Mrs. Happe's Feb. 2017 GE News
GE News for Weaver Lake and Oak View Elementary Schools
Conferences at both schools!
Oak View Elementary: February 7, 9, and 15, 2017, each evening from 4:00-7:00.
Weaver Lake Elementary: February 28 from 4:30-5:30 (then at Oak View for the GE Parent Forum), March 2 from 4:30-7:30 and on March 6, from 4:30-6:30.
You can sign up at Weaver Lake for a conference slot online. I only have a few slots left! Hurry!
At Oak View just feel free to stop in and check on your child's progress in GE.
Pull Out Groups--Seminars, Needs Based Classes... NBC's..Enrichment Groups ...whatever you choose to call them....
The third (of four) round of groups will be starting the week of February 6th. All groups at both schools will be starting our verbal seminars, with one exception; Weaver 5th grade will be doing a nonverbal seminar based on learning algorithms to solve 225 Rubiks Cubes to create very cool mosaic pictures.
I will enjoy welcoming both new and returning students to our GE community!
- 3rd Grade: Storytelling and Superheros- Verbal Ability
- 4th Grade: Authors and Characters have a Kahoot-Off!- Verbal Ability
- 5th Grade: Oak View- Poetry Slamming - Verbal Ability, Weaver- Rubiks Mosaics- Nonverbal Ability
Primary Enrichment: Creativity Focus
Kindergarten:
- Squiggle Journals. Students will create a picture based on a random squiggle. A story will them be created based on that picture. Each story will have productive thinking skills highlighted within the lesson. Those skills include fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration.
1st Grade:
- Primarily Creativity. The purpose of these lessons it to develop creative and productive thinking skills in young children. Eight areas we will cover include: Awareness, Curiosity, Imagination, Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, Elaboration and Perseverance.
2nd Grade:
- Creative Connections. Students will develop & strengthen productive thinking skills including fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. SCAMPER is a creativity tool we will explore as well.
Students who may need Gifted Education Verbal classes may show evidence of the following abilities
Students who may benefit from Gifted Education Verbal classes may show evidence of the following abilities:
Multiple Intelligence strength in verbal
Strong academic performance and/or potential in reading/language arts (Evidence may include reading RIT score, MCA score, classroom performance)
Strong verbal communication skills
Makes distinction between minute verbal differences/inconsistencies
Strong interest in reading and/or writing and/or communication
Students who may need Gifted Education Non-Verbal classes may show evidence of the following abilities
Students who may benefit from Gifted Education Non-Verbal classes may show evidence of the following abilities:
Multiple Intelligence strength in visual/spatial, logic, and/or bodily kinesthetic
Sequencing skills
Pattern recognition
Constructive problem-solving
Hands-on processing
Communication with pictures, images and/or large gestures
Makes distinction between minute visual differences
Pairs logical and creative thinking to solve problems
Gifted Math Program?
Intermediate District 287 Gifted Education Services through Northern Star Online is offering an advanced math program as an option for elementary and middle school talented math students during the school year. The Gifted Math Program is a combination of online learning and web-based seminars with occasional site-based classroom meetings. Testing for students in grades 4 through 7 to qualify for the program is held in the spring of each year.
Testing required to qualify for program participation
A student must take a qualifying cognitive test for participation in the first year course (scores considered as a predictor of success.) Most students take the test as fourth or fifth graders. Students starting with the second-fourth year courses must either take a qualifying test or provide appropriate documentation of prerequisites and recommendations.
Testing dates for 2016:
- Dates and times To Be Determined
- District 287 Service Center
- 1820 N. Xenium Lane, Plymouth 55441
Minnesota Institute for the Talented & Gifted - MITY
Please click on the Survey Monkey survey below.
GE Monthly District Parent Forums
The purpose of these meetings is to provide parent support for students participating in gifted education needs based classes. 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 6:00-7:30 pm. Childcare for children 4+ years will be provided. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions, I will be linking the presentation information here.
February 28th
Topic Focus: We will discuss summer enrichment opportunities, digital programs offerings and Advanced Academic Programs.
April 25
Topic Focus: Finding the right educational fit for your child.
May 23rd
Topic Focus: How to help your family/child fit in when necessary and how to be the protector and advocate for your child at school, AND with your family and friends.
Materials from Previous Parent Forums
Identification Information
Our district has now approved the use of the new and updated version of the CogAT. This version is computerized, provides immediate results, and recommended to be given in the fall. Therefore, we will NOT be giving the CogAT test to any students in grades 2-4 this winter. This year students will continue to take the MAP test in the spring, and next fall all students in grade 3 with take the CogAT at the beginning of the school year. Students in grades 4 & 5 that are nominated by teachers and parents will also have the opportunity to retest with the CogAT in the fall. Results will determine placement in Gifted Education programs for the 2017-18 school year. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
Mrs. Happe
Email: happek@district279.org
Website: www.happethoughts.com
Phone: 612-598-8571
Twitter: @happekris