Hello! This year’s Gifted and Talented/Talent Pool class is going to be filled with so many fun, exciting, and challenging projects, field trips, and events including but not limited to: the DPS Shakespeare Festival, science exhibits, DCPA theatrical performances, hands-on projects, brain teasers, debates, writing contests, and more. I can’t wait to meet and collaborate with everyone!
Marrama GT Programming Plan
2026-27 School Year
At Marrama Elementary, we believe every gifted student deserves personalized support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our approach begins with you—families are essential partners in sharing insights and developing Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs). We invite your input on your child’s strengths, interests, and learning goals through surveys and ongoing communication.
Our students receive differentiated instruction within their regular classrooms, complemented by specialized push-in support from our Gifted and Talented teacher. We integrate rigor, critical thinking, creativity, and student choice throughout curriculum-aligned lessons. Social-emotional needs are addressed through our Quaver SEL curriculum, with support from school psychologists and social workers.
Beyond the classroom, students explore their talents through engaging opportunities like STEAM and enrichment experiences, Destination Imagination competitions, our Community Resources Mentorship Program, Multicultural Day, field trips, Denver-based performances, after-school clubs, and so much more.
We keep families informed through regular communication about universal screening and ALP updates. Families are always welcome to reach out with questions or participate in school events. Together, we nurture each gifted learner’s unique potential.
For more information regarding the GT/TP program at Marrama Elementary School, please contact Mrs. Roche (aka Ms. Collins-Erikson) at 720-424-5820.
As always, thank you for your support!
Kind regards,
Mrs. Roche
Gifted and Talented/Talent Pool Teacher
Andrhea_Collins-Erikson@dpsk12.net
ACollins@dpsk12.net
Denver Public Schools is proud to bring Destination Imagination to Marrama Elementary! Destination Imagination is preparing Colorado’s kids to be the innovators of the future by combining the arts, sciences, and technology with creativity, teamwork, and problem solving. In order to be successful and offer this opportunity to our students, we also need adult volunteers as well. If your student is interested in competing this year, please consider co-managing a team and contact Mrs. Roche. Thank you so much for your support!
The GT program at Marrama serves those students formally identified as well as those students that show potential, but lack enough indicators for formal identification. They may be advanced in one subject but not all academic areas. Students are grouped into cluster classrooms from 3rd-5th grades. GT instruction is delivered through pull out classes for 1st through 5th grades. Ability grouping is used as well as differentiating content.
Three different indicators must meet or exceed a specified level or score in order for the student to be identified. Denver Public School District begins the process with the NNAT test in 2nd grade and continues with different assessments annually. Teachers and parents complete questionnaires annually. Parents may choose to have their child tested on the COGAT test in November. Schools may choose to informally service students with proven academic success earlier than 3rd grade, which Marrama does.
Instructional practice in the GT program centers around content integration and 21st century skills. Instruction compliments DPS curriculum and expands concepts to challenge GT students to reach their full potential. The curriculum is standards based and inquiry driven. Each of the five grades received instruction on a weekly basis.
5th grade GT students can audition for a Shakespeare play to be performed at The DPS Shakespeare Festival in May. The school choir, band, strings, and student council are also current programs offered to outstanding students.
For the 2023-24 school year, students will benefit from the enriched reading, writing, math, and computer instruction. The content areas taught depend upon the grade levels of the students as well as the amount of class time available. These students range from 1st grade through 5th grade.
For more information regarding the GT program at Marrama, please contact Ms. Roche at 720-424-5820.