- Middle Schools
- Welcome to Marce Herz
- Departments
- Gifted and Talented
Gifted & Talented Magnet Program (GT)
Welcome to the Marce Herz Gifted and Talented Magnet Program! We are all very excited to welcome returning and new families to what will be an exciting year for all of us MHMS!
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Meet the Teachers
KATHLEEN MARSHALL 7/8 ELA/Team Lead
Hello! This year will be my 12th year teaching in the GT program and 21st in Washoe County. I am the 7/8 ELA teacher and team lead. My pre-education background is in art, design, and theater, and I love all things crafty. I have a Master’s degree in educational technology and am reasonably techy.
KRISTEN ZEPEDA 7/8 Social Studies
kristen.zepeda@washoeschools.net
Hello! The 2025-2026 school year will be my 22nd year of teaching, and my 14th year as a teacher in the Gifted and Talented Magnet Program. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, reading, and spending time with my dog and husband.
STEPHANIE MCMURTRY 7/8 Science
Hello! The 25-26 school year will be my 28th year of teaching and my 5th year as a science teacher in the Gifted and Talented Magnet Program. I taught science at Pine Middle School for a majority of my time in Reno, as well as ICDA, Galena and Hug High School. Prior to moving to Reno, I taught middle school on the beautiful island of Maui. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors in Tahoe skiing, biking, hiking and camping. I find walking my dog on local trails brings me enjoyment and peace as well as practicing yoga. I have one son who is attending UNR and his academic success is a result of the GT magnet program and Galena High School.
SHARON CABANGON 7/8 Math
Hello, wonderful Herz parents! My name is Sharon Cabangon, and I am the Integrated Math I and II teacher for the 2025-26 school year. My teaching career started at Swope Middle School as the GT math teacher for two years. I then had the opportunity to work at Wooster High School, which helped solidify my desire to continue working with middle schoolers. I spent six years teaching at the Clayton GT/AAP magnet. This is my second year at MHMS GT magnet. Over the past ten years, I’ve taught Accel Math 6, Integrated I and II, Algebra I, Geometry, Formal Geometry, Algebra II, and Algebra II Honors. When I’m not fulfilling my duties as an educator, I’m home with my husband, Mark, of 18 years, and our five children: Adam (16), Claire (14), Ethan (13), Gwen (3), and Kingston (1).
WENDY LOUTON 6th ELA/Social Studies
Hello! This will be my 28th year with WCSD and second year in the GT Magnet program at MHMS. I earned my 1st degree from U of A in political science and adventured from Tucson to Chicago, finally making North Lake Tahoe my home for 14 years. After a few years of skiing, I decided to go back to college, earning my secondary Teaching credential through Sierra Nevada College. After graduation, jobs were extremely tough to come by in Tahoe, so I went back to school once again. I earned my elementary credentials, which led me to my first contracted job in WCSD, teaching 1st grade in Incline. I happily taught 1st and 2nd grade in Incline for 6 years and was then overaged to Reno. I transferred to my new home base for 18 years at Double Diamond Elementary, teaching 2nd through 4th grade. I originally wanted to teach middle school, and I decided to venture over to Marce Herz and be a part of the opening staff. I taught 6th grade English and SS as the GEMs teacher for 4 years. I absolutely adore working with 6th graders, who are full of spunk and optimism for life.
CHELSEA HAHN 6th Math/Science
chelsea.hahn@washoeschools.net
Hello, I go by Ms. Sea. I have a few degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno (M.Ed, MBA, B.A.-Pre-law, B.A.-International Affairs). I started teaching science to sixth-grade students in the 2020-2021 school year. This is my second year as the GT 6th grade Math and Science Teacher. I particularly enjoy sixth graders because they bring so much with them from elementary school. I enjoy crocheting and gardening and taught both to students at Pine. When I was in middle school, my teacher asked us to describe ourselves using words that started with the same letter as our first names: I chose curious and creative.I look forward to hearing what you and your kids will choose!
GARRETT MOSS 6th Success Skills and PLTW
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Supply List
GT Supply Lists:
6th Grade:
4 pocket folders
4 lined composition books
1 graph paper composition book
1 set colored pencils
1 hand pencil sharpener
1 pencil pouch/holder
4 glue sticks
3x3 sticky notes
1 3/8 x 1 7/8 sticky notes
Wired headphones/earbuds
7th/8th Grade:
2" Binder
3 Lined composition books 100 page
1 Composition book graph paper
Scotch Tape (in addition to the tape donated to Advisory)
Pencils and/or Mechanical Pencils
Set of Colored Pencils
Compass and Protractor for math
Wired headphones/earbuds
All students will receive a donation request from the GATE department, which should be submitted to your child’s Enrichment teacher. Checks should be made payable to WCSD GATE. The department will let you know the amount at the beginning of the year.
If you would like to contribute to our class supply of general school materials, please donate as you feel you are able.
Below is a wish list of items that would benefit our classrooms. Your donation would be greatly appreciated.
Box of tissues
Highlighters 3 count
Pencils 12 count
Scotch Tape 4 count
Glue sticks
Dry Erase Markers
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School Counselors
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Course Descriptions
Math
Accelerated Math 6
This course is designed to meet the needs of mathematically accelerated students enrolled in the Middle School Magnet program model by preparing students for Accelerated High School Integrated Math I, which covers Pre-algebra and begins high school Algebra 1 and Formal Geometry. Mathematical Practice Standards apply throughout each course and with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. Content is organized into units, covering the following topics: Integer number sense; integer computation; number theory; fractions; decimals; algebraic expressions and equations; 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional geometry; ratios and proportions; percent concepts and computation; and statistics. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for Accelerated High School Integrated Math I.
