Expansions - Adams County School District 14

Expansions - Adams County School District 14

Expansions
ADAMS 14 GIFTED AND TALENDTED NEWSLETTER
Summer 2013
Letter from the Coordinator
As usual, another year has flown by and we are getting ready for summer.
Summer time is a critical time for all students, but it is even more important for
gifted students. They always want to learn something new during the school year
and they still want to learn during the summer time. We don’t want them to lose
ground and start behind next August. This doesn’t mean that you buy workbooks
and have your student complete them every morning at 8 a.m. Learning during
the summer can be lots of fun for everyone.
The Anythink Library here in Commerce City has lots of activities planned,
especially for the younger children. I have included some information about their
events so that you can get registered. Reading daily is an easy way for our students to maintain their academic learning from the school year. Students can read
comic books, magazines, science books with really cool experiments, and books
with art projects.
There are so many fun activities in the Denver metro area to help you with
summer enrichment learning opportunities. I have listed several free events that
occur here in the Denver metro area that are appropriate for the entire family and
can provide lots of mini vacation ideas. There is a world waiting to be explored
by your child.
We are also celebrating the following accomplishments of Adams 14 students
that we want to recognize:
*Five teams participated in Destination Imagination competition and two of
the teams went to the state finals April 6.
ADAMS 14
SUMMER 2013
Inside this issue:
LETTER FROM THE COORDI-
1
NATOR
DISTRICT WIDE SPELLING
2
BEE CHAMPIONS CROWNED
G/T BUILDING LIAISONS
2
DESTINATION IMAGINATION 3
FREE FESTIVALS & EVENTS
4
FREE CONCERTS
6
FREE ATTRACTIONS AND
7
TOURS
THE IMPORTANCE OF
8
READING OVER SUMMER
VACATION
G/T PARENT NIGHT
8
BOOKS FOR GIFTED READ-
9
*Three Spelling Bee winners participated in the State Finals on March 16
*Our seniors at Adams City High School have amazing post high school plans
I appreciate all of the hard work on the part of the Gifted and Talented Building Liaisons, classroom teachers, and principals this year to help our gifted students grow in their learning and to be successful.
Cheryl Franklin-Rohr
GT Coordinator
Adams 14
ERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO
SENIORS!
10
Expansions
District Wide Spelling Bee Champions Crowned
On January 29 and February 5, Adams County District 14 crowned the Middle School and Elementary
School Spelling Bee Champions. In the Middle School competition, a total of 15 spellers from both Adams City Middle School and Kearney Middle School participated. In the Elementary School Bee, 21 competitors representing all seven District Elementary schools tussled for a thrilling 16 rounds of spelling in
front of a packed house of family, friends, teachers, and administrators. The following students outlasted
their challenging and well-prepared opponents to walk away in the top three:
Middle School:
1st Place: Priscila Lopez-Mendez (ACMS)
2nd Place: Aubriana Montoya-Smith (ACMS)
3rd Place: Lucia Gomez (ACMS)
Elementary School:
1st Place: Kaari Montoya (Alsup)
2nd Place: Karina Lozano (Hanson)
3rd Place: Yvette Rodriguez (Kemp)
Priscila Lopez-Mendez, Kaari Montoya and Karina Lozano won the opportunity to represent Adams
County District 14 in the State Spelling Bee on March 16 at the Colorado Convention Center.
Congratulations to all of our logophiles on two wonderful and competitive Spelling Bees!
Left to Right: Priscila Lopez-Mendez, Aubriana
Left to Right: Kaari Montoya, Karina
Montoya– Smith, Lucia Gomez
Lozano Not Pictured: Yvette Rodriguez
Gifted and Talented Building Liaisons
As I have mentioned in previous newsletters, each of the schools have a Gifted and Talented Building Liaison that facilitates identification and helps with communication between students, teachers, parents, and myself. Some of these Liaisons will be leaving Adams 14 this year and I want to acknowledge their hard work:
* Heather Wheat has been a GT Liaison at Adams City High School for three years and will be taking a new position in Denver.
* Liz Trexler has been a GT Liaison at Adams City High School this year and will be moving to Washington D.C.
* Debra Neiswonger has been the GT Liaison at Hanson for two years and will be moving to Texas.
* Nathan Hayes has been the GT Liaison at Rose Hill this year and will be taking a new position in another district.
* Jo Stone has been the GT Liaison at Adams City Middle School for four years and is retiring.
I wish all of these individuals good luck and I appreciate all that they have done on behalf of gifted students.
Summer 2013
Destination Imagination!
