GATE

DECEMBER 2, 2011

Presentation Time!

Dear Families,

This week we will begin hearing the wonderful presentations the kids have prepared. I feel like I am going to learn more in the next two weeks than I have in a while! The kids are so passionate about their topics and have worked so hard creating interesting visual aids to accompany their written work.

If your child did not present today, please remind your child to bring all of their materials next week, as that will be the last day for your child to present and earn his/her grade for this project.

WHITMORE FAMILIES: Please note that I will not hold classes on FRIDAY DECEMBER 16th due to a department meeting. 2nd/3rd graders that I normally see on Friday will present on THURSDAY December 15th between 1:00-2:15 PM. Thanks for your flexibility!

Have a wonderful week!

Fondly,
Megan Chavez

Quote of the week:

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
~Eleanor Roosevelt

J Please feel free to contact me at any time!

~megan.chavez@tusd1.org

~Robins (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday until 12:45) Office: 908-4300 Classroom: 908-4350

~Whitmore (Thursday/Friday) Office: 232-8000 Classroom: 232-8052

~Dietz (Wednesday afternoon 1:30-3:00)

GATE Office: 731-4005

Our Objectives

GATE Strategy:
Through hands on minds on activities, learners will use and identify creativity, reasoning, and problem solving
Language Arts:
Given a topic, the learner will write grade level appropriate responses in their personal journal and/or on a graphic organizer. Learners will read grade level appropriate materials and make connections to their readings.

Math:
Learners will use problem solving strategies to solve logic problems and to play games.

Science:
Learners will use the Scientific Method to research, execute, and record data during experiments.

Which Biome is the BEST?

Over the last few weeks the students have become experts about many biomes around the world. They have compared and contrasted characteristics of each biome and identified plants and animals found in the various biomes. I asked the students to pick the “best” biome and defend their position. The students have made connections to different biomes from many different perspectives, for example: some students took the role of a traveler (where they would like to visit), some students thought about where they could start a business, others thought about where they would like to live (some want to get away from the heat or go to a place with more annual rainfall than the desert). I really enjoyed hearing their reasoning and seeing their products. This is a great group of thinkers!

Homework Project

During the month of January all itinerant GATE teachers are required to administer another round of testing throughout the district. I will likely be out of the classroom the first three weeks of January. Since I will not be able to work with your child during that time, I have decided to assign a project for your child to complete at home/school. I have asked your child’s teacher to provide the GATE students with a bit of time each week to work on the project, but your child will probably need to work on the project at home as well. I have attached the requirements and the rubric to the newsletter. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me!

Who Knew?

As students were creating their visual portion of their project they found the donated materials so useful. The students used pipe cleaners, string, toilet/paper towel rolls, egg cartons, bottles, containers , and the like. I was amazed at what can be created when you use your imagination. Thanks for your donations, and if you can, please consider sending in more of these items. We will be happy to use them for future projects! Also, treasure chest items are always welcome! Then more we have the more I can offer trips to treasure chest! Thanks for your wonderful support! :)

Websites for Parents and Students: