QUEST

Question. Unite. Explore. Strive. Think.

Summer

2025

QUEST stands for Question, Unite, Explore, Strive, and Think. These active verbs describe what you will see happening in our pull-out classes with gifted and highly capable students.

This newsletter is emailed to QUEST families quarterly to provide a bit of information regarding the program.

Please note: Family Resources are available on the tab at the top right. Past editions of this newsletter may be located by clicking the Archives tab at the top of this page.

QUEST Family News

We have had an amazing school year in QUEST! In this edition of QUEST Family News, we are excited to share with you some exciting opportunities for the summer. Remember to check out the Family Resources tab for summer camps and other ideas for your gifted and highly capable students!

You can find the name and contact information of your campus Advanced Academics Specialist (QUEST teacher) by clicking the QUEST Staff tab at the top of this page. There you will also see contact information for Cheryl Harris, Advanced Academics Coordinator, and Emily Biggers, Elementary Advanced Academics District Facilitator.

QUEST

Social Media

Check out QUEST on social media!

Instagram @hebisdquest

QUEST Family Engagement

Our second annual 5th grade QUEST Purposeful Passion Project Showcase on Saturday, April 5th was a great success!

Thanks to all the QUEST families that joined us for a QUEST Family Spring Picnic at Generations Park at Boys Ranch on Tuesday, April 15th!

QUEST Family Engagement

If you have not already completed it, please fill out this survey regarding QUEST Family Engagement this year. This will help us plan for next year!

Also, if you would be interested in being contacted about serving on a QUEST Parent Input Committee, please complete this brief survey by May 23.

Scroll down to read about summertime opportunities!

Family Resources: Summer!

Don't miss the camps, classes, and other summer ideas found on our Family Resources - Summer tab at the top of this page!

Computer Coding

QUEST students in grades 1 - 5 have spent some time coding during the fourth nine weeks of school. There is always a wide range of readiness levels on this skill, so our Advanced Academics specialists provided options to meet their learners where they were.

As we enter the summer break, we are excited to provide you with resources to engage your child's mind in the world of computer coding! Coding is not just a valuable skill for the future; it's also a fun and creative way for your gifted and talented student to explore problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovation.

Coding, or programming, is the process of designing and building computer programs. It's like giving instructions to a computer to perform specific tasks. Just as learning a new language opens up new ways of communication, learning to code opens up a world of possibilities in technology.

Benefits of Coding for Gifted and Talented Students:

Intellectual Stimulation: Coding challenges the mind, encouraging logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Creativity: Coding allows students to express their creativity by creating games, animations, and applications.
Future-Ready Skills: In an increasingly digital world, coding is a valuable skill for various professions.

Recommended Coding Websites for Kids:

Code.org (https://code.org/): A fantastic resource with a wide range of activities suitable for all ages. From block-based coding to more advanced programming languages, Code.org offers a comprehensive learning experience.
Scratch (https://scratch.mit.edu/): Developed by MIT, Scratch is a visual programming language that makes coding accessible and enjoyable. Kids can create interactive stories, games, and animations.
Tynker (https://www.tynker.com/): Tynker provides interactive coding lessons and activities, making it easy for kids to grasp coding concepts while having fun.
Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/): Known for its diverse range of educational content, Khan Academy offers engaging coding lessons that cater to different skill levels.

Summer Coding Challenge:

Encourage your child to embark on a summer coding challenge. Set achievable goals, whether it's creating a simple game, designing an animation, or solving a series of coding puzzles. This not only keeps their minds sharp but also provides a sense of accomplishment.

We hope you will explore these websites together with your child and let the coding adventures begin! We hope this summer sparks a passion for coding and creativity that will last a lifetime.

QUEST Curriculum

QUEST curriculum is centered around year-long universal themes and generalizations. It is made up of student learning experiences that integrate STEAMSS (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Math, and Social Studies) and Reading. Creative and critical thinking skills are woven throughout with focused attention on developing both independent and collaborative learning skills. The elements of Depth and Complexity as well as Content Imperatives help students reach the highest levels of thinking as they tackle QUEST challenges.

2024 - 2025 QUEST universal themes:

Grades 1, 2, and 3: EXPLORATION

Grade 4: POWER

Grade 5: CHANGE

QUEST Standards

Independence

Critical Thinking

Creative Thinking

Communication

Research

Collaboration

Leadership

QUEST Progress

Assessment in QUEST classes is aligned with our program standards. After each nine weeks ends, you will receive your child's QUEST progress report so that you may track his/her growth. Below you will see a list of dates you can expect a QUEST progress report to be sent home with your student.

QUEST Progress Report Schedule

2024 - 25

Week of October 14
Week of January 13
Week of March 10
Week of May 19

The following descriptors are used on the QUEST Progress report:

Distinguished: well above expectations for QUEST students in the grade for this standard
Accomplished: above expectations for QUEST students in the grade for this standard
Proficient: on target for QUEST students in this grade for this standard
Developing: approaching the target for QUEST students in the grade for this standard.
Beginning: starting to demonstrate the standard
Not Observed may indicate that this standard was not emphasized during this term.

QUEST Schedule

QUEST Classes with the Campus Advanced Academics Specialist:

Grades 1 - 3 4x per week 45 minutes per session
Grades 4 - 5 4x per week 60 minutes per session
Grade 6 2x per month 60 minutes per session

The Advanced Academics Specialist visits kindergarten classes on a periodic basis in the fall to teach whole-class lessons and begins serving QUEST kindergarten students in the spring when the kindergarten GT identification process is complete.

This schedule may be modified during certain weeks due to circumstances such as school holidays and STAAR testing.

If you would like more information regarding the QUEST schedule on your campus, please check with the Advanced Academics Specialist.

Chartered in 1978, TAGT is the nation’s largest state advocacy group of its kind, providing more than 3,000 members a forum for exchanging ideas and information about the education of G/T students. TAGT recognizes the unique social, emotional, and intellectual needs of gifted and talented students and provides educational services to meet these needs.

The Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented (TAGT) has opportunities for parents and students that you will want to take advantage of. These include parent webinars on various topics related to giftedness, scholarships for gifted students to attend summer camps, and other useful information.

NAGC is the National Association for Gifted Children. Check out the website here! NAGC is the nation's leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. Dedicated to uplifting and empowering those who support children with advanced abilities, NAGC provides energizing professional learning, impactful research, and inspiring advocacy to ensure all children have equitable opportunities and support to develop their gifts and talents.

Baylor TIP

Check out all the amazing opportunities offered through Baylor TIP for gifted students and their families. They offer Super Saturdays, online courses, summer programs, and more!

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