"REACH"ing out

A couple of months ago I mentioned that Lauren's teacher sent home a parent evaluation for the REACH program at her school.  I filled it out very honestly and sent it back to the school.  I than had a one on one with Lauren and let her know someone was going to talk with her about REACH (test her) in the next few weeks.  I told her it wasn't a big deal and to just do the best she could.  She immediately told me she hoped she would get in because all the smart kids go to REACH.  (The kids are already talking!)  I reassured her she was smart no matter what.

Well today Lauren brought home an envelope containing the REACH results.  I'm happy to announce that Lauren was deemed eligible into the program.  Congratulations Lauren!!

I'm a bit anxious as well since we will be "REACH"ing out of our comfort zone and learning a whole new program.  (a program with many benefits though)

PS.
It's a bit of a coincidence but I was also tested for the REACH program when I was in 2nd grade.  (Back in the day we called it TAG.)  However, after the first day of testing they told me I didn't need to test anymore.  I soon found out that meant I didn't pass.  I still remember the whole experience vividly.  And that says a lot since my memory is definitely sub-par.
(I did eventually get into the TAG program in the 7th grade.) 

I'm glad Lauren got in because hanging onto a memory like that is just plain silly and irrelevant.


PPS.
More about the REACH program:

REACH: Relishing Education And Conquering Heights

Program for Gifted Students K-12

"A gifted student is one who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation and/or excels in specific academic field(s) and needs special instruction and/or ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities."

Education Program for Gifted Students    State Rule 160-4-2-.38, effective August, 1998

What is the REACH Program?

REACH provides differentiated instructional services in core academic content areas to eligible students in grades K-12. These services are based upon the system's aligned curriculum and checkpoints, with instruction presented in an accelerated and interdisciplinary fashion. At least five (5) segments of differentiated instruction weekly (or its annual equivalent) are available for eligible students. To continue receiving gifted services, the student must maintain an overall "B" (80) average in the subjects of mathematics, science, language arts, social studies and foreign language, if such language study is included in the student's records. The student must also maintain a "C" (71) average in each gifted class attempted. In grades 6-12, the student must also have no semester grade below a "C" (71).