It's a Wrap (almost)

Our 4th and 5th grade enrichment clusters are officially over.  However, we have one more thing to do, the SHOWCASE!  Our Enrichment Cluster Showcase for 4th and 5th grade will take place this Friday, from 8:30-11:00 am.  Everyone is welcome to come and see what our students have accomplished and learned in their enrichment clusters over the past eight weeks. I guarantee that you will be very impressed. Until then, please take some time to read the summaries below and check out the pictures from enrichment clusters.

Clay Creations

During the enrichment cluster, students experienced several methods of working with clay including: pinch pots, coil, and slab. The students were able to use the methods they were taught to design their own pieces of art. After they made their masterpieces, they were fired and then glazed. The students decided to donate some of the bowls they made to the Empty Bowls Project as philanthropy.

Inspiring Illusionist

The “Inspiring Illusionist” honed their magic skills and improved their illusions during these 8 weeks.  We were inspired by a local magician, who came and shared his background, how he got started, and some of his tips on making a magic trick memorable.  We researched how illusions tricked our brain and different types of illusions.  Each week, they learned a new trick and then chose one to practice and record into a movie.  The group decided to find other LME classes that were interested in magic and teach them a magic trick.  Five younger classes were chosen based on their interest surveys; two Kindergarten classes, two first grade classes, and a second grade class.  On December 9, each group of three students will go into their chosen class and present their magic trick to the students.  They will then provide the materials for the younger student to do the trick as well.  Then they will show the video of all the tricks.

Traveling Lions

Where in the World did the Traveling Lions explore for the past eight weeks? We have crossed continents and oceans wide and far studying Spain, Portugal, China, Kenya, The Galapagos Islands, Mexico and the good 'ole USA - Maine and Hawaii. Our enrichment cluster looks forward to presenting clay models, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, books and trifold boards at the showcase. We will also have clip on KPAW.

Easy as 123D

We learned about 3D printing and its current capabilities and possible future applications, and explored a variety of 3D design tools such as Tinkercad, MakeThingsNow, and Blender. Each student designed at least one 3D element for printing, and discovered how to better design items that will print correctly. Some students chose to explore 3D animation using Blender to create Minecraft animations. We welcomed some guest speakers who helped us learn more about engineering, design, 3D printing, and 3D animation. The students learned quite a lot and made some fabulous 3D products!

I Dream of Paint

In the "I Dream of Paint” enrichment cluster students grabbed a paint brush and unleashed their imaginations! Students explored their own creativeness creating works of art using ceiling tiles!  Yes, ceiling tiles!  Who would think a simple white ceiling tile and some paints could be transformed to brighten up and liven up LME?  Students narrowed down their service project, spending time adding inspirational messages and beautiful pictures to the ceiling tiles around LME.  Be on the look-out for inspiration, up ABOVE!  

The Lion Ledger

“The Lion Ledger” staff celebrated the publication of their first issue!  We reviewed the articles and the design and continued with plans for Issue #2.  Journalists edited articles, including an upcoming article on the Westwood volleyball team.  Photojournalists were sent around campus to snap additional photos needed for Issue #2.  All articles were input into the template for issue #2 and revision by the editors took place.  Issue #2 is tentatively scheduled for print and distribution on Friday, December 9.

The Groundwork

“The Groundwork” enrichment cluster thoroughly enjoyed our eight weeks together.  Our purpose was to work in small groups to create a design for the natural exploratory/play area, which will be created this spring outside the 2nd-5th grade playground thanks to funding from a district grant.  We learned about land formation, topography, site maps, and other things related to landscape architecture, thanks to the expertise of rock-star landscape architects in the field, Mr. and Mrs. Doerle, who are LME parents of a 4th grade student.  We also had a visit from Mr. Nuccitelli, a civil engineer and LME parent, to help us learn about erosion and drainage.  Our plans will presented to the Tier II Innovative Action Team, school district staff and planning professionals, parent/guardians, and other stakeholders at the showcase on Friday, December 9th, in room 210.  Please join us for a presentation (or few) to support the student voice in planning for this unique, upcoming space at LME as we share our designs and ideas with those attending.

Got Science?

“Got Science?” enrichment cluster ended their last session by creating a simple machine, a catapult, out of a staple remover, spoon, and tape.  Shooting marshmallows is always fun!  We also used simple ingredients to create a lava lamp as chemistry is one of our strongest interest areas.   For the showcase we have compiled a symbaloo of our favorite science video games that can be accessed through a QR code we will be handing out.  A padlet QR code will also be handed out linking our authentic audience of scientists to science videos they may want to use to perform their own experiments at home.  Lastly, we will be providing teachers a QR code link to a padlet we created with all of our Owl Dissection resources (songs, instructions, virtual lab, and more) so they can perform Owl Dissections with their classes.  We will also be performing experiments for our audience!

LME Explorers Guild

We had a great time delving into the unknown for the past eight weeks.  Our cluster was all about exploring famous monsters and mysteries, and the students were allowed to choose their own topic.  Their choices were diverse...from Atlantis to the Bermuda Triangle to Werewolves!  Once the students had made their selection, we began researching our topics using a variety of print and digital media. When it came time to create something for the showcase, the products were as diverse as the topics.  They included Google Slides presentations, Google Map collections, Minecraft landscapes, stories and more. We hope you enjoy their products.  Students were asked to look at the evidence and make their own conclusions.  The truth is out there!

