The first installment of this month’s Knight Insight features Mrs. Cassie Ohlrich, Gifted Coordinator, as she shares how the gifted program supplements other educational offerings at Van Buren Local Schools.
Van Buren Families,
Van Buren’s gifted program and population are unique because of the sheer number of students who have been identified as gifted. 27.2% of our school population has scored in the 95th percentile or higher on an achievement test (MAP) or ability assessment (CogAt). To put that into perspective, most Ohio schools typically identify 10-15% of their students as gifted. Van Buren’s numbers far exceed the state average, which highlights the need for robust programming and resources to meet the unique academic and social needs of our gifted population.
For over 35 years, the VANTAGE gifted program has provided enriching opportunities for elementary students, offering hands-on learning in areas like renewable energy, electricity and circuits, STEM design challenges, and Blockly coding. This year, fifth graders are taking their skills to the next level as they prepare to compete in the Wonder League Robotics Competition. In addition to these engaging activities, we’re thrilled to expand the program to include sixth graders for the first time since 2003. During their Unplugged period after lunch, they recently completed an advanced unit called “Robo Innovators,” focusing on coding and robotics. They will soon be designing roller coasters!
Additionally, in order to challenge our high performers, gifted middle school students have opportunities to take advanced reading and math classes, and gifted high school students have opportunities to take College Credit Plus (CCP) and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. I also advise all gifted students as they choose their classes for the upcoming year so they are encouraged to pursue courses which will continue their academic development.
Beginning in fourth grade, students can also be identified as gifted in visual and performing arts and are encouraged to explore their talents and take advantage of the exceptional arts opportunities Van Buren offers. Students can engage in classes like AP Art, Graphic Arts, and CCP courses such as Art Appreciation. For those passionate about performing arts, options include marching and concert band, jazz band, varsity choir, show choir (The Association and The Essentials), and musicals. These enriching experiences help students refine their skills and prepare for success in their post-high school lives and future careers.
Van Buren’s teachers are integral to the success of our gifted students. Teachers in grades 2-8 collaborate with me monthly to ensure that gifted learners receive the support and challenge they need in their classrooms. This commitment to professional growth was exemplified this summer when over 30 teachers participated in professional development focused on using AI to differentiate instruction for gifted students.
All of these opportunities and the work of our teachers have contributed to our gifted students showing one or more years of academic growth based on the state report card value-added criteria for each of the last three Ohio School Report Cards.
Finally, because of the generosity of the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, Ohio STEM Learning Network classroom grants, and various other sponsors, the VANTAGE gifted classroom is fully equipped with cutting-edge technology. Over the years, we have successfully applied for and received grant funding to acquire robots, a sublimator, Glowforge, Meta Quest VR goggles, tablets, STEM kits, and other supplies. We’re always on the lookout for ways to enhance our learning! These grants, totaling over $100,000 in the past decade, have provided countless opportunities for our gifted students, empowering them to explore, innovate, and excel in STEM education.
If you would like to continue learning about our gifted education program, find parent referral forms, identify summer enrichment opportunities, and more, access the Gifted Education page on vbschools.net (District→Departments→Gifted Education).
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your child’s education!
Sincerely,
Cassie Ohlrich
Our district appreciates the work Mrs. Ohlrich does to drive the academic excellence of our students, and we look forward to the continued impact she will have on the success of Van Buren Local Schools.
To learn more about what is happening at Van Buren Local Schools, visit our website at vbschools.net or scan the QR code.
