Blair Community Schools
HIGH ABILITY LEARNERS
What's Happening now in HAL?
Arbor Park- Superheroes
3rd grade Reading HAL is reading the book Almost Super by Marion Jensen and preparing for Battle of the Books.
4th and 5th grade Reading HAL are reading Cape: The League of Secret Heroes by Kate Hannigan and preparing for Battle of the Books.
3rd-5th grade Math HAL are finishing up MOEMS testing and are starting their robot project cycle.
OBMS
6th/7th grade HAL Reading are reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. We are discussing the themes of resilience, hope and positive thinking. They are also preparing for Battle of the Books.
8th grade HAL Reading students are finishing their podcast for submission to NPR's Student Podcast Challenge. The topic they on which they are focusing is the effect of technology on starting and maintaining relationships. They are also preparing for Battle of the Books.
6th-8th grade Math students are finishing MOEMS testing and preparing for their Extreme Math competition next month.
BHS
BHS students are working on two podcasts for NPR's Student Podcast Challenge. They are developing pieces on the return to handcrafts during and after COVID and students' need for true unstructured free time.
BHS students are working on an escape room project cycle.
Arbor Park HAL Services:
3rd Grade HAL Math
3rd Grade HAL Reading
3rd Grade HAL Logic
4th Grade HAL Math
4th Grade HAL Reading
5th Grade HAL Math & Extension
5th Grade HAL Reading
4th & 5th Grade HAL Quiz Bowl
3rd, 4th, & 5th HAL identification services
4th & 5th HAL seminars, workshops, competitions, etc.
Otte Middle School HAL Services:
Weekly 6th & 7th Grade HAL Math
Weekly 6th & 7th Grade HAL Reading
Weekly 8th Grade HAL Math
Weekly 8th Grade HAL Reading
6th, 7th, & 8th Grade HAL Quiz Bowl
6th, 7th, & 8th HAL identification services
6th, 7th, & 8th HAL seminars, workshops, competitions, etc.
Blair High School HAL Services:
Twice Weekly HAL Meetings
9-12 HAL seminars, workshops, competitions, etc.
Carson Norine
K-12 High Ability Learner Coordinator
Head Cross Country Coach
carson.norine@blairschools.org
(402) 427-2822
Offices:
Arbor Park Intermediate School, Room 23
Otte Blair Middle School, Room 301
Blair High School, Band Office
Hi, my name is Carson Norine, and I'd like to welcome you to the BCS High Ability Learner page. I am the High Ability Learner (HAL) Coordinator for Blair Community Schools.
In 2009 I graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa with secondary education endorsements in general science and health. I taught 7th grade science at Sioux Center Middle School from 2009-2010 before coming to Otte Blair Middle School in 2010 to teach 6th grade science. In 2015 I received my masters degree in Educational Leadership from Doane College and have since earned my HAL endorsement and currently provide services for gifted/talented students in my role as HAL coordinator for Blair Schools.
My wife Bethany and I enjoy keeping up with our kids Jackson, Cooper, and Anna.
Here's some random info about some of my favorite hobbies/activities:
Disc golf - My favorite summertime hobby
Juggling - Started in kindergarten and can now juggle balls, clubs, torches, swords, Diabolo, Devil sticks, cigar boxes, etc. This hobby has expanded into other weird/unique skills like plate spinning, unicycling, ukulele, balance board...my inner clown just can't get enough of this stuff!
Board games - I own way too many to list; my current favorite is Pandemic, but other "regulars" are Catan, 7 Wonders, and Ticket to Ride.
Podcasts - I spend way too much time listening to Freakonomics and Dave Ramsey.
Every day is different in HAL, so the best way to reach me is via email.
Jenny bruck
K-12 High Ability Learner Coordinator
jennifer.bruck@blairschools.org
(402) 427-2822
Offices:
Arbor Park Intermediate School, Room 23
Otte Blair Middle School, Room 301
Blair High School, Band Office
Hi! My name is Jenny Bruck, and this is my first year as a High Ability Learner Coordinator. I am very excited to work with your young learners!
After receiving my teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa, I taught English for 13 years, primarily teaching honors, advanced and AP courses- three of those years at Blair High School. During that time, I also earned a Master's degree in English Curriculum. In 2017, I earned an endorsement in library science and became the librarian at Bennington High School. I have since earned my HAL endorsement and currently provide services for gifted/talented students in my role as Reading HAL coordinator for Blair Schools.
I live in Blair with my husband, Chad, and our three daughters- Aubrey, Evie and Olive.
While I spend most of my time at my children's activities, when I do have free time I enjoy reading, cooking, and being outside.
Random facts about me:
In 2022, I read 61 books.
I have never done a successful cartwheel.
My highest ever bowling score is a 232.
I once spent a summer working on a hot air balloon crew.
Philosophy: The Blair Community Schools recognizes the individual characteristics of the student and strives to advance to the fullest all aspects of the student's development. Screening and identification, case studies, program options, and placement are planning components of the program for the high-ability learners which can aid these students in their attempt to develop their abilities to optimum levels.
Definition: The Blair Community Schools recognizes students have opportunities at school and in the community to develop specific talents in the areas of creativity, leadership, intellectual capacity, visual and performing arts, and specific academic fields. At this time, the Blair Community Schools will identify learners with high ability as students who show evidence of high performance ability in intellectual and academic areas.