Elsinore Middle School

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Guiding Exceptional Minds with STEAM

     The GEMS program (Guiding Exceptional Minds with STEAM) at Elsinore Middle School is a magnet program that emphasizes advanced instruction with STEAM instructional practices. Students will have broad opportunities to explore subjects in depth at a pace that matches their advanced abilities. Students do not have to be identified as GATE to be considered for the program.

 

Along with the accelerated academics, the program provides a socially appropriate environment for those students who sometimes feel awkward among their peers due to social, emotional, academic, and maturity traits typical of advanced students. GEMS offers an emotional support system.

Next steps for

Incoming GEMS students for the 2024-25 school year

 

 

Intra-district Transfers are due Wednesday, February 28th, 2024.

 

Sign up for your preference of electives. See below for additional information.

 

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Recruitment for 2024-25 school year:

Our official recruitment window for the 2024-25 school year is closed as of January 19, 2024.

Important dates:

January 11, 2024

- Information Night at 6:00 pm in the EMS multipurpose room on Mohr Street. 
 

January 19, 2024

- applications are due by midnight. Applications must be submitted electronically.
 
Late applications - Because late applications would be completed after the application window has closed, they will receive slightly lower priority than those sent on time.  It is still possible to be accepted into the program based on this application. Good luck. Thank you for your interest in the GEMS Program. Click here to apply.
 

Please, note:  We will NOT be having candidates take a placement test this year.

 
DECISION EMAILS have gone out for all on-time applications. Check your spam folder if you did not receive it. 
 
 
 
 

Prospective GEMS Families: 

Have questions about the GEMS Program?

 

Click here for the information slides

 

 

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Each year, the Admissions Committee considers the following information as part of the selection process:

 

*Previous CAASSP test score and level (none are currently available for this year's 5th grade)

* Teacher recommendation, parent recommendations, and student input on applications

* Grades, citizenship, behavior, and work habits

* General aptitude in core content areas

* Another common assessment. Either a placement test given at EMS by our staff or another test common to all fifth grade classrooms in the district given by the student's current teacher. 

 

 

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Applying Outside of our Normal Recruitment Window

 

If you do not apply before our deadline this year, you have a couple of options.

 

1- You are welcome to apply in November of 2024. Please, monitor this webpage as we do not actively recruit for the 7th and 8th grade classes. 

 

2- You may email [email protected] to inquire about any available spots for you student's grade level.  If space is available, you will be given a link for an online application. 

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Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted

     SENG is a wonderful organization dedicated to educating parents and teachers about the unique needs of gifted students.  GEMS parents get practical information on the following topics related to gifted learners: 

  • Characteristics
  • Motivation
  • Discipline
  • Stress Management
  • Peer Relations and Sibling Rivalry
  • Tradition Breaking 

For more information or to register, go to SENG's website

We love our CAMPS!
The camps are always something that students remember for a lifetime.   

You may direct questions regarding specific camps to the teachers listed below. Approximate cost for each camp & teacher contact:
 
6th Grade - Astro Camp - cost is $450 approx. 
Mrs. Powell - field trip coordinator


7th Grade - Catalina Island Marine Institute - cost is $650 approx.

Mrs. Blakemore - field trip coordinator
Catalina Island Marine Institute Information
(7th grade GEMS camp)


8th Grade - Pali Institute
Ms. Katie Casey - field trip coordinator

 

GEMS Community Service

The GEMS Program highly encourages its students to participate in a minimum
of five hours of community service per semester. Students should turn them into their science teachers.

Contact the GEMS Coordinator for more information:

[email protected]