#SAVE the GEMS Program @EMS

My niece is attending EMS specifically for the GEMS program. Why are the higher education programs and arts the first thing to be cut?

Both my kids were in the GEMS program. This program has helped guide the educational path for both my kids as well as being challenged. My son is currently finishing his 3rd year at UC Davis and my daughter will be attending UCSB in the fall. Thanks to programs like GEMS and IB. I strongly support this program and teachers.

This is a great program my oldest daughter had the opportunity to assist and really like it now my second is currently in gems she is going to eitgh grade my younger is going to start six grade in gems as well for mi and my family we are very happy with this programs we really believe that it is great to have it so the kids can challenge them self

Please save the GEMS program.

I wish there was a GEM program at all the schools.

Keep this program going for kids that are gifted to be future leaders of our country

I'm a parent of a Gems program student who has been in the program for two years and my youngest will be starting this fall in the program as well. I can't tell you enough about this program, the kids are provided with amazing opportunities to learn and be challenged. This program challenges our gifted kids in a way that there is no time to be bored! The teachers are amazing! They truly care about these kids and their future. Everyday my daughter came home with something new she learned at school, from science to math or history. She amazes me everyday and I want the same for my son and the many other kids that are ready for this opportunity. We are intra-district! Please keep the program!

My 19 year old son was in the GEMS program at Elsinore Middle School. It was one of the best things that ever happened for him during his school career. He was challenged in ways he would never have been at one of the other middle schools in the district. Also in the program he met many lifelong friends. It was important for him to meet students with the same needs as him in middle school. We are so very thankful for what GEMS did for him and so many other students. Others should be able to have the same opportunity.

Please keep the GEMS program!

My son will be entering the GEMS Program in the 6th grade and I literally cried when he got accepted. I can't wait to watch him unlock his potential and really flourish as a student. Please keep this program going for these bright kiddos.

Parent of current GEMS student thankful for the program and inter-district transfer

I may not have a child in Gems now but I did and it was awesome my son loved Gems he learned so much!

Keep this program for our children

I teach special education classes - push in general ed AND the accelerated GEMS class. Both sets of students have specific needs and modifications. I’m also a mother of former a GEMS student who hadn’t been challenged K-5 and only truly started to bloom when he entered the GEMS program. Even modified GenEd curriculum was not enough in his regular classes. He was so far ahead of his peers academically that he was bored to tears every day, even when the teachers tried desperately to provide “enrichment.” More than one teacher admitted that they were unable to challenge him properly during his elementary years. This was not true in the GEMS program. He was grouped with kids at his ability level and suddenly was hearing different perspectives at his level. He was finally challenged and could finally fire up that beautiful brain of his and go full speed ahead. The kids in the GEMS program aren’t just bright and fab and receive challenges at their regular school, they're exceptional and deserve a special program. I don’t understand why the district wants to get rid of a program that meets the needs our brightest students by providing curriculum that is tailored for their abilities. Please, please don’t think this environment can just be duplicated everywhere. They thrive when they are challenged and are surrounded by peers that can not only keep up, but can also push them to their limited.

My son has been in the GEMS program at EMS for 2 years (on a transfer) and it has been the single most important experience of his entire time in the LEUSD. The GEMS teachers at EMS challenge him every single day and provide unmatched experiences.

The GEMS program is one of the things we absolutely miss about moving. We moved to a highly rated school district, but even they can't compete with what the GEMS program has done. The teachers are phenomenal and deeply care for the students. They reach beyond the classroom (many miles beyond in our case since we have moved and they still keep in touch). There is a need for this program and it needs to be accessible despite boundaries.

Our niece who we are guardians for is going on her second year in the Gems program, it definitely helps keep her challenged as I feel academically without it she would be unchallenged with the regular curriculum!

Gifted students deserve special education programs also!

Please keep this program. It will be a great benefit to all future students as it has been to all past students.

Please keep this wonderful program that creates a higher learning environment for gifted children!