April 14 - May 2nd | KCS TCAP testing window

April 17 | End of 4 1/2 grading period

April 18 | No school

April 21 | In-service Day (No school)

During April, we review the GT Competencies for each grade level, and students are given a Competency Assessment, which our department uses to evaluate student learning. We also use this information to make changes or tweaks within our GT Direct Instruction Curriculum to meet our students’ needs.

Beyond intellect: Exploring the social and emotional aspects of giftedness.

All over the world, people live in diverse regions, and climates with different animals, plants, and interesting nuances. As I have traveled the world working with teachers and students, I have tried to bring experiences back to my own classes. Below you'll find short videos where you will get 5 clues to guess a location, animal, or person. Some videos were created by me as I traveled. Others were submitted to me by teachers and children from around the globe. Your mission is to do research and figure out the answer to each challenge in as few clues as possible. Have fun!

Michael Soskil

Click on the picture below to begin.

Laura Burgard is one of our fabulous GT Coaches. She has 19 years of experience in Knox County Schools, teaching 1st, 4th, and 5th grade before joining the GT Department 10 years ago!

Laura and her husband have two children and a son-in-law who are all University of Tennessee graduates and who now live in Atlanta, Georgia, enjoying careers of their own. Laura and her husband have been married for 33 years and love to travel, the beach being one of their favorite destinations! Planning their next travel destination is one of their favorite hobbies, as they have seen every state and several other countries over the years!

In her spare time, Laura loves reading, trying new recipes, exercising, and spending time with friends and family. We are thankful for her commitment to improving instruction for advanced students in our district and grateful she is part of our amazing team!

Click below to view the KCS Gifted and Talented website.