Focusing on the Future at the College of William & Mary

The Center for Gifted Education's 2017 Focusing on the Future conference will
be held this February.

The event will expose high-ability learners in grades 6–12 to career opportunities in various
professional fields. Separate sessions will be held for parents, guardians, and counselors and will provide them with strategies and techniques to assist students with academic and career planning.

The event will be held at William & Mary’s School of Education, located at 301 Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185. All students must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or group chaperone. All participants must register for the event, and the registration deadline is Jan 13, 2017.

Additional information and the conference application are available on the
Center for Gifted Education’s website:

Spring Saturday Enrichment at the College of William & Mary

The Center for Gifted Education is accepting registrations for the 2017 Spring
Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP). The 2017 Spring program will begin on
Feb. 25 and conclude on March 25, consisting of 5
Saturday sessions. The Spring program will be located at the William & Mary
Mason School of Business located at 101 Ukrop Way, Williamsburg, VA 23185

SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based
learning for students enrolled in grades K-12. It is not meant to supplant the
regular school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing
able students to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics,
humanities, and the arts.

The program’s brochure is accessible through the Center’s website at
http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/sep/index.php. If you have
any questions contact the CFGE office at (757) 221-2166 or sep@wm.edu.

Let's Innovate Student Student Conference for Grades 6-8

Program Information:

1.Students in grades 6-8 currently enrolled in the public school systems from consortium school divisions are eligible to participate (Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Hanover, Henrico, King William, Petersburg, Powhatan and Richmond).

2.You may register on-line at www.mymsic.org and follow the instructions in the registration portal. Alternatively, you can complete the registration form below and mail it along with a $20.00 check to the MathScience Innovation Center. Please note: payment must be received before you can be accepted into the conference.

3. Registrations will be continuously accepted until December 8, 2016 or the conference is filled. Spaces are limited, so check your calendar carefully. Your registration will be confirmed prior to the conference date by e-mail and will be accompanied by specific instructions for the program. If you do not have e-mail, the U.S. Mail will be used.

4.Bus transportation will be provided for students enrolled in Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Henrico, King William, Petersburg, Powhatan and Richmond school divisions. A schedule of pick-up times is posted on the website.

5.Lunch is provided for all participants. Students will make selections of individual workshop sessions at the conference. 6.For additional information contact: Debbie Mitchell: Ph 804.343.6525, Ext. 243 Email: dmitchell@mymsic.org Rachel Martin: Ph 804.343.6525, Ext. 249 Email: rmartin@mymsic.org

Additional information is available online at: https://www.mymsic.org/index.php/en/programs/saturday-summer-enrichment/let-s-innovate-student-conference-6-8

Free NASA-Related Programs Available Through the Virginia Space Grant Consortium

Two weeks remain for the applications to Virginia Space Grant Consortium’s online education programs!

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium would like to share the following information about the following FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students interested in STEM.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is a NASA-based program for 11^th grade students and STEM teachers who are interested in aerospace-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). This course focuses on space mission design and human space flight. Master Teacher positions are also available.

Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars (VESSS) is a NASA-based program for 11^th/12^th grade students and STEM teachers who are interested in Earth Systems Science-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). This course focuses on Earth Systems Science and the NASA mission that help study these topics. Master Teacher positions are available.

Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a NASA-based STEM program for 10^th grade students who are interested in NASA's space, Earth, and airborne science-related missions managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Master Teacher positions are available.

---

For High School juniors, Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive online learning course with a space mission design and human space flight theme, culminating in a one-week residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for those students who qualify. Offered at no cost to the student, VASTS consists of eight modules and a final project to be completed from November 2016 through May 2017 under the guidance of licensed master educators. Based on success in the online coursework, students may be selected to attend a Summer Academy where they interact with NASA scientists, engineers and technologists to design a human mission to Mars. Students who successfully participate in VASTS can apply to earn 2 college credits for the online course and 2 additional credits for the Summer Academy.

Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application, http://vasts.spacegrant.org. The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016.

