B.R.I.D.G.E.S (Building Relationships to Inspire and Develop Gifted Education Students) Parent Orientation Meeting August 26, 2013

Purpose of B.R.I.D.G.E.S Provides an academically focused and supportive environment for students who share similar interests, needs, and abilities Unique learning activities that support, enrich, and extend the curriculum taught in the regular classroom

Purpose of B.R.I.D.G.E.S Engaging and challenging “hands-on” and “minds-on” activities for students that promote higher order thinking and critical thinking skills A full day of uninterrupted learning Additional opportunities provided for leadership and team building

Benefits of B.R.I.D.G.E.S Over Regular PTP Pullout Program Building relationships between students across the district Longer in-depth and enriched lessons Consolidated pullout program to allow for: Smaller class sizes More individualized student instruction More time for experiments and hands-on activities Exposure to content across a variety of subject areas

B.R.I.D.G.E.S Daily Schedule 9:15-10:00 Students Transported to T.C. Cherry 10:00-11:30 Science/Math Classes 11:35-12:30 Lunch & Recess 12:30-2:00 Math/Science Classes 2:00-2:30 Students Transported to Home Schools

B.R.I.D.G.E.S Schedule 2013-2014 McNeill & Parker-Bennett-Curry 2nd Grade 3rd Grade September 6th September 20th October 18th November 1st November 15th December 6th January 10th January 24th February 7th February 28th March 21st April 11th May 2nd

B. R. I. D. G. E. S Schedule 2013-2014 Potter Gray & T. C B.R.I.D.G.E.S Schedule 2013-2014 Potter Gray & T.C. Cherry & Dishman-McGinnis 2nd Grade 3rd Grade August 30th September 13th September 27th October 25th November 8th November 22nd December 13th January 17th January 31st February 21st March 7th March 28th April 25th

B.R.I.D.G.E.S Content Lessons 2nd Grade (Earth Science) August 30th & September 6th Science Learn about tectonic plates and continental drift theory Discuss “Ring of Fire,” how volcanoes are formed, and current events involving volcanoes (Iceland, Mount St. Helens) Interactive website explaining types of volcanoes and the inside structure of a volcano Participation in two volcano experiments Create their own virtual volcano online and watch it erupt Math Disaster Math Use problem solving strategies to solve math problems relating to various natural disasters Use information given in a chart to develop and create their own math problems for a partner to solve Explain problem solving strategies used to solve multiple step math problems

B.R.I.D.G.E.S Content Lessons 3rd Grade (Life Science) September 13th & September 20th Science Learn how to use microscopes and prepare slides Identify parts of cells and discuss their unique functions Compare and contrast plant and animal cell structures Math Design a zoo based on a specific perimeter while meeting specific criteria (budget, space restrictions, etc.) Use problem solving strategies to place animals in the zoo based on their habitat and space of their enclosure Use data, measurement, and geometric shapes to solve real world problems

Upcoming Tentative Field Trips Mammoth Cave WKU Planetarium The Gatton Academy WKU Engineering Building Guest Speakers

Monthly B.R.I.D.G.E.S Newsletter The monthly B.R.I.D.G.E.S newsletter will contain the following information: Educational content students are learning during the B.R.I.D.G.E.S sessions Upcoming field trip opportunities for students Follow Ms. Koedyker’s Twitter account @giftedkoedyker for BRIDGES updates!

Question & Answer Session Are there any questions, comments, or concerns that you would like addressed at this time?

School & Science Lab Tour We will now offer a tour of T.C. Cherry including the classroom areas where students will be when they attend B.R.I.D.G.E.S! We look forward to working with you and your children this year!