J Michael Lunsford Middle School Spectrum Back to

J. Michael Lunsford Middle School Spectrum Back to School Night Kelly Hoover, M. Ed.

Welcome Kelly Hoover, your child’s Spectrum teacher Spectrum is getting started with… Introductory activities, Brain-stretching warm-ups, and some large-group sharing, w/ 2 grade-wide assemblies, just ~3 whole classes What’s next…creation and sharing of mandalas and teams for e. Cyber. Mission.

Kelly Hoover Education *B. A. , College of William & Mary *M. Ed. , Curry School of Education at UVA, Educational Leadership, Policy & Planning, specialty in Gifted Ed. *Currently taking coursework at GWU in Counseling Experience *10 years of experience in education field, 8 years in gifted *Member NAGC & NACAC *Presented at UVA’s Summer Institute on Academic Diversity (SAID) *Teacher of Gifted Resource and English 9, 10, 11 & 11 AP, public high schools in Virginia *Educational Adviser, Young Scholars Program, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Most Prevalent Characteristics of Giftedness 99. 4% learn rapidly & have an extensive vocabulary 99. 3% have excellent memory & reason well 97. 9% are curious 96. 1% are mature for their age at times 95. 9% have an excellent sense of humor (puns, lyrics, etc. ) 93. 5% have compassion for others 93. 4% have a vivid imagination 89. 4% have a high energy level 88. 3% are perfectionistic 84. 1% question authority

Descriptions 90% were described by their parents as sensitive 83% like to concentrate on one activity at a time 79% report high energy or activity levels 44% are sensitive to clothing tags and other tactile sensations Presented by Karen Rogers and Linda Silverman at the National Association for Gifted Children 44 th Annual Convention in Little Rock, Arkansas, November 7, 1997.

What is Spectrum? Spectrum is Loudoun County’s program for intellectually gifted students. This enrichment program is offered to qualified students in addition to their regular classes. Students will: Learn through discovery, research & application Expand their intellectual curiosity by providing time and guidance to pursue special interests Develop initiative, creativity & leadership Increase their understanding of the relationships amongst the disciplines Strengthen critical thinking skills Acquire a greater respect for ideas and opinions of others

Three Big Goals of Spectrum Students will: Learn what to do and how to behave when the answers are not apparent Develop the capacity to self-assess rather than seeking external evaluation Engage in constructing personal meaning of new knowledge (active learning)

When do 6 th and 7 th Graders Attend Spectrum Class? • Every other day • 1/2 of the block period which is 45 minutes • Entire year • Instead of their resource period

Methods of Instruction Using deductive reasoning to solve mysteries and problems Learning to build a consensus using Synergistic survivals Utilizing the computer for research to enhance learning and projects Collaborating on culture and communications projects; such as through Dig It! And ECyber. Mission

6 th & 7 th Grade Curriculum Semester 1 Technology & Engineering: e. Cyber. Mission Math/Problem Solving: Interactive video challenge w/ 4 mind-bending exercises to be solved in groups Communication & Culture: Mandalas, Dig It! Semester 2 Ethics & Perspectives: Independent Study, Socratic Seminars on ethics readings Business & Economics: Stock Market Game, Project Business

Assessment of Students Ongoing Formal semester report to parents 40 behaviors reported on a Likert scale Sent home with report cards in January and June

Odyssey of the Mind: Creative Problem-Solving Club & Contest Ms. Hoover is sponsoring OM club in partnership with Judy Munley.

Building contraptions to meet specifications within limited timeframe Teams often design creative clothing, showing their unique identity and group cohesion

Outside Offerings of Interest to You and Your Child, now & later Clubs: Debate Club Lunsford Competes (Academic Contests) Odyssey of the Mind Johns Hopkins CTY Summer Schools & Camp Activity suggestions Grade 7: JKCF Young Scholars Program (www. jkcf. org) Thomas Jefferson HSST (apply in grade 8) Academy of Science (apply in grade 8)

JHU - CTY Center for Talented Youth Information Booklets CODE: 2015204

Some Favorites of Students No Homework Keeping a “secret” about projects and problems solved in previous classes Chance to be with their intellectual peers Safe place where it’s okay to be “smart” and excited about learning

Reminder about Supplies Students have been asked to bring to class: * Composition Book for warm-ups (which I keep in the classroom) *Agenda Book (primarily for Hall Pass, if needed) *Spectrum Folder w/ ~50 sheets of looseleaf for in-class note-taking, team work

Outside Resources v Hoagies Gifted site: www. hoagiesgifted. com v CTY Imagine Magazine for a wide-range of subject area ideas (www. cty. jhu. edu – Subscribe to Imagine!) and www. cogito. org for young scientists v Google: “Duke TIP Educational Opportunity Guide” v Summer Programs – Based on your child’s interests, I can provide suggestions. Some programs even offer financial aid – apply early (starting in December and January)

Organizations for Gifted Children & Parents v NAGC – National Association for Gifted Children, www. nagc. org v VAG – Virginia Association for the Gifted, www. vagifted. org v SENG – Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted, www. sengifted. org v Davidson Institute for Talent Development – www. davidsongifted. org v Duke Talent Identification Program, www. tip. duke. edu v APA – American Psychological Association www. apa. org v ACA - American Counseling Association www. counseling. org

6 th Grade Parents: On your child’s schedule, when you see Spec/Elec or Elec/Spec, you will use all of the art, music, or band class time and not go to Spectrum tonight. PTA Meeting at 6: 30 pm, Media Center, or you may convene in the auditorium next for the principal’s introduction to the evening.

Thank you very much for coming to the Spectrum Back-to-School Night and for caring about your child’s education.

Benefits of Spectrum Challenges students beyond the regular curriculum by offering a wide range of educational experiences. Allows students to respond to their surroundings in their own unique ways. Affords students the opportunities to explore topics in depth. Encourages students to excel in their areas of interest. Prepares students for a well-rounded future of lifelong learning.

Please be sure to initial the sign in sheet by your child’s name before you leave.