For more information on this program, please contact:
Ian Cawthray
VASTS Education Program Coordinator
ian.m.cawthray@nasa.gov
Or visit: http://vasts.spacegrant.org

---

For High School juniors and seniors, Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course will be offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors beginning in spring semester 2016.

By combining detailed Earth System Science content with real world data analysis, students will be exposed to a rigorous course that will work across science disciplines to cultivate 21st Century Learning Skills. The program will focus on preparing students for the rigors of college and careers while allowing them to develop strong science-based skills such as critical thinking and inquiry-based problem solving. VESSS will have two components. The first component is an online sixteen-week course running from December through April. The second component is a residential NASA Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center for students who perform well in the course. Students who successfully participate in VESSS can apply to earn 3 college credits for the online course and 1 additional credit for the Summer Academy.

Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application, http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/. The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016.

For more information on this program, please contact:
Joyce Corriere
VESSS Education Program Coordinator
Joyce.H.Corriere@nasa.gov
Or visit: http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/

---

For high school sophomores, the Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program focusing on the earth and airborne science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. This dynamic (and FREE) program, designed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), inspires students who possess technical and/or scientific interests and are motivated to learn about the many different opportunities that NASA offers.

The VSCS program features two key elements: 1.) an on-line science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experience featuring five modules; and 2.) a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA where selected scholars will learn first-hand from NASA professionals about cutting edge technologies and missions.

Program Information:

• FREE Program for 10th Grade Students
• Online modules covering NASA aircraft, balloon, and sounding rocket missions launched or managed at Wallops Flight Facility
• Online course runs from December 2016 through April 2017
• Highly successful students will be selected for a week long Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Chincoteague, VA)
• The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016
• http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for application and more information

For more information, please contact Kirsten Manning, Education Program Coordinator, at kmanning@odu.edu. 

Free NASA-Related Programs Available Through the Virginia Space Grant Consortium

Two weeks remain for the applications to Virginia Space Grant Consortium’s online education programs!

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium would like to share the following information about the following FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students interested in STEM.

Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is a NASA-based program for 11^th grade students and STEM teachers who are interested in aerospace-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). This course focuses on space mission design and human space flight. Master Teacher positions are also available.

Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars (VESSS) is a NASA-based program for 11^th/12^th grade students and STEM teachers who are interested in Earth Systems Science-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). This course focuses on Earth Systems Science and the NASA mission that help study these topics. Master Teacher positions are available.

Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a NASA-based STEM program for 10^th grade students who are interested in NASA's space, Earth, and airborne science-related missions managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Master Teacher positions are available.

---

For High School juniors, Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive online learning course with a space mission design and human space flight theme, culminating in a one-week residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for those students who qualify. Offered at no cost to the student, VASTS consists of eight modules and a final project to be completed from November 2016 through May 2017 under the guidance of licensed master educators. Based on success in the online coursework, students may be selected to attend a Summer Academy where they interact with NASA scientists, engineers and technologists to design a human mission to Mars. Students who successfully participate in VASTS can apply to earn 2 college credits for the online course and 2 additional credits for the Summer Academy.

Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application, http://vasts.spacegrant.org. The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016.

For more information on this program, please contact:
Ian Cawthray
VASTS Education Program Coordinator
ian.m.cawthray@nasa.gov
Or visit: http://vasts.spacegrant.org

---

For High School juniors and seniors, Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course will be offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors beginning in spring semester 2016.

By combining detailed Earth System Science content with real world data analysis, students will be exposed to a rigorous course that will work across science disciplines to cultivate 21st Century Learning Skills. The program will focus on preparing students for the rigors of college and careers while allowing them to develop strong science-based skills such as critical thinking and inquiry-based problem solving. VESSS will have two components. The first component is an online sixteen-week course running from December through April. The second component is a residential NASA Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center for students who perform well in the course. Students who successfully participate in VESSS can apply to earn 3 college credits for the online course and 1 additional credit for the Summer Academy.

Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application, http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/. The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016.

