Murray's Gifted Gab
October 2019
A Note From Mrs. Shook
Competitions can provide gifted students with an opportunity to have experiences that sometimes can't be recreated in the classroom. For example, taking students to National History competitions provides students with a chance to practice public speaking and learning to defend research. The Science Fair provides students with choice, an opportunity to dig deeper in science, and students must defend their research. Competitions such as the PTA Reflections contest or DAR Essay Writing Contest allow students to have an authentic audience while also promoting motivation and unique abilities. As you scroll through this newsletter, you will see various academic competitions that are going on right now at Murray.
At Murray, we are lucky to have ways for students to get involved and grow in various ways. Battle of the Books, Principal's Advisory Council, Jr. Beta Club, Math Counts, Jazz Band, Choir, Art Club, etc. are just a few of the ways. It's so important that students stay plugged in during their time at Murray, and find a group of peers with similar interests.
Murray Mathematicians challenges are now ready for 6th and 7th graders! If you would like to donate items for prizes for our Murray Mathematicians, I am in need of small bags of chips and/or full size candies. I usually buy these at Sam's Club and these options have been a hit!
As always if you have specific questions and/or concerns about your child, please e-mail me or set up a time to conference.
Mrs. Shook
6th Grade Parents
DEP Conferences - I love to meet with you and get to know your families. Please use the sign up genius to sign up for a time. If you prefer for me to send the progress report home, you may email me to state that you do not wish to have a conference.
Lunch Bunch Groups - I will be doing some lessons using our social and emotional curriculum for gifted students. This is optional. Due to our numbers, I will be meeting with small groups. Please reassure your child that I will be meeting with them at some point.
7th Grade Parents
Reasons to take the SAT or ACT as a 7th Grader:
* Allows for an above grade level testing opportunity
* This is a valuable learning opportunity for students to see the test and the testing environment
* Scores will be returned which enables you to have meaningful conversations about future plans such as colleges, majors, and expectations
* Students who do exceptionally well are recognized in a ceremony at ECU. Again, this is a great opportunity to start talking about college and career opportunities.
If you have questions about Duke TIP, feel free to e-mail me and we can discuss your child's needs.
8th Grade Parents
This is a big year! Don't get too stressed!
I have received a few emails concerning the High School Signature Programs and how those work. As the time approaches, I will share information with you about these programs and any deadlines. Last year parent informational sessions were held in January. The timeline this year will probably be similar to years past. You do not need to do anything at this time.
Many of my 8th grade gifted students are balancing high school courses, sports, and more! This is an important time to help your child get organized and learn how to juggle a heavier workload. A planner is an important tool that many students haven't had to use until now. For some gifted students, this may be the first time that they really have to study.
You can help your child plan for the week ahead. For example, if a child has soccer practice on Tuesday night, he/she may need to spend a bit more time on homework on Monday night. Kids don't just know these things. We have to teach them!
100 Words of Wisdom
By Amy Snapp.
"They don’t need our help—they’re gifted, they’ll be fine!” How many times have I heard that statement, have I uttered that statement? Well, it couldn’t be further from the truth. After working closely with gifted and twice-exceptional children, I’ve quickly learned that “I’m fine” is often code for “I need you.” Words rarely spoken yet often screamed through their actions and inactions. While it’s important never to underestimate their abilities and need for independence, it’s equally important never to overestimate their need for compassion, encouragement, and guidance. Gifted children need our unconditional support—with or without the words.
Contests and Opportunities
Falcon Family Book Club
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
Please join us for the Murray Family Book Club!
This club has been designed to give families an opportunity to read and talk about a book together. We will start each meeting with dinner at 5:30, then discussion and activities will begin around 6:00, finishing up each evening by 7:00. Dinner will be provided for the entire family at each meeting and each family will be given 1 copy of the selected text, all FREE of cost! Each participating family will be asked to complete the book within the month in preparation for the next meeting.
We will meet:
Thursday, October 10 in the Media Center from 5:30-6:30
(to receive the book)
~AND~
Thursday, November 7 in the Media Center from 5:30-7:00
(to talk about the book)
If you are interested, please sign up here:
Thursday, Oct 10, 2019, 05:30 PM
Charles P. Murray Middle School, Halyburton Memorial Parkway, Wilmington, NC, USA
PT's Grille Night - Support our Solar Panel Efforts
Included is a link to images of solar panels similar to the ones Murray would like to receive. https://advancedenergy-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/klebrato_ncgreenpower_org/EplkfPfxqSxHpOuY-3TXTcQBGv9hXJ4CvYsHvHwu-NzVwA?e=VLEDno
Tuesday, Oct 22, 2019, 05:00 PM
P.T.'s Olde Fashioned Grille, Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC, USA
UNCW Weekend Programs
Marine Quest also offers opportunities for students on the weekends.
These programs are not endorsed by NHCS. Parents would need to provide payment and transportation.
Mrs. Shook
If you or your child needs support, please reach out to me.
Email: crystal.shook@nhcs.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/nhcs.net/crystal-shook---aig/home
Twitter: @shookCrystal