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Beta Club
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
FBLA provides students with opportunities to develop essential business and leadership skills. Through academic competitions, students can test their knowledge in areas like marketing, finance, and public speaking. The organization also offers leadership development through workshops and chapter roles, helping students build communication and organizational abilities. FBLA's educational programs introduce key business concepts, while community service projects foster social responsibility and teamwork. Additionally, students gain valuable networking opportunities with peers and professionals and explore various business career paths to guide their future decisions. Overall, FBLA equips high school students with the skills and experiences needed for business success.
FFA (Future Farmers of America)
GIFTED Students
Intellectually gifted children and youth are those who perform at or have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields compared with others of their age, experience, or environment. These children and youth require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Children and youth possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor. Gifted children may be found within any race, ethnicity, gender, economic class, or nationality. In addition, students with disabilities may be identified as gifted.
Standard Gifted Referrals
A student may be referred for the gifted program by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, or other individuals with knowledge of the student's abilities. To initiate a referral, the person making the referral should complete the Request for Gifted Referral form and give it to the Gifted Specialist. Upon receipt of signed consent for gifted screening, the gifted specialist will initiate the gifted referral process.
During gifted screening, information is gathered in the following three areas:
- Aptitude. Assessed through a group test of non-verbal intelligence and administered by a gifted specialist or full scale SAI (OLSAT) scores may be used.
- Characteristics. A behavior rating scale designed to assess gifted behaviors is completed by a classroom teacher.
- Performance. At least three indicators of performance at a gifted level such as achievement test scores, grades (gr. 3-6 only), products, work samples, and/or portfolios.
The scores from the assessment/items used are entered on a matrix where points (1-5) are assigned according to established criteria.
A GRST team which is comprised of three individuals (gifted specialists, principal, classroom teacher, administrator, etc.) meet to determine the total number of points earned and if the student qualifies for gifted services, additional testing is needed, or if the student does not pass gifted screening.
Tests and evaluative materials selected are sensitive to cultural, economic, and linguistic differences and administered by qualified personnel under the supervision of Montgomery Public Schools. Tests not administered under the administration of an LEA cannot be used for gifted eligibility. Once all testing is complete, a GEDT (Gifted Eligibility Determination Team) meets to determine final eligibility. The referral to placement process can take up to 90 days for a standard referral.
State Guidelines
Pickens County Schools complies with the Alabama Act 106 that mandates school systems identify and serve gifted students. Pickens County Schools follows the guidelines set forth in the "gifted" section of the Alabama State Department of Education-Administrative Code-Chapter 290-8-9-12 for: Referral, Consent, Evaluation, Eligibility Determination, Placement and Service Delivery Options, Gifted Education Plan, Administration, Caseload, and Procedural Safeguards.
The Pickens County Board of Education shall prohibit discrimination against any student on the above basis with respect to his/her participation in the gifted program.
For more information on Gifted Education in Pickens County, please contact the Gifted Specialist Gene Tilley or the Office of Special Education at 205.367.2080.
HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America)
PEER Helpers
Peer Helpers at PCHS strive to make connections with peers with open communication so that struggling peers will feel comfortable to reach out for help. Peer Helpers also are able to share coping skills with friends while also listening and showing understanding to peers. They are visible in service work at school and in the community.
5th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
6th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
7th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
8th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
9th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
10th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
11th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
12th Grade Parent Letter - P.A.T.H. Lessons
SGA (Student Government Association)
Talent Search
Upward Board
Upward Bound is a program through Bevill State that allows students who are in the advanced track and will be a first generation college student . They have to come to tutoring 2 days a week for a total of 16 hours. They also have to attend activities during the school year and a summer component lasting around six weeks. They are given a stipend of $40.00 a month if get all their hours and then prorated for days they miss. They also received a stipend in the summer. The summer right after their graduation, they will receive a scholarship for 2 classes (all expenses paid including books). Students grades 9-11 have to apply at the beginning of the school year and then go through an interview. UB does the interview process.