Allison Sheppard, Ed.D.
p: (757) 603-6475
f: (757) 565-9389
e: allison.sheppard@wjccschools.org
In accordance with the WJCC Vision/Mission statement, gifted learners receive educational services that provide opportunities directed to their unique needs. These services include a differentiated instructional program that teaches higher level thinking processes in a learning environment that is respectful of the uniqueness of the individual student and conducive to risk-taking and exploration of new ideas. A flexible instructional pace enables students to maximize their learning. The K-12 continuum of services is designed to emphasize the importance of matching services to student needs.
Visions is the name given to the gifted program in WJCC. Each of our nine elementary schools has a full-time gifted resource teacher who works collaboratively with classroom teachers and other staff to meet the cognitive and affective needs of gifted learners. Formal identification for students referred takes into consideration ability tests, achievement scores, observations, teacher and parent rating scales, class participation, and student products.
In our three middle schools and three high schools are classroom teachers who also manage the gifted program screening responsibilities.
The Local Plan for the Education of the Gifted explains in detail all aspects of gifted education in WJCC. Also included in that plan are the long-range goals. A copy of the Local Plan is available in each school.
- National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
- Virginia Association for the Gifted (VAG)
- UVA Saturday and Summer Enrichment Programs (SEP)
- William & Mary Saturday and Summer Enrichment Programs (SEP)
- Jacob’s Ladder Enrichment Program
- Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
- Acceleration Institute
- ERIC
- Hoagies Gifted
- GT World
- SENG
- Spy Museum Kids Games
- New York Times Daily Puzzle: Set
- Odyssey Online: Greece
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series
- The National Air and Space Museum (The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center)
- Museum Box
- Scripp’s National Spelling Bee
- Storyline Online
- Arcade-Style Math Games
- Squirmin’ Herman & The Great Plant Escape
- Storytelling Alice
- Alice.org
- Alice 2.2
- Build Your Wild Self
- Architecture
Frequently Asked Questions
I am interested in having my child evaluated for gifted services. What do I do?
Make contact with the gifted resource teacher at your child’s school to discuss the process. You will then complete both a referral form and a permission to test form.
If my child goes through the screening process and is not found eligible will there be another opportunity for him/her to go through the process again?
You will want to meet with the gifted resource teacher to discuss the results. After that meeting a parent can appeal the placement decision. If the student is not determined eligible on appeal, a parent can refer a child again after one calendar year.
Does my child have to be rescreened from elementary school to middle school to high school?
No, once a student is found eligible for gifted services, the placement remains.
If my child was in a gifted program in another school division or state, is he/she guaranteed placement in WJCC’s gifted program?
Since each school division has different gifted services offered, we will review the student’s file for documentation and determine screening or placement. Exception: Students from a military family who have written documentation are placed provisionally and reviewed as needed.
My child was identified for the gifted program in WJCC but withdrew from the school. If my child re-enrolls in a WJCC school is he/she automatically placed into the gifted program?
Yes, the student maintains his/her gifted placement. However, a student may need to complete screening for additional gifted services.
Does WJCC provide services for students enrolled in private schools?
No. Both screening for gifted services and delivery of instruction are for those students currently enrolled in WJCC schools.
Can students not formally identified for gifted serviced receive gifted services?
No. However, students not eligible for gifted services still have opportunities for differentiation, including honors classes and a wide variety of elective courses.
How will my child be screened for gifted eligibility?
Many criteria are reviewed to help determine eligibility for gifted services. These may include:
- One or more ability tests, (i.e. IQ test)
- Achievement tests
- Portfolio of student work
- Rating scales of gifted behaviors completed by parents and teachers
- Grades
What gifted services are offered?
The following services will be provided:
- Grades K push-in services to classrooms
- Grades 1-5 enrichment services
- Fifth grade academic program in Language Arts and Math for students formally identified as gifted.
- Grades 6-8-specific academic gifted classes in Language Arts, Social studies, and/ or Math
- Grades 9-10- specific academic gifted classes in Language Arts, Social studies
- Grades 10-12- AP courses, DE courses and Governor’s School
When is Gifted Testing?
Universal screening will be completed for all kindergarten and second grade students. All other grades will follow the schedule found here.
For more information please locate the gifted resource teacher at your child’s school below:
Gifted Resource Teachers
Elementary School
Clara Byrd Baker
Mrs. Stacy Freeman
e: stacy.freeman@wjccschools.org
Mrs. Virginia Hagin (K-2 Services)
e: virginia.hagin@wjccschools.org
D.J. Montague
Mrs. Kara O’Grady
e: kara.o’grady@wjccschools.org
Mrs. Susan Leaptrott (K-2 Services)
e: susan.leaptrott@wjccschools.org
J. Blaine Blayton
Mrs. Cheryl Holzschuh
e: cheryl.holzschuh@wjccschools.org
Mrs. Diane Huebner (K-2 Services)
e: diane.huebner@wjccschools.org
James River
Ms. Erin Routten
e: erin.routten@wjccschools.org
Mrs. Virginia Hagin (K-2 Services)
e: virginia.hagin@wjccschools.org
Laurel Lane
Ms. Madeline Colthorpe
e: madeline.colthorpe@wjccschools.org
Mrs. Virginia Hagin (K-2 Services)
e: virginia.hagin@wjccschools.org
Matoaka
Mrs. Karen Little
e: karen.little@wjccschools.org
Mrs. Diane Huebner (K-2 Services)
e: diane.huebner@wjccschools.org
Matthew Whaley
Mrs. Debbie Besnier
e: deborah.besnier@wjccschools.org
Mrs. Diane Huebner (K-2 Services)
e: diane.huebner@wjccschools.org
Norge
Mrs. Jamie Collins
e: jamie.collins@wjccschools.org
Ms. Susan Leaptrott (K-2 Services)
e: susan.leaptrott@wjccschools.org
Stonehouse
Mr. Dave Poon
e: norman.poon@wjccschools.org
Ms. Susan Leaptrott (K-2 Services)
e: susan.leaptrott@wjccschools.org
Middle School
Berkeley
Mr. Nat Elliott
e: nathaniel.elliott@wjccschools.org
Lois S. Hornsby
Mrs. Jennifer Brooks
e: jennifer.brooks@wjccschools.org
Ms. Julia Roketenetz
e: julia.roketenetz@wjccschools.org
Toano
Mrs. Lynda Davis
e: lynda.davis@wjccschools.org
High School
Jamestown
Mr. Brig Lampert
e: richard.lampert@wjccschools.org
Lafayette
Mrs. Ann Shaver
e: ann.shaver@wjccschools.org
Warhill
Ms. Korri Williams
e: korri.williams@wjccschools.org