Pruett's AIG Blog for IBJ

Fifth grade math students are working together to make simulations with embedded math problems. We'll find likely subjects to work their problem solving activities! It's more work than they thought..haha!

I trust everyone had a warm and safe couple of days away from school. We will likely be in session tomorrow, however, please rely on ACS communications division for official plans. Our fourth and fifth grade math and enrichment AIG groups have wrapped up units with results coming home in the coming weeks. Readers in fourth grade should see some drafts and published written work this week. We will write 3rd grade plans upon the return of Iowa achievement results. Feel free to contact me with any specific questions!

Here are some snaps of fifth grade's MLK Breakfast. It was a wonderful event with student presentations, a guest speaker, and a delightful breakfast. Many thanks to Ms. Cain, Mrs. Lynch, and the fantastic Jones PTO for a memorable event! Also thanks go out to Dr. Baldwin and Dr. McAllister for joining us this morning!

Hey, here's some more shots of our fourth graders working with Hands On Equations. Look for work samples in February! C

So here are a couple of opportunities for 5th grade gifted students. Be forewarned! These are not convenient  opportunities in that they are away from Asheville (sometimes very far away) and are NOT free! However, I thought you should see what's out there for gifted students! Duke TIP's Academic Adventures:  tip/duke.edu/aap These are one-day weekend courses available at Queens College in Charlotte or Duke University in Durham. Great Books Summer Program:  www.greatbookssummer.com/ These summer programs offer college-level seminars from distinguished professors at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, Amherst College in Amherst, MA, Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and University of Oxford in Oxford, England. If you're interested,  I'd be happy to help with the application process. I am working on lists of other opportunities, as well.

Here are some of our fourth grade math students working with "Hands On Equations." These materials help explain algebraic functions! We're wrapping up this work, so look for work samples sent home in the next week or so!

Here are some fifth graders using protractors as part of our math simulation entitled "Lost!" You can note some of the video component in the background.

If you have children ready for kindergarten next year (or know someone who does!) here is some information in regard to the upcoming Magnet Schools Information sessions.  Families invited to learn more about Asheville City Schools’ Five Magnet Elementary Schools and Preschool  1.        Asheville City Schools will host  Magnet School Information Nights on  Tuesday, January 12 , from  6:30 - 8:00 PM  at the ACS Central Office Board Room, 85 Mountain Street and on  Tuesday, January 19  from  5:45-6:30 PM  at the Asheville Preschool, 441 Haywood Road.  The event will include the magnet school enrollment process, highlights of unique program and curriculum areas, a video tour featuring each school and interactive visits to information/resource stations. 2.        Parents/guardians of children who will enter kindergarten on  July 20  (Hall Fletcher Elementary on a year-round schedule) or  August 29  (Traditional Calendar) are encouraged to attend as well as families new to the di