Peak to Plains TRAIL
Peak to Plains TRAIL Day (Talent Recognition & Advanced Identification for Learners) for Visual Arts
March 11, 2027 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Windsor Recreation Center
250 N. 11th Street | Windsor, CO 80550
This collaborative process is made possible through the partnership and shared support of the Estes Park R-3, Weld RE-4, and Weld RE-5J School Districts.
PURPOSE
The Art Explorer & Adjudication process gives students an opportunity to explore and showcase their artistic strengths while supporting gifted identification in visual arts.
Through the process, students are encouraged to create, take artistic risks, reflect on their work, and receive meaningful feedback. The experience helps students build confidence and recognize their unique strengths as artists.
ART TEACHERS: YOU HELP RECOGNIZE ARTISTIC POTENTIAL
Your observations can help identify students whose artistic potential, creativity, and strengths may benefit from advanced learning opportunities. Refer students who demonstrate artistic promise, creative thinking, strong engagement, or potential that deserves further exploration.
TWO PATHWAYS: EXPLORER AND ADJUDICATION
Explorer (Upper Elementary and Middle School):
- For students who are still developing or exploring their artistic potential
- Students bring a partial portfolio
- Provides feedback, guidance, and support to help strengthen their work
- Prepares students for future participation in the adjudication process
Adjudication (Middle and High School):
- For students ready to pursue gifted identification in visual arts
- Students submit a complete portfolio for review
- Provides an opportunity to demonstrate artistic strengths, creativity, and potential through an improvisational task and interview
WHY IDENTIFICATION MATTERS
Identification can open the door to continued artistic growth through opportunities like:
- Differentiated learning experiences
- Enrichment and mentorship opportunities
- Exhibitions and opportunities to share student work
- Portfolio development
- Individualized goals within the student’s Advanced Learning Plan (ALP)
STUDENT PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
Students should prepare a portfolio that includes:
5 Pieces of Original Artwork
Artwork should represent the student’s current skill level, artistic strengths, ideas, or feelings.
A Reflection for Each Piece
Students should reflect on:
- How they approached the piece
- Their thinking from the initial idea through the creative process
- What inspired the artwork
- Choices they made while creating the piece
Artist Statement
Approximately 150 words addressing questions such as:
- Why do I create art and what do I enjoy about art?
- What experiences have shaped me as an artist?
- What classes, competitions, exhibitions, or other opportunities have I participated in?
- Where would I like to go next with my art?
REFERRAL & PREPARATION TIMELINE
October 16
Referrals for both Explorers and Adjudication by art teachers due
November
Families receive information about the process and provide permission
December 10–January 15
Student registration and scheduling
February 12
Field trip permission forms due
March 11
Art Explorer & Adjudication Day
REGISTRATION
Art teachers may refer students in both pathways using the Peak to Plains TRAIL Referral Google Form.
PROCESS
Step 1: Pre-Identification and Referral
Students first have opportunities to explore visual arts and demonstrate their abilities through classroom experiences, creative activities, and observations. When artifacts, observations, or other evidence suggest that a student may demonstrate advanced potential in visual arts, a referral can be made.
Step 2: Body of Evidence and Adjudication
A body of evidence is developed using multiple sources of information, which may include aptitude data, observation scales, portfolio and performance evidence, and adjudication results. Students prepare a portfolio that demonstrates advanced potential, then participate in adjudication that includes a portfolio review, an improvisational art task, and an interview with experts in the field.
Step 3: Evaluation and Determination
The identification team reviews the complete body of evidence, including information gathered through adjudication, to determine whether the student meets the criteria for gifted identification in visual arts. The final decision is made locally by the district or Administrative Unit (AU) identification team and must include at least one person trained in gifted identification. Students who are identified have an Advanced Learning Plan with goals designed to support continued growth in visual arts. Regardless of identification, students will be encouraged and supported in developing their artistic strengths.
Contact Information:
Rachel Graham (Estes Park): rachel_graham@psdr3.k12.co.us
Christina Sutter (Weld RE-4): christina.sutter@weldre4.org
Laura Sapinoro (Weld RE-5J): laura.sapinoro@weldre5j.org