RISD Secondary GT News
Spring 2018 1.0
To access the previous newsletter, click here.
GT Parent Lunch and Learn
Event:GT Parent Lunch and Learn
Building: Professional Development Center
Room: Library
Date: 03/09/2018
Start Time: 11:30 AM
End Time: 1:00 PM
If you would like to suggest topics or have questions for this event, please feel free to fill out this survey. We will address suggested topics as time allows.
GT Appeals
GT SHOWCASE!
More information is forthcoming.
We are looking for sponsors to provide prizes for this year's showcase. If you are interested, please contact the GT Specialist at 469.593.0784 or at clinton.bland@risd.org.
Mentor's Wanted (4th Call)
Scholarship and Enrichment Opportunities
Did you know that RISD provides a College Test Prep day camp during the summer? Did you know that it's much less costly than private offerings? Click Here to learn more about RISD Superintendent's Scholars Academy.
"To repeat what others have said, requires education; to challenge it, requires brains." - Mary Poole
Teacher Spotlight: John Witter, Richardson High School
10th Grade AP World and Pre-AP English II.
How long have you been in education?
21 years.
Where is your hometown?
Richardson.
Where did you attend college?
UT Dallas - B.A. Historical Studies.
What are your hobbies?
Parenting.
What are your favorite movies, TV shows, etc.?
[Movie] The Last Dragon, [TV] The Unit.
What is your educational philosophy?
Creating curiosity leads to life long learners.
What is your favorite thing about teaching gifted kids?
The questions...all of the questions.
What else is interesting about you?
Single parent, raising four kids. I was in the Army before becoming a teacher.
Teacher Spotlight: Karyn Nyholm, Liberty Junior High
7th and 8th grade GT science.
How long have you been in education?
4 years.
Where is your hometown?
Concord, Massachusetts.
Where did you attend college?
Wheaton College (MA) Physics.
What are your hobbies?
Running, reading, swimming, cooking.
What are your favorite movies, TV shows, etc.?
Jurassic Park.
What is your educational philosophy?
My philosophy is that every kid can grow to their full potential. My goal as a teacher is to take kids where they are right now and let them grow as students and scientists.
What is your favorite thing about teaching gifted kids?
They are witty & really come together in the classroom to form a community.
What else is interesting about you?
I'm the oldest of 6 kids. I'm a fairly good runner. I am competing in the Dallas Marathon on 12/10/17 as an elite runner.
A Message From the GT Specialist
It's hard to believe, but Spring Break is just around the corner. As we move into the final months of the school year year, it's a good time to take stock, to reflect on accomplishments, and to begin looking forward to the future.
I am so proud of what Secondary Gifted Services has accomplished in such a short time. Our teachers have been hard at work, doing their best to improve teaching and learning for our gifted learners. I've had the pleasure of watching intense debates about the nature of human rights in a sophomore English class, seeing eighth-graders fire projectiles at the Alamo to solidify their understanding of physics , and sitting in the gallery of a mock courtroom while Bridge to Terabithia went on trial. RISD teachers are some of the best in the business and they are committed to providing the best possible experiences for our gifted learners.
It's not the time, however, to rest. We understand that there are still areas for improvement, and to that end we are in the process of introducing a new curriculum model with the goal of a full roll out by the of next year. The Parallel Curriculum Model was created by some of the most famous names in gifted education research and is approved by the National Association for Gifted Children. It is a means of delivering content that meets the academic and social/emotional needs of gifted learners while also adhering to rigorous standards.
Like the authors of the Parallel Curriculum, I believe that "What we do and what we ask students to do in the classroom delivers a powerful message about what we believe is most important for learners.” This model is a powerful tool for design which teachers can use not only to ensure mastery of knowledge and skills but also to help students grapple with profound and challenging questions and problems. Our gifted children will be the leaders of the future; because of this, we cannot settle for just the basics when it comes to their education.
That's why I'm so excited about this new initiative. I invite you to attend our next "Lunch and Learn" (information above) to get a better understanding of this new and powerful educational framework.
Best,
CR
Clint Rodriguez, M.A.
College and Career Readiness
Email: clinton.bland@risd.org
Website: http://bit.ly/2zhlnUa
Phone: 469.593.0784