Our vision is to be an exemplary gifted program, to advocate for and meet the needs of each child in the Rockwood Gifted Program, and to be an inspiration for all gifted educators.

Students

The focus of an exemplary gifted program is on the individual student and the development of his or her uniqueness.  Gifted students will display an eagerness to:

• Explore their talents, interests and ability areas
• Develop skills and abilities supporting lifelong learning
• Recognize, accept and celebrate the differences among individuals
• Express personal responsibility and caring toward peers, adults, community and self
• Grow in awareness of the potential to use their talents to make a positive contribution to the world

Personnel

All staff members of the Rockwood Gifted Program will be exceptional professionals who are committed to working together to create a positive and stimulating learning environment.
They will:

• Effectively address the social/emotional and academic needs of gifted students
• Support the vision of the Rockwood Gifted Program
• Be role models of engaged learners and contributing citizens of the world

Culture

An exemplary gifted program provides a safe, inviting, and motivating climate that enables students and personnel to express their learning interests, styles, and passions and to reach their full potential.  In such a program, there is:

• Open communication among students, staff, administrators and parents
• Recognition and celebration of individual and group effort and achievement
• High levels of participation in problem-solving and decision-making
• Ongoing support and encouragement for development of each student and staff member

Curriculum and Instruction

An exemplary gifted program provides students with a rigorous curriculum that is accelerated, personalized and differentiated in order to maximize each student’s unique gifts and talents.  Success of effective curriculum and instruction is a student who has synthesized skills and is able to:

• Think critically
• Solve problems
• Impact the community and world in positive ways
• Demonstrate responsible behavior while working as an individual, a productive team member, and an effective leader
• Communicate effectively in multiple settings and to a variety of audiences

Partnerships

An exemplary gifted program embraces and promotes multiple partnerships that:

• Enable the community to participate in the life of the school through volunteering and learning oppurtunities
• Provide for effective active two-way communication with parents and teachers
• Encourage effective two-way communication with home school teachers that provides information and seeks feedback
• Provide community programs and resources
• Establish partnerships with the business community to validate the relevance of our program and add richness to experiences offered to students
• Network with other educators and professionals in the field