GIFTED AND TALENTED GT
Welcome to the O'Connor GT Department.
Northside Independent School District provides instructional opportunities and various services designed to meet the unique needs of students with significantly advanced general intellectual ability and/or specific subject matter aptitude in language arts, science, social studies and/or mathematics. These programs provide an appropriately differentiated curriculum in an effort to help students work to their fullest potential. GT program services may include a modified delivery of instruction for students by accelerating and/or providing for greater depth, more complex content, and enrichment activities. Specific GT program services are available in kindergarten-12th grades. GT program teachers serving identified GT students have met the state requirements necessary for the teaching assignment. Visit our district gifted and talented page for additional information.
Vision:
The GT/Advanced Academics department provides unique programs that nurture the abilities of high performing students while fostering parent and community involvement through Gifted and Talented, Advanced Placement (AP), PreAP and Dual Credit classes.
Mission:
The mission of the GT and Advanced Academics department in Northside ISD is to build a challenging learning environment that encourages life-long learning, nurtures high self-esteem, expands access to higher education, and provides experiences that enable students to reach their fullest potential as independent thinkers.
Follow us on social media!
Twitter/ X : OConnor_GT
Instagram : GiftedPanthers
Clubs -- Room G207
Nichols Buddies
Gifted Panther
Teens in the Driver Seat
UIL Current Events
See Mrs. Sweitzer for more information
GT Course Options
Recommended Grade Level : 9th
GT 1 provides an opportunity to study, practice and develop group and individual leadership and organizational skills. These skills include but are not limited to decision-making skills, Problem-solving techniques, communication skills, leadership roles, human relation skills and understanding the need for civic responsibility. This course is a hands-on, lab-oriented approach to leadership. In addition to the leadership skills, students will receive in-depth college preparation through time management activities, PSAT preparation, community service, college and scholarship searches, resume building, and GT Seminars.
Recommended Grade Level : 10th-11th
GT 2 is a semester course. It will focus on demonstrating global awareness and recognizing societal contributions required of responsible citizens and leaders through service learning. Service-learning is education in action — a way for students to gain knowledge and develop leadership and academic skills while meeting real community needs. After identifying and examining local issues, students agree on a plan, take action, and evaluate results. This course provides an opportunity for students to apply academic, social, and personal skills to improve the community, make decisions that have real (not hypothetical) results, grow as individuals, gain respect for peers, experience successes, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their community, and society. Students continue to develop leadership skills by taking initiative, solving problems, working as a team, and demonstrating their abilities while helping others.
Recommended Grade Level : 11th-12th
ISM is a unique course that gives students the opportunity to meet with a mentor in the professional field each student hopes to pursue after high school. Class time is used to meet with mentors, shadow them while they work, and develop a deeper understanding of the profession. ISM offers students freedom of choice in topics and mentor experiences. Students, parents, mentors, and college entrance committees report that this is one of the most useful preparations for the real world offered by the educational system.
