Nominate new students for Gifted Services by Aug. 28
Bulloch County Schools’ nomination window for Gifted Services is open now through August 28, for children in Second through eighth grades, who are new to the school district.
This fall review allows teachers, parents, guardians, students, or peers to nominate any newly enrolled students who meet the specifications for this window of consideration. All nominations must be submitted to the QUEST facilitator at each elementary or middle school by August 28.
For your convenience, an online nomination form is also available on the school district’s webpage under the Learning & Support tab or visit bullochschools.org/gifted. Nominations received after the Fall 2026 nomination window closes may be nominated again for the Spring 2027 testing window which is January 4 to 21.
After August 28, nominations close, and each school’s eligibility team will review student data to determine if a formal evaluation for gifted services is required. A nomination does not guarantee a formal evaluation. Gifted Services are based on need. The review team must establish whether the evidence confirms the need for a formal evaluation.
If a student is to be evaluated, the child’s parents or guardians will receive a Permission to Test Form to sign and return to the school. This form is required before testing can begin.
Testing will begin after teams have reviewed the data and received permission to test from the gifted teacher at the child’s home school. Students who qualify for gifted services through the fall testing process will begin gifted services in January 2027. Those who qualify through spring testing will begin services in August 2027.
Online Talent Development Resources
The school district now offers parents an online resource to help develop children’s talent and skills. Primary Talent Development is an instructional model that provides all students opportunities to develop their talents and achieve their fullest potential. Parents and guardians can enrich their child’s higher-order thinking skills through attribute, questioning, and creative problem-solving experiences that nurture and challenge children. Thinking skills such as problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning are extremely important. Through introduction and practice of these skills, children will be better prepared for all academic content areas as well as testing and assessments. Proficiency in these skills also builds confidence and benefits students socially and emotionally.
The Talent Development section of the Gifted website also has seven lessons families may utilize. The Alike and Different lesson should be divided into two sessions, as stated. These talent development lessons will definitely challenge children to think outside the box and build higher-order thinking skills. If you have any questions about Bulloch County Schools’ Gifted Services or Online Talent Development, contact Kristi Kaiser, at klkaiser@bullochschools.org.
