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Programs

Elevating Excellence: Gifted & Talented Specialist

Grades K- 6

At Hayden Peak Elementary, we are deeply committed to nurturing the unique potential of every single student. To further enrich our academic environment, we are thrilled to feature a dedicated Gifted and Talented (GT) Specialist on our campus this year!

Our GT Specialist serves as a vital resource for our entire school community, working hand-in-hand with classrooms to elevate learning, ignite curiosity, and provide meaningful challenges for our advanced learners.

Dual Impact: Supporting Teachers & Inspiring Students

The GT Specialist works through a dynamic, two-fold approach designed to maximize student growth:

  • Empowering Our Classrooms: Our specialist collaborates directly with classroom teachers, providing advanced instructional strategies, specialized resources, and tailored teaching methods. This ensures that the daily needs of our high-achieving students are met with depth, complexity, and rigor right inside their homeroom.

  • Targeted Enrichment Groups: Throughout the school day, the GT Specialist pulls small groups of students for specialized enrichment sessions. These pull-out groups dive into high-interest topics, hands-on projects, and advanced problem-solving activities that challenge their critical thinking and unleash their creativity.

What Enrichment Looks Like at Hayden Peak

Our enrichment activities are designed to push beyond standard curriculum boundaries. Students engaging with our GT Specialist will have opportunities to develop:

  • Advanced Critical Thinking: Tackling complex puzzles, logic challenges, and real-world scenarios.

  • Creative Expression: Designing innovative projects and exploring out-of-the-box solutions.

  • Collaborative Leadership: Working alongside intellectual peers to brainstorm, debate, and create.

Hayden Peak Leadership Academy (HPLA)

5th and 6th Grade Students

At Hayden Peak, we believe that leadership isn't just a title—it’s a set of skills, habits, and attitudes that can be nurtured and developed. The Hayden Peak Leadership Academy (HPLA) is our premier program dedicated to shaping the leaders of tomorrow, today.

HPLA students serve as role models within our school community, mastering everything from public speaking to everyday etiquette, and actively leading our school-wide Portrait of a Graduate (P.O.G.) Assemblies.

Empowering the "Portrait of a Graduate"

Our academy members don't just learn about leadership; they teach it. During our P.O.G. Assemblies, HPLA students present to their peers, facilitating discussions around the core characteristics we hope to instill in every Hayden Peak student:

  • Curious Thinkers – Asking big questions and seeking deep understanding.

  • Creative Problem Solvers – Finding innovative solutions to unique challenges.

  • Engaged Citizens – Making a positive impact on our school and local community.

  • Effective Communicators – Sharing ideas clearly, confidently, and respectfully.

  • Resilient Lifelong Learners – Pushing through challenges and embracing growth.

  • Responsible Teammates – Collaborating with others to achieve common goals.

The Ron Clark Connection: Essential Skills for Life

To build a strong foundation of respect and excellence, the HPLA curriculum incorporates the renowned 55 Essential Traits from Ron Clark. We believe that true leadership shines brightest in the details of how we treat one another.

Through intentional practice and real-world application, our HPLA students master essential life and social skills, including:

  • The Art of the Handshake: Learning the confidence behind a firm, proper handshake.

  • Eye Contact & Presence: Understanding the importance of looking people in the eye when speaking and listening.

  • Active Listening: Going beyond just hearing words to truly understanding and respecting others' perspectives.

  • Social & Dining Etiquette: Navigating various social settings with grace, manners, and poise.

  • Public Presentation: Overcoming the fear of public speaking to deliver impactful, engaging presentations to large audiences.

Our fifth and sixth grade students may apply for HPLA. There is an interview process with the principal, Ms. Susuico. Students also have to obtain teacher recommendations from a past teacher and their current teacher. HPLA is taught by Ms. Susuico (Principal) and Ms. Brinkman (6th Grade Teacher) on certain Thursday's after school. If your child is interested in applying they may do so at the beginning of the school year.

 

Harmony Choir
Grades 4th through 6th

It's time for a new season of Harmony, sponsored by Hayden Peak PTA!  The choir leaders are Megan Toronto and Julie Weir.  We are excited to make music with your children!  The fall season will be a Christmas Program.  There will be speaking parts, solos, and singing groups.  The words and music will be available for you to practice during the week through email when it is ready.  We invite all 4th-6th graders to participate.  Choir will rehearse TUESDAYS before school at 7:30 am.  We will be using the t-shirts from last year.  If you are new to Harmony and do not have one, we will order one for you.  There may be some extra practices on Monday/Wednesday/Thursday mornings when we get closer to performance time, or if your child has an additional part (speaking, solo, or group part).  You will be notified of those dates in advance.

To help cover the cost of the choir (t-shirts, music, field trip, party, etc.), we ask for a donation of $5 per student, per semester (Fall and Spring).  At the end of the year, your student will be able to keep their t-shirt, if they desire.  If this is a hardship for you, please contact one of the Harmony leaders and we will be happy to work with you.