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Bright Ideas Helping Thinkers Think
Friends of Johnston ELP Newsletter
March 2013
2012-2013 Board Members Our board members represent all schools within our district, as indicated below. Feel free to contact us with any questions, suggestions, or to volunteer to help with any of our activities.
Valerie Thacker, President Timber Ridge, Summit, JMS, JHS
515-334-7208 [email protected]
Patti Kliegl, Past President Beaver Creek/515-986-0598
Amy Lucas, VP & Secretary Beaver Creek, Summit, JMS
515-986-0882
Lisa Fritz, Co-Treasurer Timber Ridge 515.270-9026
Jill Boeschen, Database Coord JHS, JMS
515-278-1927 [email protected]
Jane McDowell, Co-Treasurer
JMS 515-270-0012
Amy Johnson Wallace, Summit
515.276.6316 [email protected]
Shanyn Kramersmeier Horizon, Summit, JMS
515-986-0388 [email protected]
Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator
515-278-0476 [email protected]
2012-2013 ELP Staff Kathy Paul JCSD ELP Coordinator
MS 8-9 ELP, Assessment, training
515-278-0476 [email protected]
Easiest to contact by e-mail
Sue Cline ELP Teacher at JHS Advanced Placement
515-278-0449 [email protected]
Contact after 3 pm or via e-mail anytime
Mitzi Hetherton
ELP Teacher at Lawson and Timber Ridge
515-278-0478 (Lawson) 515-331-4379 (Timber Ridge)
Contact by e-mail or Phone
Nancy McGill Part-time ELP teacher at Beaver Creek 515-278-6228 [email protected]
Call between 3 and 4 pm or e-mail for a
convenient time
Kristen Hartman
Part-time ELP Teacher at Horizon 515-986-1121 [email protected]
Contact by e-mail or phone
Colleen Ites ELP Teacher at Summit 515-986-0318 [email protected]
Contact by e-mail or phone
Kate Florer Part-time ELP Teacher at Wallace 515-278-6977 [email protected]
Contact by e-mail or phone
What You Need to Know About Academic Testing
Why are Iowa Assessments and MAP
testing important during the
elementary school years?
How do various academic tests factor
into a child’s need for ELP Services?
How does the school district use each
type of test score?
What do the score levels on various
tests mean?
Hear Sue Cline, Johnston High School ELP teach, answer the above questions as well as others
during our Spring Parent Program.
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Time: 7:00-8:30
Location: Johnston Middle School
2
ELP News and Information!
Is your gifted child having some troubles at
school? Check out this article—Unwrapping
the Gifted—on the Education Week Teacher
Website.
Have an iPAD or iPhone and not
sure what to do with it? Check out
these educational mobile apps!
http://isolveit.cast.org/home
THUD!
Want to find a fun way to learn about
the U.S. Presidents? Check out Thud, an
interactive game available on the
iPhone, iPod and iPad.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/10/
prweb10049877.htm
Belin- Blank Summer Program Nominees for 8th
Grade - Submitted by Kathy Paul
These students represented Johnston Middle School as nominees for this year’s University of
Iowa’s Belin-Blank Summer Institute:
Asiya Mohammed- Advanced Science
Afshan Chandani- Math
Tyrese Andrews-Social Science
Sara Siebrecht -Creative Writing
Luke Safris -Invention and Innovation
Donald Gee—Performing Arts
Brooke Thacker- Global and Cultural Studies.
The students underwent a rigorous nomination process from the school district and will be
submitted along with students across the state for an opportunity to be selected for a week long
summer residential institute held in Iowa City. Each student selected will receive a partial program
scholarship, as well as a scholarship towards future admission at the University of Iowa. The
students work with specialists in the chosen area and have an opportunity to take advantage of
many opportunities on campus.
Students will learn in late March whether or not they are selected for the opportunity.
3
Identification for the Extended Learning Program Submitted by Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator
We are working on the review process for ELP identification. Each spring students are reviewed, and letters are sent to
those that are placed on a level of service. The letter will explain options for your child, including special programming available. These options depend upon levels of service identified, so the letters are specific for each child. While the
classroom teacher works with many children, the ELP staff provides direct service to a smaller population.
