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What's New?
FPS
Congratulations to our grade 6 FPS team who went to the International
Competition at Michigan State University. Members of the team were Jill
Kolasinski, Allison Mongan, Todd Marino and Jack Larson.
MATS
For those students invited to participate in the Midwest Academic Talent Search (MATS) test we will have an informational parent meeting on Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 in the WMS library.
PAGE (Parents Advocating for Gifted Education)
Calender of events for 2008-2009
Event Date Time Location
Advocating for Your Sept. 9 6:30 p.m. Education and Community Center
Bright Child 8255 Forest Hill Ave.- Franklin
Evening with Dr. Dixon Nov. 12 6:30 p.m. Horning Middle School
2000 Wolf Rd. - Waukesha
Opportunity Fair Jan. 31 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wauwatosa West high School
The program Advocating for Your Bright Child will be a a discussion on working together as parents and educators to meet a child's learning needs. The panel will consist of parents and educators. Topics for discussion could cover roles of parents as advocates, conducting successful parent/teacher conferences, addressing difference between "more versus different assignments," or any topic a parent wishes to discuss.
A description of the other events will follow at a later date.
PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES AT WMS
Future Problem Solving
FPS is an integrated class where children learn the formal future problem solving process as part of their Language Arts class. The amount of time spent on Language Arts must be condensed in order to add the problem solving procedures and content. Students must be able to learn Language Arts concepts quickly and without extended practice. In addition, to do well in FPS, the student must be a good worker, creative thinker and someone who works well in groups of four. Each child contributes by getting tasks done on time and supporting group decisions.
Children interested in FPS must fill out a written application to show how they fit the criteria (they do not have to be identified in the G/T program to be eligible). Most students remain in FPS all through 6th, 7th and 8th grades, however they may switch to a regular Language Arts class. As enrollments change, new students are able to take the place of those who leave.
Accelerated Math
The accelerated math program is designed for students with exceptional math abilities. In order to qualify for this program students must meet four out of six criteria. The criteria consists of standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, math grades and a PreAlgebra Prognosis test.
Creativity Workshop
This workshop is held each year for students nominated by teachers as showing talents in creativity. There is a 6th grade screening as well as the referrals requested from the Gifted and Talented Office. Fifty students with the highest number of recommendations in grades 6, 7, and 8 are invited to attend. (These students do not have to be identified in the G/T program in order to participate). We try to include different students each year so as many referred students as possible have an opportunity to attend.
Leadership Workshop
This workshop is held each year for students nominated by their teachers as showing leadership ability. Fifty students with the highest number of recommendations in grades six, seven and eight are invited to attend (these students do not have to be identified in the G/T program in order to participate). Since the Leadership workshop builds on different skills each year students are eligible to attend each of the three years.
3D Issues Seminars
Identified Gifted and Talented students are invited to 3D Seminars. These are essentially discussion groups where students have a chance to consider topics that might be of concern to them.
Topics include:
- Grade 6: What Is Intelligence?/Succeeding In School
- Grade 7: Perfectionism/Gender Issues
- Grade 8: Planning for High School/Looking Ahead
The seminars are held once a month throughout the year beginning in October. Students must have parental permission to attend and must make up any class work missed as the seminars are held during class time. Class times vary so students will not miss the same class each time.
Midwest Talent Search
The Midwest Talent Search is a program in which students may take an out-of-level test (EXPLORE for grades 4-6 and SAT or ACT for grades 7-8) in order to further assess their abilities in the areas of math and reading. Participation in the Midwest Talent Search program is completely voluntary and involves costs to the participant. A decision to participate should be individually made by the student and their parent after carefully reading the MATS material. Registration can be done on-line through http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu or by mail. Applications and MATS informational materials are available at the District Office or at the Middle School, Room 201.
Our MATS number is: 8700940
If you have any questions about the Midwest Talent Search, please contact Jean Makreff at (414) 525-8419 or email her at jmakreff@whitnall.com
Other Opportunities
- Wordmasters
- Geography Bee
- Chess Club
- Battle of the Books
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