This can be done through a written request to the school principal.  
What is the timeline of the identification process?
Once a written request is received, the school will have two weeks to determine if your child is eligible to proceed with the testing process. During this time, a review of data will be conducted. If your child falls within the range of potential giftedness, the process will proceed with additional individual assessments.  If your child does not fall within this range their academic progress will be monitored and can be reviewed at a later date.  A letter will be sent home letting you know their eligibility.  Testing will occur while school is in session during the months of September, January, and June.  Because your child will need to be pulled out of class for the testing process, the time to complete these tests may take up to, but no longer than one month's time.  After the results are carefully calculated, you will be notified by letter regarding their results.
  • Students previously found eligible do not need to be retested.​

Enrichment opportunities

Harmony Township School offers accelerated and/or enrichment opportunities to a variety of students. Some activities are geared towards formally identified gifted and talented students. Other activities are available to a wider range of students based on interest and aptitude. In this way, HTS is reaching all learners in a manner that best suits their educational needs. 

WCCSE 

See Field Trip page for dates, permission slips, etc.
Marvelous Math (2), Math-a-Magicians (3), Invention Expo (4), Phabulous Physics (3 & 4), Strategic Thinking Day (5), Debates (6-8), Battle of the Minds (5-8), Battle of the Books (3-8)

Harmony

K-8: Drama Club, Talent Show, Ski Club
5-8: Advanced Band, Senior Chorus, Robotics
6-8: Archery, Student Council, Year Book (8)
7-8: Teen Arts

Assessment

Report Cards?

In the core classes, students are bound by strict curriculum requirements and traditional grading systems. The project-based GATE experiences shall not be limited by the use of traditional report cards. Instead, students will have ongoing opportunities to explore, create, build, and experience failure in a secure environment not dependent of grades. It is the GATE program's model and belief system that the deepest learning experiences can emerge from failure as demonstrated in the following video:  

Exit Criteria

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Reasons for Removal:​
  • Skipping GATE class more than twice in a school year. (This does not apply to staying in class at teacher request due to test, project, etc.)
  • Parent request. There are various reasons that would lead to a parent requesting their child be removed from the GATE program. They could include:  a need to remain in above mentioned subjects. In this situation, the parent needs to provide the request in writing to Mrs. Mazz.
What opportunities will my child have if they qualify?
Small group and whole group instruction. Various field trips.
What opportunities will my child have if they do not qualify?
  • ​Classroom Differentiation 
  • STEAM initiatives conducted in the whole group setting with Mr. Tucker and Ms. Piazza
  • Various HTS clubs/activities offered to students based on interests and aptitude