Campbell County updates Odyssey gifted program, adds resource teachers

Miss Patrick, a leader in Campbell County’s Odyssey gifted program, told the school board that the division has moved from “zero gifted teachers” last year to a multi-person team this school year and described how the program will serve students across elementary schools. The presentation focused on a mixed service model that combines weekly pull-out resource classes with push-in support to regular classroom teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade to “build thinking skills” and identify students who might have previously been overlooked for gifted services. The program update said the county had sought 3.5 gifted resource positions and now has several teachers in place. Miss Patrick said the expansion lets “students have more opportunity” and that the program this year is focusing on the theme of innovation to build a pipeline for future thinkers. She listed teachers working in the program by name and school assignment: Diane Parker (Concord Elementary), Lauren Reynolds (Rustburg Elementary, Leesville Road and Yellow Branch Elementary) and another teacher, Holly, who was described as balancing retirement with teaching duties. Miss Patrick described the service model: students are pulled out at least once a week for a resource class and teachers also “push into the classrooms in kindergarten through second grade,” a strategy she called an early talent model designed to “raise talent for all learners.” She said the program will also expose students to field trips and guest speakers; a planned November trip to the Danville Science Center to connect students to chemical engineering careers was mentioned. Board members asked for program metrics. Miss Patrick said the district is considering student and parent surveys, rubrics tied to student challenges, and growth measures collected through teacher evidence to evaluate the program. During Q&A a teacher reported a primary-service roster of 25 students while another said her roster was 47. No formal action or policy change was requested at the meeting. Board members thanked the presenters and encouraged a return briefing next year on program outcomes.