7/8 Gifted Talented Magnet (PUP)

What is PUP?

PUP (Provo Unlimited Progress) is the gifted magnet program for 7th/8th grades in Provo School District.  Seventh and Eighth graders attend PHS full-day, receiving gifted curriculum options in their classes. PUP students attend their core classes together, except for students who require even more advanced coursework. These students may participate in advanced courses offered in the high school. World Languages offered include: Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, German and American Sign Language. A wide variety of elective courses are offered, as well as after-school clubs & activities. Students who qualify to participate in the PUP program are expected to participate in the full program. Exceptions would only be allowed with the approval of the assistant superintendent.

Applicants must participate in a special testing session for 6^th graders that will be held at their neighborhood school during school hours some time in November or December. This testing is for all 6^th grade students who are interested in participating in honors, accelerated or gifted courses at Centennial Middle School, or Dixon Middle School, or the PUP program. Parents of 6^th graders will receive information about this testing at their child’s Fall SEP conference.   Students who miss this testing, who are new to the district, or have attended 6^th grade at a private, charter or home school, may participate in one of the additional gifted testing sessions that will occur in January.

Students who are interested in knowing more about the PUP program are invited to attend one of two information meetings with their parents, on January 14, one at 4:00 p.m., and one at 6:30 p.m. in the Provo High Commons area. Following a short presentation, parents will be able to ask questions of district personnel and PUPs teachers and students, and then a tour of the school will be available.

Parents must complete an online PUP Application, available beginning in March. Applications are due April 15th. Parents who prefer a paper and pencil application may contact Renae Deighton at renaed@provo.edu or 801-374-4852. Students from charter, private, home school and other districts are invited to apply. Once PUP enrollment fills, additional applications will be placed on a waiting list for later consideration. There are about 150 middle school students at PHS each year.

Questions about the PUP program may be directed to Seth Hansen, PHS administrator over the PUP program, seth@provo.edu.

Questions about testing & placement may be directed to Ginny Smith, PSD GT Coordinator, ginnys@provo.edu.

2013-2014 PUP GT Magnet Activities & Dates to Remember

Mathcounts Club: The Mathcounts Competition Program is a national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that promotes math achievement through a series of fun and engaging “bee” style contests. Anyone in the PUPs program, grades 7-8, is welcome to join our PHS Mathcounts club.  This year will be the second year PHS has been involved in the program.  We had a great debut last year, placing 1st at the Chapter competition and 5th at state.  We hope to continue that success this season as well!

Meetings will start Wednesday, September 4th, and will continue every Wednesday through March unless otherwise noted.  Meetings are held in the Media Center from 2:30-3:30.

If you have any questions, contact our Mathcounts coach, Amanda Gao, at amandagao97@gmail.com.

AMC-8: The AMC-8 competitive math exam will be given to all interested PUPs November 19.  Each PUP should talk to his/her math teacher to get information and practice tests.