Kearny Explorers Enrichment Program
Where Small Ideas Begin to Grow
Our Gifted and Talented Program provides identified Gifted and Talented and Twice-Exceptional students with a high quality, appropriate education that meets their special needs. Gifted and Talented and Twice-Exceptional children are those who have superior intellectual abilities with the potential to perform at levels that exceed district norms. In addition, they have the potential to use abstract, creative, and productive thinking skills. These self-motivated children are able to sustain high academic performance. Their unique abilities and characteristics require special social and emotional support from family, community, and school to maximize all multiple talents.
The Kearny School District provides advanced academic programs which ensure a learning continuum and reinforce the strengths, needs, and interests of Gifted and Talented and Twice-Exceptional students. The programs also support the unique needs of academically talented English Language Learners. The Kearny School District has adopted guidelines to ensure that the programs and services offered are consistent with the guidelines of the State of New Jersey.
Gifted and Talented Staff
Kimberly Kyak | Marlaina Melker | Danielle Curry |
|---|---|---|
3-6 Enrichment Teacher and District Kearny Explorers Enrichment Program Coordinator for Grades K-6 Franklin School | K-2 Enrichment Teacher & Media Specialist Franklin School | K-6 Enrichment Teacher & Media Specialist Garfield School |
Carin Lupo | Jennifer Humphrey | Kerry Bird |
|---|---|---|
K-6 Enrichment Teacher & Media Specialist Roosevelt School | K-6 Enrichment Teacher & Media Specialist Schuyler School | K-6 Enrichment Teacher & Media Specialist Washington School |
Important Information
Criteria for Admission
Click on the link below to explore the Kearny School District criteria for admission by grade level:
Policy and Procedures
Click on the link below to access the Board policy regarding the Gifted and Talented program:
Continuum of Service
The gifted and talented programs in the Kearny School District are needs-based services designed for those K-12 students who, when compared to their chronological peers, possess or demonstrate exceptionally high levels of ability in one or more content areas. The programs provide additional and appropriate educational challenges and opportunities to meet the needs of these students. The curricula for the various G&T programs are created by the G&T Coordinator and teachers, and peer-reviewed by members of the county consortium. It is designed to provide appropriate challenges to intellectually and academically advanced learners, and is approved by the Board of Education. The range of services offered by the Kearny School District include: pull-out programs, specialized content courses, advanced classes, varied grouping strategies, acceleration, and differentiation of curriculum and instruction in the classroom.
Appeal Process
The Kearny School district is eager to answer questions and resolve issues at a level closest to the student. Please address your concerns first with your child’s teacher, then direct them to a building principal or to Karen Pichinin, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction PK-12. If you still have a problem needing resolution, please contact the Superintendent of Schools. Only then, if still unresolved, you may put it in writing to and address the local board of education. You will get a response in writing. Finally, if there is a complaint or dispute, you may take it to the NJDOE Commissioner of Education, as per the directions here:
Parent Resources
Click on any of the buttons below for more information and helpful resources.