WESTERVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
Gifted Education
Valerie Jasinski, Coordinator, Gifted Education
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.
Grade or Subject Area Accelerations
If you are interested in having your child assessed for potential acceleration in the whole grade or a specific subject area, please fill out the following request form.
Early Entrance to Kindergarten/ First Grade
If you are interested in applying for early entrance to kindergarten, please read the following informational packet, located here. After reviewing the packet, if you feel early entrance to kindergarten may be appropriate for your child, please fill out the request form to have your child assessed. Additionally, you may wish to review the frequently asked questions about early entrance to kindergarten/ first grade.
Gifted Education Staff
Elementary Gifted Facilitators
- Michelle Andears
- Angie Heath
- Kristina Hunter
- Laurel Preston
Middle School Gifted Facilitators
- Sarah Combs, Blendon & Walnut Springs
- Debbie Pellington, Genoa & Heritage
Gifted Self-Contained Classroom Teachers
- Beth Dalin, grade 3
- Jennifer Minnich, grade 3
- Jeff Miltko, 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
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.
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
Gifted Identification Referral Forms
- Gifted Referral Information & Form
There are two times to refer students:- End of July - End of October
- Mid March - End of April
- Grade Level Acceleration Information & Form
- Subject Acceleration Information & Form
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