For more information on this program, please contact:
Joyce Corriere
VESSS Education Program Coordinator
Joyce.H.Corriere@nasa.gov
Or visit: http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/

---

For high school sophomores, the Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program focusing on the earth and airborne science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. This dynamic (and FREE) program, designed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), inspires students who possess technical and/or scientific interests and are motivated to learn about the many different opportunities that NASA offers.

The VSCS program features two key elements: 1.) an on-line science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experience featuring five modules; and 2.) a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA where selected scholars will learn first-hand from NASA professionals about cutting edge technologies and missions.

Program Information:

• FREE Program for 10th Grade Students
• Online modules covering NASA aircraft, balloon, and sounding rocket missions launched or managed at Wallops Flight Facility
• Online course runs from December 2016 through April 2017
• Highly successful students will be selected for a week long Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Chincoteague, VA)
• The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016
• http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for application and more information

For more information, please contact Kirsten Manning, Education Program Coordinator, at kmanning@odu.edu. 

2016-2017 Gifted Advisory Committee

The Colonial Heights Gifted Advisory chose new officers last night.  I am looking forward to working with Audre Dube, Committee Chair, Beth Knight, Committee Vice Chair, and JP McNulty Secretary this year.  Updated Committee members are listed below.

Gifted Advisory Committee 2016-2017

Elected Officers
Audrey Dube, Chair* (ALDube@gmail.com)
Beth Knight, Vice Chair*
JP McNulty, Secretary*

Members 
William Hortz*
Stacy Ackerman*
April Norris*

Saleha Aslam*
Michelle Blanks*
Angela Couchman*
Tiffany Klink*
 Glenice Burchard*

Ex-Officio Members 
Lori Grammer
Kate Ewalt
Lisa Walker
Matthew Burnett
Marian Moody

UVA Saturday Enrichment Program, 2017

The University of Virginia is pleased to announce the Saturday Enrichment Program for 2017. In coordination with the Curry School of Education Gifted Department, we are offering enrichment courses for gifted or high-ability, high-interest students in kindergarten through grade five.  Applications are posted online every year on October 15 at http://curry.sites.virginia.edu and are due by December 1, 2016.  Please note that reduced tuition is available to any student qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

Please feel free to contact UVA with any questions at curry-sep@virginia.edu or 434-924-3182 or at the information below. 

Julie Baird, Director

Saturday and Summer Enrichment Program

University of Virginia Curry School of Education

Lambeth House PO Box 400264

Charlottesville, VA 22904

434.924.3182  jbaird@virginia.edu

Let's Innovate Student Conference at the MSiC

Math Science Innovation Center's Let Innovate Conference for 6-8 Students

Program Overview

Discover the newest innovations in fisheries ecology, environmental sustainability, space exploration, computer coding, genetic research and more. Meet and talk with the scientists and professionals who are turning the possibilities of today into the realities of tomorrow. Become inspired to be an innovator!

Keynote: Jessica Bishop - Engineering a Medical Solution

Diseases can affect anyone and everyone - from your hair follicles to your feet. Some have cures while others do not.  What if you discovered you had a disease without a cure, what would you do?  Meet Jessica Bishop, a VCU graduate who had this happen and did something about it! Unsatisfied with the current options for treatment Jessica and her team took an idea and turned it into reality!

- Jessica Bishop, Nuclear Engineering Student

Jessica Bishop is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. She is currently working towards her PhD in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with interests in research specifically related to nuclear materials, but also nuclear policy, non-proliferation, security, and safeguards. During her final year in her undergraduate career, she proposed an idea for a thermo-regulated glove to counteract the effects of Raynaud's disease. Her team now has a provisional patent on the technology in joint with Virginia Commonwealth University and are searching for industry sponsors to progress the technology into manufacturing. In her free time, she enjoys cycling and hiking, and just completed a 70 day cross-country bicycle tour from Yorktown, Virginia to San Francisco, California. 

