PIEDMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL
an IB World School
Talent Development News
Volume 2, Issue 3 March 21, 2017
6th Grade Math
Once again, the 6th grade math department would like to thank you for sharing your amazing children
with us! This quarter, we have been studying a multitude of math skills, including Algebra, Area, Surface Area,
and Coordinate Geometry. Our students have been doing a lot more learning on their Chromebooks, as we
want them to get used to doing math on the computer, because our Math EOG will be 100% online this year.
Our students did a great job on their winter MAP testing. As we approach our end of year testing, we will
begin to review the skills that we have already learned, as well as continue to introduce new material. Some of
the topics that remain to be covered are inequalities, statistics, and measures of center. We are also excited
about creating an interactive notebook for EOG Review. With the help of Piedmont’s admin team, we were
able to purchase a notebook for every student which we will pass out at the beginning of the 4th quarter. In
addition, now that we have covered most of the “basic” skills, we will focus our attention on critical thinking
and problem solving which isn’t to say that we haven’t been including critical thinking and problem solving all
year long. If, as a parent, you are looking for some EXTRA ways that your child can start reviewing for EOG’s
outside of their math class, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s math teacher. We are having a great
year, and we are so happy that we get to teach the BEST students in Charlotte!
6th Grade Language Arts
Language arts classes have completed our novel study unit and have begun our study of myths, legends,
and tales. In this unit, we focus primarily on Greek myths, and are working on concepts of universal theme and
cultural context. We will be working closely with the social studies department for our interdisciplinary unit,
where students will conduct an in-depth study on their favorite mythological figures and present it to the
class. Students are encouraged to go big by dressing up and incorporating props! ELA is also heading towards
the conclusion of our stems units—please anticipate the upcoming 100 stems test, which will include each of
the vocabulary words students have studied this year! Towards the beginning of fourth quarter, we will begin
working on our poetry unit, students will learn about figurative language and poetic structure and begin
composing our own poems.
Page 2
PIEDMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL, an IB world School
Talent Development News
Seventh Grade Math
It has been a very busy 3rd quarter for our 7th graders. They have been creating projects, completing IB assessments,
applying math to the real-world, and more! This quarter, students learned all about ratios, proportions, and percents.
We have also used this time to connect proportional reasoning to the expressions and equations they write. We have
been applying area formulas that they learned last year to new 3-Dimensional figures so they could calculate the surface
areas. It was very common to see the students deconstructing their math work into various pieces and nets. Not only
was area used to find the entire (or partial) surface areas, but they also learned how to incorporate area when finding
the volume of 3-Dimensional objects. Students used their knowledge to create a 3-D model candy bar of their choice.
Pi day was March 14 and the students found creative ways to express their knowledge of pi. Students made wanted
posters, jewelry, poems, songs, raps, movie trailers, and more! What an awesome way to see what they learned
throughout their research!
Coming soon, students will take their last MAP test. We will use this data to measure their growth since the fall and
winter. Our students have done a wonderful job overall and we are proud of their grade level achievements. Their
scores will also help determine their placement for 8th grade math. However, we are not through learning just yet…
We are down to 4 weeks of instructional time before we begin EOG review. In the next four weeks we will be covering
our final two units, Geometry and Statistics and Probability. Both units will build off what students learned last year in
6th grade.We look forward to ending the school year on a high note. There are many fun and academic activities for
students to be involved in the coming months.
Seventh Grade Language Arts
In 7th grade language arts we just finished with our novel studies. Mr. Milligan’s classes read The Pigman by Paul
Zindel which culminated with the students participating in a mock trial. Ms. Frilot’s classes read House on Mango Street
by Sandra Cisneros. Their culminating task was a choice project which required them to use digital tools to produce
either an audiobook, a video collage, or a pre-recorded theatrical production and script. The project was related to
characterization, theme, writing elements, and symbolism. Mrs. James and her students read Copper Sun by Sharon
Draper and are now completing their culminating project for the novel related to characterization and figurative
language.
All of the classes will soon be transitioning into our next unit, nonfiction. “The Noble Experiment” from the
autobiography I Never Had it Made by Jackie Robinson, as told to Alfred Duckett, The Autobiography of Eleanor
Roosevelt and Names/Nombres by Julia Alvarez are just a few of the reading selections in this unit. The culminating
project will be focused on the Harlem Renaissance. The students will focus on one key figure from the Harlem
Renaissance movement and complete a project revolved around that person. They will be creating artwork, poetry,
musical pieces, and performances to represent the person they choose. The Harlem Renaissance project will be an
interdisciplinary unit combining ELA and Individual & Societies together to produce the final piece, a historical figure
monologue.
Page 3
PIEDMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL, an IB World School
Talent Development News
Eighth Grade Math
Students in Math 8 explored 3 different techniques to solve a system of equations: graphing, substitution, and
elimination. Throughout this unit, the focus was on solving real-world situations involving break-even points and other
business-related scenarios. We concluded the quarter with our geometry unit which focused on transformations,
triangles, angles, and volume. Students particularly enjoyed seeing how the Pythagorean Theorem allowed them to find
the distance between any two points on the coordinate plane and competing against their peers playing a board game
using complex volume problems.
