Program for Academic & Creative Talent
Overview
Gifted & Talented Students
The Cedar Rapids Community School District is committed to nurturing the potential of our advanced learners. We recognize that some students require specialized services beyond the general education classroom to truly thrive and reach their remarkably high levels of achievement.
Is My Child an “Advanced Learner”?
We identify giftedness across diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. A student may qualify for PACT if they demonstrate exceptional ability in one or more of these areas:
Intellectual & Academic: Outstanding general intelligence or specific aptitude in subjects like math or science.
Creativity: Exceptional productive thinking and unique problem-solving skills.
Leadership: Natural ability to lead, influence, and organize others.
The Arts: Remarkably high performance in visual, performing, or musical arts.
Psychomotor: Advanced physical or motor-skill capabilities.
Our Mission
The PACT Mission: To enhance and support the educational experiences of high-ability students, preparing them to become world-class learners and responsible, engaged citizens.
The Role of PACT Resource Specialists
Our PACT specialists are more than just teachers; they are advocates. They serve as a bridge between the district, school staff, and your family to ensure:
- The unique academic and emotional needs of gifted learners are met.
- Instruction is appropriately challenged and differentiated.
- Families have a dedicated resource and liaison within the school system.
PACT at the Elementary Level
The Program for Academic and Creative Talent (PACT) in our elementary schools is designed to meet students where they are. Because children develop at different speeds, our program is flexible, ensuring that support is available whenever a student shows a need for a greater challenge.
Nurturing Early Potential (Grades K–1)
In Kindergarten and 1st Grade, the focus is on identifying potential. We work closely with classroom teachers to spot early indicators of high academic talent.
- Data-Driven Support: We gather and analyze student data to provide enrichment that goes beyond the core curriculum.
- Collaboration: PACT specialists partner with classroom staff to create a more challenging environment for high-achieving learners.
- Contact: For questions regarding early elementary talent development, contact K-1 PACT Manager – Sue Scott
Advanced Enrichment (Grades 2–5)
For students in grades 2 through 5, PACT provides deep-dive enrichment experiences in a variety of fields.
- Rotating Topics: To keep students engaged, we rotate subjects each semester, covering Science, Humanities, Mathematics, and Language Arts.
- Complex Learning: We move beyond standard lessons to offer “complex learning environments” where students can test their limits and explore their interests.
| Cedar River Academy | Ryan Patterson |
| Cleveland | Jen Erwin |
| Erskine | Kristy Decker |
| Grant Wood | Ryan Patterson |
| Harrison | Meredith Petersen |
| Hiawatha | Sara Yedlik |
| Hoover | Ann Lassen |
| Johnson Steam Academy | Jen Erwin |
| Kenwood Leadership Academy | Melissa Determan |
| Madison | Meredith Petersen |
| Maple Grove | Ann Lassen |
| Nixon | Melissa Determan |
| Pierce | Meredith Petersen |
| Trailside | Chelsea Larson |
| Van Buren | Ryan Patterson |
| Viola Gibson | Becky Zange |
| West Willow | Sara Yedlik |
| Wright | Melissa Determan |
Middle School PACT (Grades 6–8)
In middle school, gifted learners often require a more specialized curriculum that challenges their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The PACT program at this level is designed to be flexible, offering both in-class academic extensions and exciting extracurricular opportunities.
Challenging the Standard Curriculum
Our Building Program Managers work directly with middle school teachers to ensure the daily classroom experience remains intellectually stimulating.
- Differentiated Learning: We adapt core lessons to encourage higher-level thinking and complex problem-solving.
- Individual & Group Achievement: Students are provided with opportunities to excel both independently and through collaborative projects with their high-ability peers.
Beyond the Classroom
We recognize that gifted students often have “single-minded” passions. To support these interests, our middle schools offer:
- Interest-Based Field Trips: Learning experiences that take students out of the classroom and into the professional or scientific world.
- After-School Enrichment: Specialized classes and clubs tailored to the unique academic and creative needs of our students.
How Middle Schoolers are Identified
The transition to middle school is a time of significant growth. We continue to use a holistic screening process to ensure we are meeting the needs of all talented students:
- Objective Measures: A review of intelligence and standardized achievement test scores.
- Subjective Measures: Teacher and staff observations focusing on task commitment, creativity, and consistent achievement.
| Franklin | Erin Traicoff |
| Harding | Kristina Dvorak |
| McKinley | Stacy Karam |
| Roosevelt | Melissa Davis |
| Taft | Amy Engelmann |
| Wilson | Melissa Davis |
High School PACT (Grades 9–12)
As students enter high school, the Program for Academic and Creative Talent (PACT) evolves into a specialized support system. We focus on helping high-achieving students manage their diverse interests and translate their academic success into a concrete plan for the future.
Advanced Academic Opportunities
The Cedar Rapids Community School District offers a rigorous curriculum designed to challenge the most capable learners. PACT students are encouraged to take advantage of:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Program: College-level courses that provide academic depth and the potential for university credit.
- Higher-Level Electives: Specialized classes across all departments that allow students to explore their passions at an advanced pace.
Specialized Guidance & Career Planning
High-ability students often face the challenge of having “too many interests.” PACT resource specialists provide a decision-making focus to help students find their true north:
- Vocational Profiling: We help students identify their personal strengths and map them to potential career paths.
- Academic Roadmapping: Strategic planning for high school course selection to ensure students are competitive for top-tier universities.
- Career Counseling: Individualized support to clarify goals and explore professional fields that match the student’s intellectual intensity.
Preparing for Life After CRCSD
Navigating the transition to adulthood can be complex. PACT provides essential assistance in:
- College Selection: Identifying “best-fit” schools that match a student’s academic and social needs.
- Higher Education Affordability: Helping families locate and apply for scholarships and affordable education options.
- Post-Secondary Success: Building the self-advocacy and planning skills necessary for a successful transition to university or the workforce.
| City View | Jill Koch |
| Jefferson | Kevin Darrow |
| Kennedy | Jill Koch |
| Washington | Kristy Decker |
Discover Summer Camp (Grades 3–5)
Discover Summer Camp offers high-achieving elementary students a unique opportunity to dive into advanced academic topics during the summer break. Because these popular enrichment classes fill up on a first-come, first-served basis, early registration is highly recommended to secure your child’s spot.