2010-2011 elp staffelp teacher at horizon and timber ridge 515-986-1121 (horizon) 515-331-4379...
TRANSCRIPT
Bright Ideas Helping Thinkers Think
2010-2011 Board Members Our board members represent all schools within our district, as indicated below. Feel free to contact us with any questions, suggestions, or to volunteer to help with any of our activities.
Patti Kliegl, President Beaver Creek/515-986-0598
Janet Petersma, Past President 515-270-0561
Jane McDowell, Treasurer Summit/515-270-0012 [email protected]
Kate Safris, Secretary
Horizon & Summit 515-986-1591
Jill Boeschen, Database Coord JHS & Summit 515-278-1927
Salim Chandani Horizon/515-334-0637
Julie Dilley Lawson/515-289-1819
Shanyn Kramersmeier Horizon & Summit
515-986-0388 [email protected]
Sue Nagel
Wallace & Summit 515-334-0999
Janet Petersen Legislative Liaison
515-991-6311 [email protected]
Valerie Thacker
Timber Ridge, & Summit 515-334-7208
Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator 515-278-0476
2010-2011 ELP Staff Kathy Paul JCSD ELP Coordinator
MS 8-9 ELP, Assessment, training
515-278-0476 [email protected]
Easiest to contact by e-mail
Sue Cline ELP Teacher at JHS Advanced Placement
515-278-0449 [email protected]
Contact after 3 pm or via e-mail anytime
Mitzi Hetherton
ELP Teacher at Horizon and Timber Ridge
515-986-1121 (Horizon) 515-331-4379 (Timber Ridge)
Contact by e-mail or Phone
Nancy McGill Part-time ELP teacher at Beaver Creek
515-278-6228 [email protected]
Call between 3 and 4 pm or e-mail for a
convenient time
Kristen Hartman
Part-time ELP Teacher at Lawson and Timber Ridge
515-278-0478 (Lawson) 515-331-4379 (Timber Ridge)
Contact by e-mail or phone
Jessie Todd ELP Teacher at Summit 515-986-0318 [email protected]
Contact by e-mail or phone
Judie Horka Part-time ELP Teacher at Wallace
515-278-6977 [email protected]
Contact by e-mail or phone Monday,
Wednesday or Friday
Final Parent Program of the Year! The last parent program of the year will be held on Thursday, March 10 at 7:00 at the Johnston Middle School. Our speaker is Sonja Mennenga, Gifted and Talented Consultant for Des Moines Public Schools. We hope you can join us!
AP Exam deposit due March 15 The $15 deposit for each AP exam is due on March 15. Please contact Sue Cline with any questions.
Board members needed! We will have a number of open board positions beginning in the fall. Please contact any member of the JELP Board if you are interested in learning more about these roles.
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JMS Students attend Legislative Session Submitted by Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator
Fifty-three 9th graders from Johnston visited the Iowa State Capitol Building on Tuesday, January 11 as part of their Language Arts unit on persuasion. Teachers Kate Leo, Kathy Paul, and Sara St. John accompanied the group. The students who attended had chosen to personally contact a person of influence, an administra-tor or legislative policy maker, to voice their opinion on an issue. Other students wrote letters, sent via e-mail, after researching an area of concern. Topics ranged from gun control to school lunch mandates. As part of the unit, a legislative lobbyist, Mary Ann Nielsen, spoke to the students about advocacy. Each stu-dent conducted research to support their stance and organized their material based on the principals of per-suasion. While at the Capitol Building, students heard Governor Culver‟s State of the State Address, toured the build-ing learning about its function and history, and met with a senator or representative if they had not already do so previously. Students enjoyed being on the floor of the senate, watching the legislators from the gallery, and walking up to the dome. The opportunity to meet with a representative or senator and talk specifically about an issue of personal interest was a highlight of the unit.
L to R: Samantha Long, Lauren Stenger, Amy Nihart, Millie Varley and Andrew Mills
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From the Desk of….
Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator
Identification for Extended Learning Program
We are working on the review process for ELP identification. Each spring students are reviewed, and letters are sent to those that are placed in a level of service. The letter will explain options for your child, including special programming available. These options depend upon levels of service identified, so the letters are specific for each child. While the classroom teacher works with many children, the ELP staff provides direct service to a smaller population. As a parent, if you are interested in providing input in characteristics you have observed, you may request a form from ELP staff or through the web link at: (K- current 8th graders) http://tp2.aea11.k12.ia.us/017/ELP_ParentInventory.tp4 or obtain the high school form electronically from: (current 9th -11th graders) http://www.johnston.k12.ia.us/schools/elp/resources.html. This HS form should be turned in to [email protected] at the HS. The following explains ELP levels of service and the identification process. Our identification is based upon multiple criteria. A committee of ELP and classroom teachers reviews the data. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator, at the Middle School at 278-0476.
JOHNSTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS—EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAMMING—YEARLY IDENTIFICATION PROCESS LEVELS OF SERVICE GENERAL ENRICHMENT: This level of service provides the classroom teacher with support, so that enrichment is available to able learners in the regular classroom. Teachers look for potential needs. Students who need enrichment are clustered, so that they may work with others of high ability.
STRENGTH AREA: This service is for students who excel in one or more academic areas. In addition to the services offered above, direct service through the ELP teacher may be offered, depending upon needs and available time. Flexible groups in conjunction with regular classroom topics vary in length, content, and frequency. EXTENDED STUDIES/PEP Students at this level of service require a Personalized Educational Plan to provide an academically differentiated curriculum. In addition to the services offered above, direct service includes an option for specific extended studies classes to meet program goals in research, higher level thinking skills, emotional and social behaviors, and self-directed learning.
PROCESS FOR IDENTIFICATION A review of multiple criteria by ELP staff and coordinator is used. Students are served depending upon need demonstrated and options available. 1. Classroom teachers Extended Learning Observation Inventory Teachers mark characteristics of gifted learners and make comments
and nominate students. 2. Teacher recommendation based on products, processes, motivation, and grades Multiple examples of high quality products, initiative to complete extensions, and evidence of high-level thought process are used. 3. Parent Information Any parent may request a form to fill out on their child. Characteristics that show up in the home provide valuable insight. Parents are asked to give specific examples when possible. 4. ELP staff recommendations Observed characteristics, performances, and products. 5. ITBS Iowa norms Serves as an indicator of student needs. Very high scores do not necessarily reflect a need for curriculum adjustments, as this is an achievement test not specific to our district. Consistent high scores along with high MAP scores give us an indicator of high ability. 6. MIALT - Mid-Iowa Achievement Level Tests Scores are specific to Johnston standards and benchmarks. While many students score In the Hi range, reading and math scores that are two standard deviations above the norm are generally a strong indicator of high ability. 7. Miscellaneous tests/ records from previous schools Other available data will be considered, such as Cognitive Abilities Tests, out-of- level tests or data from previous schools.
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History Days at Johnston Middle School
L to R; Courtney Mithelman, Shana Hudson, Ruchira Shekar, Addy Pender Sandra Kromminga
L to R: Georgia Carroll, EmmaGrace Walter, Marcus Miller
Ethan Nu
News from Johnston Middle School Submitted by Kathy Paul, ELP Teacher
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News from Beaver Creek Elementary Submitted by Nancy McGill, ELP Teacher
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¹
Special thanks to Beaver
Creek’s Ms. Segebart,
Horizon’s Melissa Bartecki and
Scott Short from Tinber Ridge
for helping many students enter
the contest this year!
Breaking News!!
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News from Timber Ridge and Horizon Elementaries Submitted by Mitzi Hetherton, ELP Teacher, Timber Ridge and Horizon
5th graders are learning some Stock Market basics again this year. This lengthy unit is a nice complement to the
financial element taught in the classroom. Students are currently preparing to try their hand at The Stock Market Game, a simulation in which students invest $100,000.00. Students will be applying what we have learned in class, asking parents and family for stock advice, and having their portfolio reviewed by an expert in the field. While this by no means is a predictor of future success, it is a fun way to pique their interest in investing
Wall Street Anyone?
