The saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.”  Truth.  This is it!  On Friday, I leave VBCPS after 35+ years as an educator in the 23456. Since I graduated college in 1986, I taught Language Arts/English 6, Social Studies 6, Reading 8, Study Skills, and testing remediation classes as a classroom teacher for 16 years, took a break when child #4 arrived, and then served 19 years as a gifted resource specialist.   The significant thing about education is that what we do MATTERS every single day.  That focus has sustained me through the myriad of curriculum changes, traumatic world events, the “new-and-improved” methodologies, different buildings and classrooms (a portable trailer for 34 sixth graders?  a closet for an office?), and thousands of children with their talents, needs, quirks, and smiles…Our kids matter each and every single day.  They deserve the best we have to give.  Our future depends on it.   Thank you for sharing your children with me this year–I have enjoyed the challenges, the frustrations, and the laughs, and I’m sure, on Friday, I will shed some tears.

So here is to the future!  I will serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted Education for the next three years, so please contact me if I can be a voice for you about the VBCPS gifted program and advocate for our gifted learners.  I look forward to volunteering, singing at church, spending time spoiling our grandchildren, traveling here and there, and figuring out how to have a consistent golf swing! (Plus, my husband has been retired for two years and he definitely needs more supervision!)

Have a pleasurable summer–I will miss PAMS.

Mrs. Cathy Smith, PAMS Gifted Resource Teacher

PS–This blog will cease to exist after July 1.  Please copy any pictures of your child you wish to keep!

In this PAMS Gifted Program blog post, please find information about End-of-the-Year activities (Awards Assemblies, Field Day, yearbooks, student activities, 8th Grade Chromebook return, etc.); NAGC Webinars; Summer 2024-2025 Costa Rica trip; reminders.

End of the Year notices:

Last Gifted Lunch of the Year!  Thursday, June 13, 2024.  I sent a message to students today with the sign-up link.  If it’s nice, we will go out into the courtyard to eat.  If not, I’ll figure something else out!  If your child will attend, please ask them to bring their lunch, if possible.  🙂

Awards assemblies:

• The Grade 7 Awards Assembly, is on Tuesday, June 11, from 10:15 -11:15 AM in the Auditorium- Invitations will be sent to parents of students receiving awards
• The Grade 6 Awards Assembly, is on Tuesday, June 11, from 1:00 -2:00 PM in the Auditorium- Invites will be sent to parents of students receiving awards
• The 8th-grade awards assembly is on Wednesday, June 12,  from 3:00-4:00 PM. As we have limited seating in the auditorium, this event is invite-only. Parents/Guardians of students receiving an award will receive an email invite (alert) by Tuesday, June 4 at 5:00p. Award winners are nominated by teachers for a variety of reasons from best academic performance to tremendous character displayed to outstanding perseverance. This is NOT a graduation ceremony.

The 8th Grade Field Day is Thurs, June 13 from 2:30p-5:45p. We need donations and volunteers to help chaperone and help with the various activities. Please consider helping out! Click the buttons below. Students must have a signed paper permission slip to attend. Students may leave as normal at the 4:05p dismissal or may stay until 5:45p and get picked up or take an activity bus home.

Donations Sign Up Link  

Eighth Grade Field Day Sign Up Link

Yearbooks: Pre-purchased yearbooks will be distributed to students during Pulse Check on Wed, June 12.  Families wishing to purchase one of the few extra yearbooks may do so through SchoolCashOnline beginning Tue, June 11 at 5:00p. Yearbooks will be delivered to students as soon as possible beginning Wednesday, June 12. There is a limited number of extra yearbooks; once sold out, that’s it. Set a phone reminder now! SchoolCashOnline LINK

Student activities including club meetings, athletics, and music department activities have finished for the year. There are no more activity buses so no students should stay after school. Security assistants leave at 4:30 PM and administrators are not on duty.

Chromebook & Charger Return:  8th Graders will return their Chromebooks and chargers on Monday, June 10, during Pulse Check. Damage and/or loss assessments will be charged to students with a broken or lost Chromebook and/or charger. Student fees are viewable in Student/Parent VUE. Families will be notified by email by our bookkeeper (Dena.Taylor@VBSchools.com) should their student be charged.

Seventh and Sixth Graders will KEEP their Chromebooks over the summer unless they are leaving PAMS and will not attend school here.

For more information about other important happenings, please be sure to check Mr. Filipowicz’s newsletter from this past Sunday.

