PS/IS 217 G&T Program FAQs
Who are the G&T students at PS/IS 217?
The G&T program at PS/IS 217 began in 2009 and runs from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Residents of Manhattan District 2 and Queens District 30 are eligible to apply and a mix of Roosevelt Island, Manhattan, and Queens students make up the current G&T classes at PS/IS 217.
How many G&T classes are there at PS/IS 217?
We currently have one G&T class in each grade from Kindergarten to 5th grade.
Does the PS/IS 217 G&T program extend to Middle School?
Currently District 2 does not offer G&T programming in 6th-8th grades.
How many kindergarten G&T spots will be available for the 2020-21 school year?
The PS/IS 217 G&T kindergarten class can accommodate 25 students. Class size limits are determined by the NYC Department of Education.
Is there a waitlist for the program?
Yes. Our G&T classes are at-capacity and there is a waitlist. We expect our incoming G&T kindergarten class to be at-capacity and to have a wait-list.
How many spots will be available in other grades?
All of the G&T classes are currently full. Because DOE class size limits increase from 25 in kindergarten to 32 in 1st grade, there are normally 7 openings in 1st grade, with priority given to qualifying siblings of current students. Grades 2 and 3 typically only have openings if current families move away. The school does not have the projected number of openings at this time.
Where do 217 G&T program graduates go to Middle School?
Students attend many different Middle Schools including Lab Middle School, East Side Middle, Wagner Salk School of Science, School of the Future, Hunters Point, and PS/IS 217.
What curriculum is used in PS 217’s G&T program?
PS/IS 217 implements a teacher-designed curriculum crafted with our individual students in mind. Our innovative curriculum is designed using a wide variety of pedagogical resources including Teachers College Reading and Writing, Singapore Math, and the University of Chicago Everyday Math. The Common Core curriculum is used as a guide to ensure students are aligned with the mandated standards. Additional to the core academic subjects, enrichment in computer science, art, hands-on science, library and instrumental music are integrated into the curriculum, supporting academic instruction. Teachers deliver the curriculum using best practices which are refined throughout the year with ongoing professional development.
How is the G&T curriculum different from the general education curriculum at PS 217?
The NYC Department of Education Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs aim to deliver rigorous, and specialized instruction aligned to Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS). We embrace this approach with our students at PS/IS 217. All our students are viewed as individuals with strengths and weaknesses and it is our goal is to help every student reach their full potential regardless of class placement. We expect all students to achieve mastery of the Common Core Learning Standards and provide enrichment and acceleration beyond those standards, whenever possible.
What kind of training does a teacher need to work with gifted students?
PS/IS 217 G&T teachers have either achieved an advanced certificate in gifted education or are currently in pursuit of the certificate. The majority of teachers have also completed coursework at Hunter College which provides a comprehensive look at the gifted child as well as how to differentiate and accelerate our curriculum in order to incorporate higher order thinking and critical thinking skills.
My child qualified for G&T but also has an IEP, what service providers do you have?
If your child qualifies for G&T and has an IEP, our school will help connect you with the services your child requires. We have a Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, School Psychologist, and Guidance Counselors on our team who are ready to assist children with an IEP.
Does the DOE provide transportation for G&T students?
A free metrocard is provided for students. However, bus transportation is not provided for families coming from Queens due to a regulation prohibiting free cross-borough transportation. Parents in Queens have organized a private bus service to transport children to and from PS/IS 217. If you would like more information about this service, we are happy to connect you to the team of parent coordinators.
How is Cornell Tech involved in 217 G&T Program?
Cornell Tech has committed to ‘adopting’ PS/IS 217 as part of its educational mission by providing professional development, comprehensive curriculum around computational thinking, hardware, software programming, and other investments into our school. Cornell Tech’s unique partnership with our school will continue to evolve. Currently, Cornell Tech provides a Teacher in Residence at PS/IS 217 one day per week to support and train classroom teachers as they provide computing instruction at every grade level.
What supplies does my child need?
UPDATE: Supply list for upcoming 2020-2021 school year will be released at later date.
A school supply list is available on the website. Please bring in supplies during the first few days of school.