Games! Games! Games! 

The fifteen boys who participated in the “Games! Games! Games!” enrichment cluster had a good time learning how to play several new games and sharing some of their own games from home with other members of the group.  We played dice, word, card, board, strategy, and domino games.  Sometimes reading and following instructions on how to play a new game can be challenging, but the students did a nice job of breaking the directions down into smaller chunks, following those directions, and then moving on to the next step.  Silent Ball seemed to a favorite new game; it can be used in our LME classrooms, especially on rainy days that make indoor recess a necessity.

Cupcake Wars

In “Cupcake Wars”, the bakers learned how to read a recipe, measure ingredients, bake a cupcake to perfection, and mix together a fluffy bowl of icing...all  while having to convert their ingredients to make the cupcakes and icing gluten free and vegan. We were able to have the owner of Cuprimo Cupcakes and Ms. Elliott, a former LME teacher, visit us to learn tips on working under pressure, baking, and the secrets of how to pipe on icing. For the finale, bakers had to bake two dozen cupcakes, incorporate their secret ingredient, pipe on icing, and build a display to show off all they have learned.

It's All About Sewing 

“It's All About Sewing” enrichment cluster is wrapping up eight weeks of learning to use a sewing machine and making crafty cloth creations.  Students in this cluster first learned how to use the sewing machine. On the first day of class, we practiced sewing straight lines on paper and controlling our speed on the presser foot.  The remainder of classes we worked on a variety of products from pillow cases, tote bags, stuffed teddy bears, doll clothes, hand bags, and even a t-shirt dress.  Some students even learned how to use a pattern to make their creation.  We will donate pillow cases to Dell Children's hospital. This e-cluster has definitely sparked an excitement for sewing...who know, we might even have the next big fashion designer in our mists.  Special thanks to our parent volunteers who helped us each week.  

Movie Maker Madness

The “Movie Maker Madness” enrichment cluster explored many aspects of movie making over our 8 weeks. First off, the group set a central theme and audience for their films. The theme was to be the school's conduct code or PRIDE (positive, respectful, independent, dependable, and engaged).  Movie makers decided to illustrate and reinforce the ideas of PRIDE in short films to broadcast to the school during our morning KPAW feature. Students explored how the "pros" do it and applied techniques to create a storyboard to plan their films. They then turned their attention to script writing and stage direction.  Once they had their vision captured and planned, they turned to production. Students created backgrounds and settings for their scenes. They experimented with camera angles, using tripods, recording sound and filming. A variety of genres were explored including live action and stop action filming techniques. A few groups reached the editing stage where they uploaded their videos and began working with clips and adding transitions. Overall, the students in “Movie Maker Madness” learned a great deal about the process and practice of making movies.

Hello? Is Anybody Out There

The "Hello? Is Anybody Out There" enrichment cluster didn't find any life in outer space, but they did complete a study of Mars which included what NASA is working on.  The students then broke into groups and began organizing and building a model of what a colony might look like.  They included homes, a hospital, an area where food could be grown, and land rovers.  Finally, the students created the surface of Mars and placed each item on the surface. Teamwork and creativity flourished!

Girl Power Robotics

The “Girl Power Robotic” members learned and applied a variety of collaboration, creative and coding skills to build and program their NXT Lego Robot.  Several girls from the Westwood High School Robotics club mentored and supported the girls during cluster time.  The robots perform a variety of tasks using multiple sensors and program code.  The girls worked hard and had fun creating models of robots that save kittens from a burning house, move pebbles off the playground, change direction when approaching walls or objects, and much more.  

To Be or Not To Be?

In the “To Be or Not to Be?” enrichment cluster, we learned about the terminology of the theater (complicated things like “stage left,” “downstage,” “apron,” and much more) and learned some acting strategies.  We did some improv and did some “quick plays.”  Then . . . we actually selected a play (two plays, one for each group of thespians), rehearsed, and performed for an audience of one iPad.  We will be showing that play at the Showcase and the kids will get a copy of the video.  Some kids preferred the backstage jobs, so that’s what they focused on.  Other kids wanted to perform, so perform they did!  It was fun! Bravo!

     

Our Kids Love Cooking (and fun pictures from Enrichment Clusters)

Cooking is one of the top interests in ALL of the grade levels at Laurel Mountain. The Tier III grant we were awarded will turn our current science lab into a demonstration kitchen. We are all super excited about the possibilities. But our fabulous teachers are not going to wait for an official kitchen to cook (however, it will be SO MUCH EASIER AND BETTER to cook when we have a real kitchen). Our students interest and love for cooking was very apparent today. So many of our classes cooked or baked during their E-slot. Check out the pictures below.

PS - Of course, our 4th and 5th graders were busy as well today in the third meeting of their enrichment clusters.  I included some pictures of those as well.  Enjoy!

