Enrichment / Gifted Education

Enrichment Classes

Physical Education

Full-day kindergarten through fifth grade will have three (3) periods of formal physical education per week, plus daily activities arranged through the classroom teachers. The Middle Schools have physical education/health taught daily by physical education instructors.

General Music

Students in full-day Kindergarten through 5th grade will have one hour of formal music instruction per week. At the Middle Schools, students will receive one quarter of instruction per year. They may also elect to participate in chorus or band, which are extracurricular activities held before and/or after school.

Art

Students in grades one through five will have one hour of formal art instruction per week.  At the Middle Schools, students receive one quarter of instruction per year.

Civics

Students in grades 6-8 will have one quarter of Civics each year. 

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Students attend this class for one quarter each year. Descriptions of the coursework for each grade level are listed below.

• 6th Grade - Design and Modeling
  This unit uses solid modeling software (a sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) as part of the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how design influences their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas, and communicate solutions.
• 7th Grade - Flight and Space
  Students study the history of aerospace through hands-on activities, research, and a presentation in the form of an infomercial. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test a model glider. Simulation software is used to give students a sense of what it is like to travel and live in space.
• 8th Grade - Automation and Robotics
  Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem-solving, teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.

---

Gifted Education

Kirby School District 140 strives to meet the needs of gifted and talented students. Certified staff work to provide meaningful activities for students in the core academics. The programs are designed to refine and develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and independent study.

Students in grades 3-5 will qualify separately for English Language Arts and/or Mathematics using multiple measures of student performance, including MAP scores, classroom performance, and teacher recommendations. This process recognizes that students may demonstrate exceptional strengths in one content area while continuing to develop in another, allowing us better to match enrichment opportunities to each student's individual needs.

Each elementary school will have a dedicated GATE teacher who provides daily enrichment within the school building. This model provides students with consistent access to high-quality enrichment while keeping them connected to their classroom community and grade-level learning.

Rather than accelerating students through content or participating in a stand-alone program, GATE instruction will extend grade-level learning through deeper thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and real-world application. Students will engage in meaningful learning experiences that challenge them to think critically, communicate their ideas, and apply their knowledge in new and authentic ways.

Programs for Gifted Students and Students Eligible for Accelerated Placement

KSD 140 strives to offer each child experiences appropriate to his or her individual needs, interests, and capabilities. Participation in programs shall be determined solely through the identification of a child as gifted, talented, or eligible for accelerated placement and will not be conditioned upon race, religion, sex, disability, limited English proficiency, socioeconomic status, or any other similar factor. Students with identified extraordinary abilities shall be provided the opportunity to develop their skills. As skills and techniques are mastered, opportunities to explore other challenging, interesting, and rewarding methods and subject matter shall be provided through school district programs or activities.

Want more information on academic acceleration programs in Kirby School District 140? Please view our Accelerated Academic Programming Handbook.