Did you know the NAGC has parent webinars with information you might be interested in?  Here are some upcoming ones to put on your calendar:

Supporting Youth Who Are LGBTQ+ and Gifted

June 18, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. ET
Free & Open to All
Doug Alexander & Andy Parra-Martinez

Gifted LGBTQ+ young people have complex identities and encounter unique challenges. Like all young people, these kids and teens need adults to see, hear, understand, and embrace them for who they are. When supported appropriately, we can help gifted LGBTQ+ youth find community and set them on a path toward self-actualization. In this special Pride Month session, attendees will learn what makes gifted LGBTQ+ young people unique, the challenges they often face in school and society, and how to provide nurturing environments to support healthy intellectual and social-emotional development.

Register Here

Boredom Busters and Ideas for At-Home Learning

July 31, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. ET
Free & Open to NAGC Members Only

Discover how to transform those “I’m bored” moments into opportunities for intellectual growth and exploration. In this webinar, the NAGC Parent, Family & Community Network will discuss ways to recognize signs of under-stimulation and learn ways to create an inspiring learning environment at home through hands-on activities, technology integration, peer engagement, and building a curiosity toolkit. Bring your own ideas to share and learn from other gifted families.

Register Here

Advocating for Brilliance: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Gifted Education (Part 2)

September 25, 2024 | 7:00 p.m.
Free & Open to Everyone

Unlock the secrets to nurturing your gifted child’s potential by learning how to partner with professionals at school and beyond. Join the NAGC Parent, Family & Community Network for an empowering session filled with tips, tricks, and expert insights on how to be a champion for your gifted child. In Part 2 of this series, we will explore strategies for advocacy with a training and discussion led by national experts. Learning outcomes for Part 2 include:

• Building positive relationships and networks with educators, administrators, and other parents
• Sharing real-life examples of successful advocacy for gifted children

Register Here

Is your child interested in international travel?  See the flyer below from Mrs. Donna Chapa-Hardin, our AVID teacher.

Costa Rica Trip Flyer,

I’m beginning to get a complex–I can’t walk down the hallways anymore without teachers telling me how many days I have left until retirement!  They must be really happy to see me go, or maybe they are just counting their days until summer break!  (7 days, but who’s counting?!)

Please remind your children to submit any missing work ASAP, continue to be pleasant individuals to be around, and follow school rules, including the dress code!  Let’s have a safe closing to the year!

🙂 Mrs. Cathy Smith, PAMS Gifted Resource Teacher

Hello, parents of Gifted Program students–

The Civics Department invites you to volunteer for our 7th annual Shark Tank simulation!  At the end of the 8th grade year, Civics students participate in a “Business Expo” project.  They create an original business idea and design presentations to ask “stakeholders” to invest in their business start-up. This is done in the classroom (think Science Fair style) where volunteers act as “investors”.  Our volunteers listen to the students’ pitches, ask questions, and score them on a rubric.  Then, the top-scoring teams from each Civics class are invited to the stage round – “Shark Tank” where they present to actual local business owners who volunteer their time to judge.  It’s a wonderful real-life simulation where the students get to apply what they have learned in the economics curriculum.

To successfully run this project, we need classroom volunteers on Monday, June 10th, and Tuesday, June 11th. Each day, volunteers are needed between 10:15-11:15 AM and between 12:45 -1:45 PM. You do not need to stay for an hour. And you do not have to come all four times. Come anytime in that window, and we ask you to see about 4 – 5 groups. We provide a rubric, you determine a score, and students offer an amazing experience for you!  Your scores will determine the top businesses that move on to the Shark Tank round, where they present in front of real local business owners/entrepreneurs, where the top teams can win high honors!

Thank you for any of the date(s) you might be able to help. And if you have a partner, colleague, or friend who might be interested in judging, we are open to all the help!  We cannot do this without all paws on deck.

In this PAMS Gifted Program Blog Post, please find a reminder about SOL test dates; information on articles relative to gifted learners; pictures and thank yous from our last Gifted Club; help needed getting 6th and 7th graders to complete their end-of-year gifted survey; and scholarship opportunities for Black and Hispanic/Latino gifted students–

SOL Test Schedule:  Tests usually begin by 9:35 AM, so please make every attempt to have your child at school on time with a charged Chromebook on the dates they are scheduled to test. Most students usually complete their test by noon though they have all day to complete it.  If you have any questions about testing, please contact our School Improvement Specialist at kerri.manyo@vbschools.com.