Cooking and clusters, another reason #thisiswhySEM

 According to Mrs. Markle's 3rd grade class' interest survey, they love cooking. So today, they baked cupcakes....

and cookies! Their classroom smelled AMAZING!

Mrs. Nguyen's class also has cooking as one of their top interest areas.  

They cooked Chinese Vegetable Soup, perfect for the fall morning we had this morning.

Ms. Aldridge's second graders cooked healthy snacks today.

The "I Dream of Paint" enrichment cluster worked on their design plans for painting the ceiling tiles in the nurse's office.

The "Clay Creators" were creative with clay.

"Got Science" watched an instructional video on how to do experiments with Alka-Seltzer.  

Today's science theme was experiments involving gas.

Amy Brown, LME parent and owner of Cupprimo, presented to our "Cupcake Wars" enrichment cluster. Here, she was explaining to the students how to test the cupcakes to make sure they are not under-cooked.

Two photojournalist from the "Lion Ledger" took a picture of me taking a picture of them!

"The Groundwork" enrichment cluster got their hands dirty learning about water and erosion.

Read All About It

Today was the second meeting of the 4th and 5th grade enrichment clusters.  The students are already getting down to business, thinking as a professional within their interest area and coming up with product and service ideas.  Next week, I am excited to tour parents around the enrichment clusters so they can see for themselves the engagement and learning that takes place during this time.  I will also offer tour on Friday, October 28 and November 11. Please look in the LME E-news to RSVP for one of the tour.  Until then, read below to find out what went on during our first enrichment cluster meetings.

Games! Games! Games!
The students in the “Games! Games! Games!” enrichment cluster generated a list of specific games and types of games they'd like to play. We also learned to play a dice game called Snake Eyes and divided into groups to play Spoons, a card game. Students began developing a calendar for what we'd like to do in the coming weeks. And, we also discussed making and producing a video that would teach other students how to play some of our favorite games.

Movie Maker Madness
The “Movie Maker Madness” enrichment cluster got off to a great start. Students feasted on popcorn as we learned about the process of making movies. Students shared their movie making experience and passions. The cluster group decided to create short films to illustrate the code of conduct for LME students, PRIDE (positive, respectful, independent, dependable, and engaged) to be shared with the school through KPAW. In the end, three groups formed around their production interests; one group is interested in stop action filming. A second group wants to incorporate acting. Finally, our third group will use animations as the characters.

LME Explorer's Guild 
The “LME Explorer's Guild” had a great first meeting. A short Reading Rainbow segment hosted by LeVar Burton kicked things off on a spooky note. Next, we encouraged our guild members to look through some provided materials and think of a monster or mystery that they would like to investigate further. Next, we brainstormed products or services we could produce, what resources we will need, and what people with an interest in this topic do in real life. In the coming weeks, I'm going to encourage them to perform research and think critically as we look at the evidence. Are these monsters and mysteries real or fake? How did we come to that conclusion? We look forward to sharing our findings with you at the showcase in December!

Got Science! 
Our first meeting of “Got Science!” was a great success. As a real world connection to Hurricane Matthew we created water cycle cups with shaving cream and food color. We found out that physics is one of our greatest interests so we challenged ourselves with balancing entwined forks on a a toothpick on the side of a cup. Chemistry was named as our second greatest interest so we combined baking soda and vinegar in a bottle to blow up a balloon. Our engineering challenge of the day was to "Save Fred" a gummy worm who capsized his boat and needed our junior scientists to find a way to get his gummy lifesaver on him and back on his boat only using paper clips. I can't wait to see what these budding scientists choose for their product and service!

It's All About Sewing
“It's All About Sewing” is an exciting group of young boys and girls eager to start sewing and creating their own projects using a sewing machine. Kristian Castro, senior at WWHS, was our guest speaker. She shared her story of how she learned to sew in an e-cluster when she was in fifth grade at LME, showed some examples of her projects, and how she plans to study fashion design in college. We also learned about parts of the sewing machine and how to use it safely. Next, we brainstormed ideas of sewing projects that we could create and the best part of all, we started sewing. Every student had an opportunity to sew. This group of young budding designers is ready to create!

I Dream of Paint!
This Friday the students in the "I Dream of Paint" enrichment cluster had an opportunity to use not a paint brush but a SLINKY & neon acrylic paint to create their very own masterpiece. That was just the start! Students decided they wanted to add more "color" to LME and the community around them. Seeing beautiful artwork sure does brighten up our lives and keep our spirits high! How are we going to boost the mood of the students and community of LME? Stay tuned!

The Traveling Lions
“The Traveling Lions” explored the GLOBE today. We had a giant blow-up globe that students walked around to discover one city, state, country, or continent that they had never heard of before. We also discussed the countries that each students' family originated from. We discussed what we want to study about different countries, how we want to study it, jobs or roles each person will take to showcase what we have learned. The students are especially excited to do segments on KPAW for “Where in the World Wednesdays”.