On March 30, during spring break, “The Best Brainy Bandits” from Monaco Elementary School
competed in the Destination Imagination’s Regional Tournament held at Aurora Central High School. The
team, which consists of five 4th and 5th grade students, placed second in their competition level. During the
main challenge, Jesus Garcia, Lexus Espinoza, Angie Clark, Jon Denava, and Bryanna Hernandez worked
together to stretch their imagination to create a five-minute improvisational skit about life after a dramatic
change and how they adapt to this change. Prior to the tournament, the students studied and learned about
six different communication techniques and had to integrate one of them, selected randomly, into their skit.
During their main challenge the students used white t-shirts and washable markers to create costumes to go
along with their skit. They also created a slogan from three randomly selected nouns. All of these four elements wrapped up into an amazing improvisational skit where the students demonstrated their leadership
skills, cooperation skills, creativity, and ability to use their imagination and think on their feet.
The team members also had to complete in an instant challenge. This challenge was to teach students to take what life is handing them moment-to-moment. These challenges are meant to spark and
quickly capture team members’ wild imaginations by requiring them to solve a challenge on the spot.
The two team managers, Tracy Manfredi and Tina Wright, were excited for the students and very
proud of their ability to do such a wonderful job at the regional level. As a result of winning second place,
the team participated in the Destination Imagination Colorado State Tournament on April 13, at the Auraria
Campus in Denver.
Destination Imagination Teams 2013
School
ACMS
Team Name
ACMS Destination
Imagination Showstoppers
DI Sponsor
Rachel Varner, Thomas Sarni,
Denise Wilhelm & Bethany
Vaughn
KMS
I Mustache You a
Question
Jennifer Gasper
KMS
Bobcats
Monica Wisniewski
Monaco
The Best Brainy Bandits
Tracy Manfredi & Tina Wright
Central
The Electric Cubs
Naomi Meredith, Shelby Perez,
Bonnie VanRoekel, & Johanna
Wohl
Students
Joel Sandoval
Adrian Barrera-Aguirre
Candice Valentine
Kevin Clark
Jacob Sosa
Daniel Hernandez
Katie Piper
Gustavo Contreras
Angela Herrera
Cherish Harbin
Brooke Dozier
Reece Allee
Hadamarys Martinez-Loya
Cecilla Perez
Leslie Villanueva
Amia Medina-Burnett
Jesus Garcia
Bryana Hernandez
Jon Denava
Lexus Espinoza
Angelina Clark
Elian Chacon-Marquez
Arron Hedglin
Hender Lopez-Mendez
Stephanie Cantellano-Gomez
Ingrid Duarte-Castillo
Jazmyn Moten
Anna Alarcon
Expansions
FREE FESTIVALS & EVENTS
First Friday Art Walks
July 6, August 3, September 7
http://www.artdistrictonsantafe.com/
Discover Denver’s thriving creative community during a First Friday celebration, held every first Friday of the month, during which galleries in Denver’s
art districts stay open late for a festive, street party-like event.
Denver PrideFest
June 15-17
http://www.denverpridefest.org/
One of the ten biggest PrideFests in the U.S., this free weekend event in Civic Center Park features a parade,
live music, food, and dance, all celebrating the local gay and lesbian community.
Cherry Blossom Festival
June 22-23
http://www.tsdbt.org/cherryblossom
A celebration of Japanese-American culture, food, music and dance, Downtown
Denver’s Cherry Blossom Festival offers a taste of the Far East in the Mile
High City.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 5-7
http://www.cherryarts.org/
Over Fourth of July Weekend, 350,000 visitors enjoy the visual, culinary
and performing arts and interactive activities for the whole family. Meet
and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, and enjoy
live musical performances and artist demonstrations.
Summer 2013
Colorado Black Arts Festival
July 19-21
http://www.colbaf.org
Boasting three stages filled with jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, reggae, and hip hop, this free festival in Denver City Park celebrates African American heritage with a parade, special exhibits, a marketplace, children’s
arts programming, and socio-civic organizations.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
July 27-28
http://www.cdbf.org/
Set sail for summer fun at Sloan’s Lake Park, where vibrantly decorated dragon
boats race in an exciting pan-Asian sport. This weekend-long event also features
music, cultural exhibits, and delicious Asian cuisine.
Golden Fine Arts Festival
August 17-18
http://www.goldenfineartsfestival.org/
Browse a variety of beautiful art at Colorado’s most accessible arts festival, the 20th annual Golden Fine Arts
Festival. The juried festival is an open-air art gallery in a gorgeous foothills setting adjacent to the Clear
Creek.
A Taste of Colorado
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
http://www.atasteofcolorado.com/
Held every year over Labor Day Weekend in Civic Center Park, A Taste of
Colorado puts the spotlight on the diversity of Colorado cuisine. Delight your
taste buds with creations from the state’s favorite restaurant and food establishments.
Outdoor Movies in the Parks
All Summer
http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/museum-art/denver-outdoor-summer-movies
Spread out a blanket in one of Denver's gorgeous parks for a FREE, family friendly movie at dusk. Click the
link above for dates, movies and locations.