• May 21 – 8th Gr Reading–COMPLETED
• May 22 – 6th Gr Reading–COMPLETED
• May 23 – 7th Gr Reading
• May 24 – Civics
• May 28 – Make-ups
• May 29 – Physical Science
• May 30 – Earth Science
• May 31 – Make-ups
• June 3 – All 8th Graders – Math
• June 4 – All 7th Graders – Math
• June 5 – All 6th Graders – Math
• June 6-11 – Expedited retakes and make-ups

Two articles caught my attention this week; I think you might find them very interesting.  Remember, I post articles to start conversations because YOU are your gifted learner’s BEST advocate and it’s important for you to understand the issues facing the gifted community.  What are your thoughts?

• “Why some researchers are approaching giftedness as a form of neurodivergence–and what that means for ‘gifted burnout'” 
• Why Kids Get Bored at School—and How to Help

Please click on our Gifted Club page to view the photos from our final gathering of the year!  To put things in perspective, over the 2023-2024 school year:

• Almost 550 students signed up to attend at least one Gifted Club activity (some students came to EVERY meeting!);
• STEM projects included making fake blood; conjuring up algae string from seaweed powder and calcium; creating marbled cards; producing sun prints; learning about chromatography; and exploring pi (and eating it, too!);
• Students played over forty different games, created unique LEGO constructions from three bins of assorted pieces, and designed intricate marble runs and Gravitrax setups;
• Artists enjoyed beading, string art, painting, coloring, drawing, origami, and creating “whatever” out of candy canes, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, glue, tape, and ribbon;
• We had two outstanding parties in December and May with crazy gift exchanges and silly games; and–
• New friendships were made, students found “their tribe”, laughter filled C106, and I could see a different side of the children–especially when they were ruthless at Uno or Taco-Cat-Goat-Cheese-Pizza!

Thank you so much for the donations of games and supplies over the past several years so the students could do so many different activities.  They are inventoried and stored neatly for the summer for Mrs. Schwenke to jump right in come September.  Also, I appreciate my volunteers who helped me so much–serving food, playing games with shy students, supervising lab stations and messy art projects, and especially, cleaning up!  You rock!

Survey for Gifted 6th- and 7th-Graders:  Each year I ask the current sixth- and seventh-grade gifted students for information for planning purposes for the following year.  This year has added importance as it will serve as an introduction to Mrs. Schwenke, the new PAMS GRT who will begin in August.  I sent 3 Canvas messages to the students with the link–it will ONLY open with the students’ VBCPS login credentials.  Parents are welcome to assist their students if needed, but the children should reflect on their own learning and dispositions and advocate for their needs.  Please encourage your sixth- or seventh-grade gifted student to complete the survey ASAP.  I appreciate any nudges you can provide.

Survey link:  https://forms.gle/wAiHsCdq7nyJhsXW6 

NAGC Scholarship & Student Award Applications Are Open!

For Black Students:  Dr. Martin D. Jenkins Scholars. This scholarship/award is named in honor of Dr. Martin D. Jenkins, the father of research on gifted Black students, and recognizes the achievements of highly gifted Black students who excel academically. Winners receive a $300 cash award, complimentary NAGC annual convention registration, one scholarship covering registration to attend the Purdue University’s (GER 2 I) Summer Residential Program (transportation to/from Purdue not included), and numerous mentoring opportunities.

Sponsors: Special Populations and G-RACE Networks

View a preview of the application

• Click here to view the application and apply

For Hispanic / Latin Descent Students:  Excelencia Latina Award. This scholarship/award is directly translated as The Latin Excellence Award and aims to celebrate the diversity and excellence of the Hispanic/Latin community in gifted education. Winners will receive a $300 cash award, complimentary NAGC Annual Convention registration, and a mentoring opportunity.

View a preview of the application (English)

Ver una vista previa de la aplicación (Español)

• Click here to view the application and apply

• Haga clic aquí para ver la solicitud y aplicar (Español)

Nominations are due by 11:59 pm ET, May 31, 2024

Who is getting excited for June 14?  EVERYONE!

• Please remind your child that appropriate behavior is expected at school–Setting off devices like smoke bombs or stink bombs is an expulsion issue.  Instigating food fights in the cafeteria is very serious, too, as it creates an unsafe environment.  Students in the past have been given lengthy suspensions for this.
• Double-check the school dress code and review your child’s outfit before the school day.  The school is a professional environment–not the beach (though many of us wish we could go to the beach on these beautiful days!).
• The final games of the spring sports season are here and it’s play-offs and championship time!  Encourage your child to attend a game to root for their classmates!
• Is your laundry basket a little light?  Check out the lost and found in the cafeteria before the end of the year to claim what your child misplaced!