Caesar’s English- 4th and 5th grade are nearing completion of their 20-week study of Latin words and stems. I can testify to
the deep learning taking place because I am hearing students using these words in their daily speaking and seeing the
application in their writing. It is fun to watch the previously unknown become a part of who they are. Emily Battani, a 5 th
grader at Timber Ridge, was describing a character in her Literature Circle discussion. She was telling her group how
ostentatious the character was, then she gave examples...a moment of pride for the teacher!)
The next focus for both grades will be on Poetry- this will continue to support the knowledge gained in Caesar’s English and
Grammar. Third graders are continuing their study of grammar and will proceed to advanced writing next.
In fact, eloquence in English will inevitably make use of the Latin element in our vocabulary. -Robert Fitzgerald
With the kindergarten and 1st grade students, I am preparing for spring identification by giving
advanced level Reading Inventories to the high ability students recommended by classroom
teachers. I have been working with first graders all year in math and thinking skills; I will now add
some language and reading comprehension activities using Junior Great Books and Analogies.
Some 2nd
and 4th graders at Horizon are piloting ALEKS as one means of math
enrichment. ALEKS is Web-based, artificially intelligent, educational software originally developed by a team of cognitive scientists and software engineers at the University of California, Irvine, with major funding from the National Science Foundation. ALEKS is founded on groundbreaking research in mathematical cognitive science known as Knowledge Space Theory. Through adaptive questioning, ALEKS accurately assesses a student's knowledge state and then delivers targeted instruction on the exact topics the student is most ready to learn. My observations of the program at this point are that ALEKS is highly motivating for some students. I have a couple of 4
th graders who put in
3-5 hours a week at home. They are progressing rapidly through the program at their own pace. I really like that students are not held back in learning until everyone else is ready.
Alex? No….ALEKS
Preparing for Fall….
4th graders Joe Paul, Alex Nahnsen
and Trevor Lund measured one mile
around the inside of Timber Ridge
for a measurement project in math.
They wanted to help the “Mission
POSSIBLE” team of teachers who
are exercising after school. The
teachers are very grateful for the accurate measurements!
Thanks Boys!
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News from Timber Ridge and Horizon Elementaries Submitted by Mitzi Hetherton, ELP Teacher, Timber Ridge and Horizon
Timber Ridge Travel Passport
You‟ll recall we shared information regarding the Timber Ridge and Horizon Travel Passport projects in the last newsletter, as well as pictures from the Horizon project. Pictures from the Timber Ridge project are shown below.
Josh Hendrickson, Grade 4
Haley Dostalik, Grade 5
Sam Lorenz, Grade 4
Emily Battani, Grade 5
Kathryn Ikeda, Grade 5
Nathan Newcomb, Grade 4
3-D representation of a Zipline created by Haley Dostalik
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News from Timber Ridge and Lawson Elementaries Submitted by Kristen Hartman, ELP Teacher, Timber Ridge and Lawson
Whole class lessons for Kindergarten and First Grade have concluded. Small groups have started or will be starting soon that focus on thinking skills. Students will be introduced to convergent, divergent, evaluative, and visual thinking. Some students in second through fifth grade are continuing their advanced language studies. Second graders learned about similes and metaphors and how they help create imagery in writing. Third graders are enjoying their work in Sentence Island. Mud, the main character, is helping them review the important concepts they learned on Grammar Island and how to apply them in our writing. Fourth and fifth graders are continuing their study of Latin stems and advanced vocabulary. Students in second through fifth grade also read a variety of texts and enjoyed in-depth discussions about their reading. Math topics included addition and subtraction with regrouping, multiplication,
division, elapsed time, and decimals.
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News from Wallace Elementary Submitted by Judie Horka, ELP Teacher
Wow, the year is up and running at a fast pace. It‟s hard to believe we‟re into our second month already. Fourth and fifth grade students shared their Travel Passport trips in early January. It was a great opportunity to embark on „travels‟ to some great destinations many that would take us away from our Iowa winter though some students chose to be off to enjoy some chilly winter sports.
