Scratch is a computer programming language developed at MIT for kids. Students get to be creative, and be problem solvers, while reinforcing math and literacy skills...and it's fun to boot!
Visit the Birchland Park Scratch Studio to see some of the great computer programming projects that students have created this year in GT class.
Scratch is a computer programming language developed at MIT for kids. Students get to be creative, and be problem solvers, while reinforcing math and literacy skills...and it's fun to boot!
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Letters for sixth grade GT pull out will be going home this week. Eligibility for GT is based on test results and grades, as well as teacher and parent evaluations.
I'm happy to be back! I hope that you are too. I have been doing a lot of planning and preparing. Below is some of what's in store for the upcoming months, but please keep in mind that there are likely to be changes.
Tutorial activities tentative schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: Advanced Studies Projects Mondays: Robotics Thursdays: Science Discussion and Activity (Note: Students must sign-up in advance with Ms. Collins to take part in tutorial activities. Sign-ups are not available yet. Check back later for more details.) After school The Future City Club will meet once a week on Thursdays, through the end of January Chess Club possibly starting up after school on Wednesdays. Sixth Grade GT Pull-out Classes: Reading the Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien; The Joy of Math Class; Architecture and Energy; LEGO Robotics; and Scratch Computer Programming. 7th and 8th Grade Pull-out Classes: Reading the Time Machine by H. G. Wells and Creating a Play; Chain Reaction Machine Making; Advanced Scratch Computer Programming; Current Events Discussion Group; Alcumus Advanced Math Group; and Reading the Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkein. I don't have any start dates for GT pull-out classes yet, but I assure you that I am working on it. Expect the 7th and 8th grade pull-out classes to begin in late September. 6th Grade GT should start in October. Independent Work: Advanced Studies Projects and Advanced Math using Alcumus will be offered as options as well. Students must write a proposal and get approval from Ms. Collins for this option. Please feel free to send me an email [email protected] or call me at school, 413-525-5480 x1250 with any questions or concerns. Students are welcome to visit me in my classroom during tutorial, Tuesday - Friday, if they have any questions. Ms. Suzanne Collins This time of year there are always a lot of questions about the GT pull out program. Here are some things that you should know:
How does a student become eligible for the GT pull-out program? Eligibility is based on advanced test scores, good grades, parent checklists and teacher recommendations. I review 6th, 7th and 8th grade MCAS scores and grades every fall to see who may qualify for the program. Upon student, parent or teacher request, I will review grades after the second or third marking term. Parents may also request that their child take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) as another possible route into the GT pull out program. Click here to get a copy of the form requesting CogAT testing. Once a student becomes eligible for GT in middle school, they remain eligible for GT pull out services throughout middle school. Click here for a copy of the permission slip for kids who are eligible for GT services. If you think that you should be eligible, email me so that I can review your records. Sixth Grade GT I have not sent any letters home for 6th graders. I am still compiling MCAS, CogAT and 5th grade report card data. 7th and 8th Grade GT You should have received a letter, sent home through advisory, if you are eligible for GT this year. Those who were eligible for GT pull out classes in 6th or 7th grade, are still eligible. If you were eligible in 6th or 7th grade, and you didn't receive a letter, please talk to me. What if a student doesn't qualify for the pull out program?
Questions? Please talk to me and ask questions: that goes for students, parents and teachers. [email protected] 6th Grade Pull Out
I had been planning on starting 6th Grade GT pull out classes this week, but having an unexpected week off from school has thrown a fly in the ointment. 6th Graders should receive GT information and schedules in advisory on Wednesday or Thursday, so that we can begin on November 16th. November Schedule This month's schedule is here on the site. 7th and 8th Graders can check it to see when they are scheduled for GT. 6th Graders may use it is well, once their classes are up and running. Power Outage Thank goodness for a warm house and electricity! It's good to be back in school. Letters sent home: I put letters for 6th grade students who are eligible for GT pull out services into advisory teacher's mailboxes this afternoon, so eligible students should receive them tomorrow. Talk to me if you have any questions or concerns. Students can check with me in person before advisory or during tutorial.
How does a student qualify for GT? Eligibility is based on test scores, grades, and teacher recommendations. I review 6th, 7th and 8th grade MCAS scores and grades every fall to see who may qualify for the program. Upon student or parent request, I will review grades after the second or third marking term. Parents may also request that their child take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) as another possible route into the GT pull out program. Contact me: I am happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your concerns. My email address is [email protected]. Suzanne Collins The first day of 7th grade GT pull out classes will begin on Tuesday October 11th, and the first day of 8th Grade GT pull out classes will begin on Friday, October 14th. I do not have a start date yet for sixth graders.
I have sent letters home to parents of seventh and eighth graders who are eligible for GT pull out this year. There may be a few more letters going home to 7th and 8th graders, once I receive state testing results in a week or two. In a few weeks, I'll begin the process of looking at information for our sixth graders. If you feel that your child is being overlooked, please feel free to email or call.
I also want to suggest that you read an article on my Parents' page about praise. Carol Dweck did a research study that shows that when students are praised for working hard, their achievement tends to increase, but when they are praised for being smart, their achievement actually decreases. |
Ms. Suzanne Barricelli Collins
STEM Teacher at Birchland Park Middle School. Archives
June 2014
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