"Coventry Pride"

Board of Education News:  Programs That Make a Difference

          Recent discussions at the middle and high schools have focused on the topic of “Coventry Pride.”  Our students and the community should be very proud of so many different aspects of our schools.  With that in mind, the “Program Highlights” section of the Board of Education meetings has been renamed “Coventry Pride.” 

          At the December 18, 2007 meeting, the “Coventry Pride” section focused on the Challenge & Enrichment Program.  Carla Kennedy, the Challenge & Enrichment teacher, gave an overview of the program.  This year the program has been expanded to include grades K-8.  Ms. Kennedy works 4 days a week at CNH and alternates one day a week between CGS and GHR.  Ms. Kennedy explained what the Challenge & Enrichment program is and what the law requires of districts for this program.  The state says we must identify 5% of our students as gifted and 5% as talented.  Coventry is about on target.  The law is specific on identifying students, but is not specific on serving them.    

          One of the newer recommendations is for activities to be provided to students in the regular classroom, not just through the special out-of-class Challenge & Enrichment program.  Dr. Bernard added that “gifted and talented” used to be specific to exceptional verbal or math skills.  They now say there are at least thirteen different kinds of “gifted.”  It is the district’s role to serve those children who are identified as gifted in the various areas.

          Tune in to Munivision, Channel 13, to learn more about “Programs that Make a Difference.”