Gifted Jaguars and Eagles

January is high school registration time.   The gifted and talented department has some upcoming information nights we want you to know about.  If you can't come or have specific questions you can also email Meredith Aby-Keirstead our high school gifted and talented coordinator at maby@isd271.org. Dimensions Academy High School - 2 Pathways:  STEM & Humanities Parents and students are welcome to attend any of the DA HS  informational meetings. They are all from 6:30-7:30 pm: Tuesday, January 8th at Normandale Community College, Partnership Center , Room P0808 Monday, January 14th at Kennedy High School, Media Center Tuesday, January 22nd at Jefferson High School, Auditorium FFI:   https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/DA-High-School Nobel Creativity Program Parents, guardians and students who are interested in the Nobel Program at Kennedy High School are invited to attend the information session at KHS on Thursday, January 10th at 6pm in the Kennedy High School

Interested in the Honors Diploma?  Come to the informational meeting on Wednesday 12/19.  It'll start the 2nd half of homeroom in the back pod of the auditorium.  Can't come but want more information email Meredith Aby at  maby@isd271.org  or stop by the Career Center for applications.  

I enjoyed this recent blog post. https://giftedchallenges.blogspot.com/2018/12/how-not-to-shame-gifted-child.html?fbclid=IwAR2BeLyTqAuI8BL3FQdhRRT6jd0Q4u3xuCfJ4i3EReIjLe182utU4IZAQr4#.XAfz-yBNeWU.facebook

We were fortunate to have Minneapolis as the host city for the NAGC conference this weekend. I got to attend with many educators from Bloomington including Kris Krenz, Kathryn Haddad, Josh Coval, Lori Schultz and Nick Hupton. I got to go to lots of sessions and think about how to improve myself as an educator and how do I improve the services that we provide for students in Bloomington. I love opportunities like this. It gives me a time to reflect and to get motivated. Sessions I attended: Equity and access in K 12 gifted and the need for targeted professional learning for teachers, Culturally responsive professional learning in gifted education, The positive impact of empowering gifted learners, When grouping works for gifted students, Transforming text based talks to reach today’s gifted learner, Simple models that promote complex thinking across the content areas, Embedding GT practices in the classroom, Lighting the career path:  counseling strategies and activities for g

November 5, 2018 Dear BPS families, An opportunity awaits you! Kennedy science teacher Cory Elsmore, in partnership with an organization called Seeds for Change ( http://www.seedsforeducation.org/ ), is offering a summer enrichment experience to Jefferson and Kennedy science students. This experience is a summer trip to Costa Rica, featuring biology research. I took students on this trip in 2016.  In addition to being FUN, it was amazing to see the research that our students were able to do in such a short period of time.  I am very excited we are able to offer this opportunity again this year to 16 students to conduct their own experiments and do their own research in the rainforest with college professors and field experts.  This summer’s trip will be from July 20-30th, 2019. You are invited to an information meeting on to learn more about this opportunity on Wednesday, November 14th at 5pm in the Jefferson Media Center .   Please email celsmore@isd271.org if w

This morning the Bloomington Gifted Department got to meet with parents from multiple sites to hear their feedback on how we are doing and to update them on our growing programs.  Great start to the day!

Do you want some extra help with your DA homework?  Ryan Martz  is a senior and a graduate of our program.  Tutoring is open to both 9th and 10th graders in both math and science.  Ryan  is willing to do tutoring for DA students after school on Wednesdays in the Yellow Flex Space.  You don't need to RSVP but you should go there right away after school if you want Ryan's help and bring all the materials you will need for tutoring (your assignment, your textbook, your notes, etc.)  Please come with specific questions for Ryan or with something to work on (like how do I prepare for the next test, etc.)   Thank you to Ryan for giving back to the DA program!

I had a great time at the Kennedy Honors Breakfast this morning.  Congratulations to all the hard working students who pushed themselves to take more challenging classes and stood out nationally on the AP and PSAT exams.  Here's a photo of some of the students recognized this morning.  

Parents, guardians and students who are interested in the Nobel Program at Kennedy High School are invited to attend the information session at KHS on Thursday , January 10th, 2019 @ 6pm in the Kennedy Media Center (9701 Nicollet Ave in Bloomington).   If you have questions please email me at maby@isd271.org.  