Third, fourth and fifth graders are getting started on new Envision units. Third graders will soon begin the “Pet Parade” unit after we conclude our studies of Egypt, Gift of the Nile. It builds an understanding of the many systems in the life of the ancient Egyptians as well as realizing we have many systems at work in our lives today. Fourth grader are designing their dream backyard in the “Backyard Getaway” unit. Our first challenge will be learning about creating maps to scale. Fifth grade will explore their “Career Aspirations”. This unit helps students see the need to look ahead at their future and learn that what they do in the near future will affect their more distant plans for the future. Fourth and fifth grade mathematicians continue to enjoy the challenge of Math Olympiads. It‟s hard to believe that there are just two meets left. Our February meet has been delayed due to weather and ITBS, but it‟s a priority for the coming week. We continue working to sharpen our problem solving skills. Third through fifth grade students are continuing to work in the Michael Clay Thomas language series. Fourth and fifth grade students are also reading and discussing literature with a thematic approach. These are advanced materials that help us define and enhance understanding of the concepts relating to heroes for students in fourth and justice for fifth graders. Third grade students concluded their Geofinity 2 work and are now working hard to solve The Mystery of the Moli Stone. This unit helps us dig deeply (as archaeologists) to examine some different types of number systems and how they work. Students will eventually design their own number system. Second graders currently have two major focuses. Strong math students are working on building problem solving skills and advancing their computation skills needed in the problem solving. We are also thoroughly enjoying selections from the Junior Great Books second grade series. These are stories that make us think, and laugh and delight in reading as well as learn some great lessons about human and sometimes almost human nature. Students in first grade and kindergarten are participating for brief periods in thinking skills activities as we get acquainted in the process of assessing needs for extensions and/or enrichment in future years.
Elaine Hoelscher
Grace Wigen
Sloane Wilhelm
Sean Reddick
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News from Summit Middle School Submitted by Jessie Todd, ELP Teacher
First Lego League Results! The First Lego League State Finals were held Saturday, January 15th at Iowa State University. Congratulations to the Johnston Dragons who won Honorable Mention for Programming. Team members included Jackson Cunningham, Ethan Hiscocks, and Jacob Thomas. Congratulations to the Summit Specialists who won First Prize for Inspiration and Honorable Mention for Teamwork. Team members included Adam Dostalik, Frank Boksa, Elizabeth Crowley, Austin Jesperson, and Kent Debaene.
Summit MATHCOUNTS Team I’m excited to announce the MATHCOUNTS team for Summit Middle School!
We placed 7th at the competition in Ankeny on Feb 24. Congratulations to the entire team!
Michael Clay Thompson Materials Students in Mrs. Jodi Buchan’s Language Arts classroom have been working in Michael Clay Thompson’s Word Within the Word text over the past few weeks. One assignment option was writing a short one -act play using a new vocabulary in every line. Can you find and define the new terms in this exemplary script?
Are you a geek? Several Summit sixth graders are working hard to answer this question! They have been working on researching a famous or prominent individual who may be classified as a ―geek‖ by some. After their research is complete,
students will write a Sestina to honor their geek and showcase their own ―geekish‖ passions throughout the Summit hallways. Stop by to see what they are up to!
Afshan Chandani Elizabeth Crowley Adam Dostalik Justin Hu Shivani Kumaresan Luke Safris Sara Siebrecht Jacob M Smith Samuel Zhang Caroline Aldrich Maeve Greising Matt Dolde
SNAA—(Super Nonplussed Awesome Announcers) By Kathryn Paszkiewicz and Caroline Aldrich
Scene: Two broadcasters commentate a football game. Reporter One: Good afternoon sports fans and welcome to SNAA! We are the omniscient broadcasters who make unilateral comments. Reporter Two: Some of you may become nonplussed while we are reporting malapropisms, but don’t fear for we will bestow a benediction, the postlude! Reporter One: And the imponderable game begins! The incredulous quarterback throws it to the omnibus wide receiver who then gets tackled by a portly linebacker. Reporter Two: The neophyte wins! You can vide the hierarchy in this monolithic game. Reporter One: And next week the interdiction of Brandon Hughes will end, and he will say a benediction that he doesn’t get in trouble again. Reporter Two: That’s it for tonight folks and may you all have an incredulous, unilateral day!