The Groundwork
“The Groundwork” enrichment cluster began with an introduction into Landscape Architecture, a field where only 22,000 professionals exist in the U.S. We learned a bit about hydrology, topography, and the design process, and viewed several large and small scale natural play-exploratory areas across the worlds which were designed by Landscape Architects, including our own Lady Bird Lake Wildflower Center Family Area. Students voted on their favorite design elements from 75 pictures of natural play-exploratory areas to start giving input on the natural exploratory area which will be constructed at LME before June 2017, thanks to funding from a sizeable (tier II) grant from RRISD. We practiced using architecture "scales" (like rulers) on topography maps of the Laurel Mountain area to be developed, to measure how much land space we have to work with. We look forward to creating plans and designs as a Student Advisory Council for this area, exemplifying Laurel Mountain's vision of developing talents, having fun learning, and using innovation to contribute and make decisions in the creation of a unique space on our campus that will serve LME students and our community for generations to come.

Easy as 1,2,3D
The first meeting of the “Easy as 1,2,3D” enrichment cluster began with a discussion of 3D printing and how it's currently being used in many industries, such as 3D printed human organs in medicine, chocolate art in the culinary field, and by astronauts to print tools they need in space. We also looked at a YouTube channel called Derpy Duck Animation (created by a former LME student - now at Canyon Vista), who animates Minecraft stories using a complicated 3D tool called Blender. We discussed Pixar's movies, and how artists often render a clay model of a character before moving into digital design. We then used Model Magic to make our own three-dimensional clay models, and brainstormed possible products for our cluster to create in future meetings.

Hello? Is Anyone Out There?
The “Hello? Is Anyone Out There?” enrichment cluster met on Friday. The students had a list of sixteen items and they had to decide if they were essential, helpful, or useless to take with them into space. Some of the items were a compass, air tank, matches, flare gun, etc. Next week, the students will begin researching different topics about space and decide on a product from there.

Girl Power Robotics
The “Girl Power Robotics” enrichment cluster showed their interest in robots by starting to build one. We welcomed several members of the Westwood High School Robotics Team, Claire, Jacqi, Parthavi, and Julia, who shared their interest in robotics with us. They shared a video of the challenge their team will be tasked with for this year. Then, we watched a video of 10 Amazing LEGO Machines using the LEGO NXT kits and lots of LEGOs. We were so excited that we wanted to build and got to work! In our cluster, we will explore and build using LEGO NXT kits to complete challenges and create machines. We can’t wait until our next Friday meeting!!!

To Be or Not to Be
In the enrichment cluster “To Be or Not to Be,” the students watched five different interpretations of that speech. We noticed the different settings and costumes. We talked about what that speech has to do with our cluster! We talked about all of the different aspects of putting on a play, including scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound. Students shared about their experiences and what they most would like to do--write a play, act in a play, do the costumes, etc. We began generating ideas about what our enrichment cluster showcase experience would be. We played a couple of Improv games and, most importantly, we had fun!!!!

Cupcake Wars
Our first meeting of “Cupcake Wars” was a ton of fun! We talked about the Cupcake Wars television show, and the students brainstormed possibilities for future challenges, such as mystery ingredients and themes. The students formed their teams, created team names and designed team aprons. We then practiced piping icing onto vegan and gluten-free chocolate and vanilla cupcakes and wrapped up the meeting by eating our creations. Next week, we will decorate our aprons, talk about our final product or service, and plan for our first baking day.

Fitness Fun 101
For our first meeting, we watched a short clip covering five amazing athletes from all over the world that are giving back in some way to their community. We created a list as a group of some struggles that people may have in our community and of the privileges we share (like our health, family support, shelter, and food). Mrs. Bretsch and Mrs. Shepardson described how we will be working with a local athlete on an upcoming event called Family Fitness Night that will be held on November 15th. Brainstorming was encouraged on how we may be able to help with the event.

To end the hour, we played two games. The first game all students were blindfolded, placed around the room, and instructed to come to the center of the room and form a square with their bodies in any way they could. Any form of communication was accepted without using their sight. The second game we played was Hungry Hungry Hippos on scooter boards. Everyone ended the hour with laughter as they were trying to capture as many foam balls as possible for their team. Next week, we will explore more about their ideas on how we can help give back to our own neighborhood through Family Fitness Night.

Lion Ledger Newspaper 

After watching a video clip about the creation of a newspaper, our students creatively answered all of the "Key Questions". As the students sat on the carpet in Ms. Toewe's room they discussed the necessary jobs for LME's first every Newsletter: Editor in Chief, Sports Editor, Publisher, Feature Editor, Entertainment Editor, Creative Art Editor, and News Editor. The students worked in partners creating the newsletter logo, and discussing the potential name of the newsletter. What will the newsletter look like? How many pages will it have? What font will we use for headlines and copy? Will we use different fonts for headlines and copy? How many columns will we use in our newsletter? Next week Mr. Sparks will create and distribute the official press credentials for all the cluster students. Mrs. Schnier will assign job positions based on student interests. The first ever Laurel Mountain Elementary newsletter is underway, soon to be hot off the presses!

Clay Creators 

Clay creators watched two reading rainbow videos for 20 minutes showing Dolly Naranjo and her family making coil pottery and an artist that lives near a volcano in Hawaii making pottery on the potter's wheel. They were interested and motivated by the videos. After demonstrating the pinch pot techniques student artists made their own pinch pots carefully trying to make the pot walls the same thickness. They are excited to move on to the next techniques using coil and slab techniques.

