NISD Gifted & Talented

Week 1 of ISM Showcases is in the books! 🎉

Last week, Independent Study Mentorship (ISM) students from Holmes, Brennan, Sotomayor, Taft, Warren, and Brandeis shared the culmination of a year-long journey—one defined by mentorship, research, problem-solving, and personal growth.

The ISM Showcase is more than a presentation. It’s an opportunity for students to synthesize their learning, reflect on their experiences, and communicate how their thinking has evolved through real-world mentorship and independent work.

From exploring future careers to developing original products and insights, these students demonstrated what’s possible when curiosity meets authentic experience. We’re proud to celebrate the depth, professionalism, and individuality that many students brought to the stage.

👏 Congratulations to all of our ISM students for an incredible start to showcase season! This week, ISM students from the rest of NISD's high school campuses take the stage!

At Folks MS, collaboration and engagement are on full display! 💡

Ms. Dennis’ 8th grade GT students are partnering with STEM classes to consult on engineering designs for upcoming boat races—real-world problem solving and cross-class collaboration in action. 🚤

Meanwhile, Mr. Piirto’s 6th grade GT students are diving into the world of trials, exploring roles like juries, lawyers, and the process of deliberation as they build understanding of how the system works. ⚖️

Ms. Carpenter’s 6th grade GT students at Stevenson MS are putting creativity and problem solving into motion with their Rube Goldberg machines! ⚙️

Through this hands-on challenge, students are designing complex chain-reaction systems that showcase engineering, persistence, and innovative thinking. Learning gets fun (and a little unpredictable) when every step counts! 💡

At Connally MS, Ms. Alicea’s 6th grade GT students put their engineering skills to the test! 🏗️

Students designed and built bridges for Spheros to cross at different speeds, applying problem solving, design thinking, and creativity to meet the challenge. Hands-on learning in action! 💡

Check out how Kallison Elementary's GT Specialists, Ms. Peña and Ms. Sia, brought learning to life this week!

GT students in grades 3–5 designed and built individual structures, then combined them to create an incredible GT City—a powerful showcase of creativity, problem solving, and collaboration.

Families were also invited to experience GT learning firsthand as students led them through skill stations set up in the hallways, sharing how they think, create, and grow every day. 💡

This is what it looks like when instruction and experiences are designed to meet the unique needs of GT learners!

This week is Gifted & Talented Awareness Week in Texas!

GT education ensures that students who need a more challenging and demanding learning experience are provided the instruction, support, and peer group they need to reach their full potential. We celebrate the educators who support these learners and the impact of gifted services in the NISD community.

Over the last two weeks, over 3,000 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade GT students from 83 NISD elementary schools took over downtown San Antonio for , an unforgettable learning experience! 🏙️

Through a district-wide field trip, students explored the form and function of structures, diving into architecture, design, and the unique features that shape our city. Rotating through 14 interactive stations across downtown, they engaged in hands-on activities that brought their classroom learning to life.

This experience—carefully designed to ensure maximum learning and enjoyment for all GT students—was made possible by an incredible army of GT specialists and parent volunteers, all under the leadership of an amazing field trip team and elementary GT Instructional Support Teacher Katie Hitchman. 🙌

Real-world learning, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for our community—what an incredible two weeks for !