It’s getting close!  🙂

Mrs. Cathy Smith, PAMS Gifted Resource Teacher

In this PAMS Gifted Program blog post, please find information about the 6th/7th Grade Gifted Student Survey; Gifted Club; Prowling Around the Gifted Classroom; and SOL Test Schedule.

Survey for Gifted 6th- and 7th-Graders:  Each year I ask the current sixth- and seventh-grade gifted students for information for planning purposes for the following year.  This year has added importance as it will serve as an introduction to Mrs. Schwenke, the new PAMS GRT who will begin in August.  I sent a Canvas message to the students with the link (https://forms.gle/rnyBSPuRMjcEosZg8)–it will ONLY open with the students’ VBCPS login credentials.  Parents are more than welcome to assist their student if needed, but it is important for the children to reflect on their own learning.  Please encourage your sixth- or seventh-grade gifted student to complete the survey by May 20.  Survey link:  https://forms.gle/wAiHsCdq7nyJhsXW6

Thank you, Eighth-Grade Parents–I got a 88% response rate for the 8th-grade survey for the high school GRTs!  You rock!

Our LAST Gifted Club meeting will be on May 20 from 4:15-5:45 PM.  We will have a celebration of sorts to include party foods, open board games/art/LEGOs, and a summer gift exchange (similar to the one we had at the December party–the kids loved it!).  I ask that students bring a treat to share (see Sign-Up Genius link below), and if they would like to participate in the crazy gift exchange, that the gift be between $10-$20 (suggestion) and is something that the students could use over the summer–examples: movie ticket, gift card to book store or sporting goods store, beach items, outdoor toy, etc.  Please RSVP at the link below:

Sign-Up Genius Link for LAST Gifted Club Meeting

RSVP for LAST Gifted Club Meeting on May 20

Be sure to stop by the Prowling Around the Cluster Classrooms page to see what we’ve been up to recently!

SOL Test Schedule:  Tests usually begin by 9:35 AM, so please make every attempt to have your child at school on time with a charged Chromebook on the dates they are scheduled to test. Most students usually complete their test by noon though they have all day to complete it.  If you have any questions about testing, please contact our School Improvement Specialist at kerri.manyo@vbschools.com.

• May 21 – 8th Gr Reading
• May 22 – 6th Gr Reading
• May 23 – 7th Gr Reading
• May 24 – Civics
• May 28 – Make-ups
• May 29 – Physical Science
• May 30 – Earth Science
• May 31 – Make-ups
• June 3 – All 8th Graders – Math
• June 4 – All 7th Graders – Math
• June 5 – All 6th Graders – Math
• June 6-11 – Expedited retakes and make-up

All students who score between 375-399 on a middle school SOL will qualify for a retake opportunity. As there is a quick turnaround later, in order to ensure every student who qualifies gets the necessary remediation, we ask that all families fill out the Expedited Permission form below now indicating whether you do or do not authorize your student to take advantage of the retest opportunity. One form per student covers all tests.

EXPEDITED PERMISSION FORM

It’s hard to believe I have 5 weeks until retirement!  Where has the time gone?!  I hope your child will come celebrate at the last Gifted Club meeting!

🙂 Mrs. Smith, PAMS GRT

In this PAMS Gifted Program blog, please find information about: happenings in gifted cluster classrooms; 8th-grade Gifted Survey; Panther Partners; Virginia Lottery Teacher Appreciation Week; summer camp/enrichment opportunities; and introducing the new PAMS GRT for August, 2024!

Please check out the Prowling Around the Cluster Classrooms to see what some of our classes have been doing to go beyond the regular curriculum to meet the needs of our gifted students.  Look for information about Mr. Brisar’s students’ fireside chats and Science 7’s MWEE project!

The LAST Gifted Club meeting of the year will be held in May–but I’m not sure exactly when yet!  I am juggling some afternoon appointments and the use of C106 and SOLs beginning May 21.  I will send a note to the students who have attended Gifted Club to find out what they want to do to celebrate our year.  I will send home an email with the RSVP link once we are in a “go-pattern”.

