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Kids With Special Needs and Disabilities
MoCo GT/LD info - help please!
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Anonymous
| We are in the process of requesting special services for our 8 yoDS. He was just dx'd with ADHD, and a very high IQ (99.9 - with wide variations) and has some sensory issues. After doing a lot of research it seems like the GT/LD program would fit him best. He's coming from a small private. Lucy Barnsley would be our school. Does anyone have any experience with this program? How are the budget cuts impacting the program? Are they discouraging parents from applying? I'm worried that an IEP at our local (and overcrowded by double) home school will be meaningless. Any feedback is much appreciated. TIA! |
Anonymous
| I like the principal- Kristen Alban. I found her to be very flexible and easygoing. Barnsley is a great school- Good Luck! |
Anonymous
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Oh goodness....well, I don't have a lot to offer you about the local schools. I do believe that having him in a GT/LD program full time would be best. Mainstream programs aren't designed to accomodate children with that high of an IQ let alone with LDs in the mix.
I just wanted to recommend Hoagies Gifted Ed page. It has a wealth of info on gifted/Ld topics. http://hoagiesgifted.com/twice_exceptional.htm I was a GT/LD child in the MoCo school system. I was in mainstream with pull out for GT and LD in our local school. Didn't work well for me...granted that was 20 years ago but still. Twice exceptional children have very unique needs and if you're lucky enough to find a program designed to meet them I say jump at the opportunity. |
Anonymous
Our daughter doesn't have these issues. But, she knows that several of the kids in her class have ADHD; she knows this because they are very open about it. She commented that the teacher was really good/patient with them and that they have accommodations (like writing support). She is in a HGC without a special GT/LD program, but the teachers still seem knowledgeable, accepting and provide support. I notice that many of the structures in place in the classroom are good for ADHD kids as well "regular" kids. |
Anonymous
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Good point....
A highly gifted center may also meet his needs well especially if teachers are willing to accomodate. However a mainstream classroom would not in my opinion. |
DeborahMersino
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Great suggestion regarding Hoagies. I thought some of you might also be interested in knowing about Feynman School, a new private gifted school opening in 2010 in Darnestown. Here's a recent news announcement. Although it's offering classes for preschool through kindergarten in its inaugural year, Feynman School plans to expand in the years ahead. Twice-exceptional students need educators who understand the nuances and can accommodate their needs.
Here you go: Feynman School Finds a Campus | Montgomery County’s new school for gifted children moving into classrooms at Seneca Academy DARNESTOWN, MD., May 13, 2010 — Feynman School, Montgomery County’s new school for gifted children, will open its doors this fall in classrooms at Seneca Academy, 15601 Germantown Road. Now enrolling preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes, Feynman will occupy three classrooms in Seneca’s northwest wing. The agreement allows Feynman access to Seneca’s library, grounds, play equipment, atrium and gazebo. Feynman will take occupancy July 1 while continuing a capital campaign to build its own campus. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have this space,” said Feynman School Co-founder and Director Susan Gold. “It’s a pristine setting with bright classrooms and beautiful grounds where our children can explore the natural world. We couldn’t ask for a better place to launch our school.” Named for Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman, the gifted school blends science, math, language arts, and visual and performing arts. In an innovative Spanish program developed by Georgetown University professors Alison Mackey and Cristina Sanz, children gain bilingualism, biliteracy and cross-cultural awareness. “Over the past nine months, we researched, reviewed and interviewed almost a dozen private schools for our son, from Montessori to academy to general gifted,” said new Feynman parent Penelope Flagg of Alexandria, Va. “Only Feynman School seemed to balance intellectual and emotional growth. This school introduces a new educational paradigm to parents who won’t settle for less than the best.” Originally, Feynman School had planned to offer only preschool and pre-kindergarten this fall. Now, in response to strong interest from parents, the school is opening a kindergarten class. Each class is limited to 14 children. Every year, the school will add a level, culminating with eighth grade. Open houses will take place at the Darnestown campus on Sunday, May 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, May 20, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Interested parents of 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds should call 301-873-3409 or send an email to info@feynmanschool.org. About Feynman School for gifted children Feynman School is an independent, nonprofit school committed to helping gifted children grow into tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Coeducational and nonsectarian, Feynman School seeks to identify, admit and enroll the most promising young learners regardless of ethnicity, race or socioeconomic background. Financial assistance is available. Feynman School also offers before- and after-care options. More information, including a school calendar and fees, is available at www.feynmanschool.org. Warmest regards, Deborah Mersino Principal Ingeniosus www.ingeniosus.net |