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Academically Talented

Academically Talented Program

The philosophy of the Academically Talented program in the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools focuses on providing students who demonstrate high levels of academic ability with a challenging and engaging learning environment.

Program Overview:

  • Personalized learning through WIN period ("What I need")
  • Differentiated instruction 
  • Data-driven groupings in grades K-5
  • Accelerated/advanced courses in grades 6-8   
  • Pull-out Enrichment program in grades K-5 at all schools
    • Two district Enrichment teachers 
    • During 1 WIN period ("What I Need"), during the 6-day cycle
      • Small group- Project-based learning
      • Activities will be Language Arts and/or Mathematics-based
      • Extension opportunities 
      • Students may qualify for one or both subjects. 
      • Students will not miss any academic subjects. 
    • 2 Semesters based on school-wide data
      • If your child qualifies, you will receive a letter/email with more information. 
      • Kindergarten groups begin after the mid-year assessments. 
  • Integration of competitions/contests in grades K-5 at all schools
    • Continental Math League, Spelling Bee, CML: Language Arts and Geography (pending grade level and availability) 
  • Related arts opportunities (pending individual building schedules)
  • Summer School Enrichment program * Will be emailed/posted in May 

Selection Procedures: Students may be identified by the following criteria:

  • District Benchmark testing: DRA levels, Writing samples, LinkIt scores, Achieve 3000-Lexile Level, Mathematics Benchmark scores, Dibels, etc.
  • Grade 3: InView scores 
  • NJSLA scores
  • *All updated criteria will be posted on this website before each semester.
  • If your child qualifies, you will receive a letter in mid-October for semester 1 and mid-February for semester 2. No information will be available before then.                                

Helpful Links:

CLICK HERE for our Back to School Night Presentation

CLICK HERE for Criteria for Pull-out Enrichment program by school. 

CLICK HERE for The Continuum of Services for Gifted and Talented Students in grades K-8 

CLICK HERE for Links to G&T websites and Student Enrichment websites  

CLICK HERE for Programs and Criteria in grades 6-8 at Pine Brook and MEMS

CLICK HERE  MERS Math Site and Parent letters for Placement grades 5-8

CLICK HERE for Teacher and Supervisor contact information

Contests and Competitions:

CLICK HERE for district contests and examples- CML  

CLICK HERE for the MERS Family Math Challenge- Grades K-5; Answer Form: 

Click Here for Math Challenge Video

CLICK HERE for the Annual NJAGC Art & Writing (Due 12/5 to school)  Video & Music Contest (Due 2/16 online) Video Directions *In progress

For questions related to the program, please CLICK HERE for the Enrichment Handbook- Grades K-5 or contact:

  • Lindsay Singer: Assistant Principal at Lafayette Mills School and Academically Talented Supervisor:  Email
  • Sharon Hanson: District Enrichment Teacher at Clark Mills, Milford Brook, and Taylor Mills Schools: Email
  • Jessica Britton District Enrichment Teacher at ELC, Lafayette Mills, and Wemrock Brook Schools:  Email
 
MERS District Appeal Policy-  Parents, guardians, and students have the right to appeal any final decision regarding selection or removal from the continuum of gifted programs.

Appeals should be submitted to the following Supervisors:

  • Grades K-5:  Ms. Lindsay Singer, Supervisor of Gifted and Talented, at lindsaysinger@mersnj.us.
  • Grades 6-8 Mathematics: Dr. MaryJo Mikhail, Supervisor of Mathematics & Instructional Technology, at maryjomikhail@mersnj.us.
  • Grades 6-8 English Language Arts or Language Arts With Distinction: Mr. Kurt Abel, Supervisor of Instruction and English Language Arts, at kurtabel@mersnj.us.
  • Grades 6-8: Science With Distinction: Mrs. Kerry Marsala, Supervisor of Science & Social Studies, at kmarsala@mersnj.us.

All appeals must be submitted to the appropriate supervisor within 15 working days of notification regarding selection or removal. The supervisor will respond within 15 working days of receipt. Additional testing, data review, and/or meetings with the student, teacher, or parents may be requested as part of this process.

 

In accordance with Policy 2464, an individual who believes that the district has not complied with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:35-34 et seq. may file a complaint with the Board of Education. The Board shall issue a decision, in writing, to affirm, reject, or modify the district’s action in the matter. The individual may then file a petition of appeal of the Board’s written decision to the Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9 and the procedures set forth in State Board of Education regulations. Policy 2464