1. B.R.I.D.G.E.S (B UILDING R ELATIONSHIPS TO I NSPIRE AND D EVELOP G IFTED E DUCATION S TUDENTS ) P ARENT O RIENTATION M EETING A UGUST 22, 2011

2. P URPOSE OF B.R.I.D.G.E.S Provides an academically focused and supportive environment for students who share similar interests, needs, and abilities Unique learning activities that support, enrich, and extend the curriculum taught in the regular classroom

3. Engaging and challenging “hands-on” and “minds-on” activities for students that promote higher order thinking and critical thinking skills A full day of uninterrupted learning Additional opportunities provided for leadership and team building P URPOSE OF B.R.I.D.G.E.S

4. B ENEFITS OF B.R.I.D.G.E.S O VER R EGULAR PTP P ULLOUT P ROGRAM Building relationships between students across the district Longer in-depth and enriched lessons Consolidated pullout program to allow for: Smaller class sizes More individualized student instruction More time for experiments and hands-on activities Exposure to content across a variety of subject areas

5. B.R.I.D.G.E.S D AILY S CHEDULE 9:15-9:45 Students Transported to T.C. Cherry 9:45-10:15 Leadership/Team Building Activity 10:15-11:45 Science/Math Classes 11:45-12:30 Lunch & Recess 12:30-2:00 Math/Science Classes 2:00-2:30 Students Transported to Home Schools

6. B.R.I.D.G.E.S S CHEDULE 2011-2012 M C N EILL & P ARKER -B ENNETT -C URRY 2 nd Grade3 rd Grade October 21 st September 23 rd November 18 th November 4 th January 13 th December 9 th February 10 th January 27 th March 16 th February 24 th April 27 th March 30 th

7. B.R.I.D.G.E.S S CHEDULE 2011-2012 P OTTER G RAY & T.C. C HERRY & D ISHMAN -M C G INNIS 2 nd Grade3 rd Grade October 14 th September 16 th November 11 th October 28 th January 6 th December 2 nd February 3 rd January 20 th March 2 nd February 17 th April 20 th March 23 rd

8. B.R.I.D.G.E.S C ONTENT L ESSONS 3 rd Grade (Life Science) September 16 th & September 23 rd Science Learn how to use microscopes and prepare slides Identify parts of cells and discuss their unique functions Compare and contrast plant and animal cell structures Math Design a zoo based on a specific perimeter while meeting specific criteria (budget, space restrictions, etc.) Use problem solving strategies to place animals in the zoo based on their habitat and space of their enclosure Use data, measurement, and geometric shapes to solve real world problems

9. B.R.I.D.G.E.S C ONTENT L ESSONS 2nd Grade (Earth Science) October 14 th & October 21 st Science Learn about tectonic plates and continental drift theory Discuss “Ring of Fire,” how volcanoes are formed, and current events involving volcanoes (Iceland, Mount St. Helens) Interactive website explaining types of volcanoes and the inside structure of a volcano Participation in two volcano experiments Create their own virtual volcano online and watch it erupt Math Disaster Math Use problem solving strategies to solve math problems relating to various natural disasters Use information given in a chart to develop and create their own math problems for a partner to solve Explain problem solving strategies used to solve multiple step math problems

10. U PCOMING T ENTATIVE F IELD T RIPS Lost River Cave WKU Planetarium The Gatton Academy WKU Science Lab Guest Speakers

11. M ONTHLY B.R.I.D.G.E.S N EWSLETTER The monthly B.R.I.D.G.E.S newsletter will contain the following information: Educational content students are learning during the B.R.I.D.G.E.S sessions Upcoming field trip opportunities for students Pictures of students engaging in activities offered at B.R.I.D.G.E.S in the classroom and during field trip experiences

12. Q UESTION & A NSWER S ESSION Are there any questions, comments, or concerns that you would like addressed at this time?

13. S CHOOL & S CIENCE L AB T OUR We will now offer a tour of T.C. Cherry as well as the science lab and classroom areas where students will be when they attend B.R.I.D.G.E.S! We look forward to working with you and your children this year!