We're BACK!!

It doesn't get much better than this!! We had such an incredibly wonderful time at the Olympic Park Institute that I can hardly wait to go back again next year!

The educational programs with their hands-on science were fantastic. I greatly appreciated how each instructor used the proper scientific terms and discussed scientific facts with the students as if the discussion was with adults. I also was so impressed, yet again, at the critical thinking questions and environmental exploration that the instructors provided. Our instructors, Claire and Megan, were extraordinary. It was an amazing experience!

The weather was perfect. Clear blue skies welcomed us each day and the sun was shining throughout our stay. Our 5 mile plus hike through the diverse eco-systems of the rain forest up to the falls was amazing. It was remarkably calm on the water which made canoeing a joy. The team building and class camaraderie exercises were incredible experiences. We had a spectacular time!

I am including numerous photos in tomorrow's posting and as the week progresses.

Please note: There will NOT be any school this week on Thursday, Friday, nor on Monday due to a two day conference at WAETAG (Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted) conference in Richland, WA and also our School Inservice Day. So, even though your child does not come to school, I am still "in class". It is amazing what we all learn from these conferences that help enhance the quality of your child's gifted education.

Tonight is a Math and Science night.

Mrs. Gellert's Math Class:

Page 6, entitled, "And You Call That Equal?" fraction paper. Also, students are to bring in one page of either today's or tomorrow's newspaper's stock market listings. If you do not subscribe to a newspaper, and I have learned today that there are two of you, then your child may tell me in the morning BEFORE CLASS, and I will provide one for him/her.

Science:

Students are to read the science sheet that is entitled"The Biggest Boosts" about liftoff locations. It is fascinating to learn why launching near the equator gives shuttles extra speed. Even though tonight is not a social studies/geography homework night, I do want each student to read this scientific article to his/her parents, and share how this relates to what they have learned in geography class. I love our thematic curriculum!