Career Exploration

Gifted Education Students have been exploring careers.  See what we have discovered!

Why Gifted Education?

This blog is the posting of the Gifted Education Class.  However, viewing test scores allows us to know that not all Gifted Education students achieve as high as they should on standardized testing.  So, what is the purpose of coming to Gifted Education?   Direct Service means leaving the General Education class and coming to a special class in order to have the opportunity for enrichment learning not available in the general education classroom.  However, it is supposed to encourage and motivate Gifted students to succeed in other subjects.  But there seems to be a problem.   What do you think that problem could be?  Give me your thoughts, your ideas: Why are test scores of Gifted students in the Average range instead of Above Average?

How Was Your Summer?

Welcome everyone to an exciting new school year!  We have lots to do, but first I would like to hear about your summer.  Write a paragraph telling about  your summer i.e. what you did, where you went, who you saw.  What was the best part of the summer?  the worst?  Using descriptive words, please allow me to know about your summer!

HALLOWEEN!!

Many of you really enjoy Halloween!  So, tell us what you know about it!  When did Halloween begin?  Why and where did Halloween become a day of celebration?  Is it celebrated just in the United States?  If not, where?  What are you going to do on Halloween?

Calculate the Answer!

Some of you have made an interesting discovery!  Calculators, when turned upside down, can spell out words.  What word problems can you create so that the problem-solver can check his answer using a calculator word?  Share  your problem in the "Comment" section.

ALABAMA HISTORY DAY

Our Sixth Grade students participated in Alabama History Day on March 23rd at AUM in Montgomery. This state-wide competition encourages students to explore, analyze, and evaluate history. Three of our students, Keundra Rush, Mya Smith, and Kyaisha McDonald, won 2nd place with their group performance regarding women's rights. Jaela Lee won 1st place in her division with her performance of Mary Church Terrell. We are really proud of our students!

Sadako Sasaki

Think about our lesson on Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Paper Cranes. What are your thoughts? Did you enjoy learning how to make an origami paper crane? Do you think you could make 1,000 paper cranes?

Who Is Your Hero?

I know you are all involved in projects and performances for the Black History programs at your schools. I know you all know a lot about some of the people in history. But, do you really identify with any one person? Who do you really admire the most? Why?

Welcome!

Welcome everyone to the new school year! Now that we have been in school for several weeks, you have had a chance to think about your goals for the year. So, let me know what you think.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY!

Five students from our county represented Alabama at National History Day. This competition was held at the University of Maryland in College Park Maryland. The students participated well with comments from the judges saying "exciting submission", "really fine performance", "good historical research", "very well organized", "resources were excellent!', "good impression in your interview". As well as competing, the students met with their congressman, Martha Roby, sat in on a debate in the House of Representatives, toured the Capitol, saw the White House and other national monuments, went to the National Zoo to see panda bears and Komodo dragons. Along with all the touring, students also enjoyed bowling and billiards in the Student Center at the University of Maryland. All in all, a great trip for all the hard work completing year-long projects!

Saturday Field Trip

Although our Saturday field trip had a slow start, we had a great time! After a delicious Mexican meal, the manager spoke to us about his journey towards American citizenship. He wanted the students to know that making the right choices in the new things they try in life is all very important. Then we went skating! Even though we did have a few falls, we helped each other and everyone tried, even Mrs. Westmoreland!

SUMMERTIME!

We only have a short time before school is out! So, what do YOU think you will be doing this summer? Let me hear from you!

More State Winners!!

Sixth grade students participated in Alabama History Day. This competition is designed to encourage students to explore and research historical themes and present their findings in a variety of ways. This year, students researched the diplomacy and debate used in the work of the Lowndes County Freedom Organization. One group presented a historical performance while another group used an exhibit board. Although they were competing against not only other 6th graders but also 7th and 8th graders, both groups placed in their categories! That means both groups are eligible to travel to National History Day at the University of Maryland. Great job, Montez and Xavier ; Santanna, Harold, and Orianna!

State Winners!

K.I.D.S. entered the state poster/art contest sponsored by the National Career Development Association. This association encourages students in their career dreams. This year, the Gifted Education students entered the mixed media poster category in two age divisions. We have the following winners: Intermediate Division: Jaela -1st place, Trinity - 2nd place, Kyaisha - 3rd place Middle Division: Xavier - 2nd place, Destiny 3rd place Open Adult: Mrs. Westmoreland 1st place. All winners will compete at the national level. Winners will be announced by the end of April.

What's Up With Citizenship?

On our recent trip to American Village, we learned how cooperation, patriotism, and courage played major roles in the formation of our country. But what about now? What do these concepts have to do with our citizenship in America today?

Reflections and Expectations!

Welcome to 2011!! Have you thought about last year? Did you accomplish all you thought you would? Did you make any improvements in your life? Do you see the need for improvements? What do you think about last year and what do you expect from this new year?

FIELD TRIP!

We have just gone on our first field trip of this year. We visited Montgomery and explored the Civil Rights Memorial Center, the Alabama State Capitol building, and the Alabama Department of Archives and History. What did you learn about the history of our state? What was your favorite part? What surprised you?

Our Brain

We are having a wonderful time studying our brain. Did you know we have billions of brain cells? Keeping our brain healthy is essential to our lives. What can we do to ensure healthy brains? Let me hear from you!

We're Learning Spanish!

This year we are learning to speak a little Spanish. We are also learning a little about Hispanic culture. Why? What do you think? Add your comments!

Our Pinatas!

New Students!

Our new third graders with their pinatas!