B.R.I.D.G.E.S(BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS TO INSPIRE AND DEVELOP GIFTED EDUCATION

STUDENTS)

PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGAUGUST 22, 2011

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

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

PURPOSE OF B.R.I.D.G.E.S

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

9:15-9:45 Students Transported to T.C. Cherry

9:45-10:15 Leadership/Team Building Activity

10:15-11:45 Science/Math Classes

11:45-12:30 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 2011-2012

MCNEILL & PARKER-BENNETT-CURRY

2nd Grade 3rd Grade

October 21st

September 23rd

November 18th November 4th

January 13th December 9th

February 10th January 27th

March 16th February 24th

April 27th March 30th

B.R.I.D.G.E.S SCHEDULE 2011-2012

POTTER GRAY & T.C. CHERRY & DISHMAN-MCGINNIS

2nd Grade 3rd Grade

October 14th

September 16th

November 11th October 28th

January 6th December 2nd

February 3rd January 20th

March 2nd February 17th

April 20th March 23rd

B.R.I.D.G.E.S CONTENT LESSONS

3rd Grade (Life Science)

September 16th & September 23rd

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

B.R.I.D.G.E.S CONTENT LESSONS

2nd Grade (Earth Science)

October 14th & October 21st

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

UPCOMING TENTATIVE FIELD TRIPS

Lost River Cave

WKU Planetarium

The Gatton Academy

WKU Science Lab

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

Pictures of students engaging in activities offered at B.R.I.D.G.E.S in the classroom and during field trip experiences

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 as well as the science lab and 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!