Gifted Education

Caley Baker

Coordinator, Gifted Services & Professional Development

BakerC2@westerville.k12.oh.us

Karen McManis, Secretary
(614) 797-5887

This office is responsible for identifying and working to meet the needs of our gifted students by developing, delivering, and encouraging ability-appropriate academic challenges as well as social and emotional support for our students.

Gifted Education Staff

Caley N Baker, District Coordinator of Gifted Services

Elementary Gifted Facilitators

Michelle Andears
Angie Heath
Kristina Hunter
Laurel Preston

Middle School Gifted Facilitators

Lisa Huelskamp, Blendon & Walnut Springs
Debbie Pellington, Genoa & Heritage

Gifted Self-Contained Classroom Teachers

Beth Dalin, grade 3
Jeff Miltko, grade 3
Mara Clark, grade 4
Kathy Riesterer, grade 4
Kim DeMooy, grade 5
Jenny Findell, grade 5

High School Academic Advisors

Monica Johnson, Westerville Central
Colleen Biederman, Westerville North
Kasandra Gutierrez, Westerville South

Documents

Gifted Evaluation and Services
- Overview of Gifted Education in Westerville City Schools
  
  This document provides links to information regarding gifted assessment, identification, and service in the Westerville City School District.

Acceleration
- Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade
  
  Applications for evaluation for Early Entrance to Kindergarten/1st Grade are due by July 16, 2021.
- Subject Level Acceleration Information and Referral Form
  
  If you are interested in whether accelerating your child in a single subject area, please review this document for more information and to refer your child for evaluation.
- Grade Level Acceleration Information and Referral Form
  
  If you are interested in referring your child for whole grade acceleration, please review this document for more information and to begin the referral process.

Resources
- Do's and Don'ts for Motivating your High Ability Child
  
  Great guidance on increasing motivation for your student.
- ODE: The Young Gifted Child: A Guide for Families

Links

Gifted Identification Referral
- Gifted Referral Information and Form
  Click here to learn about the gifted identification evaluation process and to access the referral form.
- Visual/Performing Arts Identification Referral Form
  Complete this form if you would like to refer a student for gifted evaluation in visual arts, music, drama, or dance during the 2021-2022 school year.

WCS Gifted Education Parent Portal
- Schoology
  Sign up for our WCS Parent Portal! This is a resource hub for your gifted child and the main communication platform our office uses. Access Code: 5ZJ67-Q5NZC
- Schoology Account Request Form
  If you are a WCS parent and do not yet have a Schoology account, fill out this form and we will send you directions for how to sign up.

Online Enrichment Resources
- Online Learning Resources for Gifted Students

NUMATS
- Northwestern University Midwest Academic Talent Search Information
  The NUMATS program offers above-grade-level tests (EXPLORE©, the ACT©, and the SAT©) to qualified students in grades 3 through 9 at test centers in our area. These tests are internationally recognized measures of academic ability.

Policies Pertaining to Gifted Education
- Board Policy Online