1. CHALLENGE PROGRAM INFORMATION NIGHT Limestone District School Board Choices at Seven

2. Challenge Program Gifted and Academic Enrichment Program The Challenge Program is designed to meet the needs of academically motivated and/or formally identified gifted students who are seeking new learning challenges while maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

3. Purpose of the Program The purpose of the program is to engage students in the provincial grade level curriculum through enriched learning experiences in a fast-paced, dynamic, and multi-faceted learning environment. Students will have a unique opportunity to extend their learning and maximize their potential with peers from a variety of schools.

4. Profile of a Challenge Student Students who achieve success in the Challenge Program are able to: work at an accelerated pace manage their time effectively work well with others and independently demonstrate self-motivation and self- regulation problem solve creatively be open-minded and take risks in their learning

5. The Challenge Program Emphasizes: Learning how to learn (metacognitive skills) Higher order thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, and interpretation) Leadership and collaboration Proficiency with the tools of technology Social responsibility and global awareness Project based learning

6. The Challenge Program Curriculum: Is based on the Ontario Curriculum Includes daily literacy and numeracy instruction Allows for enrichment extensions Is differentiated based on students’ strengths, needs, and interests Meets the needs of all students in an inclusive environment Embeds cross-curricular, integrated learning opportunities (science and technology, history, geography, and the arts)

7. LITERACY 100 minutes of uninterrupted daily instruction Follows a comprehensive literacy framework (modeled, shared, guided, and independent reading and writing practice) Utilizes a variety of assessment strategies Focus on critical thinking skills with a strong media literacy component

8. NUMERACY 50-60 minutes of uninterrupted daily instruction Incorporates a problem-solving approach Focus on critical thinking skills and real-life applications Utilizes a variety of assessment strategies Incorporates hands-on learning and technological applications

9. FRENCH 200 minutes of Core French instruction per week Differentiated instruction is provided to accommodate the needs of all learners Many students entering the Challenge Program from a French Immersion program return to an Immersion stream in high school

10. THE ARTS Includes Visual Arts, Drama, Dance, and Music Integrated throughout other curriculum areas

11. HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY BODIES Emphasis on healthy choices and life-long fitness (ex. yoga, dance, fitness, sports, and proper nutrition)

12. Enrichment Opportunities These opportunities vary from year to year and may include: Challenge for Change (Social Justice and Sustainability) Science Fair (Odessa and Regional) Historica Fair (Odessa and Regional) Math/Art/Language Contests Field Trips Workshops and Special Guest Instrumental Music Queen’s University SEEDS Program

13. Communication The Challenge Program uses a variety of methods to facilitate the home-school partnership. These include: Student agendas School and class websites Twitter School and classroom newsletters Telephone/Email Provincial Progress and Achievement Report Cards Parent/Guardian conferences Open House and Parent Night

14. Program Boundaries The Challenge Program is offered at three sites: Calvin Park Public School (Kingston Region), Loughborough Public School (Northern Region), and Odessa Public School (Western Region). Application to the Challenge Program is based on the student’s home address.

15. Transportation All transportation decisions are made by Tri-Board Student Transportation Services. Telephone: 613.354.1981 Toll Free: 1.866.569.6638 Email: info@triboard.on.cainfo@triboard.on.ca Students must apply for busing and where routes and space exist, transportation may be provided. Students may miss a portion of the day due to the timing of transportation.

16. Application Process Thursday, March 24, 2016 All Application Packages are completed online. Due to a limited number of spaces in each program, not all applicants may be offered placements. Wednesday/Thursday, April 13/14, 2016 Challenge for a Day Friday, April 29, 2016 Candidates will be contacted regarding the status of their application Friday, May 6, 2016 Registration deadline for students accepted into the Challenge Program.

17. Challenge for a Day Wednesday/Thursday, April 13/14, 2016 At Challenge for a Day, students will: Complete a math and language assessment based on grade 6 curriculum expectations Give a brief, two minute presentation that allows them to share something about themselves Be assessed on group and learning skills

18. Grade 7 Applicants There may be a limited number of spaces available in the program for students currently in Grade 7 to apply to join the program in Grade 8. Challenge for a Day assessments are based on Grade 7 expectations for students who are applying to the Grade 8 program.

19. Application Status The Choices Program Registrar will notify all applicants of their status. A waiting list for qualified students will be established by the Registrar. Students who are not accepted into the program for September 2015, may consider other opportunities such as: Returning to their home school Applying again for Grade 8 Applying to the Grade 9 Challenge Program at LCVI

20. Questions Please direct all questions to the Choices at Seven Registrar at 613-544-6925, Ext. 394 or email: choicesatseven@limestone.on.ca