Who are the G&T students at PS/IS 217?
The G&T program at PS/IS 217 began in 2009 and runs from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Residents of Manhattan District 2 and Queens District 30 are eligible to apply and a mix of Roosevelt Island, Manhattan, and Queens students make up the current G&T classes at PS/IS 217.
How many G&T classes are there at PS/IS 217?
We currently have one G&T class in each grade from Kindergarten to 5th grade.
Does the PS/IS 217 G&T program extend to Middle School?
Currently District 2 does not offer G&T programming in 6th-8th grades.
How many kindergarten G&T spots will be available for the 2020-21 school year?
The PS/IS 217 G&T kindergarten class can accommodate 25 students. Class size limits are determined by the NYC Department of Education.
Is there a waitlist for the program?
Yes. Our G&T classes are at-capacity and there is a waitlist. We expect our incoming G&T kindergarten class to be at-capacity and to have a wait-list.
How many spots will be available in other grades?
All of the G&T classes are currently full. Because DOE class size limits increase from 25 in kindergarten to 32 in 1st grade, there are normally 7 openings in 1st grade, with priority given to qualifying siblings of current students. Grades 2 and 3 typically only have openings if current families move away. The school does not have the projected number of openings at this time.
Where do 217 G&T program graduates go to Middle School?
Students attend many different Middle Schools including Lab Middle School, East Side Middle, Wagner Salk School of Science, School of the Future, Hunters Point, and PS/IS 217.
What curriculum is used in PS 217’s G&T program?
PS/IS 217 implements a teacher-designed curriculum crafted with our individual students in mind. Our innovative curriculum is designed using a wide variety of pedagogical resources including Teachers College Reading and Writing, Singapore Math, and the University of Chicago Everyday Math. The Common Core curriculum is used as a guide to ensure students are aligned with the mandated standards. Additional to the core academic subjects, enrichment in computer science, art, hands-on science, library and instrumental music are integrated into the curriculum, supporting academic instruction. Teachers deliver the curriculum using best practices which are refined throughout the year with ongoing professional development.
How is the G&T curriculum different from the general education curriculum at PS 217?
The NYC Department of Education Gifted & Talented (G&T) programs aim to deliver rigorous, and specialized instruction aligned to Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS). We embrace this approach with our students at PS/IS 217. All our students are viewed as individuals with strengths and weaknesses and it is our goal is to help every student reach their full potential regardless of class placement. We expect all students to achieve mastery of the Common Core Learning Standards and provide enrichment and acceleration beyond those standards, whenever possible.
What kind of training does a teacher need to work with gifted students?
PS/IS 217 G&T teachers have either achieved an advanced certificate in gifted education or are currently in pursuit of the certificate. The majority of teachers have also completed coursework at Hunter College which provides a comprehensive look at the gifted child as well as how to differentiate and accelerate our curriculum in order to incorporate higher order thinking and critical thinking skills.
My child qualified for G&T but also has an IEP, what service providers do you have?
If your child qualifies for G&T and has an IEP, our school will help connect you with the services your child requires. We have a Physical Therapist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, School Psychologist, and Guidance Counselors on our team who are ready to assist children with an IEP.
Does the DOE provide transportation for G&T students?
A free metrocard is provided for students. However, bus transportation is not provided for families coming from Queens due to a regulation prohibiting free cross-borough transportation. Parents in Queens have organized a private bus service to transport children to and from PS/IS 217. If you would like more information about this service, we are happy to connect you to the team of parent coordinators.
How is Cornell Tech involved in 217 G&T Program?
Cornell Tech has committed to ‘adopting’ PS/IS 217 as part of its educational mission by providing professional development, comprehensive curriculum around computational thinking, hardware, software programming, and other investments into our school. Cornell Tech’s unique partnership with our school will continue to evolve. Currently, Cornell Tech provides a Teacher in Residence at PS/IS 217 one day per week to support and train classroom teachers as they provide computing instruction at every grade level.
What supplies does my child need?
UPDATE: Supply list for upcoming 2020-2021 school year will be released at later date.
A school supply list is available on the website. Please bring in supplies during the first few days of school.
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