Gifted and Talented

Welcome to LES's Gifted and Talented site page. You will find GT announcements and resources useful for parents, students, and teachers.

Our GT liaison, with the district, is Mrs. Giraldes.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am a native of the picturesque state of Colorado, where I spent my formative years. My academic journey led me to the University of Southern Colorado, now known as CSU Pueblo, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Subsequently, I pursued my passion for education by completing a Masters in Gifted and Talented Education at the esteemed University of Northern Colorado.

With an extensive teaching career spanning over three decades, I've had the privilege of shaping young minds in grades 1 through 6, across various states. Furthermore, I've proudly served as a Gifted and Talented Education Facilitator within the DCSD system. Now, I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter in my educational journey as a member of the dedicated team at Larkspur Elementary School.

To contact Mrs. Giraldes, please email smgiraldes@dcsdk12.org.

DCSD Gifted Programming Website

Douglas County Association of Gifted and Talented (DCAGT)

Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)

Colorado Department of Education - Gifted Information

Referral Form to begin the gifted identification process (teacher and/or parent may fill out)

Click here to go to my Google Site where you will find more information.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 6th grade (November).

6th/2nd Grade Universal Screen

As part of the process, students in 2nd and 6th grade who are not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). The test will be taken by 6th graders in November and by 2nd graders in February. The assessment indicates a student's level and pattern of cognitive development in comparison to their peers. These reasoning abilities start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood and are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process.

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If you believe your child in kindergarten or first grade should be evaluated for Gifted Identification and Services, you can initiate the Gifted Identification Process. NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.

Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification.

Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss the next steps in the gifted identification process.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).