GIFTED NEWS UPDATE

In This Issue

First Gifted Parent

Training

More Team

Members

Book Clubs at

Sebastian Middle

Gifts for Gifted Kids

Student Spotlight

CC: Citizenship

Photo Caption

First Gifted Parent Training a Success!

The Gifted Resource And Curriculum Enrichment team (GRACE itinerant teacher

team), led by Helen DiMare presented the first Gifted Parent Training meeting on a

rainy Thursday, October 20th, at 6:30 pm in the Liberty Pines Academy media center.

Over 60 parents and several students representing all areas of St. Johns County

were in attendance as the members of the itinerant gifted teacher team presented the

topics of Gifted Characteristics, Setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals, and Creating a Growth

Mindset. Parents and students alike participated in small group discussions and a

“Mindset Drama”, learning, while having a good time.

Gifted Characteristics were discussed, including Gifted Sensory Intensities such

as aversion to noises, lights, textures and smells, physical intensities, and emotional

intensities. Characteristics such as hyper-focusing, inattentiveness, perfectionism,

and leadership were also discussed.

Helping students learn to set their own goals, both academic and personal, was

discussed within the framework of S.M.A.R.T. goals; a specific approach that keeps

the focus narrow and the action steps achievable within a given timeframe and with a

measurable outcome.

Parents completed a Mindset quiz to see whether their own current status was

closer to a fixed (unchanging) or growth (don’t have it “yet”) mindset. A brief explan-

atory video was followed by a circle activity in which some participants read and/or

acted out a particular mindset and others identified it as fixed or growth. There were

definitely some contenders for this year’s Oscars!

The next Gifted Parent Training meeting will be held on Thursday, March 23rd, at

6:30 pm in the Sebastian Middle School multipurpose room. We would love to

see you all there! In addition to presenting new topics, we will discuss what you

would like us to focus on next year, as we plan for 2017-18.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

.

Missy Kennedy, SPMS School-based gifted resource teacher

Missy Kennedy

has been in

education since

2002. Starting

her career at

Stanton College

Preparatory

School teaching

IB and AP Chemistry. She transitioned to

St. Johns County in 2007 teaching at Nease

High School.

Finding her passion in gifted education,

Missy was one of three who began our high

school gifted program. Last year, she

focused on providing consultative services to

middle schools and training in gifted

Educational Plans (EP’s).

Currently, she has transitioned back to the

classroom at Swiss Point Middle School as a

science instructional coach, science

department chair, and Swiss Point’s gifted

coordinator, as well as teaching 6th grade

science in a gifted/blended setting. Missy

also serves St. Johns as one of the

instructors for gifted endorsement, and is

also the Region 2 Coordinator for the Florida

Association of the Gifted (FLAG).

Missy holds a bachelor’s degree in Science

Education specializing in Chemistry from

Florida State University and a Master’s

Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from

the American College of Education.

Carolyn Velkovich, HES School-based gifted resource teacher Carolyne Velkovich currently serves

R. B. Hunt as a part-time gifted resource

teacher. Prior to coming to St. Augus-

tine, Carolyne taught in the Atlanta area

for nearly forty years, as an elementary and gifted education

teacher. Carolyn and her husband moved to St. Augustine more

than seven years ago so that they could live where they loved to

vacation and be closer to family.

Carolyn is very thankful to the commitment of the administration

and parents at R. B. Hunt Elementary School. This is her

seventh wonderful year as the gifted education resource

teacher.

Carolyn has her students focus on problem solving strategies,

creative thinking strategies, as well as to explore their some-

times unique social/emotional needs. They often work on units

of study that are multi-disciplinary, giving them the opportunity

to learn about their world and themselves and to see things

from a variety of perspectives.

Carolyn’s hope is that her students will become life-long

learners who find joy in the journey.

Book clubs aren’t just for grown-

ups anymore! Gifted/Delta 6th

graders at Sebastian Middle

School meet weekly with Gifted

Consultative Teacher Beth

Upchurch during lunch. Together,

students eat their lunch and enjoy

activities that focus on higher level

thinking questions, symbolism,

character studies, and personal

connections to the literature.

Students love the interaction with

peers and the challenging ques-

tions posed to the group during the

book talks. In addition to the face-

to-face meetings, students and

Mrs. Upchurch communicate

weekly through Schoology to post

activities, additional questions, and

discussion topics.

Mrs. Upchurch would like to thank

Principal Wayne King, the staff

and teacher Allison Romano for all

their support of this wonderful

opportunity open to all gifted

students at Sebastian.

With the holidays around the corner you may be

wondering what to give those bright children on your

list. The National Association for Gifted Children

created a resource of toys and games played, rated

and ranked by toy manufacturers’ toughest critics…

K I D S!

Here are a few you might want to consider for that special child in your life.

Crowded Waters for kids ages 8-12. The object of this fast paced

game is for players to place their sharks on the board to block oppo-

nents and ultimately be the last shark with room to move. Visual and

strategic, kids declare this game, “epic,” “fun,” and “the best game ever

played.” www.educationalinsights.com MSRP: $19.99

IQ-Blox for kids ages 6+ is perfect for those who like puzzles and quiet

downtime. IQ-Blox offers 120 puzzles all within a pocket/travel size

board. Students found IQ-Blox to be

“mathematical,” “wonderful,” and

“exciting.”

