Programming

GRADE 3

Language Enrichment
Junior Great Books – A reading and analytical discussion program that uses classic literature to promote shared inquiry.  Students will meet twice a cycle to craft original questions, probe texts, and share ideas.

Math Enrichment
Continental Math League - Students will meet weekly to practice problem-solving strategies. As a team students will meet once per cycle in preparation for three monthly contests, which begin in January.  

Math Compacting- Utilizes a specific math curriculum, Mentoring Mathematical Minds Series, designed specifically to promote mathematical discourse, problem-solving and inquiry.  Meeting two math periods per cycle students will be exposed to topics not regularly covered in grade-level math classes.

GRADES 4 & 5

Talent Pool
Research- Students, meeting once a cycle, will participate in a study of research design. Descriptive, historical, experimental, correlational, and developmental research will be studied. Students will choose an interest area, develop an original research question, and choose an appropriate research design. A final research abstract will be produced and presented as part of the Kids Inquiry Conference in June.  Students will meet once per cycle and must demonstrate the ability to compact out of the grade level curriculum. Curriculum compacting is a differentiation strategy that assesses a student’s mastery of grade level objectives to be taught in their absence.

Content Specific Enrichment

Math Olympiad - Students will meet twice per cycle to practice problem-solving strategies. As a team students will meet once per cycle in preparation for five monthly contests, which begin in November.

Math Compacting- Utilizes a specific math curriculum, Mentoring Mathematical Minds Series, designed specifically to promote mathematical discourse, problem-solving and inquiry.  Meeting three math periods per cycle, students will be exposed to topics not regularly covered in grade-level math classes.

Self-Nomination

Independent Projects- Individuals or small groups who demonstrate a sincere interest in particular topics or problems, and who show the willingness to pursue these topics at advanced levels of study, may propose an independent project. Meeting times will be contracted between the student, classroom teacher, and teacher of the gifted.

GRADES 3,4 & 5

Genius Hour & PQ Makerspace

Students will be given the opportunity to participate in creative and critical thinking in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Genius Hour themes will rotate throughout the year and the length of sessions will be determined by student interest. Students will be introduced to current offerings during their library media block. Students who sign up to participate will be invited to Genius Hour activities during their lunch and recess block. Genius Hour activities will be facilitated by Ms. Diehl, Ms. Koehler, and Dr. Sands. Drop in times are also available for students who wish to continue working beyond their assigned Genius Hour.

GRADES 6,7,8

Gifted & Talented Class
Students participate in creative and critical thinking activities within a specific curricular area. Content is designed to be introductory and exploratory.  In order to promote student transfer of learned skills, students are encouraged to create an original investigation or product. Identified students remain in a scheduled class throughout middle school, meeting every other day.  Identified students must demonstrate the ability to compact out of grade level courses.

Independent Investigations
Individuals or small groups who demonstrate a sincere interest in particular topics or problems, and who show a willingness to pursue these topics at advanced levels of study, may propose an independent project.  Meeting times will be contracted between the student, classroom teacher, and enrichment specialist.

Math Olympiad (grades 6, 7 & 8)
Students will meet to practice problem-solving strategies in preparation for five monthly contests, which begin in November. 

Academic Triathlon After School Club (grades 6-8)
Traveling to area schools, students take part in three meets yearly to test divergent thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork.  Three separate events at each meet access a range of skills from theatrical to content-based. Teams are multi-age and creativity is always an asset.