Winchester Moves Ahead with Gifted and Talented Program

The School Committee decided to move forward with the Gifted and Talented Initiative that was introduced to the committee in April. Dr. Rhonda Cohen, the new Assistant Superintendent, will be a primary participant in the new initiative.

"Our goal is to hire an individual who will work half-time in the district, working with staff, the math director and Dr. Cohen," Superintendent William McAlduff said.  "They'll develop and work with the staff in using challenge pushing to meet the needs of high achieving students."

The focus of the program will be on math for fifth grade students. Once it is fully implemented the hope is that high achievers will be able to finish the school system's highest level of math offered, calculus, by the 11th grade. Normally calculus is completed in the senior year. Freeing up this class time will enable students to take other courses, or independent study, in their final year.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority's Green Repair Program was also discussed. According to the School Committee this program
"is for the repair or replacement of roof, windows and/or boilers in public school facilities that are structurally, functionally and educationally sound.  If a public school facility needs more extensive repair or renovation work it is not eligible for funding under the Green repair."

The committee is preparing to submit a statement of interest to the MSBA for the Lynch roof replacement. If approved MSBA would reimburse Winchester 33 percent of the cost incurred.

Sarah Girotti, the chair of the committee, will now go before Capital Planning to present her group's recommendations. The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Sep. 7 at 7 p.m.