As a parent, if you are interested in providing input in characteristics you have observed, you may request a form from
ELP staff or through the JSCD web site, under PARENT tab/ Academic Services/ ELP at: (K- current 7th graders) https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FindingPotential2013 or obtain the high school form from: (current 8th -11th graders)
http://www.johnston.k12.ia.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/HS-Parent-ID.pdf. The HS form should be turned in to [email protected] at the HS.
The following explains ELP levels of service and the identification process. Our identification is based upon multiple
criteria. A committee of ELP and classroom teachers reviews the data. If you have questions or concerns, please
contact Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator, at the Middle School at 278-0476.
JOHNSTON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS EXTENDED LEARNING PROGRAMMING
YEARLY IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
LEVELS OF SERVICE:
GENERAL ENRICHMENT: This level of service provides the classroom teacher with support, so that enrichment is available to able learners in the regular classroom. Teachers look for potential needs. Students who need enrichment are
clustered, so that they may work with others of high ability.
STRENGTH AREA: This service is for students excel in one or more academic areas. In addition to the services offered
above, direct service through the ELP teacher may be offered, depending upon needs and available time. Flexible groups in conjunction with regular classroom topics vary in length, content, and frequency.
EXTENDED STUDIES/PEP Students at this level of service require a Personalized Educational Plan to provide an
academically differentiated curriculum. In addition to the services offered above, direct service includes an option for
specific extended studies classes to meet program goals in research, higher level thinking skills, emotional and social behaviors, and self-directed learning.
PROCESS FOR IDENTIFICATION:
A review of multiple criteria by ELP staff and coordinator is used. Students are served depending upon need
demonstrated and options available.
1. Classroom teachers Extended Learning Observation Inventory Teachers mark characteristics of gifted learners and make comments and nominate students.
2. Teacher recommendation based on products, processes, motivation, and grades Multiple examples of high quality products, initiative to complete extensions, and evidence of high-level thought process
are used.
3. Parent Information Any parent may request a form to fill out on their child. Characteristics that show up in the home provide valuable insight. Parents are asked to give specific examples when
possible. 4. ELP staff recommendations Observed characteristics, performances, and products.
5. Iowa Assessments Serves as an indicator of student needs. Very high scores do not necessarily reflect a need
for curriculum adjustments, as this is an achievement test not specific to our district. Consistent high scores along with high MAP scores give us an indicator of high ability.
6. MAP – Measures of Academic Progress Scores are specific to Johnston standards and benchmarks. While many students score in the Hi range, reading and math scores that are two standard deviations above the norm are generally
a strong indicator of high ability. 7. Miscellaneous tests/ records from previous schools Other available data will be considered, such as Cognitive
Abilities Tests, out-of-level tests or data from previous schools.
4
News from Johnston Elementary Schools Submitted by Mitzi Hetherton, Nancy McGill, Kristen Hartman, Kate Florer
2nd grade students continue to explore the concept of change, especially changes related to language, in their Beyond Words study. Students have practiced identifying and analyzing similes, metaphors, and personification in their reading. They have also worked on using the form of these figurative expressions to create their own comparisons. Some 2nd grade students have also enjoyed reading and discussing various stories from Junior Great Books. 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are continuing their work in the Michael Clay Thompson series. 3rd graders have learned how to write a well-written sentence and explored the Roman roots of our language. Students are looking forward to exploring how poets put poems together. 4th and 5th graders have completed (or will be completing soon) their study of Latin stems and classic words. As part of our writing curriculum 4th graders took an in-depth look at paragraphs, while 5th graders studied the essay. Some groups have also enjoyed reading classics such as Treasure Island, Call of the Wild, and Wind in the Willows.
Advanced Language Groups
Math Olympiad
It’s hard to believe that another contest season is coming to a close. 4th and 5th grade mathletes will take their final contest before spring break. They continue to persevere in their problem solving. Look for contest results in our next newsletter.
Flexible Groups
In preparation for spring identification elementary ELP teachers have been meeting with flexible groups of Kindergarten and First Grade students. Students enjoy “meeting” the many characters in Crystal Pond Woods that introduce them to different ways of thinking. We enjoy this opportunity to get to know the students better to determine an appropriate level of service and to make recommendations for cluster groups for the 2013-2014 school year.
