KATY [September 12, 2019] – Now through October 3, parents of kindergarten students in the Katy Independent School District, who would like their child to be part of the Gifted and Talented (GT) program, Challenge, may refer them for screening. This week, kindergarten parents will receive information detailing how to submit their student referral. Referrals are due on October 4, and information can also be found on the Katy ISD GT and Advanced Academics website.
“The State of Texas defines a gifted and talented student as a child or youth, who performs or shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience or environment,” said Joan Otten, Katy ISD Director of Gifted, Talented and Advanced Academic Studies. “The GT Kindergarten Program emphasizes the development of critical and creative thinking skills.”
Parents of students, who are referred and screened, will receive a placement notification during the week of February 18, and services will begin on February 24, 2020. Students will then begin attending a Challenge classroom for 60 minutes a week. Learners identified in kindergarten automatically move into the elementary pullout program in first grade. Parents with questions can contact the counselor at the student’s campus or the campus Challenge Program (GT) coordinator.Three informational sessions for parents will be held on Tuesday, October 1 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and an evening session, 7 p.m. – Legacy Stadium Field House (Rooms A, B & C),1830 Katyland Drive, Katy, TX, 77493. Spanish translation is available at the evening session.