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News from Summit Middle School Submitted by Jessie Todd, ELP Teacher
Social Studies Culminating Project
Several seventh grade classrooms have been participating in sharing their final projects for Unit 2 in their History Alive! textbook. Mrs. Ruth Stone‟s students share some of their fantastic projects.
Some students chose to play a game of Scrabble for their culmi-nating project. The twist? All the words had to relate to the concepts taught in Unit 2!
Abby Rogers created a visual representation of a geographical element of the Arabian Peninsula.
Katie Perkins and Eilidh Chowanec decided to write papers for their culminating work
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Kevin Han- 1st place overall—Honors division Austin Busch – 2nd place overall— Honors division Joanna Kim – 2nd place overall—Scholastic division Adam Jaschen – 1st place overall—varsity division Kaitlyn Aldrich – 3rd place overall amongst Alternates
News from Johnston High School Submitted by Sue Cline, ELP Teacher
JHS Academic Decathlon performed admirably at Regional competition on January 27 and 28. Our three teams were named to mirror the novel The Grapes of Wrath. The Pomegranates of Gluttony placed 2nd in the region and the Bananas of Envy placed 3rd. The Cherries of Sloth did not have a full roster so couldn’t earn enough points to place. Due to this outstanding performance, Johnston earned the 6th place berth to State Competition. Students won 49 individual ribbons. Several students scored well enough over 9 events to earn medals as top performers as well. Congratulations to everyone! Look for more information on the state competition held on March 4 and 5 in the next newsletter!
Honors division Kevin Han: 1st in Math, 2nd in Music and Social Science Megan Martin; 2nd in Superquiz, 3rd in Social Science and Art Matt Beary: 2nd in Social Science and Math, 3rd in Economics Austin Busch: 1st in Music, 3rd in Superquiz Josh Boeschen: 3rd in Speech and Math Mike Shi: 3rd in Math Alissa Campbell: 3rd in Music Lisa VanWiel: 3rd in interview Also competing in Honors: Emily Parker
Scholastic division Ibrahim Tembe: 1st in Interview, 2nd in Social Science, 3rd in Economics and Language/Literature Joanna Kim: 2nd in Interview and Speech, 3rd in Superquiz and Social Science Clara Sandoval: 2nd in Math Reed Iverson: 2nd in Music Dellanie Couture: 3rd in Music and Math Grant McDonald: 1st in Language/Literature, 3rd in Interview Also competing in Scholastic: Melinda Busch
Varsity division Adam Jaschen: 1st in Superquiz, Art, and Music, 2nd in Speech Nick Miller: 2nd in Superquiz and Economics, 3rd in Speech and Language/Literature Mitch Campbell: 3rd in Music and Social Science Joe Buising: 1st in Economics, 2nd in Language/Literature Haris Kajtazovic: 2nd in Music
Alternate division Kaitlyn Aldrich: 1st in Math, 2nd in Language/Literature, 3rd in Superquiz and Social Science Aditi Dinakar: 2nd Music, 3rd in Superquiz Also competing in Alternates: Josh Hasstedt
The Bananas of Envy L to R: Nick Miller holding Ibrahim Tembe, Emily Parker, Joe Buising, Josh Boeschen, Reed Iverson, Kevin Han
The Pomegranates of Gluttony Front: Mitch Campbell Back: Mike Shi, Austin Busch, Joanna Kim, Adam Jaschen, Alissa Campbell, Grant McDonald
The Cherries of Sloth and alternates Josh Hasstedt, Haris Kajtazovic, Matt Beary, Aditi Dinakar, Melinda Busch, Lisa VanWiel, Megan Martin, Dellanie Couture, Clara Sandoval, and Kaitlyn Aldrich