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High Ability Learners

HAL Program Mission Statement:

The mission of the High Ability Learner Program is to recognize, support, and respect the exceptional intellectual, academic and social-emotional needs of high ability learners. We are therefore committed to providing rigorous, differentiated opportunities that intellectually and personally empower students for a changing world.

Formal identification for the HAL program begins the second semester of 3rd grade. In grades 4-12 identification is an ongoing process.

HAL Program Beliefs:

  • We believe that equity in education exists when all students are provided learning experiences matched to their abilities, needs and interests.
  • We believe that exceptional gifts and talents can be in the areas of academics, the arts, kinesthetic abilities, leadership, interpersonal skills, creativity and problem solving.
  • We believe that exceptional gifts and talents can be found in all cultures and in special needs students.
  • We are a part of the Papillion La Vista Community Schools and will work in harmony with the district’s mission statement and beliefs.
  • We believe that gifted education enhances educational opportunities provided in all classrooms to all students.
  • We believe that gifted education is a right, not a privilege, for every identified student in Papillion La Vista Community Schools.

HAL Program Goals:

  • Identify students among all populations who demonstrate potential abilities of high performance.
  • Support the social-emotional needs of students to ensure that children with high abilities continue to develop lifelong skills such as persistence, patience, perseverance, and self-advocacy.
  • Provide professional development opportunities for staff to promote a better understanding of the unique needs of children with high abilities.
  • Provide support and rigorous educational services by collaborating with school personnel.
  • Communicate and advocate for the needs of children with high abilities and the programs that support them.
  • Engage in continuous evaluation and improvement of the HAL program.
  • Provide opportunities for students to collaborate with intellectual peers and develop creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary for a changing world.

Contact Us

HAL Administration
Shureen Seery- Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum

Director of Curriculum and Elementary Education 
Dr. Matt Hilderbrand
402-537-6223

Director of Curriculum and Secondary Education
Dr. Julee Sauer
402-537-6223

Elementary HAL Facilitators
402-898-0511

Lauren Widner
Walnut Creek, Patriot, Trumble Park, La Vista West, Portal

Kaitlyn Cattau
Prairie Queen, Tara Heights, Anderson Grove, Rumsey Station, Ashbury, Golden Hills

Mike Klug
Hickory Hill, Parkview Heights, Bell, G Sanley Hall, Carriage Hill

Middle School HAL Facilitator
402-898-0511

Jen Schneider
Liberty Middle, La Vista Middle, Papillion Middle