The Eighth-Grade Gifted Transition Survey is due on May 1, so if your eighth-grade gifted student has not submitted it yet, I will visit them during Pulse Check to implore them to get it done!  If your child cannot remember what they pre-registered for, you should be able to go into Parent Vue to see their choices.  The high school GRTs always thank me for sending them the information as they find it very helpful as they plan their programs.  This is the LINK–however, it is only accessible through your child’s VBCPS account.  (I prefer the student fill it out rather than the parent–but, please, do sit down with your child to help them complete it.)

Seeking new members for SY2024-2025: The Panther Partners, a service group of 7th and 8th graders! Our Panther Partners serve as official tour guides and student ambassadors for sixth-grade orientation, PTSA Open House, parent workshops, visiting groups, and other school events. By demonstrating leadership, public speaking, kindness, enthusiasm, and school spirit, the Panther Partners are exceptional young people! The selection process is currently open. Sixth- and seventh-grade students may apply by going to this Google Site and following the directions.  Current Panther Partners in 7th grade must reapply if they wish to serve again. The due date for applications is May 3. Only complete and on-time applications will be considered. Students should see Mrs. Kim Piper (D218) or Mrs. Cathy Smith (C208 in the library) if they have questions. [Note:  Many of the Panther Partners are gifted students–please encourage your child to apply if they have the talents mentioned above!]

Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner! We have some AMAZING cluster teachers who have worked so hard to find ways to challenge our gifted students in every unit.  Now through May 10, you can show your gratitude to all of the teachers in your child’s life by sending a digital thank-you note from the Virginia Lottery. Teachers will receive the notes during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6 – 10. Each note has a special code that teachers may use to enter for a chance to win $2,500 courtesy of the Virginia Lottery, IGT, and NeoPollard Interactive plus $2,500 in supplies from The Supply Room. Four lucky teachers will win!  Send a thank-you note  [And if this Lottery digital note isn’t your “thing”–your teachers always love to receive notes about how they have impacted your child.]

Introducing Mrs. Julia Schwenke!  Mrs. Schwenke will be the new PA Middle School Gifted Resource Teacher beginning in August!  She is currently an English teacher at Kellam, and she has been coming by after her teaching day at Kellam once a week for me to “show her the ropes” so she can start running before Day 1 of School Year 2024-2025.  Your children will be in great hands!  I snagged these slides so you can get an “advance introduction”!–Even though she is a Virginia Tech Hokie, I know you will love working with her!  (Wahoowa!)

From Mrs. Schwenke:

How is tomorrow May 1?

Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Mrs. Cathy Smith, PAMS Gifted Resource Teacher

In case you have a budding environmentalist who is concerned about sea-level rise, here is something coming up tomorrow night that might be of interest:

WHRO Public Media and WORLD present a new documentary about life on the Eastern Shore and the challenges of living and working on the water. 

Against the Current provides a powerful glimpse of how Virginia’s Eastern Shore residents are subject to the challenges of rising water’s effects on their lives and livelihood and through resilience and perseverance learn to co-exist and celebrate their rural home. How can this unique community shed light on the national conversations happening around these climate issues?

WHRO’s Lisa Godley will moderate a discussion after the screening, and she will be joined by a panel of experts as well as people who appeared in the film. Attendees will also enjoy giveaways and fun activities.

We hope you will join us at one of the screenings listed below.

Thursday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.

Location:
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
2200 Parks Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Register to attend

Against the Current will air on WHRO TV on April 24 at 8 p.m.

Seventh-graders are finishing up their MWEE and their environment unit–a great way to extend their learning!

In this blog post, please find details about Month of the Military Child events, Gifted Club and cluster classroom happenings, survey for Rising 9th-grade gifted students, Panther Partners application, Mystery Festival, Beach Girls Rock!, SCA Elections, Cheerleading try-outs, the Beach Bags Food Drive, and STEM camp at TCC information.

April is the Month of the Military Child. At PAMS, about 35% of our students are military-connected.  When family members go on deployment, it can be a stressful, fearful, and confusing time. As the wife of a retired Navy SWO, I am so proud of my husband’s service and the sacrifices my stepdaughter made as a child when she had to share him with our country in times of war and peace.  Some of our families have known the ultimate sacrifice; we have five Gold Star families at PAMS. Together, let’s support all our military families this month by participating in Purple Up on April 17, Patriotic Day on April 29 (wear red, white, and blue), and saying “Thank you for your service!” to all our military children and their families.

