The On Beyond Program, Gifted and Talented at MSES: Great Expectations

Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year!

One of the core values here at Manitou Springs Elementary is our desire to grow the WHOLE CHILD. From nurturing staff and classroom settings, to the Core Knowledge Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science curricula, to hands on learning experiences and field trips, authentic learning continues to strengthen and deepening content for all students each and every day.

Extension and enrichment or teacher collaboration will take place at every grade level. Sometimes this looks like a whole-group lesson I go into the classroom to share. Other times this is a consistent pull-out where I work with a specific group of students to take learning to the next level and apply it to authentic activities. By partnering with teachers, I will continue supporting regular curriculum to help make learning more vivid and meaningful. Together, we will help your child reach new skill levels and build personal interest to hold themselves to more productive standards!

:) Ms. Kanaga

What are "reasonable" and "appropriate" expectations for high functioning 3rd-5th grade students?

Applying personal best to all assigned work

Communicating needs and questions clearly to the appropriate person

Being prepared by having all materials and a clear understanding of the task

Following through with tasks from beginning to end

Applying knowledge from previous experiences and assignments to current task

Respecting self and others while working together

How do we support students in reaching those expectations?

Communication- verbally, in the planner, through the blog, in take-home activities, in rubrics

Accountability- checking-in, student contracts, learning goals or the ALP, quarterly progress reports

Flexibility- opportunities for student choice and organization, giving extra time if needed

Extended Learning Opportunity Classes

Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) Classes are provided in Reading and Math to meet the current needs of students who show proficiency in these areas. In order to honor student time outside school, which is usually filled with extracurricular activities, we are trying to make the classwork inclusive with limited outside homework.

In math, the teachers send students to enrichment class once skills have been demonstrated at or above the current in-class instruction in Common Core standards. That means that students may or may not attend the math extension each week based on understanding of their in-class content and skills. Fifth Grade students showing strong foundational skills at the beginning of the year are invited to be in an Advanced Math class that replaces their regular math instruction. Students are re-evaluated for the class each quarter.

Attendance for the Reading ELO is for the entire quarter. Although beginning proficiency in all reading and writing standards is not required, it should be achieved by the end of the year. Students in 3rd Grade who have at least a grade level higher comprehension level are invited to attend the ELO three days per week during the quarter. Some projects may be supported in the students' homeroom, and some homework may be required. Usually, this class replaces any work done in the regular classroom during the pull-out. Fourth Grade currently has a weekly Vocabulary group and an Independent Study pull-out. Fifth Grade has a weekly School Newspaper group and an Independent Study pull-out.

Support services are also provided for 1st and 2nd Grade classes, and for Kindergarten as needs are recognized.

In the Fall, families of identified students are notified and meet with the Gifted Specialist to create an Advanced Learning Plan. Together, they set goals at the beginning of each year and check for growth in the Spring. These students explore affective and social challenges through introspective or cooperative problem-solving activities. They may also pursue special interests through independent study projects, which are presented to families at Showcase Night in May. All students who participate in ELOs, Enrichment, and Identified group will be invited to be part of Showcase Night!

The On Beyond Program, Gifted and Talented at MSES

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Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year!

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Great Expectations