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Special Programs
Enrichment & Advanced Academics
Quest Program
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Mrs. Theresa McNamara, Math/G&T tmcnamara@mendhamtwp.org
MTES Quest Program
The Elementary School’s grade 3 and 4 Quest programs engage students in advanced collaborative and critical thinking to problem-solve real-world STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) based learning activities. Students are challenged to think outside the box, use effective oral and written communication skills to research, collect data, analyze information, and provide strong rationale for outcomes and proposals.
The Quest Program engages students in collaborative work requiring high levels of critical and creative thinking. Students are identified and screened in February of grade 2. The CogAt, Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary Students (SAGES-3), and the Profile of Creative Abilities (PCA) are used to identify students who demonstrate readiness to participate in this program.
Students attend Quest one period per week during their “What I Need” period (WIN), and one zero period before school. Students participating in the Quest Program are expected to maintain academic classroom performance and appropriate behavior throughout the school year.
Quest students may also participate in additional special programs or field trips coordinating with their Knowledge and/or Content Units of Study. In addition to the Quest program, all students in grades K-4 participate in weekly enrichment classes delivered by the G&T and classroom teachers.
Overview of Eligibility
All MTES students in grade 2 are screened for Quest services beginning with the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAt).
Students found eligible for Quest services in grade 2 will remain eligible for Quest services through grade 8.
Students are screened again in grade 5. The grade 5 screening shall not terminate Quest eligibility for any student regardless of score, rather, grade 5 students who earn in the 96th percentile (CogAT) Composite or Non-Verbal will be added to Quest service rosters for grade 6. In grades 7 and 8, all “interested” students shall have the opportunity to participate in Quest 7 and 8 based upon the successful completion of preliminary summer projects.
**Students new to the district may be recommended for participation upon registration, however must be screened and meet minimum eligibility criteria. New students may submit CogAt, OLSAT-8, SAGES, or any other normed cognitive assessment scores previously administered.
Grade 2 Eligibility Process for Grades 3-8
Step 1
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is administered to all students in grades 2. Students receiving a (CogAT) Composite or Non-Verbal Standard Age Score of 132 or above continue to step 2.
*A standard Age Score of 132 represents scores in the 9th stanine and the 98th percentile of national scores.
Step 2 - Part I
Students are assessed using the Sages-2 Aptitude Assessment in Math/Science and Language Arts/Social Studies (Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary School Students) *Parent permission is required.
Step 2 - Part II
Students are assessed using the Profile of Creative Abilities (PCA). *Parent permission is required.
Stage 2- Identification
*Students must meet the minimum score requirements on either the Sages-3 or the PCA to be eligible for Quest services. Additionally, teacher input will be collected regarding classroom performance, and considered in the final decision-making process.
Sages-2: Aptitude score of 124 or higher (on either section).
PCA: Creativity Index score of 121 or higher.
*There is no further appeal process after Stage 2
Gateways
Gateways
Social Studies/ELA
Grades 4
Gateways is an advanced academic program that provides parallel and accelerated instruction in social studies/language arts for students who need additional or advanced coursework to continue his or her academic growth.
Grade 4 students who qualify for Gateways will participate in a pull-out social studies program with an emphasis on reading and writing. The parallel curriculum will address the same essential questions and NJSLS as the grade-level social studies curriculum but will utilize a language-based approach to enhance reading, writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
To find students eligible for this program, teachers evaluate student writing samples, review classroom performance/observations, and review grade 3 NJSLA scores in ELA, as well as benchmark data in reading.
Math Enrichment
Math Enrichment is designed to stretch the mathematics skills of those students who demonstrate advanced math abilities for their grade level. This program challenges students and expands their math knowledge of basic concepts, operations, applications, critical thinking, and problem solving.
Contact your child's teacher and/or Mrs. McNamara for further information.
