Summer 2013 Update
Post date: Jun 15, 2013 5:52:5 PM
Membership
Paid WGEN Memberships to Date - 54 families
Thank you to all that have chosen to hold a paid membership. Those dollars go toward supporting our programs and covering the operating cost.
Memberships are good for the 2013 -2014 school year.
You can Join Wilson Gifted Education Network by filling out the form on the following link,http://bit.ly/Xcw714
In our first year we have grown our contact list to 197 subscribers.
WANTED: Parents of Gifted Students who would like to share successful experiences and planning for their students from primary education through college. Please contact us a WilsonGiftedEdNetwork@gmail.com
Treasurers Report - Our ending balance for this past school year is $1818. Projected budget to 2013-14 is $2,860. Treasures report is available on request.
End of Year Updates
May General Meeting and Ice Cream Social
We were thrilled with the turn out for this year's ice cream social. Over 100 people were in attendance which greatly exceeded our first year's participation. It was a great opportunity for the students and parents to network and share their ideas and creativity. We would like to extend a big thank you to the steering committee who organized the event and to all those who scooped the ice cream at the social. Also we would like to extend a special thanks to all the area camps for the donation of their time and activities. The kids really enjoyed these fascinating, dynamic presentations!
Envisions Math Update
Wilson Gifted Education Network Executive Committee met with Dr. Gerhard and several administrators on April 23, 2013 to talk about the implementation of Envisions Math and the PA Common Core Standards for Math. Discussions centered on the common core from the perspective of the gifted student population. We shared the position statement from NAGC on the application of Common Core State Standard for Gifted and Talented Students. WGEN provided feedback on some of the parent and student concerns and frustrations that were experienced with the new math curriculum. It was acknowledged that although there was differentiation built into Envisions, there is room for further development. There is consensus that the common core standards are meant to represent a minimum standard and should not limit the advanced learner from progressing. Much of the past school year was focused on implementation of a new program. Further professional development is scheduled for August, which will focus on implementing extension work and differentiation for the high ability student. PA Common Core Standards for Math also places Algebra I as a high school course but the district will maintain Algebra I as a middle school option. As parents, it will remain important for us to monitor our student needs and to communicate whether or not those needs are being met.
Language Arts Updates
Plans to offer after school Chinese Language programing and possibly to add Spanish as a option for the 2013 -2014 school year are in progress.
Curriculum Planning for 2013 -2014
Although many student have already planned next years course work, we just wanted to remind everyone that the program of studies is listed on line under each schools web site. It is a handy reference that explains what course are to be offered and the content of those courses. These references can be handy when planning for your students GIEP.
Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads!
Have a wonderful summer!
Wilson Gifted Education Network