The Gifted Program: Princess Anne High School is proud to have almost 500 students who have been identified as gifted because of their high intellectual or artistic capabilities. The PAHS Gifted Program offers gifted and talented students a wide variety of wonderful choices. Academically challenging classes, independent study, exciting music and theatre opportunities, and superior visual art experiences are just some of the many possibilities for students.

Gifted Courses at PAHS: PAHS offers two mind expanding semester credit courses for gifted students during Blocks 3A and 4B: SPARKS and Think Tank. Classes are facilitated by Dr. Raines and meet in the Gifted Resource Room (Room 200).These specially designed courses provide students with critical reading and thinking skills that will help students make the most of their high school experience and remain with them when they enter college. SPARKS is available to students in Grades 11 and 12 and is offered Semester 1 during Block 3A. Think Tank is open to students in Grades 9 and 10 and is offered Semester 2 during Block 4B.

SPARKS and Think Tank: Every unit of SPARKS and Think Tank is designed to provide opportunities for gifted high school students to advance their critical reading and thinking skills as they listen, question, explore, cooperate, solve problems, and conduct discussions. Lessons support maximum student participation and encourage students to listen and speak to one another rather than directing everything through the teacher. The structure of the lessons fosters independent learning. The learning experience is differentiated in order to appropriately challenge and optimize learning opportunities for all students. This is accomplished by means of a natural exchange among students utilizing whole class and small group discussions as well as individual thinking and writing assignments. To register for one of these unique semester credit classes, see your Guidance Counselor or Dr. Raines.

Our Gifted Resource Teacher: Dr. Paula Raines received her Bachelor of Science in Education from The University of Georgia and, upon employment with Virginia Beach City Public Schools, obtained a Master of Science in Education (1996), Gifted Endorsement (2001), and Doctor of Education (2012). Dr. Raines is an advocate and resource for gifted students in grades 9-12, teaches SPARKS and Think Tank, and serves as adviser to the Gifted Advisory Board. You can e-mail her at paula.raines@vbschools.com or get additional information from Dr. Raines' web page.

Governor's School for the Arts: Students in Grades 9 -11 are invited to audition for the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk. Held concurrently with our school year, participants come to PAHS for three blocks and then ride the GSA bus to Norfolk for their specialized studies in Dance, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, Visual Arts, or Vocal Music. Application for audition forms are available in Room 200. For more information visit the Governor's School website at www.gsarts.net or see Dr. Raines.

Summer Programs: Gifted and talented students have the opportunity to attend one of the Summer Residential Governor's Schools hosted by the Virginia State Department of Education. Four and five week immersions in visual and performing arts, humanities, foreign languages, mathematics, science, and technology as well as mentorship opportunities in engineering, marine science, and medicine are offered at college and university campuses across the state.

One of the most important aspects of the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools programs is the opportunity for participants to live, study, and get to know other students with similar interests and abilities from across Virginia. Both co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are designed to encourage students’ interests and abilities. Recreation and free time are provided outside of the academic environment enabling students to enjoy what may be their first summer living away from home. For more information on Summer Residential Governor’s Schools, visit the SRGS website or see Dr. Raines.

Gifted Resource: The Gifted Resource Room (Room 200) has one desktop computer and twenty wireless laptops with Microsoft Office and internet access, a scanner, and a laser jet printer. There are computer programs to help students prepare for the SAT/PSAT, Calculus, and Chemistry as well as a Gifted Resource Library stocked with books about colleges, scholarship opportunities, and other information that is helpful to both gifted students and their parents. Students are encouraged to sign in and use the room as an enriching academic resource.

Gifted Advisory Board: The gifted students of PAHS make up the Gifted Advisory Board (GAB). GAB is self-governing and self-supporting, offering opportunities for members to make new friends, improve their community, develop leadership skills, and make a positive difference in the world. Since 2001, GAB has contributed over $10,000 to worthy local, national, and international service projects.

Gifted Identification: If you were identified gifted in elementary school or middle school, you are part of the Gifted Program in high school. The Gifted Program includes students identified as gifted in general intellectual aptitude as well as students with exceptional talent in music, dance, art, or theater.

The Referral Process: If you have yet to be identified and are interested in the process, please stop by Room 200 and talk with Dr. Raines. A teacher, a parent/guardian, a peer, the student support team, or any person who has knowledge of a student’s abilities may initiate a referral. The Eligibility/Placement Committee meets quarterly (November, January, March, and May) to review parent and teacher recommendations and observations, test scores, and other information that will assist them with eligibility decisions. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

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Last Update: Thursday, March 28, 2013