To learn civics lessons, we role played the trial of the big, bad wolf. Or was he really bad?

Perhaps he was wrongly accused of his crimes!

That was our jury's verdict...

Enrichment students enjoy complex learning tasks!

Fourth and fifth grade students may be invited to join Newsroom if their reading scores are
in the top 5% of the nation as indicated by their ITBS scores.
We meet as a group once a week for approximately an hour and a half.
Learning is motivated by fun projects, but these projects may teach and provide practice for any number of
academic skills: reading, writing, researching, public speaking, etc.
Perhaps even more importantly, students learn to persist, plan ahead, think critically and creatively,
cooperate with others, and have fun incorporating academics into real world situations.
For example, the Wolf on Trial unit involved weeks of learning about the criminal justice system,
our rights and responsibilities as citizens of a community, and then reading/strategizing/memorizing/preparing
(WHEW!) for the culminating event: the mock trial.

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Identified fourth and Fifth graders whose scores are in the top 5% of the nation in math may be in a special math group once a week, and those whose cognitive scores are in the top 10% may be in a Studio class. These classes have the aim of building upon the students' talents, giving them an opportunity to delve deeper. The units vary year by year, but are based on EALRs. Some students are in more than one class.

Younger students may be in what we call enrichment talent groups.
These are small groups that frequently change. Admission is temporary, and is based on teacher recommendation. Groups that have existed in the past are Junior Great Books, math, reader's theater, acting, poetry,etc. Future classes may include Spanish, science, art, and research.

Our entire school also receives schoolwide enrichment in the form of
recess enrichment (guest speakers) and art experiences.

ABOUT MRS. DEMARCO: I have taught middle school English, drama and journalism for eight years, alternative high school (all subjects) for four years, and this is the beginning of my second year of elementary enrichment. Throughout my career I have had a passion for the "gifted" students in my midst.
I especially appreciate our district's model, based on Joseph Renzulli's research, because it acknowledges that all students have gifts and talents that yearn to be acknowledged!
Personally, I have a wonderful husband, two adorable kids, three loving dogs, and recently acquired a wise old cat. I enjoy reading, acting, directing, skiing, and time with family and friends.

Please feel free to call me at school with questions, comments, concerns or kudos about our enrichment program. Then I can count you as a new friend!