Whitehall District School’s Advanced and Accelerated Program Overview 

ADVANCED & ACCELERATED PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY   At Whitehall Schools we recognize that those students who exhibit or have potential for exceptional academic achievement, special talents and/or creativity, require appropriate educational opportunities and services that are not ordinarily provided throughout regular instructional programs.   It is our intent to provide students with programs and activities designed to encourage ongoing intellectual, personal and social growth, in order to realize their contribution to self and society. 

  

STUDENT IDENTIFICATION  
Student’s talents & interests are identified using the following tools: 

  • Informal reading and math assessments
  • Standardized testing (Terra Nova, Grades 3 and 6)
  • Renzulli’s Behavior Characteristics Scales
  • Teacher and Parent Recommendations.

SHORELINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS 
The Challenge Program Enrichment Classes offered are designed to meet the needs of all academically talented children: 

*Grades 1 and 2 - Junior Great Books, Literature Circles
*Grades 1 and 2 - Math Challenge
*Grade 2 -Kidvid
*Independent Studies, Introduction to Research                                 
 

HELEN R. EALY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
Curriculum accommodations are made to meet each student’s needs within the classroom and also through enrichment classes taught by a trained teacher.  Parents and teachers work with the Advanced & Accelerated Coordinator to determine Individual Student Plans (I.S.P.’s) for recommended students. 
 
THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH GRADE ENRICHMENT CLASSES
 *Language Arts Challenge
*Math-Science Challenge
*Multi-Media & Technology – Robotics and LEGO Simple Machines
*Independent Studies
 *Spanish Challenge (Gr. 3 and 5)  

In addition, there are enrichment opportunities and academic challenges, which may include:
* Continental Math League
*Destination Imagination
*Geography Bee/ Spelling Bee
*Science Fair Challenge
*  Junior Great Books
*Accelerated Reader
*National History Day Competition 

WHITEHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Challenging academic opportunities at this level are: 
*6th Grade Independent Study
*The PATH: Program for Academically Talented Students at Hope College is being offered Muskegon County since 2005.  This program is offered for 7th and 8th Grade students in honors math, and honors composition and literature.  In order to participate, students must take either the ACT or SAT test.
*Northwestern University Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS)
*Writing Contests
* Destination Imagination
* Science Olympiad
*Student Council
*Physics in the Park
*Quiz Bowl
* Girls Math/Science Workshop
*Michigan History Competition
*Social Studies Olympiad 

WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL 
At the High School, appropriate opportunities for academically talented students are offered according to their individual interest and/or abilities.  Challenging academic opportunities are: 

  • CLOSE UP (Washington D.C.)
  • Science Olympiad
  • MCTM  Math Competition
  • Student Council Leadership
  • National Honor Society
  • Advanced Classes:
    • AP Biology
    • AP Chemistry
    • AP Calculus
    • AP English
 
  • Dual Enrollment and “testing out” options