Cassidy Gifted and Talented News
February 1, 2018
Announcements
Welcome New Families
We just added a new crew of PTP and GT students so I wanted to extend a warm welcome to you and your students. This is our weekly newsletter to give you updates on what your child is working on for PTP/GT.
What We Are Up to This Week!
We are engaged in STEM units that engage them in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. For the spring, we are using Envision units designed specifically for Gifted and Talented Learners. These were provided by the district. First graders are doing a Party Planning unit where they will use budgeting skills (math) and do investigations about the location and weather (science). Second graders are doing a Pet Parade unit where they will do research about a variety of pets (science), determine the costs associated with owning that pet (math), and then select the best pet for them. Third graders are doing a Curiosity Expedition unit where they will research a STEM topic and come up with an interactive learning station to teach others about it. Fourth graders are doing an Environmental Declaration where they will select an environmental issue that is meaningful to them. They will research that issue and brainstorm solutions. The fifth graders are engaging in a Financial Adventure where they choose a career and engage in a variety of scenarios to map out what their life would look like based on their salary, taxes, etc.
Math:
Students are engaged in Problem Based Learning connected to the content they are learning. For example, third graders are engaged in Geometrocity, a project where they use geometry concepts to design a city. Fourth graders are doing a unit from Project M3 designed specifically for Gifted and Talented learners called Treasures in the Attic where they are learning about fractions.
Language Arts:
The theme for our Evening with the Arts event this year is Fractured Fairy Tales where you take a classic tale and change something about it such as the setting or characters. First and fifth grade students are writing twisted tales for this event. Second and third graders are engaging in book clubs where they read and practice comprehension strategies. Fourth graders are doing a genre study project where they are working in book club groups to read and study several novels in a particular genre. They will then create their own writing pieces in that genre.
Social Studies:
Students have self-selected topics that they want to study in U.S. History and are working on a research project about it.
Art/Creativity/Dance/Music/Drama:
Students are working on self-selected projects where they can make a contribution to something going on in the school (e.g., making Work Hard Be Kind posters for our new school motto, designing advertisements for school fundraisers, writing a song to teach others to Work Hard, Be Kind) or something that develops their particular talent. 4th grade drama students are preparing for the 4th grade Twisted Tale musical for Evening with the Arts. 5th grade art/drama/dance students are working on a creating their own American Revolution pre-show for the 5th grade spring constitution musical.
Leadership:
Students are self-selecting projects where they can demonstrate leadership within the school. They can participate in an existing program or come up with one on their own. Fifth grade students have been working on planning the Dance Blue event that will be hosted at Cassidy next week.
Resources and Opportunities
KAGE Conference and Parent Night
The Kentucky Association for Gifted Education is hosting a conference at the Marriott Griffin Gate February 26-27. On the evening of the 26th, they will host a parent event entitled "Outsmart Your Smart Child: Practical Strategies for Parenting Gifted Children." Here is the link to more info.
Cassidy App
Make sure to download our Cassidy App! I will use the app to distribute newsletters and announce events. Here is a link to directions on how to get the app. When you click to add GT (this will pop up after you choose your grade(s)), you will need the following password: GTcassidy17
If you already set up your app and did not add GT, then you will need to go to Settings and click on Enroll in GT and then enter the password: GTcassidy17
Homeroom
Within the app, we will also have a Homeroom button where I will post pictures, videos, and notes about what we have been up to in GT. To link to our homeroom, you will click here and set up an account. It will then populate in your Homeroom button on the app. I have posted tons of pictures and videos of our projects!
If your child is identified in science, you may also want to add Mrs. Fehr's science Homeroom. She posts many community events, activities, and pictures there.
Seesaw
Seesaw is an online journal where students can make posts to document and share their learning with you and each other. They can take videos and pictures, make drawings, type notes, etc. I am beginning to use it in several classes and will roll it out to more as we go along. Right now, I am using it in the following classes:
3rd Grade STEM (click here)
3rd Grade Math (click here)
4th Grade STEM (click here)
5th Grade STEM (click here)
If your child participates in one of these groups, you can sign up with Seesaw to view their work by clicking on the link next to their group, choosing their name from the menu, and then signing up for an account. There is also a Seesaw app you can download on your phone.
Contact Information
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Cassidy Elementary
859-381-3018 ext 21252