SLE GT LEAD
August 26, 2019
Welcome Back
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year! I hope that you have enjoyed your summer and made great memories with your children.
I am looking forward to being your child’s new teacher for the SLE GT LEAD program, (Gifted and Talented Learning Experiences for Academic Discovery). The GT LEAD classes will begin September 3rd. As we start this new year, please know that I am available to conference with you at any time.
I am here to advocate for your children, as well as make you aware of other opportunities within our district. One way you can stay connected and advocate for your child is through SAGE (Supporting and Advocating for Gifted Education), our parent advocacy group for gifted learners.
SAGE oftens bring in guest speakers, invite representatives for camps/programs to share, and provide scholarships for teachers to attend gifted conferences. Please consider joining this dynamic group.
If you have any questions or concerns before Curriculum Night, please feel free to contact me. Again, I would like to welcome the new and returning students to GT LEAD. We have an exciting year ahead!
GT LEAD Schedule
GT LEAD Classes are held weekly during STAR time and will commence on September 3rd.
Fifth Grade: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:05-2:50 pm
Fourth Grade: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 1:15-2:05 pm
Third Grade: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 7:55-8:45 am
Second Grade: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 10:35-11:25 am
First Grade: Mondays and Wednesdays 8:50-9:40 am
Kindergarten: Mondays 11:30 am-12:15 pm
GT Orientation Sept. 5th at 5:30pm and 6:20pm
Resources and Supplies Needed
Experts and field studies: We will host subject matter experts and experiences, and will design field studies to deepen our understanding of complex topics. Students will identify what they want to study and seek your support, maybe as a guest speaker/presenter or as a site visit host.
Supplies: Thanks to the generous donations from our PTA and the White's Chapel United Methodist Church, we have the basics on hand. As students curate what they want to learn more about, we will share details of what we need to execute our projects.
Thank you in advance of our future requests for support!
Texas Destination Imagination (DI)
I am interested in establishing a Destination Imagination Program at our school. We will need parents to assist with running the program and if you are interested and able, please let me know.
DI VISION
Inspire and equip participants to achieve anything they can imagine in life.
DI MISSION
To engage participants in project-based challenges that are designed to build confidence and develop extraordinary creativity, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
DI PRINCIPLES
- Fun learning: Explore STEM/STEAM concepts in a hands-on environment.
- Creative problem solving: Learn how to think, not what to think.
- Kid powered; team driven: Energize students to own all decisions, creations, and results.
- Friendly competition: Motivate teams to reach for the stars, while also rooting for each other.
- Global diversity: Encourage and celebrate differences in each other, and differences in ideas.
To learn more, click here. We are in the Mid Cities Region.
About Ms. Callaway
I moved to Grapevine from Key West, Florida this summer and spent the past few months playing 'tourist' in the DFW area. I am proud to be a new Texan and am grateful to have so many interesting and exciting resources in our community available to us. My education career began in 1996 and each year reveals to me innovative and inspirational ways to create learning experiences for students.
I earned a bachelor's degree in Art History & Criticism from Florida State University, a master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina, a master's degree in Public Administration from the College of Charleston, and a master's degree in Gifted Education from Converse College. In addition, I served on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Consortium for Gifted Education and am experienced in local, state, regional, and national gifted education frameworks.
Email: Kristina.Callaway@gcisd.net
Website: https://sles.gcisd.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=98634&pageId=210565
Location: Silver Lake Elementary School, North Dooley Street, Grapevine, TX, USA
Phone: (817) 251-5750