Expansions
FREE CONCERTS
Five Points Jazz Festival
May 18
www.denvergov.org/5pointsjazz
Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood celebrates its rich African American heritage with a day filled with jazz music of all stripes, from bebop to swing, performed
by Denver’s best musicians. Grab some BBQ or soul food and enjoy the free tunes.
City Park Jazz
http://www.cityparkjazz.org/
Every Sunday night in June and July, the City Park Bandstand and Pavilion turns into a swinging, open-air
jazz club as music lovers of all ages congregate for the free City Park Jazz.
Skyline Park Lunchtime Concerts
Fridays, July - Aug.
http://www.downtowndenver.com/Life/WhattoDo/SkylinePark/tabid/110/Default.aspx
As you check out the shopping and dining options on the 16th Street Mall, you may hear the sound of live music emanating from Skyline Park. You’ve stumbled upon a free lunch-hour concert series held every Friday,
July through August. The concerts begin at 12 p.m. The Skyline Park Free Summer Concerts are sponsored by
Southwest Airlines and feature some of Denver's finest musicians. So, bring a blanket and your lunch and take
a seat!
Confluence Concerts
http://www.greenwayfoundation.org/
Nothing beats a cool summer evening kicking back in Confluence Park with some great free live music as the
soundtrack. Every Thursday in July at 6:30 p.m., some of the Mile High City’s best musicians set up shop
along the banks of the river and jam the night away.
Civic Center Park's Independence Eve
http://www.civiccenterconservancy.org
The fourth annual Independence Eve Celebration will feature a free patriotic
concert by The Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the Denver
City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale.
Summer 2013
FREE ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS
US Mint Tour
http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=StartReservation
Learn how to make money! The Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little “D” for
Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.
Garden of the Gods
http://www.gardenofthegods.com/
Located 60 miles from Denver, the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods features gigantic 500-foot high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.
Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Free Days
www.scfd.org/?page=home&sub=4
Colorado residents can enjoy the following cultural attractions for free on select days throughout the summer:
The Denver Art Museum (June 1, July 6, August 5, September 7-8, – free to all, not just Colorado residents);
Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (July 9, August 27); Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (June
7, August 2); Denver Museum of Nature & Science (June 17, July 2, August 4, September 1, September 8);
Clyfford Still Museum (June 7, August 8); Denver Firefighters Museum (August 3, September 7).
Denver SkatePark
http://www.denverskatepark.com/
This expansive area – one of the most renowned skate parks in the country – is filled with bowls for all levels
of skating skill. Admission is free. Helmets are required.
National Center for Atmospheric Research
http://www.ncar.ucar.edu/
Learn about global warming, the 21st century’s hottest topic, at this fascinating free museum. See a hailstone
the size of a softball, watch as a miniature tornado is whipped up in front of your eyes, and get an up close
look at how lightning is created.
Red Rocks Hall of Fame & Trails
http://www.redrocksonline.com/
Carved from towering red rock monuments, this 9,000-seat arena is one of the
world’s most renowned concert venues. When there’s no concert, the free Visitor
Center has a museum and Performers of Fame, while the surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.
Expansions
The Importance of Reading Over Summer Vacation
by Cynthia Haltom
It is the perfect time for your child to begin a reading program to prevent losing reading skills over the summer. Studies have shown that children lose these skills over vacation away from school, due to lack of practice. Children who routinely read throughout the year increase these skills and have a jump start for the next
school year. Students with good reading skills have the ability to perform well in school and generally excel
above grade level.
It is important for parents to take an active role over the summer by scheduling a reading routine and goals for
their children. Establish a goal for your child, determine a specific number of books the child will need to read
to meet his goal and offer an incentive to your child to help keep him focused on meeting his goals. Also find
out where your child's reading level falls. Once this is in place there are several ways to obtain the books the
child will need. The public library is an excellent place to start. The librarians will be able to help you figure
out your child's reading level and direct him to the appropriate books. Book stores and second hand stores are
great places to obtain books for the child's home library.
GT Parent Night, May 7
Over 40 people attended our GT Parent Night on May 7, at Lester Arnold High School. We started with a
tour at the Anythink Library and then the parents and students came over to Lester Arnold to listen to our
guest speaker, Bob Seney. Bob is nationally known for his presentations about characteristics of gifted readers and appropriate books for gifted learners.
At the end of the presentation, we drew names of the participants and gave out books from his list as prizes.
Also, the librarian from Anythink took his list and they are going to make sure that they have copies of the
books that Bob suggested.
Summer 2013
Halsted’s Books for Gifted Readers
Arcos, Carrie
Avi
Bardugo, Leigh
Bradley, Alan
Carson, Rae
Chima, Cinda Williams
Delaney, Joseph
DuPrau, Jeanne
Durst, Sarah Beth
Flanagan, John
Gantos, Jack
Hiaasen, Carl
King, A. S.
