Excel Enthusiasm
February - March 2017
HARK!
The posters are filling up with GT student's random acts of kindness.
In addition to anonymously posting kind actions, several of the Excel classes decided to do more, for a particular individual or group.
Write it down
Put it here!
Beyond HARK...
GMADT - MAD in GT
One of the ways our GT students are GMADT - MAD in GT - making a difference, is by running a school-wide campaign to solicit dried up markers, which we will send to Crayola for recycling. Some students create a script for morning announcements while others empty into a basket the red bags teachers use to save dried markers and place outside their classroom door on certain days, bringing the baskets back to our Excel classroom. (Sometime soon, we'll start counting and boxing them up.)
Of course, another way GT students are GMADT is by spreading kindness. In addition to writing down and posting their random acts of kindness, K-2nd graders brainstormed and voted for their HARK recipients again this year.
K - Smart Brainstormers - made and delivered Thank You cards to Nurse Rhonda.1st - Brainiacs drew happy pictures for a local nursing home, and made cards and board games for my daughter having surgery Friday. (She visits my classes on occasion, getting to know the students as she participates in class activities with them.)
1st - Super Smart Poke Class - made both get well cards and video get well wishes for my daughter.
2nd - Smarter Than A Rock - created thank you notes and pictures for the cafeteria workers, delivering them in person.
2nd - Smart Cookies - made thank you notes and pictures for the local animal shelter. An animal shelter worker will visit the classroom in the future to collect the cards and meet the students.
So proud of all my GT students and their big hearts!
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And now, to each classroom...
Kindergarten GT - Smart Brainstormers
Pezzettino was unique, different than the rest, and very special. After a discussion about why they are in the gifted program, it was time for them to write their positive characteristics - what makes them special.
Organizing GT binders
Brain-challenging apps
Thanks to our nurse!
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1st & 2nd Grade - Max the Magician
1st Grade - Geometric Patterns
2nd Grade Illusions, Perspectives, and Secret Messages
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3rd & 4th ~ CONSTITUTION
We the People...
Next, after researching the meaning of the words in the Preamble, each child re-wrote it, using a presentation tool of their choice.
Bill of Rights - fun and games?
https://www.quia.com/cc/67717.html
There was even competition between both of my campuses! They also enjoyed this interactive site - Life without the Bill of Rights:
3rd Grade Park Rules...
4th Grade - Favorite Amendment?
Next, we'll investigate a few imaginary court cases, determining which amendment would apply to each case. I see some future attorneys and politicians in the making...
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KELLER COGSS - Keller Community of Gifted Student Supporters
Keller COGSS would like to help parents set up a COGSS chapter at each campus.
If you are interested, please contact me by the end of Spring Break. I will forward your name, email and cell phone information to Elizabeth Marsh who will set up a meeting later this month for all interested parents.
You can also join the COGSS Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/558098407698778/Next Keller COGSS district meeting is April 13th (don't worry - it's not a Friday). I plan on attending and would love to have you join me!
Thank you!
I hope you have a safe and wonderful Spring Break!!
Gayle Barron
GT Specialist - KISD Advanced Academics
Woodland Springs and Keller-Harvel