• On Tue, April 16, after morning announcements, all military-connected students will be asked to proudly stand up and be recognized.
• Wed, April 17 is Purple Up Day! Wear purple to celebrate and show our support for our youngest military heroes.
• Mon, April 29 is Patriotic Day! Wear your favorite Armed Forces/military branch clothing or wear Red, White, and Blue to show your patriotism.
• Mon, April 29, 8:00 AM-9:00 AM is our Month of the Military Child Breakfast in the cafeteria. Contact Jennifer.Benson@VBSchools.com to register.

The next Gifted Club meeting will be on April 22 from 4:15-5:45 PM in C106.  We will be doing a Chromatography STEM exploration and then the usual games/LEGOs/Gravitrax/art activities will be available.  Please sign up your student at THIS LINK–and remind them to write the date in their planner!

Our gifted students have been busy in our cluster classrooms–check out the March and April happenings I have captured by going to the Prowling Around the Cluster Classrooms LINK.  Check back frequently!

Parents of current 8th-grade gifted students–I sent a Canvas message to the students about an information sheet I would like to compile to send to the high schools so that the GRTs can have insight into their future students and can plan more effectively to meet the needs of their incoming gifted program freshmen.  The students must take this seriously–this information is for an adult who will be with them for the next four years and can tremendously impact their academic and social-emotional growth in preparation for college, career, or military.  Please ask your 8th grader about the form, and if you would, please sit down with them as they complete it by MAY 1.  I sincerely appreciate you!  Link to the survey  is below (can only be opened on student’s Chromebooks)–feel free to share with your 8th-grade gifted student if you think they might not check their Canvas messages often:  https://forms.gle/gmBeYZtbp3NL58C8A

Panther Partner applications are open!  Is your child interested in being a Student Ambassador for Princess Anne Middle School?  Announcements for applications have been on the morning news program for several days and posted in the sixth- and seventh-grade hallways, and information was shared with teachers to post in their Canvas modules.  Panther Partners is a service group that is the official tour guides for PAMS.  They work in August during student orientation and at PTA Open House nights, give tours to fifth graders in the spring, and are called upon to assist with various functions throughout the school year.  Students can apply by going to the Google Site and following the directions.  The application can only be opened on the student’s Chromebooks.  The application due date is May 4.  No late applications will be accepted. https://sites.google.com/vbschools.com/pantherpartnerapplication2024-/home 

The Sixth-Grade Mystery Festival begins this week!  The short enrichment unit comes from GEMS-Lawrence Hall of Science at Cal-Berkeley, and the students absolutely love it!  There is a crime scene for the students to collect and examine evidence, lab stations to practice their science process skills, and plenty of time to discuss the suspects, motives, red herrings, and evidence to determine what happened.  Students must think critically and creatively to make connections, evaluate the importance of clues, and decide “whodunit”–every year is different!  As students work in the role of forensic scientists, they learn how individuals in the discipline deal with ambiguity, misinformation, and all of the other twists and turns involved!  Some gifted students get a little perturbed because there might not be a clear-cut right/wrong answer–and you know how some kids just hate to be wrong or to not know the answer!  Thank you to the parents who donated items (last year and this year) for the experience and for all the volunteers who will help with the lab stations.

Beach Girls Rock! (BGR) is a leadership empowerment series for girls offered by VBCPS since 2013. Through our ongoing partnership with Old Dominion University, we are convening our spring workshop for the 2023-24 school year. This event will illuminate opportunities for careers in science, cybersecurity, game studies and design, and the performing arts. The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 20, at Old Dominion University, 5115 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA. This opportunity is open to all female VBCPS students in grades five through eight. Parents are welcome to attend and workshops for them will run concurrently.  Ms. Burchett, school counselor, is the PAMS point of contact so please see her if you have any questions. The flier is below, and you may access the district memo by following this link: Beach Girls Rock Spring ‘24

Current 6th- and 7th-grade students interested in running for SCA office for the 2024-2025 school year will need an Election Info Packet (available to print using the link, OR they can pick one up from Ms. Thompson, room B215). They will also be given out at the optional info sessions on Tuesday morning, April 16th (8:20 – 9:10) and/or April 18th (4:10 – 5:45). Students WILL need to join the SCA Canvas Course to access the Google Form Application. This info is on page four of the packet. Please note the deadlines outlined on page one (they are also on the Canvas Calendar). There is a strict timeline to which adherence is mandatory. Late applications will NOT be accepted; no exceptions. If you have any questions regarding the packet or election, please contact Ms. Thompson at lindsay.thompson@vbschools.com.