Inspiring Illusionist
The “Inspiring Illusionist” started with some visual illusions. After that, each of the students shared an experience or person who inspired them to learn more about illusions and we discussed some of the famous illusionists. We then created our first illusion; turning water into ice by placing a sponge in the bottom of a Dixie Cup then adding an ice cube. As the students poured the water into the cup, it was absorbed by the sponge and then they tipped it over and let the ice cube fall into their hand! Then they practiced the correct placement and demonstration technique so they could wow their audience. They were excited to share this illusion with their friends and family members.

Creating aprons for "Cupcake Wars"

Playing board games in "Games! Games! Games!"

Learning tricks in "Inspiring Illusionists"

Watercolor in "I Dream of Paint"

Practicing techniques in "Clay Creators"

Using a sewing machine in "It's All About Sewing"

Building with NXT Kits in "Girl Power Robotics"

Designing in "Easy as 1,2,3D"

Researching ghosts in "LME Explorers Guild"

Creating a cloud in "Got Science?"

Seeing where in the world we have traveled in "Traveling Lions"

Playing games to emphasize teamwork in "Fitness Fun 101"

Getting Ready!

October is always a busy time around a school. The first grading period is almost over, beginning of the year assessments are wrapping up, parent conferences are starting. And at Laurel Mountain, we have our 4th and 5th grade enrichment clusters starting this Friday. There will be pictures and summaries posted next week, bit for now take some time to read over the exciting enrichment cluster descriptions and check out the variety of interest topics!

Cupcake Wars

What do creativity, teamwork, and taste buds have in common? CUPCAKE WARS!! Come put on your cupcake Ninja apron and hone your best baking ideas, tools and skills to take on competitors in a LME cupcake battle. Helping to make this not just any ordinary cupcake war; you will be taught by the Ninja cupcake masters to make great tasting gluten free vegan goodness. Are you up for the challenge?

LME Explorers Guild

Do you love exploring the unknown? We need some brave volunteers to join us on an expedition to discover the truth behind famous monsters and mysteries. Are they real or can they be debunked by science and logic? What is the evidence? Become an amateur cryptozoologist and delve deep to get the answers! The truth is out there! Can you find it?

Clay Creators!

If you are interested in what you can do with clay this enrichment cluster is for you. Using many different clay techniques you will make your own creations. What is the process of making a finished ceramic piece? How does clay stay together? How do you add color to your work? Come to the “Clay Creators” and you will find some mysteries of clay! 

Got Science?

Do you love a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) challenge like building or inventing something to solve a problem? Have you ever wondered about chemical reactions, the laws of physics, or where science is hiding in the real world? Do you love explosions and big messes? Future chemists, physicists, and engineers unite for some great fun (and challenges) in the science lab. Let's roll up the sleeves of our lab coats, put on our safety goggles, and learn some science! 

I Dream of Paint

Have you ever wanted to paint outside the lines? Does painting color your world? Grab your paintbrush! Acrylics, watercolors, pastels, canvas, paper, boxes and more! In this cluster you will explore a variety of mediums; not only in the types of paint used, but also on the surfaces the paint is applied. After all, life is all about using the WHOLE palette of paint! 

Hello? Is Anyone Out There?

Hello? Is anyone out there? Have you wondered if we are the only ones living in the universe? What makes a planet hospitable? What do you mean there's such a thing as a dwarf star? I'm still mad that Pluto isn't considered a planet anymore! Who made that decision and why did they do that? Space travel is expensive and has many limitations. Luckily you don't have to even leave LME to explore what lies outside of the earth's atmosphere.

Easy as 123D!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create those awesome animated movies you see in theaters, or wanted to try your hand at 3D printing a design of your own? Join this cluster to learn about designing scenes and objects in 3 dimensions! We will use apps and software, such as 123D Sculpt, Tinkercad, and Minecraft, to create our own projects to share with others. 

It’s All about Sewing!!

Love working with your hands to create amazing projects? Want to learn to use a needle, thread, and sewing machine to make cool crafty cloth projects? This is the e-cluster for you. It’s All about Sewing! We will sew, sew, and sew. What will you sew? You decide. Yes, you’re only limited by your imagination and creativity. Come join the fun and sew with us!

Inspiring Illusionists

To become a master of illusions, you must first learn what makes magicians and illusionist great. In this cluster you will study the great artists and learn how to create illusions that amaze and bewilder spectators. You will investigate the different types of illusions which include clever manipulation of props and slight of hand. By generating new and mystifying tricks, mastering your performance and execution, and by learning from notable forerunners like Harry Houdini, your dreams of becoming an illusionist could become a reality.

Games! Games! Games!

Do you have some favorite games that you would like to introduce to friends? Do you enjoy the challenge of learning to play new games? Board games, card games, number games, strategy games, and much more! And, what about creating your own movie to motivate others to learn to play a new game? Join us for “Games! Games! Games!”

Lion Ledger Newspaper

Do you want to be one of the first students at LME to start the Lion Ledger Newspaper? Are you a good writer and communicator? Can you draw? Can you create a logo for the newspaper? Are you an IDEA person? Come and be a part of the first ever Lion Ledger. We want you!