Kittridge, Catlin
Lai, Thanhha
Lowry, Lois
Ness, Patrick
Oppel, Kenneth
Palacio, R. J.
Paolini, Christopher
Paulsen, Gary
Riggs, Ransom
Riordan, Rick
Rodkey, Geoff
Schrefer, Eliot
Scott, Michael
Scott, Michael &
Collette Freedman
Selznick, Brian
Sepetys, Ruta
Sleator, William &
Ann Monicone
Spinelli, Jerry
Stewart, Trenton Lee
Taylor, Laini
Tolan, Stephanie S.
Whaley, John Corey
Wilson, Leah (ed.)
Out of Reach*# (hs)
2012 National Book Award Finalist
Crispin: At the Edge of the World (e)
Whoops!
Crispin: The End of Time (e)
Shadow and Bone (ms)
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (e/ms) TR
The Girl of Fire and Thorns (ms)
The Warrior Heir (ms)
Whoops!
The Wizard Heir (ms)
The Dragon Heir (ms)
The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch
Book One (ms/e) SR
The People of Sparks (e)
Whoops! Book 2 of Ember Series
Vessel (ms/hs)
Brotherband Chronicles: Book 1 The Outcasts (ms) (e)
Brotherband Chronicles: Book 2 The Invaders (ms) (e)
Brotherband Chronicles: Book 3: The Hunters (ms) (e)
Dead End in Norvelt (ms/e)
2012 Newbery Award
Chomp (e)
Please Ignore Vera Dietz (hs)*#
2011 Printz Honor
The Iron Thorn: The Iron Thorn Codex, Book One (ms)
[Started slow but then Wow!]
Inside Out & Back Again (e) (ms)
2012 Newbery Honor
2011 National Book Award Winner
Son (ms)
A Monster Calls [For a sophisticated Reader]
Wow! Intense!
Half Brother (ms)
This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of
Victor Frankenstein (hs/ms)
Wonder (ms/e)
Inheritance (hs) (ms)
Crush (ms/e)
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children# (hs/ms)
The Serpent’s Shadow
Book 3 of The Kane Chronicles (ms/e)
The Mark of Athena (ms/e)
Deadweather and Sunrise:
Book One – The Chronicles of Egg (e)
Endangered (ms)
2012 National Book Finalist
Billy the Kid and the Vampyres of Vega: A Lost Story
From the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel (ms)
The Death of Joan of Arc: A Lost Story From the Secrets
of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel (ms)
The Thirteen Hallows (ms/hs)*
2012
Wonder Struck: (e, ms)
A Novel in Words and Pictures [Double Wow!]
Between Shades of Gray (ms)
2011 Golden Kite Award
The Phantom Limb (ms)
2011
Jake and Lily (e)
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict (e)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone (hs)
[Can’t get this one out of my mind. Even in my dreams!]
Applewhites at Wit’s End (ms/e)
Where Things Come Back# (hs)
2012 Printz Award [Whoa!]
The Girl Who Was On Fire (ms/hs)
Special Note: Essays on The Hunter Games
2012
2012
2011
2006
2010
2012
2009
2011
2006
2007
2008
2005
2004
2012
2011
2012
2012
2011
2012
2011
2011
2011
2012
2011
2010
2011
2012*
2011
2012
2011
2012
2012
2012
2012
2011
2010
2011
2011
2011
2012
2011
2011 X
Congratulations to our Seniors!
Name
Post High School goals
Major
Gail Bodkin
CU Denver
Nursing
Kayla Earwood
UNC
Elementary Education
Rachael Ferguson
UNC
Nursing
Jasmine Flores
CSU
Biomedical Sciences
Alexis Garcia
Front Range Community College
Nursing/Phlebotomy
Mike Garcia
CSU
Accounting/Information Systems
Kiana Gonzales
CCD
Dance or Microbiology
Mark Huntingon
CU Boulder
Mechanical Engineering
Jordan Johnson
Seattle Pacific
International Relations
Kristopher Kovinchick
UNC
Nursing
Lizeth Lujan
Nursing
Vanesa Mercado
Front Range Community College/Metro State
University of Denver
CSU
Alfonso Noriega
Un-decided
Graphic Design
Gabriela Ortega
University of Denver
Business, maybe Psychology & Writing
Lissette Sandoval
Community College of Denver
Undecided
Jharline Sotelo
CU Denver
Business Management/Marketing
Dylan Vashaw
Metro State University of Denver
Business or Criminal Justice
Leslie Villalobos
Community College of Denver
Math/Physics Engineering
ADAMS 14
Adams County District 14
5291 E. 60th Ave.
Commerce City, CO 80022
Criminology