Mrs.

Chandlers
1st-5th Grade
GT Parent Meeting

Welcome!
October 27th, 2017
Encino Park Elementary
Mrs. Amy Chandler
Contact Information:
Email: achand4@neisd.net
GT Blog: http://blogs.neisd.net/achand4
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EncinoGT

My conference time varies daily, so email is the best way to get in

contact with me. Please feel free to email me anytime you have a
question.
A little bit about me...
16 years teaching
15 years in NEISD
6 years at Encino Park
2 boys that attend EP
I have the best job in the world!
 Schedule
Agenda
GT Curriculum & Expectations
Future Years in GT
Ways to Help at Home
Technology
Duke TIP
Questions
Depth & Complexity Icons
 Our GT Schedule
Kinder - Mondays & Fridays, 8:00-9:00 (second semester)
1st Grade Mondays & Fridays, 9:00 -10:15
2nd Grade Mondays, 11:30 - 2:00
3rd Grade Tuesdays, all day
4th Grade Wednesdays, all day
5th Grade Thursdays, all day
All classes have recess, lunch, and specials (PE, Music) at their regularly
scheduled time.
In the case of a special event (Winter Parties, Valentines) students will stay

with their homeroom or attend with GT class, depending on the type of event.
District GT Homework Policy
 1st Grade G/T

Wonders
Introduction to the iconic prompts of depth and complexity
with the Scholar Bag
Literature - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Thinking Skills:
Convergent, Divergent, Visual/Spatial, and Evaluative.

Essential Question:
*How can I think about ideas in deep and complex ways?
2nd Grade G/T

Structures: Natural & Man-Made

Understandings:
*There are many kinds of structures in the world.
*Analyzing structures helps us better understand the world.

Essential Questions:
*How do structures create order in our world?
*What are the many meanings of structure?
*What do structures tell us about our world?
 3rd Grade GT

Becoming a Thinker!
Systems: Natural and Man-Made
The Brain
The Internet, Programming
Introduction to Systems Thinking
Algebra: Hands on Equations Level 1
Literature Studies
Mrs. Frisby & the Rats of NIMH, Billibonk & the Thorn Patch
4th Grade GT

Mysteries and Masterpieces

Works of: Leonardo da Vinci & William Shakespeare
Algebra: Hands on Equations Level 2
Mathematical Mysteries
Literature Studies
-Tuck Everlasting, The Wednesday Wars
-Considering: A Wrinkle in Time, When You Reach Me
 5th Grade GT

Philosophy
Eminence (Lives of Believers and Achievers)
Dimensions of Character
Philosophy Socrates, Aristotle, Plato
Developing a Personal Philosophy
Algebra: Hands on Equations Level 3
Literature Studies
-Wonder, The Giver, Gathering Blue, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
 Student Progress
How can I see my childs progress?
GT Report Cards are sent home at the end of each semester.
Students self-evaluate using a rubric and the report card also
includes a teacher evaluation of skills used in GT.
Occasionally work is sent home or you can also log into our
Google Classroom (3rd-5th) to see work being done online.
Be sure to check our blog periodically to see what we are working
on. I often post student work! My goal is to not only share what
is going on in the classroom but spark conversations at home.
 How can I help at home?

Ask about our GT day. What was easy?

What was challenging or hard for you?
Practice a Growth Mindset. Here is a great
resource.
Practice typing: Typing.Com & Dance Mat
Typing are great resources to teach typing
skills.
Future Years in GT
NEISD currently has three GT Programs:
K-2 Gifted & Talented
After 2nd grade students are exited from the program and retest the fall of
their 3rd grade year.
3-5 Gifted & Talented
Once in the 3-5 Program, students do not need to retest until the end of 5th
grade.
Testing for middle school is done in the spring (similar to previous testing).
Most testing is done on GT class days. Student can test for GT Math, GT
English, or both. I recommend all GT students test for both subjects. Results
are sent home by mail in May.
On middle school choice slips students will select Pre-AP courses. If they
qualify for GT, counselors will be notified of results and place them in the
correct courses.
If students qualify for a subject in 6th grade, they no longer need to retest.
Secondary GT (6th-12th Grades)
 Technology

Students have access to our GT technology such as

Google Classroom, Google Drive, SMARTamp, etc, from
home through the NEISD Launchpad on the NEISD
homepage.
They will need to know their username and password.
 Google Classroom
Access through Launchpad

or (free) Classroom App

Log In: username@stu.neisd.net

Password: student ID number

Google Classroom is a virtual classroom where students

receive assignments, turn in work, collaborate with others,
and even contact me.
*Currently 3rd-5th GT uses Google Classroom; 2nd grade
will begin using it for classroom activities later in the year.
GT Field Trips
3rd Grade #techademy
Tuesday, March 27th @ Encino Park

4th Grade McNay Art Museum

Thursday, November 16th (*4th/5th switching GT days)

5th Grade Think-a-Thon at Tejeda M.S

Date TBD, April or May
We will need 5th grade parent volunteers for Think-a-Thon!
Emails will be sent closer to the field trip date once set.
 Duke Tip - 4th-6th
Grade Talent Search
Participants in Duke TIPs 4th6th Grade Talent Search discover and explore their talents and
interests through a variety of academic enrichment activities; gain a deeper understanding of
their potential by taking the optional PSAT 8/9 as an above-level test; develop their critical
and creative thinking skills by embracing the many activities, contests, and opportunities for
learning provided by the program; and are recognized for their accomplishments. Enrolling in
the 4th6th Grade Talent Search enables students to apply for TIPs online and residential
educational programs, where they become part of a community of gifted peers who celebrate
learning.
Students qualify for the 4th6th Grade Talent Search by achieving a score in the 95th
percentile or higher on a qualifying exam. Once enrolled, for a onetime fee, they receive access
to benefits until the end of sixth grade, including optional above-level testing; enrichment
activities like the book club, writing and illustration contest, and specialized publications; and
eligibility to apply to TIPs educational programs.
Current GT students in 4th and 5th grade will be receiving a letter from me that can be used to
apply for the TIP Program, should you choose to apply. This letter includes our Duke TIP
School ID and your childs qualifying test score.
Please see the letter or TIP website for more information.
Wish List

Glue Sticks (our most needed school supply!)

Amazon Wish List
Questions?
Thank you for being here today!
We appreciate your support of our
classroom and GT program!