Q-How can my child be tested for St. Elmo or Hannan?
A-Students in kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, and 8th grade are automatically tested in October of each year.  Beginning the 2008-2009 school year, stakeholders can refer students during the last week in September and the first week in October; the last week in January and the first week in February.  Please look at the eligibility and characteristics link for further information.  No child can be assessed without a parent permission form.

Q-What type of curriculum is offered at the St. Elmo Gifted Education Center?
A-The teachers create curriculum that is based on the Georgia Performance Standards incorporating the gifted goals. Academic curriculum is enriched with higher level work that offers rigor and relevance.  The school also offers afternoon enrichment of art, music appreciation, NASA Space Center activities, and much more.  In 2008-2009, the school will be offering French, Environmental Science, Junior Great Books, and the Stock Market Game, just to name a few.

Q-Is the school year the same as the regular schools?
A-The year is slightly different from the regular school schedule.  Students who attend St. Elmo will not go the first week the students begin.  This gives the students an opportunity to bond in their home school.  They will begin the second week of school and end the week before school gets out.  This allows the regular school to have their end of the year activities without any disruptions and the students will not miss out.  Students will not attend St. Elmo during any county wide testing days.

Q-Can I bring my child to the school?
A-Yes, but we highly recommend that the children ride the bus from their home school. Parents who do bring their children should bring them to the front hall and allow the student to go to class alone so the teacher can concentrate on all the children in the classroom as the day begins.

Q- Can I eat lunch with my child?
A- Yes, we are happy to have parents, grandparents, etc. eat with the children.  Please remember, always check in at the office upon your arrival.  We encourage you to sit with your child's class so you can get to know the students from around the county.  We do want you to visit, but this would not be a time to discuss your student with the teacher. Conference time can be set up through the main office.

Q- How do lunch accounts work at St. Elmo?
A- The accounts are separate from the student's home school.  You may wish to send enough money to pay for several weeks or months so they always have money available.  If students forget their lunch money, they may charge lunch at St. Elmo just like at their home school.  Richards Middle School provides the lunches so you would need to look at the advertised middle school menu.

Q- What if my child takes medication?
A- Just like at their home school, a form needs to be filled out and the medicine brought in the original prescription bottle.  We have Mrs. Kimberly Crumbs in our clinic for half a day each day of the week handling medical needs.

Q- What if my child has an inhaler?
A- Just like at their home school, a form needs to be filled out and the medicine brought in the original prescription package.  Your child may leave the inhaler with Mrs. Crumbs in the clinic or your child may bring it each week.  We would appreciate having an inhaler on hand if your child has asthma.

Q- Does my child have to make up work missed while at St. Elmo?
A- The Muscogee County School District Parent-Teacher-Student handbook states "students do not make up missed work or homework assigned on the day they attend gifted education classes.  They do make up tests.  A student can be required to make up a specific assignment if the teacher feels the student has not mastered the skill or concept covered by the assignment."  Please talk with your home school teacher if you have any concerns or call Mrs. Housand at 706-748-3115.

Q- Does my child have to attend each week?
A- Students are expected to attend their gifted classes each week.  The GaDOE Gifted Education Department states that students are required to receive five (5) hours of gifted education services each week.  Sometimes their home school has planned events on the days they come to St. Elmo but most schools try to plan around the days they are here.  It is acceptable for them to attend special events but they should not miss too many days or they may get behind in their work.

Q- What if my child performs poorly in school?
A- Satisfactory performance in both regular education and gifted education classes is required for continuation in the gifted program.  A probationary period shall be provided for students who need this service.

Q-Do the students receive report cards?
A-Yes they do.  The students will receive a report card each nine weeks. They usually go out a week after the county report cards are received. The report cards are standards based.