Just as other aspects of the middle school structure evolve, so does programming for our gifted students. Grandview Middle School students have the opportunity to challenge themselves with several advanced class options as well as co-curriculuar opportunities. Advanced Language Arts and Accelerated Mathematics courses are available in grades 5-7. These courses are designed to meet the needs of highly motivated students who are developmentally and intellectually ready, have a very high ability and have the study habits necessary to be successful. The curriculum provides more rigor and challenge than the general curriculum. Teachers of these (and all) courses have also been trained, and have resources for differentiating the curriculum to help meet the needs of students who would benefit from even more challenge. In addition, students have enriched course opportunities during their specialist time, which can be found in Course Offerings. In 5th grade, this option is Advanced STEM, in 6th grade it is Future Problem Solving, and in 7th it is Advanced Art and Future Cities.

Grandview also provides many other enrichment opportunities available to all Westonka students outside of the regular school day, and in some instances, during the school day. Some examples are listed below.

CONTINENTAL MATH LEAGUE  All CML experiences are designed to both maximize student opportunities to participate and to improve their problem solving capabilities. Students will be participating with other students on the same grade level from schools all over the United States. These activities are  conducted during regular school hours.

DESTINATION IMAGINATION: Grades 2-7  A year-long creative problem solving program that fosters the development of creative thinking and problem solving skills. Destination Imagination promotes teamwork, cooperation and risk-taking. Volunteer team managers direct seven-member teams to regional, state and global finals competition. www.mndi.org

FERMI OFF THE WALL MATH LEAGUE: Grades K-9 Fermi math is provided through District 287. Students can register directly for this computer-based activity by visiting the District 287 website: www.int287.k12.mn.us

MATH MASTERS This competition challenges students to use critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities in mathematics, while recognizing academic effort and achievement.

MINNESOTA FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING: Grades 6+ Future Problem Solving is a year-long activity in which four-person teams use a six-step writing process to solve real-life problems facing society. Problem-solving, critical and creative thinking skills are taught. Students can compete at the regional, state, and international levels. www.mnfpsp.org. Students can take this course in 6th grade or as an extra-curricular activity through Community Education.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY BEE: Grades 4-8 Geography Bee is a nationwide outreach program of the National Geographic society. The winner at each school takes a 70-question written test in order to advance to state competition. The state winner advances to National Bee. www.nationalgeographic.org/bee

STUDENT CREATIVITY FESTIVAL: Grades 3-7 The Creativity Festival is held at the Ted Mann Concert Hall/U of M Music Department. Students sample a variety of engaging, interactive breakout sessions where visual and performing artists, explorers, scientists, innovators and educators introduce students to the creative process through hands-on activities. https://successbeyond.org/cf/

YOUNG AUTHORS CONFERENCE:  Through the Young Authors Conference, students experience writing with a variety of illustrators, poets, playwrights, songwriters, authors and other skilled and inspired writers. https://successbeyond.org/yac/

YOUNG SCIENTIST ROUNDTABLE: Grades 2-12 The Young Scientist Roundtable allows students with science interests to discuss topics in depth with presenters. The two-hour program is offered monthly at a school in Wayzata. https://www.wayzataschools.org/communityed/youth/ysr