Villarreal G.T. Newsletter
January 2024
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Happy 2024! This school year is zooming by! The idiom, "Time flies when you are having fun" rings true as we definitely have fun while learning in our G.T. classes! So far this year in 3rd-5th grade G.T. we have explored depth and complexity icons, scholarly habits, the engineering design process, materials, structural elements, and team collaboration. Check out some of our scholars in action below.
All Systems Go!
3rd, 4th, and 5th G.T. Learning Objectives are:
the difference between a system and a heap.
the rules that define a system.
Systems have parts that work to complete a task
Systems are composed of subsystems
Part of systems are interdependent upon one another and form symbiotic relationships
A system may be influenced by other systems
Systems interact
Systems follow rules
EXPLORATION Big Ideas
- Exploration requires recognizing purpose and responding to it.
- Exploration confronts the unknown.
- Exploration may result in new findings or the confirmation of old findings.
- Exploration requires leadership and risk-taking.
Transformation Stations
Mapping Depth and Complexity
Digital Depth and Complexity Graphic Organizers
Invasive Species Gameboards
Watch our scholars transform into game creators! 🎲 Guided by a rubric, they designed invasive species gameboards utilizing a unique blend of creativity and science. It was fantastic to observe their understanding of ecology shine through their games.
Wanted or Unwanted! You decide!
Our words have POWER!
Building our Foundational Skills in Primary
Depth & Complexity Icons
Six Thinking Hats
Scholarly Behaviors
understand and cope with social behaviors.
save their information in an organized fashion.
understand what it means to be G.T. and why they are here.
identify qualities in themselves that make them a scholar
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree
Gifted and Talented 2nd graders are lighting up the classroom with their 3D Christmas tree models! 🎄 As a learning extension, these brilliant young minds have incorporated real working lights. Celebrating the holiday season with STEM!
"The Nest That Wren Built"
1st and 2nd grade G.T. pupils are bringing literature to life! After reading 'The Nest That Wren Built' 🐤 , they're crafting their own nest structures and placing their big idea to change the world inside. Education meets creativity and purpose!
Imagination Station
Busting through barriers! Mrs. Charo's 4th grade ESL MaC-G.T. students are taking on math Think Tank challenges, utilizing SOLVE Depth & Complexity organizer! Their dedication to problem-solving is remarkable. Top notch learning!
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade spring G.T. Field Trip
Big thanks to all parents for turning in field trip permission slips! Elementary G.T. students in Northside ISD in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will be participating in a field trip. Villarreal Elementary's G.T. field trip date Thursday, March 21, 2024. The theme for this field trip is Survivor G.T. Students will work in teams to complete challenges that relate to our theme this year, Systems.
This will be our second year where all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade G.T. students are able to participate in a district created and sponsored field trip so that there is equity in NISD elementary G.T. students.
We would love if we could have some 3rd, 4th, and 5th parent chaperones/volunteers to help make our field trip a success.
Chaperone Requirements:
1. Be able to walk briskly for at least 1 mile on park trails.
2. Be responsible and able to help guide a group of 10 students who will be doing different challenges.
3. Be able to chaperone without young children. Adult chaperones, please. This outing is not designed for young children, siblings, strollers, etc.
4. Be able to meet our group at Eisenhower Park at 9:45 am and stay until we leave at approximately 1:30 pm.
If you are interested and able to be a chaperone, please:
- Complete a district background check. Parents who want to be a chaperone must complete a background check each year.
https://hrvolunteer.nisd.net/TempMod.nsf?Open
If you would like to attend the field trip to be with your child, but not to chaperone a group, that is awesome as well! Please ensure to get your badge from the front office the day of the trip and meet us at Eisenhower Park.
- Send me a message in Classdojo that you are interested and willing to be a chaperone or plan on attending the field trip with your child, or if you have any questions.
Parent Resources
Parent Engagement Resource: Lisa Van Gemert, aka the Gifted Guru, has a "Gifted Kid Gift Guide" for parents. Check out the article here: https://giftedguru.com/best-toys-for-kids-and-toys-to-avoid/
Take a moment to read "Gifts for the Gifted" from Engage Their Minds: https://engagetheirminds.com/gifts-for-the-gifted-2023/
These are both excellent resources to find challenging activities for your gifted child!
GTEAC
GTEAC is a parent/educator/community advocacy group working to serve the needs of high-achieving students in the Northside Independent School District.
The mission of the G/T Enrichment Advisory Council is to enhance the opportunities and experiences of student students in NISD by sharing resources with parents and by expanding public opinion and awareness through communications, and by providing funds for grants and specialized GT projects.
The next GTEAC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 8th, 2024 at 6:00pm on In Person at Northside Activity Center and online through Zoom. The details, along with a live link to join on Zoom, can be found in the attached flier. I will also post flyer on Class Dojo.
GTEAC Meeting Dates:
Thursday, October 12, 2023 on Zoom
Thursday, November 9, 2023 on Zoom
Thursday, February 8, 2024 on Zoom
Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Northside Activity Center (NAC)
Stay Connected:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nisdgteac/
Twitter: @nisdgteac
WE ARE CRITICAL THINKERS
WE ARE COLLABORATORS
WE ARE CREATORS
WE ARE SOLUTION FINDERS
WE ARE LEARNERS
WE ARE INNOVATORS
WE ARE COMMUNICATORS
WE ARE LEADERS
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE💻
- District Twitter: @NISDGTAA
- District Instagram: NISDGTAA
- District Facebook: NISD Gifted & Talented
- MaC-GT Twitter: @NISDMaCGT
ABOUT ME
Email: leticia.mcnabb@nisd.net
Phone: 210-397-5800
Twitter: @LMcNabb5