BISD Advanced Academics
A monthly update on Advanced Academics programs at Bryan ISD
Great Things
AP and IB season is soon upon us, and the final costs to students is being finalized as I type this sentence. I have been informed by TEA that the fee reductions for students who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch bring the total cost per exam for these students down to $7! For students who do not qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, the cost per exam will be only $35. A great bargain for the opportunity to earn college credit.
Please encourage your AP students to sign up for the exams.
Other AP-related news. This summer Rice University will be holding their PreAP/ AP Summer Institutes in partnership with College Board. These summer institutes are a great opportunity to really hone your approach to teaching Pre-AP and AP courses. If you haven't attended one of these before, I HIGHLY encourage you to register before space runs out.
http://collegeready.rice.edu/ap-summer-institute
Rice is also holding some one-day AP exam prep workshops this Spring:
"These one-day AP Exam Prep Workshops are designed for teachers interested in acquiring strategies for preparing their students for the AP exam. The workshops, facilitated by master teachers, will provide a simulated AP reading along with exam prep strategies to help increase student achievement on AP exams."
http://collegeready.rice.edu/spring-ap-exam-prep-workshops
On the IB front, BHS's IB program has produced a video (360p.mp4) that showcases some student experiences in the BHS IB program. I want to affirm Laura Wagner and the Media team here at BISD for putting this together.
Dates for Upcoming AP Exams
Week 1
Monday,
May 2
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Psychology
Tuesday,
May 3
Computer Science A
Spanish Language and Culture
Art History
Physics 1: Algebra-Based
Wednesday,
May 4
English Literature and Composition
Japanese Language and Culture
Physics 2: Algebra-Based
Thursday,
May 5
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chinese Language and Culture
Seminar
Friday,
May 6
German Language and Culture
United States History
European History
Studio Art—last day for Coordinators to submit digital portfolios (by 8 p.m. EDT) and to gather 2-D Design and Drawing students for physical portfolio assembly
Week 2
Monday,
May 9
Biology
Music Theory
Physics C: Mechanics
Physics C:
Electricity and Magnetism
Tuesday,
May 10
United States Government and Politics
French Language and Culture
Spanish Literature and Culture
Wednesday,
May 11
English Language and Composition
Italian Language and Culture
Macroeconomics
Thursday,
May 12
Comparative Government and Politics
World History
Statistics
Friday,
May 13
Human Geography
Microeconomics
ACT/SAT Prep Sessions
The sessions will serve as introductions to the structure and content of the exams, as well as offering strategies for exam success.
ACT Prep Session:
March 26 from 8-12
Location: TBD
SAT Prep Session:
April 23 from 8-12
Location: TBD
INQUIRE Spring 2016 Admissions Timeline
Applications to Students- February 9
School Day Tours- February 8-19
Deadline for Submission of Applications- Friday, March 4
Notification of Acceptance- Tuesday, March 8
Commitment Date- Wednesday, March 9
District Transfer Deadline- Friday, March 11
Branch Elementary's Destination Imagination Teams and TPSP Trainings
Branch elementary has twenty one students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades are competing in the Destination Imagination competition in Conroe, TX on February 20th.
One team is doing the "meme" - Service Project - and they are raising awareness and funds for the Aggieland Humane Society.
One team is doing the "mystery" - "Get a Clue".
One team is doing the "improv" - Close Encounters.
Branch also has two "Rising Stars teams" - students in 1st and 2nd grade - with a total of sixteen students. Both teams are doing the "Change in Direction" challenge.
Additionally, Branch is conducting TPSP training for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teachers on Wednesday, February 3rd with the plan that they will integrate and use the TPSP curriculum in all subject areas as the students travel from teacher to teacher.
TPSP training for all 1st and 2nd grade teachers will take place on Wednesday, February 17th. The plan is that the teachers will integrate and use the TPSP curriculum in their self-contained classroom settings.
GT Showcase Dates
Teaching Kids about the Brain
Study Music Suggestion of the Month
For some reason, when the weather gets cold, I gravitate towards Russian composers if the Late-Romantic period. Perhaps it's the fond memories of my family's annual pilgrimage to Jones Hall to watch The Nutcracker (still the only ballet I can sit through); or maybe it's the recollection of how much I loved Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf when I was a child. Whatever the reason, it just seems appropriate. So, if you need some background music for those cold nights spent grading and making lesson plans. My suggestion for February is this compilation from Nikolai Risky-Korsakov (1844-1908).
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/nikolai-rimsky-korsakov-mn0000250057/biography
Newsletter Submissions
Rick Odum
Advanced Academics Coordinator
Bryan Independent School District
Email: rick.odum@bryanisd.org
Website: bryanisd.org
Location: 101 N Texas Ave, Bryan, TX, United States
Phone: (979) 209-1072