Pine Tree Independent School District

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Blake Newman

GT Specialist

August/September 2019 Newsletter

**NEW: PTISD Gifted and Talented Student Showcase**

The Student Showcase is a new place for you to see our GT students in action! Click the link to see what they have been up to!

GT Students will continue their learning by reading a challenging book & completing an assignment designed by their teacher. Assignments will be sent home with students before the end of school.

5th Grade GT Students will read Refugee by Alan Gratz.

The assignment can be found here.

Definition: Gifted and Talented Students

Gifted and Talented students are those who perform at or show the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who exhibit high performance capability in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area, possess an usual capacity for leadership, and/or excel in a specific academic field. Gifted and Talented students are also defined as those who excel in their ability to think, reason, judge, invent, or create to the degree that they need special facilities and/or educational services in order that they may have the opportunity to achieve their potential while making increased meaningful contributions to society.

Texas State Plan

The State Plan provides requirements for and guidance to districts as they meet the unique needs of the gifted/talented population in Texas.

Opportunities for Gifted Learners

There are many exciting opportunities available for Gifted and Talented students. Duke TIP and TAME are just two of the programs available. Read below to learn more.

Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP)

Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented youth. As a global leader in gifted and talented education, Duke TIP works with students, their families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential. Some of the learning opportunities offered by Duke TIP include eInvestigators, Scholar Weekends, Talent Search, Summer Studies, and many more. Click on the link to learn more about the exciting programs offered by Duke TIP.

Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME)

Since 1976, TAME has worked to encourage the participation of women and minorities in STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) careers through innovative, hands-on science programming for K-12 students across Texas. Their strong network of K-12 educators, institutes of higher education, and industry partners helps them share ideas and concerns and to deliver targeted, relevant, and cutting-edge programming. TAME offers age-specific programs to spark and support student interest in STEM; professional development and curriculum ideas for teachers; and locally relevant events to educate families and communities about opportunities in STEM. Please click on the link to learn more.

In 2016, twelve students advanced from the first annual East Texas Divisional STEM Competition and traveled to San Antonio for the State STEM Competition. Three students were recognized for their achievements in math and science, and one PTISD student's Engineering Design Challenge team won third place overall.

Thrively

Every child has a genius - that combination of passion and unique strengths in which they absolutely thrive. It's Thrively's mission to uncover that genius in everyone! PTISD GT students are given opportunities to explore their genius through Thrively.com in their homogenously grouped ELAR classes. Teachers use this site to see how to make learning relevant to their students and students are able to learn more about what they are passionate about in the process. Parents can also connect to Thrively.com to access local opportunities for their student to experience real events related to their interests. Please click on the Thrively link to the right to learn more.

Genius Hour

Inspired by Google's innovative corporate initiative, 20% Time, Genius Hour allows students to take ownership of their learning, engaging in meaningful work with real world applications. During Genius Hour, students are invited and encouraged to explore individual passions, unleash their creativity, and to connect and collaborate with others. Students are challenged to identify a topic they wish to learn more about, then create a product or presentation to be shared with others. In addition to encouraging exploration of new ideas and honing critical 21st century skills, Genius Hour encourages curiosity, creativity, risk-taking, invention and innovation while promoting lifelong learning. Please click on the links below or the Genius Hour link to the right to learn more.

CNN Article Edutopia Article