Engineering is Elementary!
The Governor's STEM Advisory Council has brought $240,000 to Iowa to implement proven, quality STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs in schools and other educational facilities. Johnston Elementary Schools have benefitted from this grant and are piloting the Engineering is Elementary curriculum for math and science extensions at various grade levels and schools. Here is what can be seen at Lawson, Timber Ridge and Wallace: 1st graders are studying Civil Engineering. Students explore arch, beam, and deep beam bridges, and then design their own bridges. 2nd grade will be studying Aerospace Engineering. Students use what they learn about the thicknesses of different atmospheres, materials, and drag to design a parachute that will work in an atmosphere thinner than Earth's. 3rd graders are studying Acoustical Engineering using sound properties to create their own visual representations of sound, and also experimenting how to dampen sound on musical instruments. 4th grade is studying Bio-medical Engineering. After learning about the knee joint students are asked to design a brace for a model-injured knee. 5th grade is studying Environmental Engineering. Students learn about food webs, ecosystems, and what can happen when a part of the system is damaged. After testing materials, students then design a process for cleaning an oil spill.
Every Day Math
The ELP teachers have continued to provide an overview of the enrichment available for each math unit to classroom teachers. We have also worked to match up resources available in the ELP classroom with each unit. This is just one way we provide support to classroom teachers to help meet student needs in the regular classroom.
5
Elementary Student Showcase Submitted by Mitzi Hetherton, Nancy McGill, Kristen Hartman, Kate Florer
Joe M. illustrating a bird alarm call.
Hannah P. and William B.
Nathan J., Brady S., Sean S. Olivia F.
Lawson Elementary 2nd
graders studying fractions
with attribute blocks!
6
News from Summit Middle School Submitted by Colleen Ites, ELP Teacher
Sixth Grade Literacy Students have continued their work with
poetry, having created Japanese choka, or epic
poems consisting of kantuata, or multiple
haiku, and then create these digitally with
illuminations. All choka will be collected into
an e-folio on the school’s jdragonmail.us for
students to share with their families later in the
year.
Following creation of the choka students
studied the elements found in effective
concrete poetry and created their own books of
concrete poetry based on the format found in
John Grandits’ books Technically, It’s Not My
Fault and Blue Lipstick. Students used a
universal theme of ‘pay it forward’ in creating
their pieces, where the shape of the poem
gives further information about the topic of the
poem, and organized their pieces into personal
books of poetry. These will be digitized and
available on a website through the
jdragonmail.us domain.
For each unit covered students also watch
TED.com videos or cover non-fiction news
articles on new and emerging topics. Later, in
small groups and individually, students develop
quantitative and evaluative opinions and the
ories on the topics covered. This has created
some lively discussions and debates
within the classroom.
Students also analyzed several varieties of the
same myth and then created a
storyboard of the similarities and differences
between each version, focusing on the
culture where the myth was told and the types
of changes occurring. These storyboards were
presented to the entire class for discussion .
Students in Research I covered the basics of research and then
delved deeper into the research process utilizing primary resources
found online, in collegiate search programs, through interviews,
and accessing newspapers, museums, and special collections found
in texts and online. Students worked to create National History
Day-quality projects on a variety of topics: the diplomatic role of
the International Space Station, the impact the 19th
Amendment
had on the role of women in society, and Jackie Robinson breaking
the color barrier in baseball. Students attended Cowles Library at
Drake to learn how to utilize a collegiate research library as well.
Those who chose to participate in NHD now attend after school
drop-in practices with Ms. Ites
Sixth & Seventh Grade Research
Sixth Grade Law & Order Students are analyzing the case of State of Iowa v. Archer and have begun building a case for both the prosecution and
defense. Individually students have analyzed witness statements, evidence, and stipulations to create a cohesive
argument supporting a specific side. Work will conclude with a mock trial of the case.
