Welcome to PACE
Fall 2019-2020
Note to Parents From Mrs. Lowenthal:
It's so wonderful to see the hallways fill up and meet with my PACE students again. I have the privilege of teaching PACE K-5 this year, and I couldn't be happier! I have a brief overview of our standard PACE goals and the semester's curriculum for you below.
I feel so fortunate to remain a part of your child's formative education for multiple years. Please know that it is a true honor for me, and I will do everything I can to encourage and push them as they develop to their potential. As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your children.
My best,
Deanna Lowenthal
Note to Students From Mrs. Lowenthal:
I know many of you come on the Mathews website to see what's happening in our school! I thought I would leave you a note in case you were out researching and found this.
This year will be full of exploration, memories, and learning. I want you to know...
1. I respect you.
2. I will listen to you.
3. I believe in you.
4. I will do my best for you.
5. You are important.
I left you a little quote below my letter. There will be times when our days get a little challenging. I will hand it over to Einstein now.
Hugs,
Mrs. Lowenthal
PACE GOALS
Creative thinker-ideas are fluent, flexible, original, elaborative (FFOE)
Logical thinker-analyze, synthesize, deduce
Uses advanced communication-advanced vocabulary through discussion and writing; expresses advanced thinking
Creates advanced products-oral, written, digital, visual
Produces quality work-neatness, proper mechanics
Problem solves-sees multiple perspectives, draws conclusions
Collaborative worker and self-directed learner-share responsibilities, task commitment, motivated, works well with others
Progress reports are sent home two times per year for 1st -5th grade PACE students at the end of each semester. Students are evaluated based on PACE goals.
What will we be learning this semester?
FIRST GRADE
Be Creative
This unit is designed to introduce first grade PACE students to the SCAMPER and FFOE creative thinking techniques and logical thinking. Students will learn each letter of both techniques and how this strategy can be used to help them become better thinkers. Different types of logic problems and science experiments will allow students to begin to develop logical skills such as deducing, comparing, ordering, and drawing conclusions.
SECOND GRADE
Coding
Students answer the question “What is coding?” by discovering why it is important to learn coding, the jobs associated with coding, and how precise instructions can lead to a successful outcome. Students follow through lessons that teach looping, debugging, conditionals and other necessary language in order to make programs work.
THIRD GRADE
Logic and Reasoning: The Great Chocolate Caper (Semester 1)
Students will be exposed to syllogistic and deductive reasoning strategies while solving a mystery. Students will use logic grids to analyze and interpret data; use syllogisms to strengthen their reading and reasoning skills; and learn to form generalizations based upon valid assumptions.
FOURTH GRADE
Leadership (Semester 1) In the leadership unit students begin to explore qualities that make good leaders and identify leadership skills in themselves and others. Through classroom discussions and journal reflections, students learn that anyone can be a leader and that sometimes leaders need to follow. Students will determine their leadership style and analyze how it can be used to have a big impact on the future as well as come up with a leadership growth goal to become a stronger leader. A research project based on a leader allows students to practice research and public speaking skills.
FIFTH GRADE
Law (Semester 1) This unit plays a critical role in preparing students for middle school PACE. Students will become familiar with the First and Fourth Amendments to the U. S. Constitution. The students will review cases, both fictional and factual that relate to these amendments. The students will justify opposing points of view, identify facts, interpret documents, and support arguments for both sides of an issue. This unit continues the interdisciplinary and analytical nature of curriculum and is carefully articulated with original analysis, evaluative, and expository expectations of the middle school PACE program.
PACE Parents,
Deanna Lowenthal
Email: Deanna.Lowenthal@pisd.edu
Website: https://www.pisd.edu/giftededucation
Location: 7500 Marchman Way, Plano, TX, USA
Phone: 469-7522376
Twitter: @TeachLowenthal