Ridgecrest Highly Capable Program

Open HouseApril 4, 2011

Meet the Ridgecrest Staff

Kay Law - Second/Third Grade

Alissa Miller - Third/Fourth Grade

Liz Whitney - Fourth/Fifth Grade

Leslie Lytle - Sixth Grade

Your Choice

We are the first to admit that this program may not be the best fit for everyone.

Individual families and students will make different choices about their needs and goals.

What We Understand

Addressing the emotional and social needs of our students is a key element for us.

What Our Students Say

“I no longer have to have all the right answers. I can make a mistake and no one teases me.”

“I like the independence to learn about what interests me.”

“I like our conversations!”

Shoreline’s Highly Capable Mission Statement

“… to enable all students to achieve their full potential, the Elementary Highly Capable Program provides an academic setting that allows students to demonstrate…”

A capacity to learn with unusual depth

A capacity to deal with increasing levels of abstraction

An ability to make unusual connections

A capacity for intense concentration

An ability to learn quickly

Creative production of products

Mastery of basic knowledge and skills contained in

the district frameworks

Strategic Goals

Opportunities for interactions with intellectual and interest group peers

Acceleration through curriculum compacting

Training in critical thinking and research skills

Ridgecrest’s Philosophy

We recognize that as learners, they need a different form of instruction.

Many families have one child here and another child in another Shoreline school.

What We Believe

Each child is unique and has special talents. As a community, we want to provide and atmosphere which nurtures each person’s gifts while offering new experiences.

In Practice

We work on developing time-

management strategies and

understanding our own work patterns. We focus on quality over quantity. We are a community

involving students, parents,

and teachers.

What Else?

We work on higher level thinking -- analysis, evaluation, or creation to develop depth of content.

We integrate key learnings across several content areas.

Students are involved in creating their own grading rubrics and expectations.

Transition to High-Cap

As with all school years, your children may hold themselves together at school and be exhausted and emotional by the time they arrive home.

Be aware that introverts will especially want their down time before engaging about school.

Academic Expectations

We offer a different set of expectations and recognize that students are going to come in missing some elements or key learnings.

And while we adults understand that, it can be difficult for young learners to discover suddenly they do not know all the answers.

Grade Configurations?

Student numbers drive our grade level combinations.

In making up class configurations, we consider male/female ratios, and move students who have been with same peers and/or teacher for a year or two.

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And Curriculum?

We offer the core curriculum at a grade level above, enriched, expanded, or compacted.

We are particularly sensitive to achieving grade level standards before moving ahead.

Homework

Average of 10 minutes per grade level. Effective use of class time equates with less homework. Week-long, or longer-term, projects require

time-management. We do not believe in “busy-work.”

Students need time to read, or take apart that old computer, or build a camp outside!

Just Another Way of Learning

We can’t stress enough that we offer different ways of teaching and learning in our program.

Integration of Hi-Cap with Other Classrooms

We interact with other students with in our building and work to integrate our students whenever possible.

Parents, Come on Over

Share your careers or hobbies. Lead book groups, math groups, or offer

project-specific assistance. Spend time photocopying. (Sigh.) Just coordinate with us before you come

so we can respect your time.

Jump on IN!

We encourage families and students to participate in Ridgecrest’s many before and after-school opportunities.

PTA, Student Council, Chess Club, sports, Math Olympiad, Honor Choir…

the list goes on.

The Fine Print

We have information -- like Student Expectations, Academic Probation, and other resources on the Shoreline School District’s website under “Highly Capable” in the Documents Section.

Thank You

For coming over and meeting us in person.

For helping your children explore opportunities for learning.

For asking questions!