DISCOVER @ DTS

That's a Wrap!

2009-12-15T08:38:00.001-08:00

As a preview to our student showcase of creativity, the titles listed below represent the root of all projects. Each grade has a theme from which students may select a novel to explore. The exploration then entails making connections between the text, our theme, and previous life experiences.
If you are interested in borrowing any of the titles or looking for a few more holidays items. . . happy reading!

Sixth - Theme: Identity
The Mysterious Benedict Society (T. Stewart)
No More Dead Dogs (G. Korman)
Hidden Talents (D. Lubar)

Seventh - Theme: Taking action on our beliefs
Hunger Games (S. Collins) --> Fame & fortune or love & family?
Uglies (S. Westerfeld) --> Beauty or Brains?
Juvie Three (G. Korman) --> Juvenile justice or adult crime?

Eighth - Theme: Tackling societal injustices & controversial topics
My Sister's Keeper (J. Piccoult) --> Genetic engineering
House of the Scorpion (N. Farmer) --> Cloning

Warning! Deadlines are approaching faster than they may appear!

2009-12-01T09:01:00.001-08:00

Attention all DTS middle school students!

Your project deadline for the first trimester is Friday, 12/18!
This includes a product, completed learning contract, and self-evaluation.
Your presentation should also be complete by 12/18, but if there has been a scheduling conflict, there must be at least a set date prior to winter break.

Any questions? Visit Room 136!

Your Learning = Global Impact!!!

2009-11-16T07:41:00.000-08:00

At a workshop today, one of the greatest tools I found not only allows you to develop your skills even further but also enables you to help others! This is SERVICE LEARNING in one of the most ideal formats -

Whenever you finish your homework, are stuck inside on a rainy day, or are just browsing the internet, spend 5 minutes on either or BOTH of the sites listed below to see how you can help yourself while helping others!

Free Rice

Free Poverty

DISCOVER launch!

2009-10-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today was the first full day of the DISCOVER schedule!
Although our middle school students have been adjusting to the A/B/C week schedule, we have just launched the elementary program!

In the first two weeks, we will be working on laying the foundation for the project-based curriculum in the weeks ahead. All students are working on completing surveys that give us insight into their learning preferences.

Our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade math students worked today on a game called Nada! It combines strategy and number sense on a challenging level! We sent home a copy of the game with each student or you can click on the link above if you'd like to play with the family!

Light Up Your Child's Mind

2009-10-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

I came across a terrific read this weekend - so much so I had to finish it before the weekend was over!

Light Up Your Child's Mind was published this summer by the masters, Dr. Joseph Renzulli and Dr. Sally Reis. The focus is on fostering gifted behaviors - creative thinking, perseverance, the desire to accomplish, and the will to succeed - in all children, whether they are identified as "gifted" or not.
The program they have designed in this book is based on their years of experience and is meant to be implemented at home. However, I found it a great resource for implementation in the traditional classroom setting where all children can truly benefit.
I encourage all families to take the time to read what they can from the greatest experts in the field of enrichment, knowing how precious "free time" is in all families. I have a copy you can borrow!

October 5, 2009

2009-10-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

We're ready to launch!

After an extensive review of the DISCOVER portfolios, letters were sent home with the DTS middle school students today. Elementary students in grades 1 - 5 will have letters mailed home tomorrow.

If you have any questions with regards to your son's/daughter's participation in the DISCOVER program, please contact me at school.

This blog will continue to grow with student activities/assignments, pertinent family information, updated program announcements, and other related news for DISCOVER @ DTS for the 2009-2010 school year.