January Reminder: Fermi Math League Starts NEXT WEEK!

Fermi Off the Wall Math League starts its 10th Year January 27

The Fermi Off-the-Wall Math League is an internet-based math competition appropriate for enrichment, small group work and individuals wanting creative, technology-rich experiences. Emphasis is on problem solving Fermi math-style using constructed responses and model building 10th year, the Fermi Math League is open to school districts and individual students world-wide.

Winter session lasts six weeks, and begins Tuesday January 27.

Fermi is an enrichment model suitable for kids who just love math, technology and art. Last session we had teams from Spain, Switzerland, Georgia, and Colorado, Nebraska join the fun. We are International! There are no limits on the internet freeway!

In addition to the regular email entry process, students may also use personal websites to post answers and models to Fermi problems.

http://www.district287.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=teachLearn_Gifted_fermileague_progra&category=TeachingLearning_Gifted_Fermi is our internet home.

All the details about registration are included on that website- along with tips, links, and sample models from past sessions. There is even a free sample problem on this page. The entire Fermi archive is password protected.

Some younger students love to do Fermi with their parents and siblings. Others love to do Fermi math with a neighbor or best friend in a Family Math atmosphere. The $40 registration fee is a bargain for a six-week class.

Fermites may work from home- there are no carpools on the internet highway!

Karen Newell, Project Leader
Intermediate Dist. 287
Academic Services
kmnewell@district287.org

Feb. 3rd Informational Parent Meeting 1:45-2:45pm

On Tuesday, February 3rd from 1:45-2:45 I will be having an informational parent meeting open to all families who receive services from me. I plan to go over the Edina Education Fund Grant I submitted, how my homework wiki can help you, my blog updates, Edina's gifted education identification process, personalized learning, Response to Intervention (RTI), local and national memberships, some local resources, some web resources all related to aspects of giftedness.

Please come to meet see me, other parents or to learn a little more about gifted education services in Edina this will be a casual open forum where you can come with questions.

We will meet in my room (room 9).

Feb. 2nd at 7:00pm Diane Gossen is the PCN National Speaker

As you are probably aware, Diane Gossen is the PCN National Speaker this year on Monday, Feb. 2nd at 7:00pm at the Edina High School Auditorium. Parents can buy tickets online at http://www.edinapcn.com/. Tickets are $15 ($20 at the door). Highlands staff members have spent significant amount of time learning from Diane. Diane has shaped my style as a teacher and parent in a way that brings me closer to the teacher and parent I want to be. I hope you can make time to hear her speak. I am happy to talk more with you if you wish about Diane’s work.

copy of 11/10 Parent Information Presentation

We had an excellent turnout for the Parent information Meeting on Monday night. If you would like a copy of the presentation, it is online:
http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/teach/gifted/index.html

Parents will need to click on the link (the word, “Powerpoint”).

11/10 Parent Information Meeting

Edina Public Schools
Gifted Education Services
Parent Information Meeting
Topics: District overview of identification; delivery of gifted service; communications

Monday, November 10, 2008, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

Edina Community Center – Room 331
5701 Normandale Road
Edina, MN 55424


Hosted by Deb Richards, GES Coordinator

Session 1, 7:00-7:30 pm: Elementary Parents

Session 2, 7:45 – 8:15 pm: Secondary Parents

8:15 – 8:30 pm: Question and answer session

Enter door 6, go to the third floor, turn right. Room 331 is a short way down the hall. If you need an elevator, enter door 2 near the pedestrian bridge.

Fermi Math League

The Fermi Off-the-Wall Math League is an internet-based math competition appropriate for enrichment, small group work and individuals wanting creative, technology- rich experiences. In its eighth year, the Fermi Math League is open to school districts and individual students world-wide.

Six week Fall session starts September 30, 2008.

• Cost: $40 per student per team (Coaches/parents do NOT pay)
  Students may work solo, or in teams up to four
  Divisions for grades 1–2, 3–4, 5–7 plus 5–7 "web designer" division
• All work done on internet via email—no boundaries, no carpools! Work with friends, classmates and neighbors.
• Passwords and usernames will be issued after registration is received.
• Model archive is available online to registered students and schools
• Rules and tips are available to all online
• Grade 1/2 problems are "family math" oriented—parents and kids as partners (students register and pay fee; parents do not pay fee as partner)
• Perfect as enrichment model or for independent study; great small group activity.
• No car pools—great math fun for neighborhood kids
• Prizes—medals, ribbons, certificates, fame, possible Nobel prizes...
• Student registration materials available are now available.

Any questions... Please Contact Karen Newell
Intermediate District 287 Gifted Services
1820 North Xenium Lane, Plymouth, MN 55441
kmnewell@district287.org
763-550-7356 fax

Sign Up for Saturday Math Enrichment at the University of Minnesota

ITCEP offers enrichment programs during the school year that provide grade 4-7 students with opportunities to learn and enjoy mathematics. The primary objective is to offer innovative activities focused on a variety of mathematics topics that take students further than a standard school curriculum. Each program encourages participants to explore mathematics and its scientific applications from different perspectives based on specific mathematics themes.Programs introduce students to the mathematics community and the role the subject plays in society. Students participate in interactive activities, conduct hands-on experiments, and work closely with outstanding instructors and University student mentors. They introduce participants and their families to educational opportunities and careers related to science, engineering, and mathematics. Students meet mentors associated with the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP) and the University. Although students are challenged intellectually during these activities, the focus is on exploration, allowing students to spend time with others who are interested in math and science and who enjoy challenges. More can be found online at http://www.itcep.umn.edu/satenrich/index.php

Sign Up for Highlands Math Olympiad Team

Math Olympiads $25 registration fee
Grades 4-5, November - March
· To stimulate enthusiasm and a love for Mathematics
· To introduce important Mathematical concepts
· To teach major strategies for problem solving
· To develop Mathematical flexibility in solving problems
· To strengthen Mathematical intuition
· To foster Mathematical creativity and ingenuity
· To provide for the satisfaction, joy, and thrill of meeting challenges

The highlights for students are the five monthly contests, given from November to March. No traveling is required. These contests provide an incentive for students to intensify their study of math.

Each school's math team meets for an hour. Club members explore a topic or strategy in depth, using sample problems. If interested in joining, contact Erica Wattson at Highlands Elementary School. More information can be found online http://www.moems.org/program.htm

SouthView's GRT will come to visit Highlands

Susan Nielsen has my position, Gifted Resource Teacher (GRT), at South View Middle School. She will be visiting Highlands Elementary on Monday, May 12th from 11:00-12:00. She will be meeting with your 5th grade child in my room to answer any questions he/she might have regarding the transition to middle school, as well as some of the opportunities available to him/her as an identified student receiving gifted services.

She will also be available to you from 12:00-1:00pm in my room, Room 9. You can meet and greet her or have her answer any questions regarding Gifted Education Services at South View. This is more of a drop in format so feel free to come by any time during the hour. I know you are busy and this is a last minute notice, but I hope you are available to stop by and say "Hello" to Susan.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Susan.

Susan Nielsen
952-848-4493
susnielsen@edina.k12.mn.us

West Suburban Summer School Online Brochure

I sent home a tan postcard with your child last month that was an invitation for your child to participate West Suburban Summer School (WSSS) classes.

1. Download and view/print the pdf course guide at http://www.district287.org/wsss30
2. Select a course to the corresponding grade completed spring, 2008.
3. Download the registration form, and mail in the $100 deposit. The tan postcard must accomapny your registration.)

If you lost your card and need another, please contact me.