Accelerated High School Integrated Math I
This course is designed to offer an integrated approach to mathematics learning, with an emphasis on solving real-world problems connected to multiple content areas. The course begins with a foundation in Pre-algebra and follows a logical path through High School Algebra 1 and Formal Geometry. Algebra and geometry topics are integrated to fully establish mathematical connections. Students who successfully complete Accelerated High School Integrated Math I may be recommended for Accelerated High School Integrated Math II. Students do NOT receive high school credit for this course.
Accelerated High School Integrated Math II
Prerequisite: Accelerated High School Integrated Math I
This course is the continuation of Accelerated High School Integrated Math I, offering an integrated approach to high school Algebra 1 and Formal Geometry. The course emphasizes connections between algebraic and geometric topics and includes the solution of real-world problems connected to multiple content areas. Upon completion of this course, students will take the Nevada State End of Course Exam for Math 1 (Algebra) and Math II (Geometry) required for graduation. Successful completion of this course is the equivalent of WCSD High School Algebra 1 and Formal Geometry courses. Students who successfully complete Accelerated High School Integrated Math II may be recommended for Accelerated High School Integrated Math III or Algebra 2 Honors. Students do NOT receive high school credit for this course.
English
Accelerated Critics of Language 6
This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students in the 6th grade GATE Magnet program. With an integrated approach to analysis and evaluation of both written and spoken language, students can expect to apply these skills to real-world contexts, through project-based learning, depth and complexity activities, and rigorous course work. Additional emphasis will be placed on ethical and moral themes found in literature, non-fiction, and current events. Students will enjoy autonomy in selecting topics of personal interest to explore with their required writing. While recognizing the progression towards mastery of English standards, this course prepares students for the rigor of the escalating complexity in both the writing and literature presented in the GATE Magnet 7th grade course.
Accelerated Critics of Language 7
This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students in the 7th grade GATE Magnet program. With an integrated approach to analysis and evaluation of both written and spoken language, students can expect to apply these skills to real-world contexts, through project-based learning, depth and complexity activities, and rigorous course work. Additional emphasis will be placed on ethical and moral themes found in literature, non-fiction, and current events. Students will enjoy autonomy in selecting topics of personal interest to explore with their required writing. While recognizing the progression towards mastery of English standards, this course prepares students for the escalating complexity of both the writing and literature presented in the GATE Magnet 8th grade course.
Accelerated Critics of Language 8
This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students in the 8th grade GATE Magnet program. With an integrated approach to analysis and evaluation of both written and spoken language, students can expect to apply these skills to real-world contexts through project-based learning, depth and complexity activities and rigorous course work. Additional emphasis will be placed on ethical and moral themes found in literature, non-fiction, and current events. Students will enjoy autonomy in selecting topics of personal interest to explore with their required writing. While recognizing the progression towards mastery of English standards, this course prepares students for the rigor of high school honors and advanced placement courses.
Social Studies
Accelerated History Perspective 6
This course will focus on an analytical approach to decoding the birth of civilization and early cultures, including those from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, Greece and South America (Mayans, Incans and Aztecs). These studies will assist in discerning evidence of their contributions to the world today. The second semester will continue with the cultures of India, Africa and China with a strong emphasis on the development of the major religions.
Accelerated Critics of American History
The first semester will examine the establishment of the colonies on North American soil. The journey will continue through the Revolutionary War and the new United States of America. A crucial piece will be accurately viewing history and recognizing misconceptions of these early times. The second semester will focus on the early days of our new nation and westward expansion. It will continue with the early seeds of dissent as a preamble to civil war. This portion will also examine the impact of the first 15 presidents of the United States and the establishment of the democracy. Awareness of other government systems will be a part of this semester.
Accelerated Analyze War
The first semester will include an in-depth examination of what precipitated civil war, the progression of the war, and rebuilding a nation torn by Civil conflict. In addition to the experiences in America, parallels will be drawn to contemporary examples of civil unrest around the world and an analysis of causation. The second semester will transition the time from the beginning of the twentieth century through the world wars. An important element of this course will be a close examination of events which lead to conflicts that involve multiple countries and the impact of global conflict.
Science
Accelerated Earth Science Investigation 6
This one-year course will offer an introduction to Middle School Science Practice Standards for grades 6-8 and will set a base for future science exploration. Class discussions, individual and group projects, and hands-on laboratory activities allow students various opportunities to investigate Earth Science topics that are relevant to their own lives. This course is designed to cover all the NVACS Grade 6-8 Earth Science Standards.
Accelerated Physical Science Investigation 7
This one-year course is intended to reinforce Physical Science concepts and stimulate interest for exploration throughout the various sciences later in learning. Class discussions, individual and group projects, and hands-on laboratory activities allow students various opportunities to investigate science topics that are relevant to their own lives. This course is designed to cover all the NVACS Grade 6-8 Physical Science Standards for Chemistry and Physics.
Accelerated Honors Biology
This one-year course is designed to follow all the fundamental concepts taught in a High School Honors Biology course; including unity and diversity, interactions of living things and the environment, comparison of structure and function, continuity of life, homeostasis, and change through time. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of research skills, critical thinking skills, and various laboratory techniques. This meets Nevada Academic Core Standards for High School Biology. Additional rigor meets the expectations for High School Honors Biology. Upon completion of this course, students will take the Nevada State End of Course Exam for science. Students do NOT receive high school credit for this course.