The Groundwork

Outdoors... Architecture... Play... Nature... Science... Acting... Performance... Fossils... What on earth do these things have in common? YOU! If all of those things interest you, sign up to be on our Natural Playground Student Advisory Committee where you will help design our new Natural Playground! That's right, LME has received a grant to transform the woods by the upper-elementary playground into a "natural playground" and amphitheater, using things like logs, gentle hills, streams, and boulders (instead of metal and plastic) to create space to play. You will work with professional landscape architects, campus administration, Round Rock ISD executives, and some fellow students, providing a vital voice to the master plan for our amazing new space. 

Traveling Lions 

Where in the world do you want to go? Come to our “Traveling Lions” enrichment cluster to discover and explore peoples and cultures from far and near. We will adventure to new lands by way of magazines, books and the internet. Join us on this journey.

Girl Power Robotics

Empowering girls in science, technology, engineering and math. Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation and application of robots and computer systems. Are you ready to be a robotics engineer? If you are interested to learn more about building robots and programming it to your demand, sign up for “Girl Power Robotics”. Maybe one day in the future, you will be given an opportunity to invent a robot of your imagination. What will you have your robot do for you?

Movie Maker Madness

Have you ever daydreamed about being a famous movie producer one day? Or making a movie of your own that goes viral on YouTube? Do you just like to work with images and technology? If so, join Movie Maker Madness! This cluster will explore the art of movie making using Windows Movie Maker. We will learn the tricks of the trade to create our very own movies.

Fitness Fun 101

Is sports and fitness your passion? Do you want to learn how professional athletes give back to their community? You will learn how a local athlete is giving back to our neighborhood and help be part of a special event if you're part of this cluster. We will use your creative skills and knowledge about health and fitness to educate others, and learn the responsibilities of being a professional athlete. Come join the fun!

To Be or Not to Be

Have you ever wondered if you wanted to be an actor? Do you love performing in front of friends and family? Do you look forward to giving reports in class because you don’t just “give” your reports, you PERFORM them? If this describes you, join the “To Be or Not to Be” cluster and discover acting! Develop your skills! Learn techniques! The cluster will decide whether to perform an already written script or whether we should write our own. Should we perform for an audience? I would think so, but it’s up to us to decide! If you’ve ever wanted to “trod the boards” and develop your acting skills, “To Be or Not to Be” is the cluster for you!

New Year...New You!

Well I guess it should say "New Year...New Goals".  We are well underway in the 2016-2017 school year.  Summer seems like a distant memory at this point.  But we have to keep looking and moving forward. Part of that for me is setting goals at the beginning of each school year. Some of the goals are to continue doing the great things we already are doing.  And some of the goals are new and exciting initiatives for myself and the school.  I am proud to share with you our 2016-2017 Goals for the Schoolwide Enrichment Model at Laurel Mountain.

New goals for the 2016-2017 school year: 

Type III Learning Lab: Mrs. Levitan will create an opportunity during the school day for students to pursue a Type III project, or Passion Project. According the Dr. Renzulli and Dr. Reis, Type III Enrichment activities are individual or small group investigations of real problems based on students interests and skills with the aim to produce a product for real audiences.

PRIDE Portfolios: This year, we will be adding in a learning style inventory to help both the teacher and the student in the classroom.

Differentiation through Intervention: This year, Mrs. Levitan will differentiate instruction for students who need more academic support. She will be working with Mrs. Kaplan and Mrs. Jackson of the Rocket Room. Her goal is to focus on the students’ interests and learning styles while reinforcing the academic concepts taught in the classroom.

The Schoolwide Enrichment Model Reading Framework (SEM-R): According to the Neag School of Education, SEM-R is an enrichment-based reading program designed to:
· Stimulate interest in and enjoyment of reading
· Promote and develop higher reading achievement
· Improve self-regulation and automaticity in reading
· Encourage students to select high-interest books that are slightly to moderately above their current reading levels
· Create independent, lifelong readers

Enrichment Team (E-Team): This year, the Enrichment Team will be comprised of representatives from each grade level who have attended Confratute. This team will be the liaison between Mrs. Levitan and the teachers. They will help facilitate the growth of the Schoolwide Enrichment Model and be an advocate for its’ continued development at our school.

We will continue to grow in the following areas already in action at LME: 

Independent Investigative Method (IIM): The Independent Investigative Method (IIM) of research will continue in all grade levels K-5. We will continue to focus on increasing the level of questioning in the students’ research questions by focusing on Bloom’s Taxonomy and Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity Model. We will increase the quality of authentic products by focusing on what professionals would make who work in the field of study.

Differentiation in the Classroom: Mrs. Levitan will help in various classrooms during math and language arts to provide differentiation support in a variety of grade levels. She will work alongside the classroom teacher to help differentiate instruction and work with small groups of students. Based on their academic needs, she will either enrich or provide more support within the curriculum.

Collaboration and Resource: Mrs. Levitan collaborates with teachers in a variety of areas, such as IIM, service learning, enrichment clusters, enrichment slot activities, differentiation, and more. This helps LME to reach all of our diverse learners.

