Referral and Identification Process

2025-2026 HiCap Referral Deadline: September 15, 2025

Opportunities for students with advanced learning needs are available K-12 in a variety of academic domains. We emphasize curriculum that can be appropriately differentiated in pace and complexity. Programming can offer regular opportunities for students to work with other students of similar (advanced) academic abilities.

All students in the Wenatchee School District are automatically considered for identification for HiCap services through annual reviews of data that include multiple years and multiple measures. We review information for every student every year. 

There are focused universal screening at two grade levels.  In the spring, all 2nd-grade students are universally screened for measures of cognitive development and reasoning ability.  Also in the spring, the Smarter Balanced Assessment will be used to universally screen all 5th grade students.

Referral is not necessary for consideration, but if you have additional evidence you would like considered in the identification process, you may refer a student and include this information on a referral for consideration for Highly Capable services (link above).  

2025-2026 HiCap Referral Deadline: September 15, 2025.  

Anticipated grade level HiCap identification activity is expected to occur throughout the year:

• Kindergarten - February
• 1st Grade - February
• 2nd Grade (spring universal screener) - June
• 3rd Grade - October-November
• 4th Grader - October- November
• 5th Grade (spring universal screener) - June
• 6th - 8th Grade - March and April
• 9th - 12th Grade - November/December
• Early Entrance to Kindergarten - June and July

Parents of students determined as likely to benefit from HiCap services will be notified in writing following the identification activity.

For more information, contact Kathy Moody, District HiCap Coordinator at (509) 663-8162, X33315, moody.k@wenatcheeschools.org, or the HiCap specialist at your child’s elementary school.  

• Eva Fortier — John Newbery and Lewis & Clark
• Kathy Moody — District HiCap Coordinator / Mission View
• Katie Stefanides — Sunnyslope
• Renee Wilkens — Abraham Lincoln and Washington