Seventh Grade Challenge Reading
Students have determined what aspects of their favorite novels
translate into Classics and have begun reading a Classic of choice in
genre groups. Novels covered include 1984, Fahrenheit 451, If I
Should Die Before I Wake, Watership Down, and The Golden Fleece.
Whole group students are experiencing a variety of short stories and
poetry from authors they will encounter again in high school,
including Mark Twain, William Faulkner, Edgar Allan Poe,
Maya Angelou, Anton Chekov, W.W. Jacobs, and Frank Stockton.
Students will also work with select scenes from Shakespeare’s
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As part of the analysis of these
selected texts students are utilizing online Creative Commons texts
and creation apps on the school’s i-pads, then presenting their
creations whole class. Students have enjoyed using Corkulous,
Padlet, and Prezi.
7
News from Summit Middle School Submitted by Colleen Ites, ELP Teachers
Seventh Grade Forensic Science
Forensic science students finished their class working with SMS Resource Officer Rich Kirkeby.
Officer Kirkeby assisted students as they learned how to fingerprint each other, how to utilize the
‘super glue’ method for lifting latent fingerprints, in the creation and analysis of footprint molding,
in using the iodine method for lifting latent prints, and in keeping a crime scene free of
contamination. Students also completed work on spatter analysis using trigonometry theorems and
then analyzing the data gathered. Finally, students used this knowledge, along with their previous
work on DNA extraction and the reliability of DNA evidence to utilize Proscope hand-held digital
microscopes for use in crime scene analysis. All items were used in small group creation of ‘perfect’
crimes that the whole class attempted to solve using the scientific process.
Grant L. shows is flair as a mad scientist wearing fabric samples used in analysis with ProScopes, digital hand-held microscopes, in Forensic Science.
Will J. and Anna X. attempt to determine point and angle of impact for a spatter lab in Forensic Science
Will G. determines which wells show clotting during a blood typing lab in Forensic Science.
Officer Kirkeby guides students through lifting latent fingerprints using a 'hot shot' of super glue in a terrarium during Forensic Science.
Trey O., Claire B., Lily J., Aditi J., Anna X., Sydney H., and Hannah S. remove foam from a footprint mold in Forensic Science.
8
News from Summit Middle School Submitted by Colleen Ites and Kathy Paul, ELP Teachers
Chris Y. and Jens R. present their project at the Greek Agora
Makenzie B, Katelyn W., and Lauren G present their project at the Greek Agora
9
News from Johnston Middle School Submitted by Kathy Paul, ELP Coordinator
I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa
Twelve JMS National History Day students and teacher Kathy Paul attended the African American
Education Day: I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa” on Friday, January 25 at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown
Des Moines. Students selected various sessions to learn more about African American history. Sessions
included information about Civil Rights, science and medicine, George Washington Carver, Soul Food,
Music and Culture, and History of the Blues. Many colleges and businesses from around the state were
showcased in a display area. The event culminated in the final round of the Black History Game Show with
JMS student Tyrese Andrews as a member of the second place team. The History Game Show focused on
culture and music.
Those attending included 8th Graders Donald Gee, Tyrese Andrews, and Maeve Greising and 9th graders
Hannah Miedema, Michelle Kumar, Sami Schaer, Sarah Henry, Caitlyn Evans, Olivia Hrubetz, Abbie Rogers,
Hannah Hoffman, and Nyamal Tuor.
Top left to right: Olivia H., Hannah H., Nyamal T., Donald G., Sarah H., Sami S.
Bottom left to right: Maeve G. Abbie R., Michelle K., Hannah M., Caitlyn E.
Not pictured: Tyrese Andrews
10
High School Mock Trial Results Submitted by Kathy Paul
High School students from Johnston Community School District recently competed in the annual Mock Trial program.
Nine teams represented Johnston this year in the district competition held on February 27 and 28th. Seven teams
advanced to the finals at the district level and four qualified to advance to the state level.
Students who received recognition as outstanding witness or attorney at the district level have an * after their name.
The teams received outstanding support from parents, attorneys in the community, and high school student mentors.
Kathy Paul is the teacher-coach for the students, with Sue Cline assisting.
Team G.O.B.A: (state qualifier)
Coaches: Joel and Rachele Hjelmaas and Jeff Margolin.
