Highly Capable Services

Welcome to the HCL Program at South Whidbey School District

The program for Highly Capable Learners has been created to enrich the school experience for students identified as exceptional or “gifted” for Kindergarten and beyond. We utilize assessment tools as a screening process to identify students who may be served well in such a program. Students previously identified and invited to be part of the Highly Capable Learners Program need not reapply annually to participate and remain part of the HCL program for the duration of their school career in the South Whidbey School District.

If you are a parent/guardian that would like to nominate your student for HCL assessment, please see the HCL Forms link.  Please review and complete referral forms on this website and return to your child’s classroom teacher.

If you are a teacher that would like to nominate your student for HCL assessment, please see the teacher information located in the school’s office.

Children who qualify in the top 2% are considered Tier 3 and eligible for enrichment programs and activities. If you and your child’s teacher or teachers believe that he or she may be a highly capable student (in the top 2%) you may nominate the student to be assessed. Please have a conversation with your child's teacher about this and request a nomination packet.

Please call or email if you have any questions.

Grades 3-4

HCL Students in grades 3 and 4 will be supported by Caryn Ploof (cploof@sw.wednet.edu), South Whidbey Elementary STEM Teacher. The program will take place in Mrs. Ploof’s classroom.  Students will choose from a variety of project options and share their work with classmates and peers from around the world. For additional information on this global learning, you can visit Mrs. Ploof’s website, click on useful links, then click HCL penpals.

Grades 5-8

HCL Students in grades 5, 6, 7 & 8 will be supported by Caryn Ploof (cploof@sw.wednet.edu), South Whidbey Elementary STEM Teacher, and Tracy McKnight (tmcknight@sw.wednet.edu), HCL Instructional Assistant.  Ms. McKnight will be actively engaging students at our South Campus in grades 5-6 with the support of Ms. Ploof.  Ms. McKnight will also be part of the engagement activities at the 7-12 Campus for grades 7-8. Students in these grade levels will be working to identify projects with research components, portfolios, products, and presentations.