Semester 2 Supplies

The beginning of the year supply list was created by someone else and unfortunately doesn't meet all our needs. I'm going to focus on organization this next semester and the work load is going to increase so I want them to have all the tools they need to stay organized and responsible. 

Here is what they will need: *They may already have some or all of these items.

6 folders- (Math, Reading, Social Studies, Science, Other, Homework)

1- 1 inch binder to put the folders in

3 highlighters (colors don't matter)

Red pens- ball point- not Sharpie

Expo Markers (not on the list in the email)  buy at least 2-3 because they tend to go through these quickly. Color doesn't matter. 

Notebooks- (Math and Reading- they can continue using the one from Sem. 1 until it is filled) 

Flashdrive- the one they had from semester 1 should be fine. I just wanted you to know we will continue to use it. 

They will also start using their Agenda book daily, like what we did at the beginning of the year, so please make sure they have this ready to go. This could be put into their binder along with the folders. 

Thank you very much! If for any reason you will not be able to purchase these items, please...please don't hesitate to let me know. 

Optional:

-1 Ream of white copy paper. (I will be giving more homework so I'll be using a lot of paper) 

-index cards 

-scissors extras for the class

-post it notes (we use these 3-5 times a week) 

Winter Reading/Writing Challenge

-Here is a copy of Mrs. Keane's Challenge to the students-

We hope every student will read at least 6 hours over break, for some of our SWAS kiddos this could be done in a day :-) Please have them complete the reading log- 15 reading entries minimum (room for 30 on the sheet).

They are also encouraged to write often as well. In the packet they got on Wednesday there are pages for them to write and a list of writing prompts. Please have them complete 10 writing activities minimum.

Please have your son or daughter bring this packet back in January with the blue page on top. 

I will be participating as well and can't wait! I just finished reading The Book Thief...the best book I've ever read! Can't wait to start another book and do some writing as well. 

Spelling Bee

I am please to announce that the following students

 won our Whitehead level SWAS Spelling Bee: 

4th Grade Winner: Katie Hippert 

4th Grade Runner-Up: Cristian Burke

3rd Grade Winner: Jackson Phillips

 3rd Grade Runner-Up: Tyler Swanson

Both the winner and runner up for each grade level gets to advance 

to the Caughlin Ranch Spelling Bee on January 15th. 

Congratulations and good luck on the next level of competition!!!

Learning by Doing

The students are hard at work this week putting the finishing touches on their projects. Last week's assembly of their hydro and wind energy generators was a success. After many sleepless nights hoping pieces wouldn't get lost, and students wouldn't give up they very quickly made my fears seem silly. It took no more than two  hours for the kits to be assembled. I can't wait for you to see them in action. But more impressive than a working model is their understanding of how this energy source works. I'm "blown away" by their hard work. (pun intended)  :-)  

Yesterday the students finished their 3D maps of Nevada, and though it was a messy...messy, project it was so much fun. And while they got their hands dirty they learned about the geography of Nevada. And again it's cool to see their models but even better to hear them describe how those land-features came to be. 

Can't wait for you to see these projects: Tues Dec, 17th 6:00-7:00

Parent Support Group

GT Parent Connection invites you to a

“Parents of Gifted Children Support Group”

10-Week Session Begins January

The Parents of Gifted Children Support Group is structured to bring together 10 to 20 interested parents of gifted and talented children to discuss topics of common interest. The facilitator of the group does not attempt to give expert advice. The facilitation provides a non-judgmental and nurturing atmosphere. The parents of the high ability children are themselves a rich resource of information and are able to get fresh ideas from other parents and referenced materials.

The group will meet for 10 weeks starting in JANUARY 2014. Topics covered include:

· Characteristics of Gifted Children

· Communication: The Key to Relationships

· Motivation, Enthusiasm, and Underachievement

· Discipline and Self- Management

· Intensity, Perfectionism, and Stress

· Idealism and Unhappiness

· Acquaintances, Friends, and Peers

· Family Relationships

· Values, Traditions, and Uniqueness

· Complexities of Successful Parenting

The group facilitator is Monica Joyner, M.A ., NCC, MFT-I, CADC-I:

· Marriage and Family Therapist – Intern

· Alcohol and Drug Counselor – Intern

· Works with Children's Cabinet and American Comprehensive Counseling Services

· Co-facilitated two SENG parent support groups

To Join:

Contact Monica at mjoyner@joynercounseling.com or 775-525-1363 by December 15th

Donation of $100 per family for the 10 week session is requested. Pro bono cases will be considered