Cheerleading:  An interest meeting will be held April 17 at 5:00p in the PAMS auditorium.  A valid sports physical for this year (SY23-24) must be on file with our Mr. Clark in the Student Activities office or submitted with the packet. No one may tryout without a valid physical. Absolutely no exceptions. You may note that for those cheerleaders who make the team a valid physical for next school year will also be needed (dated May 1, 2024 or later). Cheer forms from the interest packet are due to Coach Sciola by the end of the day Fri, May 10. Late packets will not be accepted. Cheer tryouts for SY24-25 are May 13-17, from 4:15p-5:45p. Meet in the PAMS front foyer and don’t be late!

Beach Bags Food Drive:  On May 16 from 10 AM – 6 PM, a Beach Bags Food Drive will be held at Pembroke Square, 4554 Virginia Beach Boulevard (Kohl’s parking lot behind Walgreens).  Please see BeachBagFoodDrive051624 for more information!

Are you Ready for an Exciting Summer? Do you want to be enriched, and engaged and enjoy fun activities and programs? Tidewater Community College (TCC) is partnering with Black Rocket Productions to offer interactive STEM camps. Students will learn about coding, robotics, and so much more! Please select the link below for information on this great opportunity! https://blackrocket.com/online/TID/

Have a great week!  Enjoy the beautiful weather!

Mrs. Cathy Smith, PAMS GRT

In this PAMS Gifted Program blog post, please find information about cluster classroom happenings, Physics Olympics, Gifted Club for April,  and parent reads.

Take a moment and look at some of the lessons happening in gifted cluster classrooms this month!  Click on the Prowling Around the Cluster Classrooms link.  The students have been uber-creative while stretching their critical thinking skills. I want to stress to the students the importance of dedicating more time to thinking about their learning in their written reflections.  For some, it’s just another task to check off rather than an integral part of the learning experience.

The Physics Olympics extravaganza was so much fun!  Forty-two PAMS students (most from the Gifted Program) represented our school at the ATC/TCC event on Saturday, 3/23/24.  Check out the pictures on the Physics Olympics 2024 page.  Thank you, parent chaperones, for being there for our kids!

Gifted Club yesterday was another fun, messy experience for about 35 students as we made marbled cards using shaving cream and food dye and nature prints using Sunprint paper and opaque objects.  Click on the Gifted Club link for more details!

Gifted Club in April will be on April 8 (the first day back from Spring Break) for board games and open art and April 22 for an Earth Day theme.  To register your child for the April 8 date, please go to the RSVP form here.

Several parents have recently requested some reading materials so they can better understand, and therefore, advocate for their gifted learners.  Some parent reads you might find interesting to help you better understand and guide your gifted learner are shown below.  I have some of these titles in the GRT library and my personal professional library and am happy to loan them out.  The information below comes directly from Amazon’s description on their website.

A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children (2007), the quintessential compendium of raising gifted children, has been revised! In this new edition, coauthors Edward R. Amend Psy.D., Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, and Janet Gore, M.Ed. reinforce the reliable approaches originally explored in the first edition, while drawing extensively on the wealth of research and information developed over the last 15 years in the areas of neuroscience, psychology, and education. Our children are navigating a world that in many crucial ways is quite different from the one that existed in 2007. The new Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children includes issues of social media, screen time, LGBTQ, and bullying. For gifted children, however, many of the needs remain the same- advocacy, educational planning, access to true peers, and more. Rich in information and strategies, this edition will be referred to time and time again whether you are entirely new to gifted, completing your “active” parenting days, or supporting a gifted grandchild, student, or client.

When parents need the most authoritative information on raising gifted kids, they can turn to Parenting Gifted Children: The Authoritative Guide From the National Association for Gifted Children, a gifted education Legacy Award winner. This comprehensive guide covers topics such as working with high achievers and young gifted children, acceleration, advocating for talented students, serving as role models and mentors for gifted kids, homeschooling, underachievement, twice-exceptional students, and postsecondary opportunities.

The only book of its kind, this guidebook will allow parents to find the support and resources they need to help their children find success in school and beyond. Written by experts in the field of gifted education and sponsored by the leading organization supporting the education of gifted and advanced learners, this book is sure to provide guidance, advice, and support for any parent of gifted children.

In Thrivers, Dr. Michele Borba offers practical, actionable ways to develop these traits in children from preschool through high school, showing how to teach kids how to cope today so they can thrive tomorrow.We think we have to push our kids to do more, achieve more, BE more. But we’re modeling the wrong traits—like rule-following and caution—and research shows it’s NOT working. This kind of “Striver” mindset isn’t just making kids unhappier, says Dr. Borba…it’s actually the opposite of what it takes to thrive in the uncertain world ahead.

