The Commonwealth Governor’s School Parent Information Session Stafford County Public Schools December 3, 2018
The Commonwealth Governor’s School Parent Information Session
Stafford County Public Schools
December 3, 2018
Overview • Established in 1998 • School within a school
model • Half day program at 3
different sites within Stafford County focused on core content areas (mathematics, science, English, social studies) • Colonial Forge HS
• Serves Colonial Forge HS • Serves Brooke Point HS (10th-
12th)*
• Stafford HS • Serves Stafford HS • Serves Brooke Point HS (9th)*
• North Stafford HS • Serves North Stafford HS • Serves Mountain View HS
* Tentative Plan for Brooke Point HS students for 2019-2020 and beyond; decision has not been finalized by Stafford County Public Schools
Overview (continued)
• Interdisciplinary approach to learning • Focused on helping
students see the connections between content areas and learning big picture concepts
• Access to real-world, relevant learning experiences in all content areas
Eligibility
• Gifted or high-achieving students AND highly motivated learners
• Students in grades 9-12
• Must successfully complete Algebra I by the end of the spring in 8th grade to be eligible to apply
Field Experiences
• 8 field experiences per grade level; 2 per subject area
Culminating Project
• Research project
• Focused on student’s personal interest
• Receive an elective credit at the conclusion of 12th grade
• Opportunity to work with an expert in selected field of research
CGS Mathematics
• Honors Algebra II
• Honors Geometry
• Honors Math Analysis
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Statistics
• Students will complete 4 of these 5 courses.
CGS Science
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Biology
• DE Chemistry
• AP Physics 1
CGS English
• Honors English 9
• Honors English 10
• AP Language & Composition
• AP Literature & Composition
CGS Social Studies
• AP European History
• AP Government
• AP U.S. History
• AP Human Geography
College Credits
• 12 Advanced Placement Courses
• If testing in all courses and earning a minimum passing score of a 3, students can earn a minimum of 36 college credits
• 1 Dual Enrolled Course
• 4 college credits in Chemistry 101 & 101 Lab
Extracurricular Involvement
Student Selection
• Application Process Overview
• Academic achievement profile & ability test scores
• Teacher recommendations
• Interview
• Portfolio presentation
• Honors/accolades
Application Components
Recommendations
Academic Information
Student Assessments
Student Interview & Portfolio
Honors / Accolades
Honors / Accolades
• Applicants may list up to 5 awarded honors
• Honors include the level of competition (i.e. school, local, regional, state/highly competitive)
• Sample Honors/Recognitions:
• Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance Award, Student of the Month
• Straight A Honor Roll
• Regional Science Fair Winner
• District Spelling Bee Winner
• Johns Hopkins Talent Search - above 95th percentile
• Athletic Awards
• Music or Theatrical Awards
• Leadership Roles
Portfolio & Interview
• The interview and portfolio review are conducted in INDIVIDUAL student sessions.
• The portfolio items and interview are scored using separate rubrics.
• The 3 portfolio samples must be from the last 3 years (6th, 7th, or 8th Grade).
• Ensure that at least one sample includes evidence of cited research to support your work.
• At least one piece should NOT be a school assignment.
• At least one piece should show problem solving.
Portfolio & Interview (continued)
• When it is time to select portfolio items, select TOP work samples!
• It is easier to talk about the samples if you feel passionate about the work you completed.
• Sample Portfolio Items:
• School projects - science fair, research projects, book reports
• Service projects - clubs, church organizations, scouting
• Personal interest projects - special talents, musical pieces, theatrical performances, athletic highlights
• Original stories, poems, artwork
Application Evaluation Category Maximum Total Points
Academic Information • Includes Ability Measure,
Achievement Measure 1 (Reading Comprehension), Achievement Measure 2 (Math), & the Grade Point Average
80
Recommendations • English Teacher, Math Teacher,
Teacher/Mentor
36
Honors / Accolades • May include up to 5 awarded
honors
15
Portfolio & Interview • Includes 3 work samples • Panel interview
30 - Portfolio 24 - Interview
Grand Total 185
Application Process Timeline • Parent Information Night – December 3 • CGS site visits – December & January • Application opens – January 3 • Application/Portfolio Support Night – January 8
from 6:30-7:30pm at Stafford Middle School • Application closes – January 31
• Complete the online application and return a signed copy of the electronic confirmation email to the Gifted Resource Teacher at your school no later than January 31.
• Where to turn it in: Gifted Resource Teacher at your school Stafford County Supervisor of Gifted and Accelerated
Programs for out-of-county, private, or home-schooled students
Application Process Timeline (continued) • Testing Window – February 2019
• PSAT 8 Scores from November/December are included in this category.
• The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) will be administered to any student who has not completed one in the past 12 months.
• Interview Window – February 2019
• Acceptance Notification – March
• Date to Confirm Acceptance Deadline – March
Best Wishes & Good Luck!
• Jennifer Grigsby
• Director of The Commonwealth Governor’s School
• 540-548-1278 Extension 2
• Dr. Stephenie Fellinger
• Stafford County Teaching & Learning Facilitator for K-12 Gifted Education and Secondary Programs
• 540-658-6000
For more information, please visit,
www.cgs.k12.va.us