Summer Institute for the Gifted
at the University of Chicago
Thursday, July 24th, 2014
A Note from the Director, Mike Orlando
Hello! Our first week has been full of studies and activity. Friendships have formed between students from Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Connecticut, Puerto Rico and, of course, Chicago, Illinois! Students in our residential program are bonding as counselor groups and houses under the leadership of our Res Staff, and our commuter students are leaping onto campus each morning in the great weather we’ve been having this week.
Luminous minds are leaping into the cosmos, pharmacology, immortality, bioengineering, algorithms, the brain and dreaming, globalization, spying, fencing, zoology, web design, and more. Classes in Harper Memorial and Stuart Halls, as well as around the rest of campus, are buzzing with projects, ideas, and great creativity!
Tonight, students will enjoy watching the staff put on a much-talked-about talent show: who knew that these mild-mannered counselors possessed such musical and performing abilities? Our days are filled with intense subject matter and when classes are finished the students engage in fun counselor and all-camp activities coordinated by the gloriously talented Student Activities Coordinator, Stevie Lin, who is loved by all.
Whatever is going on, SIG UChicago students are truly exemplary throughout the day. The students have received many, many compliments for their excellent behavior and decorum at the campus library and the Cathey Dining Hall, as well as from the Conference Services staff on the campus.
In case you no longer have the registration sheet distributed at Sunday’s parent orientation, below is the contact information for the SIG office and administrative staff:
Office Hours: 8:00am-10:30pm (closed 6-7pm for dinner)
Office Phone: (312) 952-7449
Director email: ucsigsd@aifs.com
Academics email: ucsigad@aifs.com
Student Life email: ucsigrd@aifs.com
Office Manager email: ucsigom@aifs.com
Nurse phone: (312) 952-7867 (available 24 hours)
Nurse email: ucsignurse@aifs.com
Finally,a gentle reminder that even though our physical office may be closed for a meal, we are not gone for long, and will get back to you as soon as we can. And if you’re a commuter parent, please remember to contact us if you’ll be picking up or dropping off your child at any other time than the regular AM/PM drop-off and pickup.
Thanks!
EN GARDE! Spotlight On Fencing: Footwork to Foils
The instructor for Fencing is Felice, who is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Social Sciences at the University of Chicago. She has been fencing for nearly a decade and is currently ranked 8th in New Zealand for Women's foils.
Fencing is a popular class and a favorite at SIG at the University of Chicago.
Here's what some students had to say:
"It's so funny and so good."
"It's a great group effort and fun, and sometimes it's scary!"
"It's the foundations for anything sports-related in your life!"
Here's what the Teaching Assistant, Lupe, had to say:
"The Fencing class has been a wonderful opportunity in that it challenges students to learn and master different forms and techniques while creating a fun and open learning environment."
Recreational Hour
Counselor Michael with the Junior Boys
Enjoying a game of Uno at Rec Hour
Apples to Apples!
Evening Activities
Tonight is our annual Staff Talent Show, where the staff will show off their talents for the camp. Highlights include ukulele, magic tricks, and jumbo origami.
Tomorrow night the students will compete in our Brain Bowl challenge. They will be tested on general academic knowledge in their quest to become Brain Bowl Champions!
Contact Us!
Please address all mail to:
Student Name
ATTN: SIG/Summer Institute for the Gifted
6031 S. Ellis Ave
Chicago, IL
60637
Email: ucsigom@aifs.com
Website: http://www.giftedstudy.org/Residential/chicago/
Location: 6031 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States
Phone: (312) 952-7449