Students in Math 1 were broken into two groups to discover exponential functions with a Skittles lab. In the lab,
students learned the difference between exponential growth and exponential decay. Students have also completed
investigative lessons involving factoring and quadratic functions. In the lessons students were asked to solve real world
scenarios by factoring or using the zero product property. This challenged students to think through their solutions, and
only offer those that would actually "fit" the real life situations.
Students in Math 2 studied transformations using centers of rotation other than the origin and lines of reflection other
than the x- and y-axis. Students manually created their own transformations using “old school” tools such as compasses,
rulers, and protractors. In our quadratics unit, students learned how to use imaginary numbers to solve quadratic
equations involving negative square roots as well as new techniques such as completing the square. They now have a
tool box full of at least 5 strategies to use when faced with the challenge of solving a quadratic equation.
All 8th graders enjoyed celebrating Pi Day on March 14! Students measured the diameter and circumference of various
objects, created a scatter plot, and drew a line of best fit. Using the equation of the line of best fit, they made estimates
about the dimensions of other objects. It was exciting to see the teams realize that the slope of their line was Pi.
Eighth Grade Language Arts
Eighth-grade language arts classes were challenged to read a rigorous and classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. As we
read the novel, students focused particularly on the ways in which moral perspectives often depend upon one’s
context (i.e., his/her power and privilege). In order to examine this, students analyzed the text by completing close
readings of pertinent chapters; as a result, they made huge strides in their ability to ask in-depth questions, make
predictions, and even apply their knowledge of the text to current events.
To start the unit, students researched the 1930s to understand the context of the story. They researched and
investigated events including the Scottsboro Boys, Jim Crow Laws, and the Great Depression. Using what they learned
about the era, students created biographical posters of influential figures, such as W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes,
Eleanor Roosevelt, Jane Addams, and Charlotte Hawkins Brown. The students shared these posters with the class to
further gain context regarding what was happening in the 1930s--the backdrop for To Kill a Mockingbird.
While reading the novel, students completed various interactive activities that explored how the characters developed
throughout the text. For example, they designed iPhones for each of the characters using textual evidence to justify why
each character’s phone would have certain apps, wallpapers, or emails. Additionally, they created life-size posters of the
characters using indirect characterization techniques. As the characters developed, various themes emerged
concurrently. To connect the themes of the novel to our experiences today, students examined informational texts
regarding concomitant current events and discussed these notions in a culminating Socratic seminar. In doing this,
students acknowledged the ways in which power and privilege influence decision-making.
As an eighth grade language arts team, we move forward to a final, successful quarter studying Shakespeare’s A
Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Page 4
PIEDMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL, an IB world School
Talent Development News
TALENT DEVELOPMENT NEWSLETTER
Piedmont Middle School
March 2017
Happy spring to you all!! It’s almost time to think about summer camp! There are many opportunities created especially
for gifted students –great ways for students to “keep on learning” all year long! The Charlotte Observer is compiling a
database of summer camps that you are able to search by region. Here is the link:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article131539614.html and the database becomes searchable on
March 8
The following list offers just a sample of what is available for summer 2016:
WHAT: Discovery Place
WHERE: 301 N. Tryon Street
CONTACT: Phone: 704-372-6261 x 300
Charlotte, NC 28202
Discovery Place camps: http://www.discoveryplace.org/education/summer_camps/
INFO: Camps outlined by Discovery Place are focused on nature, science and/or math with specific topics in each
category. New this year are camps about Coding and Guts!
WHAT: UNC-Charlotte Camps on Campus
WHERE: 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte 28223
CONTACT: http://summercamps.uncc.edu/camps
INFO: UNC-Charlotte Camps on Campus strives to offer a safe, fun, hands-on, and educational summer
enrichment experience for campers in rising grades 1-12. Middle school-age offerings include Robotics and
Electronics.
WHAT: Providence Day School Summer Programs WHERE: 5800 Sardis Rd, Charlotte, 28270
CONTACT: http://www.providenceday.org/summerprograms, or call for catalog 704.887.7006
INFO: Providence Day summer programs offer something for everyone –sports, arts, drama, cooking, service,
science, technology and many more! Browse through program offerings and sign up early using the
registration form on-line.
WHAT: Summer Programs at Charlotte Latin School
WHERE: 9502 Providence Rd, Charlotte 28277
CONTACT: http://www.charlottelatin.org/page.cfm?p=1651
INFO: “…promotes a joy for learning and where campers can develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically
through growth-promoting experiences. Our coeducational day programs foster a passion for lifelong learning...”
Offerings include: sports, cooking, video games, chess, robots and theatre.