Dimensions Academy High School of Bloomington Don’t let your child’s exceptional gifted education stop in middle school Bloomington Public Schools has developed an innovative approach to gifted education at the high school level through Dimensions Academy High School.  Students can apply to be in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and/or the Humanities (English and Social Studies) strands. DA HS STEM:   DA High School STEM is a partnership with Normandale Community College to provide an early college experience for 9th and 10th grade students who have exceptional academic skills and are ready for highly rigorous college-level curriculum prior to their eligibility for PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options) in grades 11-12.  This original program allows students to college from 7:50-9:35 am at Normandale Community College. Students work in a cohort class of 9th or 10th graders with college professors. After the college classes, students are transported

This is the season for college applications!  Frequently the college essay is a big stresser.  These are some recent articles that can hopefully inspire you to get writing!! https://www.southwestern.edu/live/news/12925-tips-for-writing-an-effective-admission-essay http://www.laduenews.com/business/columns/communication-conversation-jump-starting-the-college-essay/article_3099acd9-8651-5a83-8b22-1baf0b6f232b.html

I had a great time on Monday night at the KHS National Honor Society induction ceremony.  I got to speak to the new inductees and to see my students from AP US Government being school leaders!  It was exciting.  Thank you for letting me be a part of this important event!

ACT Practice at KHS Published on October 1, 2018 What:  ACT Practice Test When:  Saturday, November 3rd at 7:30am Where :  Cafeteria - Kennedy High School Why:  We encourage all juniors to take this practice exam as the results will give them tips on how to do their best when they take the exam for real in the spring. Students who take this practice will also have the opportunity to sign up for ACT prep classes in the Spring   How much:  Students must pay $5 to confirm their registration. Scholarships are available for students on Free or Reduced Lunch. Students must stop by the Career & College Center to pick up their test tickets   How do I sign up:   here  or  www.tinyurl.com/khsact2018

I was thrilled to be invited to Dan Richardson and Chris Lyon's 10th grade interdisciplinary class today.  Their class combines AP World History and NCC's World Literature and uses creativity teaching strategies.  Today students presented their own lyrics to redo and reinvent the Epic of Gilgamesh.  Students recorded their songs as karaoke to songs from the 20th and 21st century.  Students had fun coming up with their lyrics and showed a high level of mastery using the creativity strategy of Force Fitting.  This class is a part of the Nobel pathway at KHS which the GT department is working on expanding. 

Interested in earning an Honors Diploma at graduation from Jefferson High School?  Come to a meeting for students to hear about the requirements and to get an application during advisory on December 19th with Meredith Aby-Keirstead from the gifted and talented department.

US News and World Report recently published an article explaining that practice tests can elevate ACT/SAT results.   I wanted to let you know about some opportunities for your student to take the the Practice  ACT  at Jefferson.  The test is $15.  The 2 hour and 30 minute Review Session is an additional $35.  This test is put on by Breakaway Test prep.   During the review session, they will go over the test results, but also give test-taking tips as well.  They also offer longer classes that students could take after the review session if they find it valuable and want more prep. The school sends out a Blackboard Connect email (about the 1st of October) to Sophomore and Junior parents but many of my 9th grade gifted students have also asked about this.  Payments can be dropped of to Mrs. Becky Wallerick in the Career Center at JHS. Bloomington Public Schools pays for all juniors to take the  ACT  during the school day in the spring.   I wanted to let you kno

Six seniors from Bloomington’s Jefferson and Kennedy high schools have been named semifinalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.  Charles Maki*, Max Mallinger*, Ryan Martz*, Amelia Miller, Isabella Phan* and Emily Wammer are candidates for a merit scholarship to be awarded early next year. More than 1.6 million high school juniors entered the 2019 National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which serves as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Another 10 students have earned National Merit Commended Student status, which recognizes students performing in the top 5 percent of all entrants on the qualifying test. Commended Students include  Joshua French,* Alexandra Janey, Kaija Johnson, Isabel Matias, Ryan Meany*, Claire Miller, Logan Redding, William Titus, Skylar Volden* and Jennavieve Zimmerman. Students with an * attended