Margolin, Sarah
Landy, Katie*
Hjelmaas, Josh
Dockum, Abby*
Paszkiewicz, Melinda*
Vaden, Paige*
Koopal, John*
Sinclair, Lydia
Varley, Millie*
Gagne, Monica*
Team Justice League : (state qualifier)
Coach: Suzie Berregaard.
Huang, Jiahui**
Thomas, Shianne*
Iqbal, Fatiha
Rissler, Sydney
Zhu, Zea
Williams, Breanna*
Willes, Hannah* Boge, Jordan*
Fenton, Tyler
Wu, Kevin
Team Identity Crisis: (state qualifier)
Coach: RaeAnn Guns.
Norelius, Courtney
Boge, Andrew*
VanderPloeg, Natalie*
Guns, Olivia*
Crist, Carly*
Carley, Jeff*
Dinakar, Aditi**
Koduvalli, Sanjay*
Lewis, Sarah
Team Res Ipso Loquitur: (district finalist)
Coach: Loraine Wallace.
Johanson, Adam*
Wallace, Ellie
Joens, Taylor*
Vajgrt, Carmen
Caracci, Jeremy
Snyder, Stanzy
Hanson, Emily
Westlake, Connor*
Caracci, Jonathan*
Pierotti, Bailey*
Team Big Red Fire Trucks (state qualifier)
Coaches: Van Everett, John Lande, and Nora Tobin.
Scieszinski, Laura
Mills, Andrew
Gibbons, Megan*
Long, Samantha
Chen, Karen*
Deutsch, Riley*
Nihart, Amy*
Berger, Hannah
Bujimalla, Pratyusha*
Clark, Alex*
Team Dragon: (district competitor) Coaches: Adam
Kaduce and Leanne Valentine
TEAM MEMBERS:
Smith, Connor Whitlow, Olivia* Valentine, Jacob Akleli, Deepthi
Dolde, Jack
Casten, Alex
Somisetty, Swathi* Katz, Teddy Garside, Kara Tan, Michael
11
High School Mock Trial Results Submitted by Kathy Paul
Team Gold: (district competitor)
Coaches: Jon Tack and Kristi Walmsley
Hrubetz, Olivia
Hoffman, Hannah*
Aldrich, Caroline*
Irwin, Kate
Toot, Anna
Tack, Seth
West, Cierra
Quinn, Caroline
Varma, Simrita
Team Res Ipso Loquitur II: (district finalist)
Coaches: Loraine Wallace and Julie Smith
Miller, Marcus**
Ikeda, Troy
Toebben, Meredith*
Wallace, Anne
Bradley, Maddy
Paszkiewicz, Kathryn
Mahanna, Allexis
Campbell, Carly
Ulm, Loyal
Stutzman, Morgan
Team Purple: (District finalist)
Coaches: Mike Mock and Jane McDowell
Dostalik, Adam
McDowell, Becca
McDowell, Lauren
Nathwani, Sheyna*
Chowanec, Eilidh
Nagel, Glen
Schaer, Sami*
Campidilli, Meredith*
Debaene, Kent
Henry, Sarah
Senior Jiahui Huang, along with Junior Aditi Dinakar and Sophomore Marcus
Miller, received the rare honor of being selected both outstanding witness and
attorney awards at districts!
Team Big Red Fire Trucks, Justice League, Identity Crises and
GOBA will represent Johnston with 28
other teams at the state competition on
March 26-28 in downtown Des Moines.
12
High School Mock Trial Teams Submitted by Kathy Paul
Big Red Fire Truck Team Dragon
Team G.O.B.A Team Gold
Identity Crisis
13
High School Mock Trial Teams Submitted by Kathy Paul
Team Purple Les Ipso Loquitor
Les Ipso Loquitor II Justice League
14
News from Johnston High School Submitted by Sue Cline, ELP Teacher
Regional State Academic Decathlon—January 25
Johnston qualified for State Academic Decathlon on Friday, Jan 25 with a strong performance at the regional
competition. In addition to 36 individual ribbons, JHS also claimed 5 of the top 9 overall spots.