Advanced Math
Grades K-4 *
Advanced Math
Students demonstrating advanced math aptitude will be assessed for advance math work. Students who perform exceptionally well on grade-level benchmark assessments, unit tests and standardized tests scores are administered further testing to determine eligibility for placement in the Advanced Math program. Students are advanced typically one grade level ahead, (i.e. grade 4 students receive gr. 5 math curriculum). Students will attend math class separately from their regular classroom with the math specialist and are required to complete the advanced math curriculum in line with other students of that same grade.
*Assessment needed prior to participation.
Contact:
Mrs. McNamara Math/G&T
Advanced Artists
Please click here for Advanced Artists Program Presentation
Art Media Explorers
Exploring Art Media
Art Media Explorers
Special Project– Fall/Winter/Spring
With the creation of the Advanced Artist Group we began to notice the need of students, very motivated, to learn through exploration. The Art Media Explorers program offers students who are interested in the process of artistic creation the chance to experiment with new and different mediums. The Art Media Explorers art program is designed to bridge the gap between the regular grade level art curriculum and the Advanced Artist Program. Student are assessed prior to admission to the Program
- Interested students may sign up with a limit of 16 students between 2nd and 4th grade.
- Teacher Recommendation
- A lottery system will be used if it is necessary to keep the class at a reasonable size.
Content and Program Expectations
- 3-Dimensional Design Techniques
- Digital Art
- A Collaborative installation sculpture
- Objectives will reflect age appropriate elements and principles: NJCCCSA varying between 2nd and 4th grade levels.
- We will hold a special presentation at the culmination of the project.
Assessment
- Teacher Assessment will be based on rubrics designed for each project.
- Student Assessment will be rubric and checklist generated by the students at the beginning of the assignment and completed on conclusion of the project.
- The students will reflect ton their finished work using Artist Statements
- The students will participate in group critique discussions. Logistics
- Offered to 2nd - 4th grade students.
- 16 students maximum per group.
The course will run for one (1) morning per week beginning in October.
Click here for Advanced Artists and Art Media Explorers Presentation.
Contact:
Mrs. Sarah Bizzarro, Art Teacher
sbizzarro@mendhamtwp.org
Support Services
I&RS
I&RS Information and FAQ's
Frequently asked questions . . .
What is Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS)?
I&RS is a state mandated system of clearly defined steps that are taken to assist a struggling student in improving educational outcomes. These steps are taken by a multidisciplinary team, which meets, regularly, to monitor the success of students identified through the referral process, as needing specific academic and/or behavior “interventions” in order to be successful. These interventions are monitored over a period of time and may be modified, enhanced or discontinued as indicated by the needs of the student involved. The I&RS team aids students in the general education program, but also provides support for students determined to be in need of special education programs.
What are the functions of Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS)?
As stated in N.J.A.C. 6A:16-8.1, the functions of I&RS are as follows:
Identify learning, behavior and health difficulties of students;
Collect thorough information of the identified difficulties;
Develop and implement action plans which provide for appropriate interventions based on the information collected and the desired results;
Provide support, guidance and professional development to school staff to properly identify and implement interventions designed to address student difficulties;
Actively involve parents and guardians in the development and implementation of I&RS action plans;
Coordinate the services of community-based social and health provider agencies and other community resources;
Maintain accurate records of all requests for assistance and all I&RS action plans;
Review and assess the effectiveness of the I&RS action plans in achieving the outcomes identified and make modifications as necessary; and,
Make recommendations to the school principal for improving school programs and services.
How can we determine if a student needs to be referred to the I&RS Team?
If a student exhibits specific observable behaviors that indicate that he or she is experiencing learning, behavior or health difficulties, he or she may benefit from a referral to the I&RS Team.
What are some of the specific observable behaviors to look for?
Any of the following may indicate that a student is experiencing difficulties:
Failing grades
Cheating
Not completing assignments
Falling asleep in class
Chronic absenteeism
Poor participation
Erratic behavior
Defiance of authority
Bullying behaviors
Eating disorders
Alcohol, tobacco or other drug use
Poor personal appearance and hygiene
Suicide attempts
Anything out of the ordinary for that student
What are the steps that are taken in the I&RS process?