If you are interested in applying to an Ivy League school (even if it's not Yale) it would be worth it for you to go to this info session so you could start to think about how to market yourself to an Ivy and to think about whether it would be a good fit for you.  - Meredith ****** Debra Johns, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, will discuss academic programs, residential colleges and campus life, admissions, and financial aid. Monday, September 24, 2018 at 6:30 PM Saint Paul Academy and Summit School Huss Center for the Performing Arts 1712 Randolph Ave. St. Paul, MN Event Registration All students are welcome to attend. Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions 38 Hillhouse Avenue PO Box 208234 New Haven CT 06520 admissions.yale.edu/questions

Jefferson, Kennedy students named AP Scholars Published on August 29, 2018 The College Board Advanced Placement (AP) program has recognized one AP International Diploma recipient, 16 National AP Scholars, 79 AP Scholars with Distinction, 43 AP Scholars with Honor and 136 AP Scholars from Bloomington Jefferson and Kennedy high schools. AP International Diploma Camille Jones (Jefferson) has been granted an AP International Diploma.  To be eligible, students must receive scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP exams in three or more subject areas. National AP Scholars  are students with an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more exams. National AP Scholars are Anton Burton, David Floeder, Nathan Glenna, Rachel Graff, Elena Hayday, Jessica Jenkins, Camille Jones, Ian Klein, Zane Lundsgaard, Charles Maki, Robert Martz, Kristin Monson, Nathan Noma, Kenny Peng, Adeline Vacura and Samuel Vacura. AP Scholars with Distinction  a

Congratulations to the following students for being recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Competition! Charles Maki (JHS) Ryan Martz (JHS) Amelia Miller (JHS) Isabella Phan (JHS) Emily Wammer (JHS) Skylar Volden (KHS) Max Mallinger (KHS)

2018 MCGT Annual Mini-Conference  Edina Community Center 3rd Floor 5701 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55424  September 08, 2018 9:00 AM  Whether your child is navigating a transition, hoping for a different year than last year or excited to continue their gifted learner experiences, there are strategies that support your family. Start off your school year with this opportunity to learn, talk, and network with other parents, educators, professionals, and long-time advocates for gifted children. Organization & Study Skills Boot Camp  with Melissa Malen Learn Top 3 Skills in 60 Min! Setting Your Kids Up For Success  with Tina Van Erp Set the Foundation which can be Built on through the School Year! Putting the Fun back into Parenting  with Wendi Schirvar Increase Child’s Cooperation and Functioning while Parenting Less! When : Saturday, September 8, 2018, 9am to 12pm Where : Edina Education Center, 3rd floor ~ 5701 Normandale Road, Edina, MN 55424.  Registr

The PSAT is offered this year on Saturday, October 13 . We have practice books to check out in the Career Center. You can also find practice materials on  Khan Academy  and at CollegeBoard's  website . I highly recommend Breakaway Test Prep if you would like to do some prep outside of school.  To register for the test go to this link and please turn in your money to the Career and College Center by October 8th .  

This has been a busy week and school hasn't even started yet.  On Monday we had our orientation for the incoming class of DAHS at Normandale Community College.  Students got a tour, their Chromebooks, college textbooks, college ids, and learned how to log into D2L!   On Wednesday we had Jumpstart and Mrs. Wallerick gave a presentation to PSEO students - including DAHS grads - about how to start thinking about their college application process.  I'm going on one last vacation this weekend but we start on Monday, August 27th!  Enjoy the end of summer!

Almost 40 students completed Kennedy's AP boot camp this week.  These students took time out of their summer to get ready for a higher academic challenge this coming school year. I really enjoyed working with them and look forward to seeing them in the fall at KHS!  Congrats and good luck this year!   Here are some resources for you to look at if you couldn't come!  http://www.hercampus.com/high-school/6-tips-rocking-your-ap-classes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1zr3dGjrww

The issue of the Excellence Gap is one I feel very passionately about.  I believe that all students deserve to learn every day and that the focus on No Child Left Behind can mean that our diverse students who are GT learners are ignored. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/25/us/schools-excellence-gap.html https://www.nagc.org/blog/access-gifted-education-social-justice-issue

This is the end of the year GT year in review.  Click here for Director Boltik's write up.  Have a great summer! 

