Objectives of the Elementary Gifted and Talented Education Services (GATES) Program are:

1. Empowering students to challenge themselves academically
2. Developing skills in logic and creative thinking
3. Nurturing student self-expression and development of talent

GATES provides opportunities for children in grades K-4 to grow and be challenged through:

• differentiated learning in the classroom
• independent studies (if applicable)
• grade and subject acceleration (if qualified)
• extracurricular activities
• small group instruction

GATES staff members provide curriculum resources for students and teachers, along with support for parents of students in the program.

Bethy Vesel has been teaching elementary students since 2019 with experience in grades 3 and 5. She holds a bachelor's degree in K-6 elementary education and a master's degree in differentiated instruction with a focus in gifted education and social emotional development, both from Concordia University St. Paul.

Mindy Barrett has worked for Westonka Schools since 2003, serving grades 4, 6, 7 and 9. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in elementary education K-6 and 5-8 mathematics license from Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota.

Grade K-2 Enrichment for students

Students involved in the K-2 Enrichment program focus on creative and critical thinking skills.

Grade 3 and 4 GATES Math and Reading Enrollment

How would my student be identified as eligible to receive gifted and talented services?

• Ability testing when appropriate
• Achievement test scores
• Teacher recommendations

Approximately 7%-10% of Westonka students meet the criteria for receiving gifted and talented services.

Grade 3 and 4 Math Acceleration for GATES students

For students meeting GATES math eligibility requirements in grade 3, the GATES math program will accelerate the regular math program so students will finish the grade 5 math curriculum by the end of grade 4. GATES students who successfully complete the program will then enroll in the advanced math track at Grandview Middle School at the start of grade 5.

In the event that a child does not meet the GATES math eligibility requirements entering into grade 3, the child will have the option to be screened for the grade 5 accelerated math class during the spring of their grade 4 school year.

Grade 3 and 4 Reading Enrichment for GATES students

Students involved in the Grade 3 and 4 Reading Enrichment program focus on interpreting and evaluating literature. Students will read and discuss above grade-level novels, short stories and poetry. There will also be a focus on persuasive writing and vocabulary development, which includes the WordMasters Challenge.