PRIDE Portfolios: The major purposes of the PRIDE Portfolios are:

· To collect several different types of information that portrays a student’s strength areas, and to regularly updates this information.
· To periodically review and analyze student work in order to make purposeful decisions about providing opportunities for enrichment experiences in the regular curriculum, the enrichment clusters, and the continuum of special services.
· To use the information as a vehicle for educational, personal, and career counseling and for communicating with parents about the school's talent development opportunities and their child's involvement in them.

This year, we will continue to work towards giving students’ ownership of the PRIDE Portfolios. The PRIDE Portfolios will provide a time for students to reflect on work and create a collection of the students’ talents and strengths.

Enrichment Clusters: In grades K-5, students will continue to participate in Enrichment Clusters for 6-8 weeks. We offer a wide variety of topics based on student’s interests. We work towards more student driven clusters guaranteeing that each enrichment cluster round is different, since the students participating are different. Furthermore, we will work on developing more student driven authentic products and services by focusing on what would the enrichment cluster look like in the “real world”.

Enrichment Cluster Tours: Enrichment Cluster Tours are for parents and interested community members. These tours allow our parents and guests to witness enrichment clusters in action.

Enrichment Cluster Showcases: Students will continue to be the docents for the displays from their enrichment cluster showcases. They will share what they accomplished and learned during their enrichment cluster. This provides a more authentic experience for the parents and guests. But most importantly, it provides an authentic experience for our students.

Parent and/or Community Experts: We utilize parent and/or community experts to assist with enrichment, enrichment clusters and/or Enrichment slots (E-slots) taking place in the classroom. 

Communication: We communicate with parents and community through the LME website, E-news, SEM blog, Twitter, Instagram, emails and Parent University classes.

Confratute 2016

  
   

For a week this past July, nine Laurel Mountain Elementary teachers had the opportunity to join hundreds of educators from across the United States and world at Confratute. Confratute is a week-long program at the University of Connecticut that provides educators with research-based practical strategies for engagement and enrichment learning for all students. For the past 39 years, The University of Connecticut has attracted educators worldwide for this highly acclaimed, enrichment-based program sponsored by the Neag Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. It blends educators interested in gifted education, differentiation of instruction and curriculum, and creativity and innovation in education.

Thanks to our parents’ and community’s generous donations to the Excellence Fund, Laurel Mountain has been able to send staff members for six different summers to Confratute. Attending this summer was:

Mrs. Kim Clements, 1st grade teacher

Ms. Chelsie Douglas, 1st grade teacher

Mrs. Cheryl Fox, 2nd grade teacher

Mr. David Jurecka, Librarian

Ms. Rachel Kothmann, 4th grade teacher

Mrs. Debbie Kownacki, 2nd grade teacher

Mrs. Nicole Levitan, Enrichment Coordinator

Mrs. Lien Nguyen, 2nd grade teacher

Mrs. Marci Shrull, TAG teacher

Confratute started in 1978, when Dr. Joseph Renzulli and Dr. Sally Reis decided to host a summer conference focused on Enrichment Teaching and Learning. They didn't want it to be just any conference, though. They wanted to combine the best qualities of a CONference with a summer instiTUTE and add a whole lot of FRAternity in between. Confratute was born and focuses on the 3 E’s, enjoyment, engagement and enthusiasm for learning.

Through exposure to differentiation, talent development and enriching learning experiences, the communities of adult learners at Confratute are able to share similar interests, as well as foster professional growth. Our staff members returned home energized, excited and ready to enrich the lives of our students at Laurel Mountain Elementary. Teaching from a strength-based model is the best way to educate our children. Confratute enforces our mission at Laurel Mountain to develop world-class talent.

Below are reflections from the nine Laurel Mountain staff members who attended. 

Kim Clements:

I was privileged to attend Confratute with 9 other LME staff members this summer. Many of the keynote speakers, strands and wisdom from Dr.Renzulli himself, confirmed the value and importance that our school puts on knowing our students as individuals, and helping them develop and discover the talents and interest that truly engage their minds. Two strands in particular caught my interest and gave me strategies and skills that I'm bringing back to share with our staff and the students in my classroom. The first was the 2E, twice exceptional, seminar led by Dr. Susan Baum. As a classroom teacher and teacher representative on our SST team, I will be taking an even closer look at students' talents and learning styles as we work to develop the intellectual environment that best fits each student. The SEM-R reading seminar, led by Dr. Rebecca Eckert, inspired me to put a new spin on Daily 5. With book hooks during my mini-lessons, a continued emphasis on student choice for independent reading and a first try at the phase 3 interests and choice component of SEM-R, I'm ready to dive into literacy with renewed excitement and challenge. Confratute also allowed me to attend strands on other topics of interest such as STEM and CSI. The choices and opportunities for learning were endless. It was a wonderful week of learning, fun and collaboration with colleagues from schools in our district, our state, our country and around the world. 

Chelsie Douglas: 

Attending Confratute this summer was a great experience. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend Confratute with my colleagues. It was amazing to learn from experts in education and SEM. There were so many great topics and experienced presenters to choose from. It was definitely hard to narrow it down to just a few a day! Being around such knowledgeable educators was so powerful. I enjoyed spending time with my colleagues and meeting other educators from around the country. I am looking forward to implementing what I learned at Confratute into my classroom.

Cheryl Fox: 

I am bringing back a whole new way to approach lessons across the curriculum using CSI. I cannot wait to see the fun and excitement in the students as we incorporate these engaging lessons that are absolutely packed with problem solving!

David Jurecka: 

Confratute was a great experience for me. It was an amazing opportunity to refresh my brain with new insights and ideas for the coming school year.

Here are five takeaways that I will be using in my library:

• The importance of modeling learning during my library lessons...especially research skills. 
• New ways to use my iPads to blend learning with student interests. 
• New tech education products like Arduino boards to share with my ITS. 
• Confratute strands and my visit to Jeff Kinney's An Unlikely Story bookstore filled me with ideas for my library refresh and how to make an inviting space while integrating maker spaces and enrichment clusters into the design. 
• Presentations from Caldecott honor author Aaron Becker (Journey) and Karen Romano Young (Doodlebug) shared new ideas about how to get kids excited about reading! 

Rachel Kothmann:

Confratute 2016 was a journey through mathematics in which I discovered creative ways to understand basic math concepts by using games and everyday math manipulatives in a new way. Place value was used to connect the four basic operations to algebraic thinking in a course led by the famous Ms. Math, Dr. Rachel McAnallen, which I was thrilled to attend. I learned a variety of ways to incorporate Project Based Learning Activities into mathematics so that students are thinking and reasoning at high levels in a course titled "Mentoring Mathematical Mind." Differentiation of math instruction was targeted in yet another course I attended, in which I learned how to use pattern blocks to teach students how to add and subtract fractions that do not have common denominators. Central to each math course I attended was math modeling, which is used to target visual, spacial, tactile, kinesthetic, right-brained learners. This new approach to mathematics is the exact opposite of the traditional way of doing and teaching math, which is why historically only left-brained learners have succeeded in math. Confratute 2016 taught me how to make math fun for everyone!

Debbie Kownacki: 

This year I had the pleasure of attending Confratute in Hartford, Connecticut for the first time. Confratute is a conference where educators from around the world come together to share ideas and strategies to spark interest and passion in education. Having the opportunity to attend classes given by some of the top leaders in the field was inspiring and motivating. I was able to get fresh perspectives and ideas to implement the Schoolwide Enrichment Model into my classroom. 

The class I attended on CSI taught observation, attention to details, using critical thinking and problem solving in a fun and exciting way to capture the interest of students. The atmosphere of camaraderie and unity sparked and renewed excitement and passion for education for everyone who attended. 

Nicole Levitan: 

This was my fifth time attending Confratute! I am surprised by how energized and excited I get by the experience. Confratute validates everything that we do with our students at Laurel Mountain. It is powerful to be surrounded by professional educators from all over the United States and the world who have the same educational beliefs as we do at Laurel Mountain. We believe in the importance of teaching from a strength based model, which provides our students with an education like no other in Round Rock. It was also amazing to continue to learn and explore with the experts in education and the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM). It is an awesome experience to participate in week long classes about SEM-Reading and Addressing Underachievement and Motivation in Students taught by the people who wrote the books on those subjects. Marci Shrull and I presented one night to teachers who are new to the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. We were able to talk about what we do at LME that works and help them feel comfortable bringing in SEM to their schools acorss the country. I am positive that we are on the correct path and journey with the Schoolwide Enrichment Model at Laurel Mountain. This is something that I am VERY proud of. I can’t wait to get into the classrooms and share what I learned with the students and teachers.

Lien Nguyen: 

This summer, I had the pleasure of attending the SEM conference in Connecticut. I have gathered many new ideas and practices that have given me a renewed and refreshed perspective about school-wide enrichment. I come back not only ready to help students identify and develop their talents but to also be aware of their learning styles while creating an environment where they feel safe to express their gifts. I also want to help students be able to envision where their talent(s) beyond the classroom. Do you like to draw? Well, you can become an architect, fashion designer, multi-media graphic designer, cartoonist, book illustrator, advertisement, and the list goes on. I am so excited to implement these ideas and to take the school-wide enrichment method to the next level. This will be a fabulous year!

Marci Shrull: 

I very much enjoyed my time in Connecticut at Confratute and am so grateful to have attended. I thank the district, LME administration and the LME parents for making this possible. One of the intangible things I received while at Confratute was the improvement of the strong friendships I already had with my coworkers. I am so lucky to work with people I consider my close friends. Another intangible thing I received was the inspiration and excitement from not only the VIPs of the industry, but also from my counterparts across the world. Most of my classmates work directly with gifted kids and all of my teachers work with gifted kids. Hearing their thoughts, struggles and methods was very valuable. One of the intangible things I learned was how to lead a Socratic Seminar in reading. I very much look forward to doing this with all grades that I work with this year. Another intangible was more math games involving fractions. I will alter those games so they can work for all grades as well. Again, I thank you for the opportunity. Confratute was amazing!