Interested in summer ACT prep?  I have heard really good things about Break Away Test Prep.  We are hosting them this summer for ACT prep and it comes highly recommended as a good fit for gifted learners.  The link to register is here:   http://www.breakawaytestprep. com/bloomington/ .  Below is info from their website.  Please check it out! Summer Test Prep! Presented for the first time, Bloomington Public Schools and Breakaway Test Prep are pleased to offer an innovative small group test-prep class exclusively for Bloomington-Jefferson and Bloomington-Kennedy students this summer. Beginning Thursday, August 2nd , Breakaway Test Prep will provide an intensive four-week, 12-hour program designed to help get your student ready to take the ACT.  Breakaway will provide three hours of ACT instruction on four consecutive Thursday mornings in August (August 2nd, August 9th, August 16th, and August 23rd). Each class will be held from 9:00am – 12:00pm, and will take place at Bloomington

Today I had a great meeting with Becky Wallerick ( rwallerick@isd271.org), our new College and Career Counselor, at Jefferson High School.  We are really fortunate to have someone in this position who is focused on post-graduation planning with our students and we are especially lucky to have someone who truly understands gifted teens!  We are in the process of putting together an evening program for gifted jr and sr students and their parents for jump start in the fall to help guide college planning.  In the mean time I think these articles are a great starting point! Have a great summer! Meredith  What most parents of gifted children wish they had known about college planning  - June 1, 2018 Five tips gifted students need to consider when choosing a college  (2015) Ten essential tips to help your gifted teen plan for college  (2014)

I had a great morning at the Optimist Club meeting this morning at Mugshots Coffee in Bloomington.  Three students from Ridgeview Elementary got to talk about their award winning essays on engineering and the stock market.  Erin Boltik, Rick Halley and I also got to talk about the expanding programming we are offering in Bloomington.  It was fun to talk about our great program and to have such amazing students show off their talents with us!  Thanks for inviting us Optimist Club!

There’s more you need to know about letters of recommendation By: LEE SHULMAN BIERER Many students unwittingly treat letters of recommendation as an afterthought. They ask teachers and recommenders late in the process and often fail to provide them with sufficient tools to get the job done right. Big mistake. Letters of recommendation can often play a critical role in admissions, particularly at more elite colleges and universities. There’s no question – a bad letter of recommendation can be a spoiler. Myths and truths about letters of recommendation Myth:  If your neighbor’s great uncle “knows” somebody in the admissions office, an elected official or a celebrity, make sure he writes a letter on your student’s behalf. Truth:  This kind of letter of recommendation can actually hurt a candidate. Colleges want to hear from people who know applicants well and can attest to their character, not their grandfather’s golf game. Myth:  Applicants should only ask for a letter

This is a great piece form Byrdseed.com which uses pictures to explain how gifted kids think.  I think it could be really useful for professional development and for parents who are struggling to explain how their kid thinks/learns.  http://www.byrdseed.com/three-images-to-explain-giftedness-to-parents/?mc_cid=a4889881d4&mc_eid=b26527992e

One of my favorite GT blogs is Byrdseed.com.  Today's his blog had two great posts about differentiation which I wanted to post here.  Differentiation has become one of my favorite topics to do professional development on because I think it is super needed.  However a barrier is that many people misunderstand what the term even means.  These blog posts help with that.  http://www.byrdseed.com/what-textbooks-think-differentiated-instruction-looks-like/?mc_cid=a4889881d4&mc_eid=b26527992e http://www.byrdseed.com/differentiation-anti-patterns/?mc_cid=a4889881d4&mc_eid=b26527992e

After a two month residency with spoken word artist, Desdamona, Kennedy Nobel Language Arts students composed original spoken word poems on a topic of their choice. "Spoken word is a performance art that is word based. It is an oral art that focuses on the aesthetics of word play, intonation, and voice inflection." On May 22, students from Honors 9 English classes, including the Nobel section, and interested guests met at the Mugshots coffee shop in Bloomington for a spoken word open mic night. The students were inspiring, and their poems had an emotional impact on the audience. I am really glad I got to attend. I was wowed by the performances and look forward to more open mic nights!