GT Academy Newsletter
Sablatura Middle School
October / November / December 2017
Look Out World, Here We Come!
During the first two weeks of the school year, GTA students learn about effective communication, time management and organization. Students also learn about characteristics of gifted learners. This year, two sixth grade students created a video (see below) to share what it means to be gifted. This video was submitted to the Texas Association of Gifted and Talented (TAGT), and we are proud of their work.
As students return from the winter break, they will spend two weeks learning skills related to group dynamics such as respecting differences, conflict resolution, managing long term projects and empathy. Students will be introduced to concepts such as Howard Garner's Multiple Intelligences, SCAMPER, and De Bono's Thinking Hats.
I suggest taking a minute to read the American Psychological Association article below. The author, a college professor, compares a successful college student to an unsuccessful college student. It shows how soft skills can truly impact the academic performance of students.
Students - Be sure to take note of the importance of Interpersonal Skills and Preparation.
Parents - Be sure to watch the video!
- Mrs. Mueller
What a day!
Students in the Medieval Madness course traveled to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for a guided tour of the Knights exhibit. In addition to gaining a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind medieval armor and weapons, students had the opportunity to try on a gauntlet and feel the heft of chainmail. When they returned to campus, they put the finishing touches on their clay gargoyles.
Leader in Me
Amusement Park Science
Lights Camera Action
Space Invaders
Walk on the Wildside
Forensics
Art History
Bookworm Bunch
The Bookworm Bunch treated us to a book tasting in the library. Each student composed a book review, prepared a tasty snack that represented a character in their chosen book, and were on hand to explain their book and answer questions. Students also went around the library putting “love notes” around book jackets to recommend books they had read and loved to the rest of the school. Other projects included designing their ideal libraries and a Book Swap.
Sewing
Blankets for M.D. Anderson
By: Adam, Mercedes and Ella
Its Competition Season!
TCEA - The 2017-2018 TCEA Mindstorms Robotics Challenge game is titled "Mastering Mars" and is designed around the theme of preparing an environment on Mars ready for human settlement and iron mining. Under the leadership of Mrs. Medley, our teams of Sablatura students will compete in the Area 4 competition on January 13th at Davis High School in Aldine ISD. They will also demonstrate the challenge at the Sablatura Robotics Exhibition in February.
VEX - Our first VEX teams will also compete on January 13th. This year's challenge is called "Ringmaster." The object of the game is for teams to get the highest score by getting the robot to place colored rings on the floor goal and posts, empty starting posts and release the bonus tray.
Quiz Bowl - Sablatura Super Quiz and General Trivia teams have been announced and students are busy learning about Africa. The Pearland ISD Quiz Bowl competition will be held at Berry Miller Junior High on February 16th. Make sure to mark your calendar to come cheer on our awesome students! Thank you to Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Maldonado, and Mrs. VanderWoude for your commitment to our champions.
Seaperch - The regional Seaperch meet will be held at Manvel High School on April 7th. Currently, our Seaperch teams are applying the Engineering Design Process as they test Remotely Operated Vehicles at the Pearland Natatorium. Teams will practice their skills with Alvin ISD teams at a practice meet on February 17th.
TMSCA - Many students are working toward their goal of attending the TMSCA state competition this spring. Sablatura and PJHW are hosting a qualifying meet this year on February 24th at PJHW. Volunteers are needed to help with scoring, proctoring, hospitality, sign in and more. No experience necessary. Parents and high school NHS members can contact any of our outstanding math teachers: Mrs. Needler, Mrs. Cybak, Ms. Hart, or Mrs. Jamie Williams for more information and can sign up using the link below.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090545a9a72ca4f94-volunteers
Mars Rover - Our Mars Rover teams have researched the history of Mars and it's previous rover missions, and are currently designing a rover prototype and writing a skit that they will present to judges at the University of Houston on January 27th. Parents are invited to view presentations on Wednesday, January 24th, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. in the Sablatura Library. Students should have scripts memorized and Rover Guides complete. Contact Mrs. Stenvall for more information.
Ecobots - Although our Ecobot teams will not compete until April 21st, they have a practice day coming up on February 17th at Woodcreek Middle School in Humble ISD. On this day, Ecobot teams will get a closer look at this year's challenge and meet students from other schools who are excited about robotics.
Good Luck Wende!
Social Studies Rocks!
By: Sierra, Brooke, Maddie, Brayden and Bowen
Clutter Busters
Do you have trouble keeping up with your papers? Is your binder a mess? Are your parents always asking you about missing assignments? Do the Knowsys and ALEKS due dates sneak up on you? Are you still wondering why you need a planner? Then you need Clutter Busters!
Tracking due dates and developing a system of organization is key to success in school. Smart kids begin to fail because they forget about a test or arrive to school unprepared. Everyone's memory fails sometimes, so students must develop the habit of recording their assignments and important dates.
Clutter Busters is a group of helpful sixth grade students ready and willing to help friends who are struggling with organization. Come to get help any (or every) Monday morning in Mrs. Cybak's classroom 8:00-8:30. Thanks to a grant from the Pearland ISD Education Foundation, we have extra folders, sharpened pencils, notebook paper, highlighters, and even binders available for any student who needs them. Come get the supplies and helpful advice you need to start the week off on the right foot!
GTA 5th Graders Attend International Quilt Show
TPSP Research
5th and 6th graders have completed their TPSP research and will begin the new year organizing notefacts. They will be writing research papers in their Language Arts class. It is important for students to focus and stay on schedule with their writing in class so that in February, fifth graders will be ready to begin designing quilts and sixth graders will be ready to begin planning their vlog, blog, interview or scrapbook. Remember...
“Those who make the worst of their time most complain about its shortness.” – La Bruyere
For a review of the steps in the Independent Investigation Method (IIM), see the powerpoint link below.
Mark Your Calendar
January 4 - Students Return to School
January 12 - GTAB Winterfest @ Pearwood Skate 5:30-7:30 p.m.
January 13 - TCEA Robotics Competition
January 13 - VEX Robotics Competition
January 15 - MLK Holiday
January 18-- GTA Info Meeting for Prospective Students @ Sab Cafeteria 6:30-7:30 p.m.
January 24 - Mars Rover parent presentations @ Sab Library 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
January 27 - Mars Rover competition @ UH
February 2 - Deadline for GT students to submit GTA application through Skyward**February 6 - FPS state qualifying competition @ Sablatura 3:50-6:15 p.m.
February 8 - GTA 6th grade students attend "Holes" @ Main Street Theatre
February 16- Quiz Bowl Competition @ Berry Miller Jr. High
February 17- Alvin ISD Seaperch Practice Meet @ Manvel High School
February 17 - Ecobot Practice Day
February 19 - No school for students
February 22 - Sablatura Robotics Exhibition 5:30-7:00 p.m. @ Sablatura cafeteria
February 24 - TMSCA Competititon @ PJHW (hosted by GTA)