 Additional program and registration information is available at: http://tinyurl.com/gktz6zx

Free NASA-related Programs for High School Students

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium recently sent the information below about free NASA-related programs for high school students interested in STEM.  Please take a moment to review and make students you know aware of the opportunities.  

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium would like to share the following information about the following FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students interested in STEM.
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is a NASA-based program for 11th grade students and STEM teachers who are interested in aerospace-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). This course focuses on space mission design and human space flight. Master Teacher positions are also available.
Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars (VESSS) is a NASA-based program for 11th/12th grade students and STEM teachers who are interested in Earth Systems Science-related science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM). This course focuses on Earth Systems Science and the NASA mission that help study these topics. Master Teacher positions are available.
Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a NASA-based STEM program for 10th grade students who are interested in NASA’s space, Earth, and airborne science-related missions managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Master Teacher positions are available.

---

For high school juniors, Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) is an interactive online learning course with a space mission design and human space flight theme, culminating in a one-week residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton for those students who qualify. Offered at no cost to the student, VASTS consists of eight modules and a final project to be completed from November 2016 through May 2017 under the guidance of licensed master educators. Based on success in the online coursework, students may be selected to attend a Summer Academy where they interact with NASA scientists, engineers and technologists to design a human mission to Mars. Students who successfully participate in VASTS can apply to earn 2 college credits for the online course and 2 additional credits for the Summer Academy.Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application,http://vasts.spacegrant.org . The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016.
For more information on this program, please contact:
Ian Cawthray
VASTS Education Program Coordinator
ian.m.cawthray@nasa.gov
Or visit: http://vasts.spacegrant.org

---

For High School juniors and seniors, Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) is an interactive, on-line Earth System Science Course featuring NASA scientific research and data. The course will be offered for dual enrollment college credit (statewide through TNCC) for high school juniors and seniors beginning in spring semester 2016.By combining detailed Earth System Science content with real world data analysis, students will be exposed to a rigorous course that will work across science disciplines to cultivate 21st Century Learning Skills. The program will focus on preparing students for the rigors of college and careers while allowing them to develop strong science-based skills such as critical thinking and inquiry-based problem solving. VESSS will have two components. The first component is an online sixteen-week course running from December through April. The second component is a residential NASA Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center for students who perform well in the course. Students who successfully participate in VESSS can apply to earn 3 college credits for the online course and 1 additional credit for the Summer Academy.
Please direct students or other faculty to the website for program information and application,http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/. The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016.
For more information on this program, please contact:
Joyce Corriere
VESSS Education Program Coordinator
Joyce.H.Corriere@nasa.gov
Or visit: http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS/

---

For high school sophomores, the Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) is a program focusing on the earth and airborne science, engineering, and technology integral to current missions at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. This dynamic (and FREE) program, designed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC), inspires students who possess technical and/or scientific interests and are motivated to learn about the many different opportunities that NASA offers.The VSCS program features two key elements: 1.) an on-line science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning experience featuring five modules; and 2.) a seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, VA where selected scholars will learn first-hand from NASA professionals about cutting edge technologies and missions. Program Information:

• FREE Program for 10^th Grade Students
• Online modules covering NASA aircraft, balloon, and sounding rocket missionslaunched or managed at Wallops Flight Facility
• Online course runs from December 2016 through April 2017
• Highly successful students will be selected for a week long Summer Academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility (Chincoteague, VA)
• The deadline for student applications is October 30th, 2016
• http://vscs.spacegrant.org/ for application and more information

For more information, please contact Kirsten Manning, Education Program Coordinator, atkmanning@odu.edu. 

Focusing on the Future at the College of William & Mary

The Center for Gifted Education is accepting registrations for the Fall 2016
Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP). 

SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based
learning for students enrolled in grades K–9. It is not meant to supplant the
regular school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing
able students to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics,
humanities, and the arts.

The program’s brochure is accessible through the Center’s website at
http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/sep/index.php. If you have
any questions, contact the CFGE office at (757) 221-2166 or sep@wm.edu.