1)Teacher request for I&RS intervention;
2)I&RS meeting is held;parents are invited
3)Action Plan is designed and implemented; and,
4)Action Plan is monitored and reviewed; this plan is revised, expanded, or discontinued depending on need.
Who participates in the I&RS process?
The regulations requiring I&RS allows the building I&RS teams to be as flexible as necessary in order to perform the necessary functions. Typically, the following individuals participate:
Principal and Teachers
Support staff: School Counselor, Nurse, Learning Disabilities Consultant; Psychologist; Social Worker
Other: Parent; Community Agency Representative
What happens if the I&RS Action Plan succeeds or does not succeed?
If the I&RS Plan is successful in meeting the needs of the student, then the Plan may continue to be maintained and monitored or the Plan may be discontinued. If the I&RS Plan is not successful, then additional information is collected, additional professional advice is secured and additional resources are identified. In some instances, referral to a basic skills or a special education program may be necessary.
What if I need more information?
Any of these district employees will be able to give you more information:
- MTES School Counselor Mrs. Hillary Clark hclark@mendhamtwp.org
- Principal Dr. Julianne Kotcho jkotcho@mendhamtwp.org
- Reading Specialist Mrs. Jean Sosna jsosna@mendhamtwp.org
- CST, LDTC, Mrs. Darlene Sardinski dsardinski@mendhamtwp.org
Math Lab
Mathematics Support/Enrichment
Mrs. McNamara, Math/G&T
The Mathematics Learning Lab is a resource to assess strengths and weaknesses of essential mathematical concepts and skills. Early morning math support is also available.
Math Blasters
Skill Builders
Frequency of attendance depends upon severity of need of remediation and/or beyond grade-level enrichment. Length of participation in the Lab depends upon progress made towards benchmark goals.
Criteria for identifying needs and selection for participation in the various Lab programs come from either below or above expected grade-level results on the following assessments, as well as teacher recommendations:
NJSLA 3rd and 4th grade
GO MATH! Benchmark Assessments
Classroom Performance
Fact Fluency Scores
Students may then be assessed using the Key Math Diagnostic Assessment.
Specific strengths and weaknesses for each student are identified to determine the appropriate individual or small group instruction plan. Objectives are determined and progress monitored for each individual student, tracking achievement towards and/or above grade level performance.
Meeting the needs of each and every student is our goal, while ensuring self-esteem, building confidence in learning, and making math fun!
Special Education
Special Education services are available for students with diverse learning needs through the multidisciplinary Child Study Team. Students eligible for Special Education receive special academic services to meet I.E.P. learning goals. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 years are serviced by the preschool team which includes an integrated preschool class and PSD classroom. Resource educators in grades K-4 collaborate with general education classroom educators to instruct and support students eligible for special education services in small groups and within their classrooms. Regular education teachers are provided professional development to implement progressive interventions to meet the needs of diverse learners in the general education classroom.
Please visit our Special Services Office page for additional information or contact Dr. Robert Koroski, Director of Special Services, email: rkoroski@mendhamtwp.org.
ELA Learning Lab & SMART Time
ELA Learning Lab
The ELA Learning Lab is designed to provide remedial support services in language arts. Students are recommended for Learning Lab based on teacher recommendation and benchmark assessments. Students participate 2-3 periods during the day in place of a special area class.
Our SMART Time program is available for students in grades 3 & 4 needing additional support in reading and writing up to three (3) early morning periods per week. Students are invited to attend 2-3 morning periods per week upon recommendation of the classroom teacher. Please contact Mrs. Jean Sosna, Reading Specialist for additional information.
jsosna@mendhamtwp.org
Jump Start Reading
Our Jump Start Reading support program provides targeted and strategic reading instruction to students in our primary grades 1 & 2. Students are identified via internal reading and language benchmarks, and Star Reading. Students are taught in a small group (3-5), 3 sessions per week during our zero-period support time. Students are progress monitored throughout the 8-week program and are released when they have met targeted goals. This is a Tier 2 Intervention program.