Mrs. Branton February 2016 GE News
Gifted Education News for Woodland and Edinbrook
Important Grade Level Specific Information
Information for second grade parents
All second graders have been given opportunity to participate in thinking-skills testing in January/early February. Data gathered from this process and the upcoming NWEA assessments will be used for decisions about GE services for 2016-17. Parents will be sent results of this testing through the US mail.
Information for third and fourth grade parents
During the month of January, testing for Gifted Education 2015-2016 pull-out services took place. Teachers, parents and students submitted nominations for the January testing. Results will be shared with parents through the US mail before the end of this school year.
Information for fifth grade parents
In the coming weeks, all students in grade 5 will receive a Middle School Guide and Registration Handbook that describes courses and supports a successful transition to middle school. There is an exciting array of electives to be offered beginning next school year.
Seminars
Third Grade Quantitative Seminar
QUANTITATIVE NBC: Computer Science and Programming
Students will know:
- The difference between programming, computer science, and computational thinking
- The four steps of computational thinking
- How to solve complex problems using team work
- How to find patterns in processes
- How to determine the outcomes of conditionals
Fourth Grade Non Verbal Seminar
NON-VERBAL NBC: Constructive Problem-Solving: LEGO Machines
Students will know:
· How specific principles of simple machines simplify work for humans
Students will understand:
· The purpose of each simple machine
· A complex machine is made up of two or more simple machines
Students will do:
· Modify the design of a simple machine in order to simplify human effort
· Successfully work as part of a team to complete assigned investigations
· Use problem solving to design and build a working LEGO machine.
Fifth Grade Quantitiative Seminar
Quantitative NBC: Computer Science and Programming in Algebra
Students will know:
- How to explore and design images using corrdinate planes
- Design evaluation blocks with arithmetic expressions
- How to define variables and substitutions
- Composite functions
- How to solve word problems with the Design Recipe
West Suburban Summer School Information
The West Suburban Summer School brochure is available to preview online beginning February 17th at: http://www.district287.org/page.cfm?p=519
Registration begins February 24, 2016. West Suburban Summer School is a program of Intermediate District 287's Gifted Education Services. The program serves identified Gifted and Talented in our district as well as others. Instructors design classes in their area of expertise to provide gifted students with unique experiences to challenge their abilities. Classes are held for one week (8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at 3 different sites.
For information and access to the brochure look for a postcard which will be sent home with your child from the gifted education instructor at your building. The URL to access the brochure online, plus directions for registration, will be included on the postcard. Returning registrants will not need a postcard.
Summer Sessions for 2016: June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22, & July 25-29
Minnesota Institute for the Talented & Gifted – MITY
Grades 1-4 Spring Classes for MITY are now open for registration. Classes are held on Saturdays: 2/27, 3/5, 3/12, & 3/19 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Parent Seminars are available during that time as well. Tuition is $175. If you are interested, let your Gifted Ed teacher know and they can get you a brochure with more information.
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GE Monthly District Parent Forums
Join us for monthly Gifted Education parent meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to provide parent support for students participating in gifted education needs based classes. There are monthly meetings throughout the year with various topics – see schedule below. These sessions will be facilitated by several of our #279 Gifted Education Teachers. All meetings will be held at Oak View Elementary and will be from 6:30-7:30 pm. Childcare for children 4+ and a light snack will be provided.
February 9th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Idealism, Unhappiness and Depression
March 29th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Communication: The Key to Relationships
April 12, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Not Just Gifted? Twice-Exceptional Children, Organization Issues
May 10th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Advocating for Your Gifted Child Gifted Child