Gifted Advisory Meetings, 2016-17

All Colonial Heights Gifted Advisory meetings will take place in the Audio Visual Room at the Technical Center.  Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and will take place on the following dates:

Monday, Oct. 17
Tuesday, Jan. 17
Tuesday, Mar. 14
April TBD

Summer Opportunities at the College of William & Mary

The Center for Gifted Education is accepting registrations for the 2016 Summer
Enrichment Program (SEP). The Summer program will be held on July 11-
15 for Session 1 and 18-22 for session 2 in Williamsburg, Virginia. SEP is
an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning
for students enrolled in grades K–12. It is not meant to supplant the regular
school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing able
youngsters to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics,
humanities, and the arts.

The William & Mary Law school is offering several programs for high school
students. (Information on
http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/announcements/summer-enrichment-program-2014.php)

The programs' brochures are accessible through the
Center’s website at
http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/sep/index.php. If you have
any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Precollegiate Learner Program office at (757) 221-2166
or sep@wm.edu.

Summer Enrichment opportunities at William & Mary

The Center for Gifted Education is accepting registrations for the 2016 Summer
Enrichment Program (SEP). The Summer program will be held on July 11-
15 for Session 1 and 18-22 for session 2 in Williamsburg, Virginia. SEP is
an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning
for students enrolled in grades K–12. It is not meant to supplant the regular
school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing able
youngsters to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics,
humanities, and the arts.

The William & Mary Law school is offering several programs for high school
students.

The programs' brochures are accessible through the
Center’s website at
http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/sep/index.php. If you have
any questions contact the Precollegiate Learner Program office at (757) 221-6198
or sep@wm.edu.

Gifted Advisory Location Change

The Gifted Advisory meeting scheduled for Monday, March 21 will take place at Tussing Elementary School, 5501 Conduit Rd, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.  This meeting will feature elementary programs and will include a collaborative Lego STEM challenge for students and their parents.

Discoverers Program at the MSiC

The Discoverers 4-5 Program allows students to take a more in-depth look at science, technology, and mathematics topics. Fourth and fifth grade students select the course that piques their interest and attend this course for three consecutive Saturdays. All courses include inquiry-based “hands-on, minds-on” problem solving.  In addition, courses often have guest speakers, field trips, and/or design-and-build stations built into students’ experiences. Students will experiment, explore and discover how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fit into the world around them! The one thing common is that all the courses are fun!  The next Discoverers program will be available at the MSiC campus or at Manchester Middle School.  Students can chose one class to meet on three consecutive Saturday: April 9, 16, and 23.  See your gifted resource teacher for additional information. 

Virgiania STEAM Academy for Rising 6-8 Graders

For the fourth consecutive year, Virginia STEAM Academy is pleased to announce its Summer STEAM offerings. Summer STEAM is a free, one week academy for high ability-high potential rising 6th-8th grade students across the Commonwealth of Virginia who have interest in science, technology, engineering, or applied mathematics.  Detailed program information can be found at: www.vasteam.org/summer-steam 

Gifted Advisory Date

The next Gifted Advisory meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 19.  The earlier post inaccurately indicated it would take place on January 17.  All meetings take place at 7:00 pm in the AV Room at the Technical Center.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

The Colonial Heights Gifted Advisory will meet on Jan. 19, 2016.  This meeting will feature the Middle School Focus Night.  All meetings take place at 7:00 am in the AV Room at the Technical Center. 

Also, the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary is accepting registrations for the Spring 2016 Saturday Enrichment Program (SEP). The Spring program will be held February 20
to March 19, 2016 in Williamsburg, consisting of 5 Saturday sessions. SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning for students enrolled in grades K–12. It is not meant to supplant the regular school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing able youngsters to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics,
humanities, and the arts. The program’s brochure is accessible through the Center’s website at
http://education.wm.edu/centers/cfge/precollegiate/sep/index.php. If you have any questions contact the Precollegiate Learner Program office at (757) 221-6198 or sep@wm.edu.