“A way for students to learn outside
the bounds of the school building.”
That’s what the MHRD Gifted &
Talented Program is according to Ms.
Sara Bauer, the Gifted & Talented Teacher
Coordinator. By undertaking for-credit
independent studies or joining seminars,
students who have interests outside the
academic offerings of the traditional
curriculum can participate in activities as
diverse as architectural design, creative
writing, and volunteer firefighting.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Bauer
was an English teacher at Morris Hills
for thirteen years. She taught students
of every grade and ability level and is
remembered as both innovative and
inspiring. However, when Ms. Rudge
(the previous GT coordinator) decided to
retire, Ms. Bauer realized she desired a
change of pace, craved a new challenge,
and saw interesting possibilities in the
opportunity to work with diverse students
at both Hills and Knolls. Ms. Bauer wrote
up a proposal, interviewed with the district
superintendent, and got the job starting
in September 2010. While she may miss
teaching, this change has allowed Ms.
Bauer to embark on a new adventure of
nurturing the out-of-the-box ambitions of
MHRD students.
Every day in the Gifted and Talented
program is different. One day Ms. Bauer
might have meetings with independent
study students (who number around 120 at
Hills and Knolls combined). Another day
she might run one of the three GT seminars:
Creative Writing, Teen Leadership Council,
or Model Congress. The next day she might
audition performers for the GT showcase
or plan for special summer programs such
Ms. Sara Bauer Helps Students Spread Wings in GT Program
as the College Essay Summer Writing
Camp. Ms. Bauer’s first objective when
she started her new job was to keep all the
existing GT machinery running smoothly,
but she also implemented a big renovation
of her own: the GT “Ning”, an online place
for GT students to share their progress,
network with each other, and explore the
experience of taking an independent study.
According to Ms. Bauer, the job is changing
her. It keeps her on her toes with constantly
shifting deadlines and schedules, and she
must use technology such as her beloved
iPhone to keep it all straight. She’s also
learned tons of unique tidbits about diverse
topics that make her a pro at “cocktail party
conversation.” Working with students to
achieve their dreams has also made her
more inquisitive and an expert at asking
the right questions.
Ms. Bauer suggests that students
who are interested in undertaking an
independent study during the 2012-2013
school year should first see their guidance
counselors to discuss their ideas and to
receive the application forms. One of
the most important considerations when
planning an independent study is the choice
of mentor, the adult (usually a teacher) who
will be a resource for the student during the
school year. Mentors are volunteers and so
students should approach them politely
to ask if they are willing to undertake the
responsibility. Students have to create a
proposal for their plan of study and turn it
in to Ms. Bauer by March 19, 2012. They
will then be interviewed by Ms. Bauer and
the administration to explain their plans.
With Ms. Bauer at the helm, the GT
program is a great opportunity for all
students to show off their creativity and
excel in unique pursuits. Sign up today!