Welcome to Advanced Academics

The mission of the Galena Park Independent School District is to prepare students to become productive citizens and lifelong learners.

 

We feel that by engaging our students in exciting lessons that explore and incorporate higher level thinking skills we can assure success for all of our students.

 

Curriculum Corner is the portal for our successful teachers to come together and reach our common educational goal by enhancing lessons, engaging students, and increasing interactivity in the classroom.

 

Advanced Academics Philosophy

The Galena Park Independent School District is dedicated to the development of each student to the extent of individual abilities. The district has made a commitment to identify and serve gifted and talented students with educational experiences and/or services appropriate to their unique needs. Students may be enrolled in a variety of programs including, but not limited to Journeys, Encounters, pre-Advanced Placement, and Advanced Placement. Students are provided differentiated learning experiences with emphasis on the processes of thinking, problem-solving, research, creativity, and communication.

 

Advanced Academics Contacts

Executive Director of Educational Support
Elizabeth Lalor

 

Secretary to Senior Director of Academic Support

Rita Hernandez at (832) 386-1044

 

Coordinator of Academic Support and Educational Research

Dr. Darrell McWhorter

 

Coordinator of Advanced Placement

Helen Tiller

 

Coordinator of Gifted and Talented

Pam Johnson

 

Secretary to the Coordinator of Gifted and Talented
Rocio Garza at (832) 386-1064

Enrollment Criteria for Pre-AP and AP

Students with an 80 or above average at the end of the 3rd nine weeks grading period who are currently in a Pre-AP course will automatically be placed in the next Pre-AP course of that subject. (The grade is an average of the three nine weeks.)

 

Level III scores on STAAR will be used to place incoming 6th graders or students not currently in a Pre-AP course. Level III scores in reading will be used to place students in Pre-AP ELA or Pre-AP Social Studies. Level III scores in math will be used to place students in Pre-AP math. Level III scores in reading and math will be used to place students in Pre-AP science.

 

GPISD abides by the open enrollment policy. A student can still enroll in a Pre-AP course with parent request regardless of grades or commended scores.

 

Exit Policy:

A student and his/her parent may request removal from a Pre-AP/AP class between the 7th and 8th week of the school year as long as: the student does not have any zeroes, the student attended tutorials, the teacher has made direct parent contact, and the teacher agrees that the student is struggling.

 

Late Work Policy:

Any assignment that is not turned in on the due date will be assessed a 10-point penalty per day for 5 days. After that time any assignment may be turned in prior to the last week of the marking period for a maximum grade of 50.

 

Grading Categories:
Pre-AP Middle School grading categories are 50% - major and 50% -daily.

Pre-AP High School grading categories are 60% major and 40% daily.

AP High School grading categories are 70% major and 30% daily.

Homework assignments cannot account for more than 10% of the daily category.

 

Texas College and Career:

  • Keep track of your high school courses and credits — be sure you have what you need to graduate.
  • Organize your test scores, awards and honors, and personal interests.
  • Research schools to find the best fit for you.
  • Manage and track your applications online.
  • Research and apply for financial aid.
  • Plan for your career.

 

 

 

Journeys and Encounters: