AURORA QUEST K-8 DAVE SCHOENHALS, PRINCIPAL KIM PIPPENGER, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CASEY POWELL, DEAN OF STUDENTS NATALIE JOHNSON, TEACHING PARTNER/GT FACILITATOR ELLEN KRUSCHWITZ TEACHING PARTNER ERIN GRAVES, COUNSELOR A Choice School for Academic Excellence
Philosophy. We work together to meet all students’ academic and needs. We own the success of our students. We work together to meet all students’ academic and affective needs. We own the success of our students affective
Vision To be an exemplary school that develops creative and innovative thinkers and leaders who are driven by our guiding principles, and seek opportunities to extend and apply their learning beyond the walls of our school.
Future Quest Summer Session and Clubs aligned with the school vision(e.g. STEM, Minecraft, Young Engineers, Stock Market, Cyber Patriots, Poetry, Robotics, Critters) Each grade-level team will plan and implement a Signature Experience OR Service Learning Experience AND opportunities for Showcase Learning.
Instructional Practices & Authentic Learning Experiences Teach and use interactive instructional practices… Open-ended questions and learning tasks Inquiry approaches Critical thinking skills Metacognition strategies
Curriculum Literacy College of William & Mary Junior Great Books Units of Study (writing) Mathematics K-5 Investigations 5-8 th Connected Mathematics/CORE Mathematics Engage New York Project M2/M3 Science Foss College of William & Mary Active Physics Social Studies My World DBQ (Document Based Questions) College of William & Mary
Affective Development Goals: Develop self-understanding, leadership and interpersonal skills Develop emotional intelligence Explore career options *Addressed during RISE/Advisement Time
Affective Development Guiding Principles: Respect Adaptability Compassion Excellence Integrity Perseverance Responsibility Courage
Aurora Quest K8 May 7 th and 8 th
Clubs Guitar Club Drama Club Poetry Club Choir Art Club Critter Club Chess Club Yearbook Robotics Math Club NJHS Stock Market Magic the Gathering Minecraft Cyber Patriots
Sports (6 th - 8 th Graders) Boys and Girls Track (Separate Teams) Girls Swimming & Diving Girls Volleyball Girls and Boys Soccer (Separate Teams) Boys and Girls Wrestling Girls and Boys Basketball (Separate Teams)
Who Should Apply? Students entering grades 1 st through 8 th who have been identified as Gifted and Talented or High Potential at their home school and are: Complex thinkers In need of a challenging environment Motivated to learn in and/or out of school
Kindergarten Verbal precocity Inquisitive Global perspective Learns rapidly
Application Timeline Sept. 30 th – Applications available Oct. 27 th – Parent Information Night at Aurora Quest Oct. 29 th - Parent Information Night at ESC 4 Nov. 6 th – Deadline to notify school’s AGATE TL/Teacher Jan. 8 th All Applications due to Quest by 3:00 p.m. Jan. 23 rd - Testing for grade 1 st -8 th applicants if needed Jan.23 rd and Jan. 30 th – Kindergarten testing & screening appointments Week of March 28 th – Decision letters mailed for all grade levels
Quick Facts $100 testing fee for out-of-district applicants Transportation from each quadrant of district 20-hour parent volunteer commitment Currently a traditional school calendar No school uniforms Before/after school daycare After school enrichment opportunities
FAQ Q: How many spots are there for each grade level? A: Kindergarten 50 students 1 st -5 th and 7 th -8 th 0-5 students 6 th grade students
FAQ Q: What are the chances for out of district applicants getting a spot? A: For Kindergarten and 6 th grade applicants we have been able to take out of district students. At the other grade levels it is difficult for any applicant as there are very few spots available, but there has been years in which we have exhausted the waitlist.
FAQ Q: What are your class sizes? A: K-2 nd students. 3 rd -5 th students 6 th -8 th students
FAQ Q: What specials/electives are offered at AQ? A: K-5 students have P.E., Art, Music, Technology and Library/Tech. 6 th -8 th students can choose 2 electives per quarter.
Questions?
Contact Information E. 2 nd Avenue Aurora aps.k12.co.us/quest