1. B.R.I.D.G.E.S (Building Relationships to Inspire and Develop Gifted Education Students) Parent Orientation Meeting August 26, 2013

2. Purpose 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. Purpose of B.R.I.D.G.E.S
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

4. Benefits of B.R.I.D.G.E.S Over Regular PTP Pullout Program
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 Daily Schedule
9:15-10:00 Students Transported to T.C. Cherry 10:00-11:30 Science/Math Classes 11:35-12:30 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 Schedule 2013-2014 McNeill & Parker-Bennett-Curry
2nd Grade 3rd Grade September 6th September 20th October 18th November 1st November 15th December 6th January 10th January 24th February 7th February 28th March 21st April 11th May 2nd

7. B. R. I. D. G. E. S Schedule 2013-2014 Potter Gray & T. C
B.R.I.D.G.E.S Schedule Potter Gray & T.C. Cherry & Dishman-McGinnis
2nd Grade 3rd Grade August 30th September 13th September 27th October 25th November 8th November 22nd December 13th January 17th January 31st February 21st March 7th March 28th April 25th

8. B.R.I.D.G.E.S Content Lessons
2nd Grade (Earth Science)
August 30th & September 6th
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

9. B.R.I.D.G.E.S Content Lessons
3rd Grade (Life Science)
September 13th & September 20th
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

10. Upcoming Tentative Field Trips
Mammoth Cave
WKU Planetarium
The Gatton Academy
WKU Engineering Building
Guest Speakers

11. Monthly B.R.I.D.G.E.S Newsletter
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
Follow Ms. Koedyker’s Twitter for BRIDGES updates!

12. Question & Answer Session
Are there any questions, comments, or concerns that you would like addressed at this time?

13. School & Science Lab Tour
We will now offer a tour of T.C. Cherry including the 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!