Lake County Gazette

This school year, Beach Park Community Consolidated School District 3 has centralized its gifted and accelerated learning program for grades 3-5 at Newport Elementary School. The move brings together 187 students in the program, with 24 still receiving services at their home schools. This change aims to provide a consistent and student-centered approach to education.

Traci Griffiths, Director of Teaching and Learning, said, “Our goal was to bring everyone together in a way that’s collaborative and focused on growth. By aligning instructional practices and enrichment opportunities, we’re ensuring every child is supported academically and socially in an environment that values both challenge and care.”

Previously, gifted students were spread across several schools in the district. Centralizing the program at Newport Elementary is intended to offer more depth, consistency, and collaboration among both students and staff. Gifted Coordinator Katie Cranmer explained, “We wanted our students to be challenged — but also to feel understood and supported. Having teachers trained in gifted education means students can move faster through the curriculum, explore topics more deeply, and connect with peers who share their curiosity and drive.”

Teachers at Newport Elementary have observed increased engagement among students. Fourth grade teacher Dylan Shore noted, “Students are more engaged with their peers. They have more opportunities to share their depth of knowledge during class discussions, and we can take concepts to new levels.”

Gifted students participate alongside general education peers in specials such as art, music, and physical education. Principal Dr. Laurie Garris commented, “It’s been wonderful to see new friendships forming. Our teachers use collaborative structures that help every student feel included, challenged, and connected.”

A spring open house introduced families to the new program model by allowing them to meet teachers and classmates before the start of the school year.

Educators say the centralization has encouraged collaboration among staff members who specialize in gifted education. Cranmer stated, “Having teachers passionate about gifted education in one building allows us to share ideas, resources, and strategies. It’s built a strong sense of teamwork and ongoing professional growth.” Shore added, “Our school community feels larger and more connected than ever. It’s exciting to see students from across the district learning together and supporting one another.”

The program supports Beach Park’s mission of “Sparking Curiosity, Igniting Core Memories” while advancing its Blue Ribbon roadmap for excellence and equity.

Griffiths said, “This work helps students explore, reflect, and make lasting connections to their education. We’re sparking curiosity through challenging learning experiences, and we’re igniting core memories by helping students feel proud, capable, and seen.”

Cranmer concluded that there are plans for future enrichment activities: “This is just the beginning. We’re building a program that will continue to evolve — one that inspires our brightest learners and helps them shine.”

Beach Park Community Consolidated School District 3 includes five schools—Beach Park Middle School, Howe Elementary School, Kenneth Murphy School, Newport Elementary School, and Oak Crest School—and serves Lake County (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district employs 149 teachers with an average salary of $63,553; nearly 79 percent are women (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The student body is diverse: approximately 54 percent Hispanic, 22 percent Black, 16 percent White, and just over 2 percent Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020, spending per student was $22,192 for a total expenditure of $46 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).