Explorer Newsletter
December 2018
With the first round of report cards out and our first snow day already completed...that must mean we are well into the year. Thank you for all of your continued support. Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) were sent home this year via postal mail. ILPs are a living document that should reflect your child's GT supports. Ms. Richardson and I draft these (with input from the students) to reflect the current synopsis of programming. If you would like to meet to further discuss these plans, please email Dr. Lyons or Ms. Richardson. Or if you are happy with the current ILP, please sign and return the ILP.
This newsletter has some great articles, events in the area, opportunities and recognitions.
We wish you the best this season has to offer and hope that time with those close to your heart may make the cold days warmer!!
Sincerely,
Ruth and Tricia
De-Escalating: Helping Gifted Children Identify Their Emotions and Regain Control - By: Sarah Young
How to Discuss Books with your Kids (even when you haven't read them) By: Elissa Brown and Michele Joerg
Many gifted children are voracious readers who may pick up books you haven’t had time to read yourself. Parents often struggle with ways to support learning at home that is aligned with their child’s schooling, and impediments such as cost, scheduling, and time can further impact a parent’s involvement. The questioning model sidesteps these challenges, allowing you to support your child’s comprehension and critical thinking skills in your car, at home, on the subway, at the dinner table, or even just on your couch. Continue Reading
A December Reading Challenge for Kids by Iva-Marie Palmer
Screenagers
Tuesday, Dec 4, 2018, 06:00 PM
Reeds Brook Middle School, Main Road South, Hampden, ME, USA
Maine Digital Festival
- Scratch (Pre-registered Workshop): Love games? What to learn how to make your own?
- Painting with Python (Pre-registered Workshop): Learn to create your own animated works of art using the Python programming language! This session is recommended for students in middle school or older
- Hour of Code (Activity Room)
- Code-a-Pillars (Activity Room)
- Code Your World with 4-H (Activity Room)
- Dot & Dash (Activity Room)
Learn more and Pre-register here: http://www.projectlogin.com/events/maine-digital-festival
Saturday, Dec 8, 2018, 10:00 AM
Augusta Civic Center, Community Drive, Augusta, ME, USA
Science Lecture Series - Kristy Townsend, Ph.D. Remodeling in Our Brain and Nervous System: Connections to Obesity and Diabetes
Thursday, Dec 20, 2018, 07:00 PM
University of Maine, Planetarium, Orono, ME, USA
Makerspace Event and Tech Sale
Makerpsace: Our Makerspace features hands-on activities throughout the center, along with Maine-based creators and inventors who will display their creations. Feed your imagination and ingenuity at this special hands-on event, designed for kids & adults (recommended for youth age 7-99)!
Tech Sale: Challenger will have its very first electronic-themed mini-flea market. Professionals & amateurs will have tables of second-hand items that are “all-things-electronic” for people to purchase. Be inspired by the makerspace activities to purchase items to continue the build/test/tinkering at home! (Don’t forget to bring cash)
Saturday, Jan 12, 2019, 10:00 AM
Challenger Learning Center-Maine, Venture Way, Bangor, ME, USA
Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program - Calling 7th Grade Students
Family Math Brainteaser (courtesy of NCTM)
Moving Matches
The following isosceles trapezoid is composed of 7 matches. Modify the position of three matches in order to obtain two equilateral triangles. Puzzle provided by Paulo Ferro - solution is posted at the end of the newsletter
Mrs. Richardson is offering maker space sessions during recess at Weatherbee.
This is on a monthly rotation.
Grade 3 - November & March
Grade 4 - December & April
Grade 5 - January & May
The Maine Educators for Gifted and Talented (MEGAT) held their Annual Fall Conference
Dr. Lyons presented a session on identification and assessment. This year there was a student creativity contest. We had 6 students from RSU 22 participate!
Congratulations to Ellie, Jordan, Nina, Aubrey, Alex, and Lucas for participating!
Congratulations to Ms. Richardson!
She has officially completed all of her coursework for her Master’s Degree in Gifted Education from the University of Southern Florida! She will graduate this month. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated teacher be a part of the Explorer Staff!