I want to let all the parents/guardians and students that I will be retiring as of June of this year.  I have felt honored to  have taught your children and to have met you all. Every class has held new surprises  and an infinite amount of joy. I have had the pleasure of teaching many  siblings and have seen my students mature and grow  from third to fifth grade. The creativity and motivation of my students inspired me and helped me to be my "best self" in the classroom. Their bright young minds encouraged me to come up with new and innovative ways to teach them. I cannot think of a better job, teaching my gifted Focus students, to end my teaching career. As each of you continue throughout your lives, please remember how special you are and use your unique giftedness to help make the world a better place Never forget to have a sense of humor and laugh !

I will miss you all but I am excited to begin a new chapter in my life.I will be beginning my new journety by going to Prague  in June to study on a grant  for the Rafael Schachter Institute for Arts and Humanities. I hope to see many of you around in the community.

I wish you all healthy, safe, and creative lives in the future.

  My best always,
Susan Beaubaire aka MS. B. aka Ms. Bow (in your hair) Bear (Grr!)

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) is one measure used for identification of gifted and talented students in our district.  The test is a matrix-reasoning ability measure made up of diagrams and shapes that form patterns.  The test includes segments that test pattern completion, reasoning by analogy, serial reasoning and spatial visualization.  The NNAT requires students to rely on reasoning and problem-solving skills instead of verbal skills.

The NNAT is a nonverbal test and is considered culturally fair and unbaised because it does not rely on language acquisition or cultural references.  It is appropriate for students who have limited English-language skills.  The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test provides a valid way to measure general ability for all students.  The NNAT is one measure used for gifted and talented identification.  MAP and MCA test scores are also part of our identification process.    

In September, all third graders will be tested in their classroom using the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT).  All fourth and fifth graders new to the district will also be tested using the NNAT.  These test results are part of the identification criteria to place students in the Focus program.  MAP scores and MCA scores are also used for Focus placement.

Focus classes will start at the beginning of October for students in grades three, four and five.  Additional students will be added throughout the school year based on qualifying test scores.  Students who have already been placed in the Focus program will continue to be served.

All students in grade 2 will be tested in February using the NNAT.  This is one of the measures used for gifted identification.  In addition to the NNAT, MAP and MCA test scores are used in the gifted identification process.