Georgetown K-8 School
Gifted Education News
January 2015
Welcome!
Welcome to another edition of the GEP (Gifted Education Program) newsletter. As you will
see, our gifted students are very busy and are learning so much. We would like to welcome
students (and families) who are new to our program and we look forward to working with your
awesome child!
Quiz Bowl
The Quiz Bowl is coming for students in grades 2 – 5! Quiz Bowl is a district-wide
competition focusing on reading comprehension. There will be a primary team (2nd, 3rd) and
intermediate team (4th, 5th) to represent Georgetown. Each team will consist of 5 – 8 members.
More information and the process for selection will be sent home in the near future.
First Grade – Mrs. Cribbs
The first graders completed their unit on
fairy tales. They worked on a wide variety of
activities, compared/contrasted different stories,
and studied the elements of a fairy tale. To
celebrate the end of the unit, parents were invited
to the “Fairy Tale Ball” where the students dressed
up as their favorite character. We made
gingerbread houses and students gave speeches as
to why they picked their character. Thank you to
all the families who sent in supplies for this event.
The students will begin their first research
report/project this month. They will select an
animal, research it, and write a detailed report.
Then they will have the option to create a diorama,
poster, book, or puppet show to present their
animal to the class. Be on the lookout for their
animal books as they may need help reading these
at home.
As you can see, first graders are very busy!
Second Grade – Ms. Gragg
Congratulations to Ms. Gragg on her
retirement! As you may have heard, she retired over
the winter holiday. The children will miss her smiling
face. Gifted services for second graders will continue
with Ms. Rogers and a certified substitute until we can
find a more permanent replacement for Ms. Gragg. In
the meantime, students will begin studying Ancient
China and continue working on their computer skills.
Third Grade – Mrs. Haley
Fourth Grade – Mrs. Cribbs
The third grade students finished a project
before Christmas called Christmas around the
World. In groups of two, students selected a
country and completed a project about how the
Christmas holidays were celebrated in that
country.
The 4th graders completed a unit on Colonial
America. They learned all about the voyage to the
new world and the very first settlements. They
studied Jamestown, Plymouth, the settlers’
relationship with the Native Americans, colonial
homes and villages, colonial dress, and daily life in
the 1700’s. They were even given a “trade” to
research and present to their classmates. We had a
blacksmith, wheelwright, wigmaker, milliner,
cobbler, and many other “tradesmen.” We even had
some dress in colonial attire for their presentations.
Students in 4th grade are learning to play
chess. Chess is a game that requires higher-order
thinking skills. To see some of the benefits of
learning to play chess, you can read a great article at
http://www.kcfe.eu/sites/default/files/research_KC
FE.pdf.
In addition, the 4th graders are using the next
level of Hands-On-Equations. They were taught Level
I in 3rd grade. This program teaches the students to
solve advanced algebraic equations.
Since the holidays, we have been
practicing critical thinking and logical problem
solving skills through a national program “One
Hour of Code.” This computer program allows
students the opportunity to learn more about
computer science. They will be able to write
their own game. Look at what we are doing:
http://code.org/
Our next unit of study will be Ancient
Egypt. During the unit students will learn about
the history, architecture, and geography of
Egypt. Students will also learn about mummies,
gods/goddesses of Ancient Egypt, pyramids and
hieroglyphs. The students are so excited!
Fifth Grade – Mrs. Haley
The 5th graders just completed their Civil War unit of study. They learned about the causes, the
major battles, the important people during the war, and the effects of the war on the North and
South. Students chose from a variety of activities on a menu to earn a total of 100 points. Students
created dioramas of the important battles, timelines of the events that led to the war, games using Civil
War facts, recruitment poster to join the army, and Power-Point presentations of a famous person from the
war. I was extremely proud on their work!
Next, the students will learn more about playing chess. They began playing chess last year in 4th
grade with Mrs. Cribbs. Chess teaches the importance of planning and the consequences of decisions. It
can also teach students how to concentrate, how to win and lose gracefully, how to think logically and
effectively, and how to make tough and abstract decisions.
In addition the students will continue the next level of Hands-on-Equations. This program allows
students to solve complex algebraic concepts, thereby increasing their confidence and interest in math.
Union Mission Service Project
Thank you to all who sent in items for our service project back in December. The gifted students
collected toiletry items for the Union City Mission. The students filled bags with a sampling of items. Mrs.
Haley and Mrs. Cribbs delivered approximately 100 bags to the homeless. The Union Mission was extremely
surprised and grateful for the outpouring of kindness by our families. Thank you for your generosity.
As always, if you ever have any specific concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s gifted resource teacher. We
are available by e-mail or phone.
Marti Cribbs (1st, 4th grades) – [email protected]
Barbara Haley (3rd grade) – [email protected]
Renee Rogers (2nd grade) – [email protected]
Savannah-Chatham County Gifted Information
Students, grades kindergarten through twelve, in the Savannah Chatham County
School System who demonstrate a high degree of intellectual, academic, and/or
creative ability are provided with special instructional services by the Program
for Gifted Students. Eligibility criteria for placement in this program are
determined by the State Board of Education. Referrals for consideration for
eligibility for gifted services may be made by teachers, counselors,
administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, and other individuals with
knowledge of the student's abilities. For a summary of eligibility criteria or for
further information about Savannah Chatham County School System Program for
Gifted Students, please contact the Gifted Education Specialist at your child's
school or contact: Joy Key-Smith, the Elementary Teacher Specialist of Gifted
and Advanced Learning for SCCPSS.