April Gifted Class Newsletter

Mr. McGaughey’s Class News:

Bayview Public School Gifted Class

April 19, 2011

Today in class we calculated that we are almost exactly 3/4 of the way through the school year. There are 49 instructional days left.

We took some time this morning to review the projects and special events we will be working on in the last quarter of the school year.

Next week:

Finish up mathematics numeration unit. Math test on Tuesday April 26.

Grade 4: Social Studies Test Thursday April 21.

Thursday April 21: Scholastic Book orders are due.

Go Conference: The Gifted Outreach Conference (hosted by Nipissing University Education students) is on Friday May 6. A permission form for the GO conference is attached to this newsletter.

Jump Rope for Heart

Bayview School’s Annual Jump Rope for Heart is also scheduled for May 6.  We will be having our Jump Rope for Heart together with the Grade 4s on Tuesday May 10.

Federal Election

We have had some good discussions in class about the upcoming federal election. Over the next two weeks we may do some study of the issues in the federal election leading towards a mock student vote on Election Day.

Alphabiography Project: We have been working on the alphabiography project since early February. By now you should have about 10 to 15 entries of about 250 words each. The complete project of at least 20 entries is due on Wednesday May 25. Here is a sample Sample Alphabiography Entry and the Self Assessment sheet for the assignment.

Personal Project: A few students completed a personal project before Christmas. If you have not started a personal project, please see Mr. McGaughey with your topic before the end of next week. You will need to complete a personal project before June 15. Details on the  Personal Project Assignment can be found here.

Novel Study: Over the next two weeks in English class we will be starting a novel study. This will follow the format of our twice weekly literature circles that we have been working on for the past month. Basically, you will be responsible for reading several chapter(s), then writing a brief summary of the chapters and preparing to lead one portion of the discussion as character expert, discussion director, illustrator, etc…

Debate: In mid May, we hope to have a debate with another Gifted class from Orillia using the teleconferencing equipment we have at the school. More details on this debate will follow.

Music Video: In past years, students in the Gifted Class have greatly enjoyed doing a music video project. We will be doing this again this year. This project will be assigned in mid-May and will be due in June.

Annual IPRC reviews: I will be sending home information and letters regarding annual IPRC reviews in early to mid-May.

Math: Our next math unit will be on patterning and algebra. We will end the year with units on measurement and geometry, probability, and numeration. I will send home the unit outline when we begin the unit.


Go Conference Information and Permission form

April 18, 2011

Dear Parents:

The gifted students at Bayview school have been invited to the annual Gifted Outreach (GO) conference presented by the teacher candidates of Nipissing University at Nipissing University in Orillia on May 6, 2011.

We will need to leave the school at 9:00 am shortly after the buses arrive. We will be returning to the school, at 4 pm., so you will need to make arrangements to pick up your child from the school on that date.

The Schedule for the day is attached. Students will need to bring their lunch.

While field trips are supervised by the teaching staff, they involve activities beyond those of normal school programs. It is essential that parent/guardians counsel their children on the necessity for extra care and cooperation.

Thank you,

Mr. McGaughey

GO Conference

Topic: CSI: Orillia

Location: Lakehead University

500 University Avenue

Orillia

Date: May 6, 2011

Agenda

10:00-10:20 Opening Address and Welcome

10:30-11:30 Keynote Group A and Workshop # 1

11:30-12:10 Lunch

12:10-1:10 Keynote Group B and Workshop # 2

1:20-2:20 Workshop # 3

2:30-2:50 Closing Ceremonies
3:00 Departure of students

I give permission for my child _________________________ to attend the Simcoe County District School Board GO CONFERENCE on May 6, 2011.

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