www.smartgamesusa.com

MSRP: $9.99

Ozobot for kids ages 7-13 is a

hands on, programmable robot that

challenges kids to design and con-

trol the robot’s paths and actions. It

can even interact with an iPad. This

toy is a great way to enhance chil-

dren’s interest in technology, creativity and gaming. www.ozobot.com

MSRP: $49.99

Riddle Cube for ages 7+ is a problem solving game kids can play right

out of the box. Students have to move quickly to create the matching

structure on the card first. Students call Riddle Cube competitive, excit-

ing and creative, plus it features a variety of difficulty levels suitable for

many ages in one household. www.educationalinsights.com

MSRP: $19.99

Worry Eaters, recommended for kids ages 6-13, are colorful puppet

like creatures used to stash and manage your child’s worries. Write

down your fears and worries, feed them to the Worry Eater, and open

up the conversation to discuss feelings and fears in a safe, fun way.

www.haywiregroup.com MSRP: $15.99-$22.99

Gifted Student Highlight- Elementary

Erin Arnold

As a teacher of the gifted, I am frequently struck by the sheer awesomeness of my students. Sometimes I

am caught off-guard by the deep understanding of a particular topic, sometimes I am wowed by their

confidence on stage in front of a huge audience, and sometimes I am inspired by their drive towards their

goals. Our students and children are so amazingly special and unique. In an effort to celebrate and share

some of these gifts, our gifted team decided to highlight a student now and then.

So, let me introduce Ava, a 5th grader at Crookshank Elementary. Ava is one of those students that just

radiates with positive energy and kindness. One of the most exceptional characteristics about Ava is her

unwavering drive to meet her goals. Ava’s number one long term goal is to become an astronaut and her

number one short term goal was to go to Space Camp. Last year, Ava experienced some setbacks in pur-

suit of this short term goal. Here is her story (in interview form):

Q: Why did you want to go to Space Camp?

Ava: Well, I have wanted to be an astronaut ever since I learned about what they were. My grandpa

used to be a pilot and he showed me lots of things that got me interested in being an astronaut. Then I

looked up some information on my own and realized how cool being an astronaut would be.

Q: How did you learn about Space Camp?

Ava: I was researching different types of camps online that I might want to do, like acting camps and

space camps. I came across the Space Camp and immediately wanted to go there. It was expensive,

but I saw that they had a scholarship that you could apply for.

Q: What happened when you applied for the scholarship?

Ava: Well, we waited and waited, and then I found out that I didn’t get it. The funny thing was, the

same exact day, my brother found out he got into an amazing theater program and it was really hard

to be happy for him! I was very disappointed, but then my teacher, Ms. Courter, told me about Go Fund

Me. It is a place where you can tell your story and ask for donations to help you reach your goal. I was

able to raise enough money to go to the camp. It was awesome.

Q: So how was your experience at Space Camp?

Ava: It was AMAZING! I made some friends that I am actually still in touch with. It was so cool, it

made me want to become an astronaut more than ever! I learned so much about the space program

from actual astronauts. Even though I didn’t get the scholarship last year, I am going to apply for it

again this year because I really want to go back.

Q: What is your game plan to become an astronaut?

Ava: I want to go to St. Augustine High School because at the Science fair in 3rd grade I learned about

their astronomy program. I would like to be valedictorian so lots of colleges want me and I can get

scholarships. Embry Riddle is where I would like to go because then I can get my Bachelor’s degree in

Space Physics and Aeronautical Engineering. I would like to also get my Master’s in Astronomy and

Space Physics and then a Ph.D. in Aeronautical Engineering. I think I would like to teach a few years

before starting in the space program too, because I hear that they like people with teaching experience.

Q: What advice do you have for other students that have a dream, but have setbacks like

you did with not getting the Space Camp scholarship?

Ava: I know this sounds cheesy, but seriously

never give up. When I didn’t get the Space

Camp scholarship, I thought about quitting,

but instead I kept trying. I am so glad I did,

because then I would have missed out on the

experience of Space Camp and I might not be

as determined to become an astronaut.

End of interview.

Ava is one of many students in St. Johns

County with a growth mindset that will one day change the world (or maybe even outer space).

Character Counts Connection

“The Spirit of Citizenship” By Erin Gardner Arnold

I don’t know who would know more about citizenship right now

than the residents of St. Johns County. After the destruction of

Hurricane Matthew, our community infiltrated itself with fundrais-

ers, clean-up crews, and donation centers. Our huge lion hearts

ache for those citizens whose homes, cars, and bank accounts were

destroyed. Our spirit of citizenship however, was not damaged by

the flooding waters. It was, in fact, washed clean and renewed to

reach out and help in any way we could.

This is the true spirit of citizenship.

Maya Angelou said, “No one has ever become poor from giving.”

St. Augustine has given hurricane victims their time helping to

clean out homes and garages, their homes and schools as shelters,

their shoulders to cry on, and we are all richer for it.

Our children and students are learning from us. They are watching

how we come together to do great things and learning citizenship first hand. If taught well, our gifted

children and students will make some of our most passionate citizens. Being concerned with social or

political issues and injustices is a trademark gifted characteristic. Gifted children sometimes have

intense feelings and reactions to events that are beyond their control. Students with intellectual

overexcitabilities have incredibly active minds with strong moral concerns. Any parent who has sat up

at night with their child crying over slavery in the world, cancer, or natural disasters can attest that

these children have powerful feelings. We can use this power for good, this is not a characteristic that

should be squandered. Let’s get these future leaders involved now. In the shadow of an election year

and in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, there are many ways we can model and involve our gifted

children in good citizenship opportunities. Talk to your kids about the importance of voting, attend a

fundraiser, and get those food donations ready to pay off overdue library fees!

OUR NEXT GPAC MEETING: will be held on February 23rd, 2017 at Hartley Elementary School from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Gifted Parent Training meeting will be held on Thursday, March 23rd, at 6:30 pm in the Sebastian Middle School multipurpose room.