CHALK TALK: Gifted program flourishing at Finger Lake Elementary

It is hard to believe I am in my third year as Principal at Finger Lake Elementary (FLE), a little gem tucked away in the woods off Bogard Road. I am honored to be serving alongside a great team. At the same time I was beginning my career as the FLE Principal, the Mat-Su District Office, under Dr. Goyette’s leadership, rolled out an Elementary Talented and Gifted (TAG) choice option for students in grades 3-5. The program started in the fall of 2015 at FLE and grew the second year to two teachers. Mr. Boyden and Ms. Hardy share students throughout the day for subject areas (similar to a middle school model). The TAG program at FLE offers families a unique experience in two self-contained multi-aged classrooms. The program is designed to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of gifted students.

In TAG, both Mr. Boyden and Ms. Hardy focus on project-based learning. Students are required to be critical and independent thinkers. Students are frequently seen asking questions of each other and their teachers. They have choice in their own learning. I asked the TAG class one year to be part of a school maintenance project to place soundboards in a room that we were converting to a conference space. The room had a terrible echo and the students had to generate questions relevant to the project, form hypotheses, and make recommendations that would maximize the sound absorption and minimize the echo. Our school environment, and TAG, are grounded in an environment that is respectful, and the students and teachers have fun.

In a recent visit to Ms. Hardy’s class, I saw students working on map scales during social studies. I heard Ms. Hardy asking questions that elicited critical thinking instead of simple memorization. For example, the question was, “If one inch represents 818 miles and the distance from Georgia to New York is one and a half inches on the map, how many miles is that?” I did not hear students giving estimates but rather, within seconds, spilling the exact and accurate response to the question. Then the next question was, “Is a straight line an accurate representation of distance on a highway map?” Teachers continue to go deeper with students at every level to challenge their thinking and spark their curiosity. It is difficult to capture the level of discussion and questioning techniques that occur in these classrooms; however, I can say that the teachers are flexible beyond imagination to meet students where they are and move them forward.

Mr. Boyden’s experience as an advanced middle school teacher for many years brought a new perspective to the team when he joined last year. In talking to a student from Mr. Boyden’s class, she said she had not had to work so hard in her life. But it wasn’t a bad “work hard.” It was a good “work hard.” Mr. Boyden is a master teacher placing a strong emphasis on learning Greek and Latin roots, grammar and writing. He also regularly integrates art and technology across his subject areas.

Research suggests that small school structures contribute to student achievement and a sense of well-being. Some TAG students, while receiving instruction in a general education classroom, become frustrated and/or do not feel challenged. A school within a school model offers students the best of both worlds. They have access to recess, music, PE, library, as well as extracurricular offerings while receiving instruction that meets their high academic needs.

I am thrilled beyond measure to lead our team, support our staff, and walk alongside Ms. Hardy and Mr. Boyden as they create, plan, design, and implement the rich and engaging lessons that capture their audience and intrigue their students. In a multi-aged classroom, a teacher must understand the needs and abilities of each individual and differentiate instruction accordingly, and this team is exemplary at these tasks. My hope for all TAG students is for them to grow with like-minded peers in a dynamic and captivating learning environment. I am motivated and inspired by school structures that change the lives of young people. I am passionate about building and supporting programs and people that make an impact in our community and our world. I am confident that the work our staff is doing is changing the lives of our students and their families. Students, including those in TAG, are engaged, challenged, and excited about school.

Finger Lake is the perfect mix of being a neighborhood school and a choice school for those families who want a unique TAG experience. Mat-Su is proud to have great teachers and great programs across the district, and Finger Lake is delighted to be home to the elementary TAG program. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Finger Lake with any questions.

Susan Steele is the principal of Finger Lake Elementary in Wasilla.