Murray's Gifted Gab
March 2019
A Note From Mrs. Shook
First of all, thank you for sharing your students with me! I truly enjoy being a gifted specialist. I have been cheering these students on as they do plays for elementary students, work with Spheros, attend MathCounts, compete at Science Olympiad, play in band and orchestra competitions, create National HIstory Day projects, compete at Battle of the Books, and more! Sometimes just thinking about all the things they do can be exhausting! However, it is so important for gifted students to find a place where they can be themselves with intellectual peers. If you are trying to find a way for your child to "get plugged in," contact me and we can brainstorm.
On Monday (3/4), students should have received a coy of an AIG progress review. This document shows you ways in which your child's teacher is differentiating and should provide a rating on performance on advanced level tasks. Our hope is that this is useful for you.
The coming months are full of events that I hope you and your family will attend. We are fortunate to have such an active school community. Many of our 8th graders are learning now about decisions related to Isaac Bear Early College, Wilmington Early College, etc. It will soon be time to discuss which 7th graders wish to take high school level courses in 8th grade. There are many changes in the days ahead and I hope that you know that I am here to support you and your child along the way. Please e-mail if you have questions, concerns, or wish to discuss your child's academics.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shook
Presentation by Lisa Van Gemert
- You are who you are because you have CHOSEN to be. Sometimes, gifted learners have the ability but underachieve for various reasons.
- Imposter syndrome - Some students think that maybe they aren't really gifted and question if they belong in classes with gifted kids.
- It takes more than just giftedness to be successful. Sometimes, some of the smartest people are not at the top. Luck, effort, etc. all play a role.
On her website, giftedguru, she offers resources for parents, teachers, and students. I encourage you to learn more!
8th Grade Students - High School Registration
7th Grade Students - Save the Date!
Falcon Family Book Club
Falcon Family Book Club will meet again on March 21st. We are currently reading
One for the Murphys. If you would like a copy, it is not too late to join us. Email me or Ms. Steelman will send a copy home for your family.
At our last meeting, we had a guest speaker from the Foster Pantry. She talked to us about the needs they have and we are currently accepting donations.
Hosting A French Student
In April, we will have French students visiting our area and some are still in need of host families. My family hosted a student two years ago and we are doing so again this school year.
Mrs. Paull at Ashley High School is still in need of a host family for one boy and four girls. Please contact her if you are interested. I am also willing to share my experience with you, if you would like.
Scholarship Opportunities for 7th Grade Students - Deadline March 14th
Scholarship Updates
Young Scholars Program Our application for high-achieving 7th grade students is now open!
Young Scholars Program flyer (also available in other languages on the website)
Google Contest - Due March 18th
Do you have an artist at home? Consider having your creative child enter this contest at Google. https://doodles.google.com/d4g/enter/
Chess Club is Back!
NCSSM Accelerator Camps
The North Carolina School of Science and Math has opened registration and provided information online about their summer programs. There are costs involved and they are not endorsed by NHCS. I wanted you to have this information in case it is something that you are interested in participating in this summer.
Here is the link to information about the camps: Summer Accelerator Camps
Step Up to Stem - Opportunity for 8th Graders
Click on the document below for more summer options:
UNCW Engineering and Robotics Saturday Programs
Is your child interested in engineering or robotics? Check out this link:
UNCW offers Saturday programs for students of various ages. There are costs involved. Please note that it is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHCS.
This is a great website for inquisitive kids!
https://thekidshouldseethis.com/