WHAT: Summer Programs at The Green River Preserve
WHERE: 301 Green River Rd
CONTACT: Phone: 828-698-8828
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
Fax: 828-698-9201
[email protected]
http://www.greenriverpreserve.org/summer-camp/dates-rates
INFO: Focused on environmental education and located in western NC near Hendersonville and
Brevard. “Green River Preserve is a non-competitive, coed summer camp connecting children with
nature. Located on a 3,400 acre private wildlife preserve in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western
North Carolina, this extraordinary natural setting inspires campers to have a greater understanding
of themselves, their environment, and their fellow man. Designed for bright, curious, and creative
children, our program nurtures character development and fosters skills like perseverance,
curiosity, communication, optimism, creativity, and GRIT.”
WHAT: Kids for Conservation Summer Day Camp
WHERE: Carolina Raptor Center
CONTACT: http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/learn/summer-camp Huntersville, NC
INFO: Camps include:
Conservation, Young Veterinarians Camp, Survival and Birds and Beasties Camp
WHAT: All-Arts, Sciences & Technology Camp
WHERE: 1-week residential experience at UNC-Greensboro
CONTACT: http://allarts.uncg.edu/index.php or email [email protected], or call (336) 315-7044 or
(866) 334-2255
INFO: Designed to give in-depth, hands-on instruction in the arts, sciences, and technology, the camp also
includes recreation, citizenship, and multi-cultural entertainment. During camp, each camper attends a morning
class and an afternoon class, chosen from a wide variety of course offerings that suit individual tastes and
preference. Our class size is small, and the curriculum encourages problem solving and critical thinking, all while
spending time on a college campus.
WHAT: iD Tech Camps
WHERE: Davidson College, Queens, UNC-CH or NC State
CONTACT: https://www.idtech.com/locations/north-carolina-summer-camps/#!
INFO: week-long camps, ages 7-17, focus on STEM, hands-on, high-energy summer computer
programs for kids and teens. “Our NC summer camps immerse students in a STEM learning
experience unlike any other. Choose from courses in game design, web design, coding,
programming in Java™ and C++, Minecraft modding, filmmaking, robotics, photography, and more.
With 8 students maximum per instructor, we customize our curriculum around you. You’ll build
real-world skills, make new friends, and discover how your talents and passions can lead to a
future career.”
WHAT: MarineQuest
WHERE: University of North Carolina Wilmington
CONTACT: http://www.uncw.edu/marinequest/summercamps.html
INFO: Camps and programs designed around marine science, biology, leadership, diving and coastal
environments. To explore, discover and value our marine habitats through week-long camps for ages 10-17.
WHAT: Summer Enrichment Camp
WHERE: Ferrum College in Virginia
CONTACT: http://www2.ferrum.edu/fcsec/
INFO: Academics with social and recreational activities, ages 9-13
Select from Two One-Week Sessions June 18-25 or June 25-July 1, 2017
“Located at Ferrum College in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this residential camp offers an exciting
opportunity to: pursue academic interests, explore new ideas, experience campus life, make new friends, and have
traditional summer-camp fun.” Classes involve ACTIVE PARTICIPATION with a variety of daily projects and group activities.
Instructors are specially chosen for their unique abilities to make learning come alive.
I hope this information is helpful to you and your gifted child. Please contact us if you have any questions or
require further information [email protected], [email protected] or 980-343-5435.
Dawn Johnston, Academic Facilitator; Karen Gorman IB Coordinator
PIEDMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL
an IB World School
Talent Development News
1241 East 10th Street
Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 980-343-5435
Fax: 980-343-5557
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/piedmont/
Mission Statement
Piedmont exists to inspire in its students a passion for
learning and a commitment to personal integrity and
academic excellence.
Students demonstrate selfconfidence and creativity, are open-minded and
inquisitive, and display a sense of social responsibility
and global awareness.
Piedmont … You Know … We Care!
What is Talent Development?
The Talent Development Program for gifted
services is based on consultation and
collaboration between the talent development
and classroom teachers. They work together to
meet the needs of the high achieving student.
Program Benefits
 Gifted education and general education are
related, connected and integrated.
 Out of class sessions are scheduled when
needed most.
 The pace of learning is enhanced.
 High achieving students receive more
challenging tasks within the classroom.
 Classroom and TD teachers work together to
maximize student learning.
Did you know?
 Research on the TD Program indicates that
students receive at least three times the
amount of services using this model
compared to the old pullout, once a week
program.
 The TD model is most effective when high
achieving students are flexibly grouped
together based on their instructional needs.
 Every school has a Talent Development
teacher.
 The TD teacher at your child’s school can tell
you how they work with your child and your
child’s teacher.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Academic Facilitator
Dawn Johnston

6th Grade Team
Language Arts
Ann Tapia
Molly Malone
Shelley Lyttle
Math
Emily Burrell
Aaron Kolla r
Emily Swift
7th Grade Team
Language Arts
Patrice Frilot
David Milligan
Amanda James
Math
Lindsay Kryszak
Teresa Peterson
Susie Palgut
8th Grade Team
Language Arts
Elizabeth Immel
Caleb Chandler
Cynthia Alexander-Brown
Math
Janet Delery
James O’Neal
Lauren Henderson