News from Johnston High School Submitted by Sue Cline, ELP Teacher
Honors Division
Austin Busch—1st overall
Josh Boeschn—3rd overall
Varsity Division
John Finn—2nd Overall
Alternates
Abby Dockum—1st Overall
Team Soyuz
Honors
Ethan Niu—3rd, Math Austin Busch—1st Music,
1st Science, 3rd Math Jack Dolde
Scholastic Alise Williams—3rd Music
Eli Goodson—2nd Math Aubrey Soderlund
Varsity
Joe Buising—3rd Econ
Team Sputnik
Honors
Emilly Van Wiel Jiahui Huang
Vaibhav Srikaran—2nd Math
Scholastic
Kirpal Dhugga Tyler Fenton
Varsity
Xavier Gaumer—2nd Speech, 3rd Interview, 3rd Lang and Lit
Alternates Abby Dockum—1st Music, 2nd Econ, 2nd Art
Fatiha Iqbal—1st Music, 2nd Math Daniel Xu—2nd Social Science, 3rd Math
Lindsay Soards—3rd Math Ruchi Shekar
Team Mir
Team Soyuz
Team Sputnik
Team Mir
Honors
Josh Boeschen—1st Math, 3rd Art
Riley Deutsch Karen Chen—2nd Music, 3rd Art
Scholastic Breanna Williams—1st Speech,
1st Interview Levi Clark—1st Math
Eric Conlan
Varsity
John Finn—2nd 1st Lang and Lit, 1st Music, 1st Science, 1st Art, 2nd Math,
2nd Econ, 2nd Soc Sci Abby Abeyta-Martin—1st Lang and Lit
15
News from Johnston High School Submitted by Sue Cline, ELP Teacher
State Academic decathlon—March 1 and 2
JHS was represented well at State Academic Decathlon competition in Mt Vernon, IA on March 1 and 2.
After speeches, interviews, essays, and exams in Math, Economics, Russian History, the Space Race, Russian Art, Russian Literature and Russian Music, we walked away with a strong 5th place showing. In addition, six individual
medals were awarded to Johnston students.
Honors Category
Senior Josh Boeschen—3rd place Math
Sophomore Jack Dolde Junior Vaibhav Srikaran—3rd place Interview
Scholastic Category
Senior Breanna Williams—1st place Speech
Senior Breanna Williams—2nd place Essay Sophomore Levi Clark
Freshman Aubrey Soderlund
Senior John Finn—3rd place Economics
Senior Xavier Gaumer—2nd place Speech Senior Abby Abeyta-Martin
Varsity Category
Senior Austin Busch
Senior Erin Conlan
Alternates Category
Johnston Academic Decathlon has survived the Russian winter and is
looking forward to the beautiful spring. The frozen tundra of Johnston was home to multiple sessions of agonizing reorientation
lectures, the danger of assassination by rogue athletes, and a massive shortage of good snacks.
We experienced a revolution of our own resulting in significant change to the state competition team. We are led by Comrade
Austin and Comrade Josh, both four-year AcDec participants. The Honors brigade is completed with the addition of newcomers Vaibav
and Jack. We’re not sure they are true converts (You’ll notice they’re not even in the photo, due to ties in the aristocracy).
The Scholastic Brigade is entirely new to our state team, and so are on a very short leash. Comrade Breanna (notice the scowl) makes
sure the other stay in line. Comrades Levi and Aubrey need to watch themselves, as Comrade Erin is in the wings waiting to step in
and outperform them at any moment.
The Varsity Brigade is our true veteran cohort. John, Xavier, Abby
and Joe are all senior officers present at state last year. We’re counting on them to guide us past the tricks and traps laid by the
enemy of the people, the AcDec test creators.
As the sun sets in the west, we all hope for peace to reign supreme
over the beautiful mountains of Iowa. We know it is unlikely that we will see comfort and luxury in our lifetimes, but hope for the best
for subsequent generations of AcDec competitors everywhere.
Back row (L to R): Erin C. (12), Aubrey S. (9), John F. (12), Xavier G (12)
Front row (L to R): Breanna W. (12), Austin B. (12),
Josh B. (12), Abby A. (12)
