Great Minds
Opportunity, Community, Self-Advocacy & Talent Development in CCS High Schools
Supporting Gifted and Talented Students in High School
Gifted services in each of the 20 Columbus City’s high schools are varied and unique in response to the needs and interests of the school communities. Four gifted intervention specialists (GISs) work with talented and gifted students in a variety of ways, from organizing visits to Ohio colleges and universities (see photo above - Centennial, Fort Hayes, CAHS, Northland, and Whetstone visited Kenyon College this year) to providing academic and social/emotional counseling, co-teaching and support for teachers, book clubs, and a variety of community-based activities, including the Teen Eco Summit.
Other services available to CCS high school students are the Gifted Support Course for 9th and 10th graders that are designed to build social and emotional well-being, executive functions, and academic goal-setting skills with students as they begin high school. The high school GISs also support AP, IB, and CCP instructors and students and encourage students to take rigorous courses that match their interests. These specially trained teachers facilitate community partnerships with OSU, the Columbus Zoo, Wexner Center for the Arts, and Franklin Park Conservatory to name a few.
Each high school has robust offerings of drama, STEM, chess, sports, and other clubs. GISs encourage students to participate in those extra-curricular options. The high school GISs do not pull students from honors, AP, IB, or CCP courses which means they are constantly meeting with students during less rigorous classes, lunch, or study hall. In addition to their work with students, the GISs also collaborate with counselors, IKIC advisors, and building leaders to address the needs of gifted students.
For more information about gifted and talented services in CCS high schools, please contact the Gifted & Talented office at (614) 365-6626 or giftedtalented@columbus.k12.oh.us
CCS Middle and High School Students Advance to State Writing Competitions
Dominion Middle School writers are champions at Power of the Pen
Power of the Pen Regional Competition
Ridgeview Middle School writers win second place
Power of the Pen Regional Competition
World Language Middle School students take third place
Power of the Pen Regional Competition
2023-2024 Round-up of Academic Options
Scottwood Elementary scholars at Math Showcase
Scottwood students brought their best math game to the showcase in February. Participants completed multiple rounds of competition that required mental math, problem-solving skills, and computational mastery.
The Elementary Chess Tournament returns!
K-2 Gifted Intervention specialists Trisha Seiler and Tiffany Watkins organized the first post-pandemic elementary chess tournament at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Students in grades 3-5 participated.
Dominion students dig into History Day
Four Dominion Middle School students participated in the Ohio History Day contest for Region 6 on March 9th. Ruthie C. presented her research on Shirley Chisholm and is headed to the state competition. Other presenters were Gwen B., Zh'Niyah S., and Maya S.
Thank you, Volunteers!
Thank you to all of the teachers, coaches, administrators, parent volunteers, community members and student helpers who make these academic competitions and showcases possible for CCS students! Also we appreciate the beautiful spaces at the Columbus Metropolitan Library (downtown branch) that is provided for many of these events and always at no cost.
UPCOMING NEWS & EVENTS
- Gifted service selection letters have been mailed home to the parents/caregivers of gifted-identified students in the district. The letters are individualized to outline the services each student is eligible for if they are identified in Reading, Math, Superior Cognitive Ability, and/or Creative Thinking. Please return the selection form to the Gifted & Talented office (located at Columbus City Schools, Hudson Distribution Center, 737 E. Hudson Street, Columbus, OH 43211) or via email to giftedtalented@columbus.k12.oh.us) by the date stated in the selection letter. If you are interested in hearing more about gifted services in Columbus City Schools, please join our Parent Information night (via Zoom) set for Wednesday, April 24th, 6 - 6:45 PM.
- The Columbus Gifted Academy will hold another on-site open house for students and parents on Friday, April 19th from 6 - 8 PM called CGA Arts Night. Learn more about CGA here.
- The annual Middle School Chess Tournament will be held at Dominion Middle School on Wednesday, May 8th. For more information, contact your school or the Gifted & Talented office at giftedtalented@columbus.k12.oh.us.
- Are you looking for stimulating summer activities for the curious learner in your household?
Please click here for a list of summer opportunities for students in grades K-11. Inclusion on this list does not constitute or imply endorsement by Columbus City Schools of any camp or program. Please research summer opportunities that you might be considering to determine if they would be enriching experiences for the student.
Scholarship Sources to Help Fund Enrichment Experiences: Support for Talented Students is an organization that helps distribute money donated by community organizations and private individuals with the sole purpose of helping gifted learners access to summer programs to help develop their talents and interests. A large portion of the organization's money is earmarked for students in Columbus City Schools. Awards are based on financial need. Applications for scholarships are still available for this summer.
Elisa Stone Leahy meets with World Language Middle School writers
Fiction Author Elisa Stone Leahy shared her stories with middle school writers at Dominion, Mifflin, Wedgewood, Indianola, Columbus Gifted Academy, Buckeye, and World Language middle schools in March.
Gifted & Talented Department
737 E. Hudson Street
Columbus, OH 43211
Phone: (614) 365-6626
Fax: (614) 365-8605
Email: giftedtalented@columbus.k12.oh.us
Dr. Kirsten J. Smith
Director
Judy H. Jones
Supervisor