Welcome to Monroe Middle School-- Home of  the Mustangs.  My name is Ruth Sitzman, and I am the Gifted/Talented (GT) Facilitator at Monroe Middle School. I look forward to communicating with you throughout the school year.

Monroe Middle School has maintained an outstanding record of academic excellence. Students who attend Monroe are well prepared to meet the academic rigors of high school. Our mission is to provide a rigorous academic experience that is based on research and best practices and enables all students to achieve their highest potential.

The goal of the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is to identify gifted and exceptionally talented students within the Omaha Public Schools, nurture their social/emotional development and enhance their curriculum experience so these unique individuals may reach their fullest potential.  At Monroe Middle School the program is designed to address student needs through a combination of the following methods:

      o   Classroom Differentiation
      o   Honors and Advanced Classes
      o   Contest/Competitions
      o   Enrichment Activities and Clubs

Our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program at Monroe Middle School is based on the Omaha Public Schools “Best Practices”. We want to support your high ability learner. We will be making sure our courses are differentiated. We will support staff through collaboration and professional development and by planning and providing opportunities for your child.

Should you have any questions throughout the year, please contact Ms. Ruth Sitzman at:

531-299-2460 or ruth.sitzman@ops.org.  

A strong partnership between school and home is vital to the success of our students. Thank you for supporting your student academically/ socially/emotionally, which will result in their sterling success.

Sincerely,
Ruth Sitzman
GATE Facilitator
Monroe Middle School

The goal of the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is to identify gifted and exceptionally talented students within the Omaha Public Schools, nurture their social/emotional development and enhance their curriculum experience so these unique individuals may reach their fullest potential.  At Monroe Middle School the program is designed to address student needs through a combination of the following methods:

      o   Classroom Differentiation
      o   Honors and Advanced Classes
      o   Contest/Competitions
      o   Enrichment Activities and Clubs

 Identification

The Omaha Public Schools’ method of identifying gifted and talented students is modeled after the NAGC (National Association of Gifted Children).  Identification includes meeting three of the following criteria: performance at 130 or above on IQ assessments, 95% or above on any sub-tests of the MAP test, 3.5 GPA and teacher or parent recommendation.

Selection for the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program at Monroe Middle School can also be determined by a student’s performance in certain courses.  Identification encompasses the following five areas: Intellectual, Academic, Creative, Leadership, and Visual/Performing Arts. Middle school is an opportunity for students to self-select areas that allow them to explore and capitalize on their strengths, display their talents, and excel. Whether it is found in their coursework, a competition, a contest, or an extracurricular activity, a student’s giftedness and/or talents can blossom and develop at Monroe Middle School.

Monroe Middle School offers unique opportunities for students based on their talents and needs.

Contests/Competitions

  Quiz Bowl                           National History Day                    Think Tank
  Poetry Slam                       Spelling Bee                          Book Blasters     
  African American History Day

 Enrichment and Clubs

  Student Council                     Student Ambassadors         
  Robotics                                Chess Club                        
  Renaissance            
  National Junior Honor Society

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)

Competitions/Activities

Coordinated by the Office of Gifted and Talented 

Academic Pentathlon: The newest program of the United States Academic Decathlon for middle school students was created to provide opportunities to experience the challenges of a rigorous team and individual competition in five events: Language and Literature, Mathematics, Music, Science, and Social Studies. The Pentathlon theme parallels that of the high school Academic Decathlon program.  (currently optional for a school to participate)

Book Blasters: Book Blasters is a district-wide competition that involves a team of students who are responsible for reading approximately 12 selected novels. Teams then compete to see who reigns supreme in knowledge of the novels’ content.

Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP): The 7th grade talent search through Duke University provides an opportunity for high ability students to pursue an above-level testing experience. 

Poetry SLAMS:  Each fall and spring student poets from each middle school take the stage and share their writing with their peers.  SLAMS provide an outlet to express feelings, thoughts and ideas with an audience that yearns for student expression.

Quiz Bowl: Quiz Bowl is an academic competition. A four-member team competes against the clock answering questions from various disciplines. Skills, such as teamwork, cooperative group discussion, problem solving, and reaction time, are enhanced through practices and competitions.

Read to Succeed (R2S): Middle Level schools with fifth and six grade students may compete in this elementary competition. Students read 10 novels (Big Ten) and compete in a team approach to gain a spot in the Super Ten competition. The contest was designed to promote and encourage the love of reading. (middle schools with 5th and 6th grade students)

Scholars: Seventh and Eighth grade students (selected) for the Scholars program engage in activities that are goal-oriented.  Students learn more about themselves, support on another, and achieve success at school. Various events are planned to prepare students for their high school years and beyond i.e., College Campus tours, Gallup Strength Finder, ACT prep, etiquette course and more.

Think Tank: Think Tank is a competitive problem-solving event for 7th and 8th graders held on the UNO campus. This day long event features a game that involves creative problem solving.