Thrivers are different: they flourish in our fast-paced, digital-driven, often uncertain world. Why? Through her in-depth research, Dr. Borba discovered that the difference comes down not to grades or test scores, but to seven character traits that set Thrivers apart—confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. The even better news is these traits can be taught to children at any age…in fact, parents and educators must do so.

A gifted education Legacy Award winner, Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Happy and Successful Children provides a humorous, engaging, and encouraging look at raising gifted children today. James R. Delisle, Ph.D., offers practical, down-to-earth advice that will cause parents to reexamine the ways they perceive and relate to their children.

Dr. Delisle puts forward 10 tips to parents of gifted children―ideas that reflect attitude and approach and allow for introspection and change, rather than quick, do-it-tonight solutions. Some topics of interest include understanding a child’s giftedness, working with the school system, dealing with perfectionism in gifted kids, and being adult role models for children. Along the way, stories from gifted children and their parents provide insight into the lives of these individuals.

Dr. Delisle’s tips go beyond the basics, focusing on attitude, reflection, and subtle changes, rather than specific, cookie-cutter recipes for action. The 10 tips suggested and expanded upon in this book include:

• understanding what giftedness is . . . and what it is not;
• understanding the differences between gifted kids and their agemates;
• understanding the personality traits of gifted kids, including overexcitabilities;
• taking charge of your child’s education;
• understanding the issue of perfectionism in gifted kids;
• examining social nuances and myths related to giftedness;
• examining the similarities parents share with their gifted children;
• setting reasonable goals;
• helping gifted children make a difference in the lives of others; and
• remembering that gifted children are kids first and gifted second.

Just because a child is gifted doesn’t mean they don’t have other types of neurodivergence, like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. Conversely, even children with one of these diagnoses can be cognitively gifted. Raising Twice-Exceptional Children provides you with a road map to understand the complex make-up of your “gifted-plus,” or twice-exceptional, child or teen.

The book helps you understand your child’s diagnosis, meet their social-emotional needs, build self-regulation skills and goal setting, and teach self-advocacy. It also shows you effective ways to collaborate with teachers and school staff, and it offers advice on finding strengths-based strategies that support development at home.  This book provides key information on how best to support neurodivergent children by leveraging their strengths while supporting their struggles.

Teaching children how to manage their intense emotions is one of the most difficult aspects of parenting or educating gifted children. Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Cope With Explosive Feelings provides a much-needed resource for parents and educators for understanding of why gifted children are so extreme in their behavior and how to manage the highs and lows that accompany emotional intensity. Presented in an easy-to-read, conversational style, this revised and updated second edition contains additional chapters addressing temperament and personality development, as well as expanded role-plays and strategies designed to show parents and teachers how to interact and guide gifted children in a way that teaches them how to recognize, monitor, and adjust their behavior. Updated resources and worksheets make this practical resource a must-read for anyone wishing to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of gifted children.

I hope your child has a restful, fun Spring Break!

Mrs. Cathy Smith, PAMS Gifted Resource Teacher

In this PAMS Gifted Program Blog post, please find information on Gifted Club; Course Verification sheets; articles on talking with your teen about technology; Arts in Education; St. Baldrick’s Bash; and 4th quarter interscholastic activity tryouts.

Please see the Gifted Club pictures from our Pi Day Celebration on Monday.  Thank you so much to the moms who volunteered for all of your help–and to the parents who sent in pies and the craft materials needed to make Pi boxes and Circle art!  The kids enjoyed the afternoon–as well as the sugar high that followed!

Our next Gifted Club will be on March 25–which is an extended time due to spring sports try-outs.  We will go from 4:15-6:15 PM.  The activity will be 2 STEAM activities– creating marbelized cards and making nature photo prints using light-sensitive photo papers.  Students should bring some natural items–such as flowers, seed pods, leaves, etc.–for the nature prints.  To RSVP for the March 25 Gifted Club, please click the RSVP LINK for 3/25/24 Gifted Club.

Have you seen what your child’s gifted cluster classes are doing?  Check out the Prowling Around the Cluster Classrooms–I’ve added more pictures to the February entries!

Don’t forget!  Course Verifications for SY24-25 are due on Friday, March 15!  What does this mean?  All families may now see student course requests in Student/ParentVUE under “Course Requests” and “Documents”. An alert was sent on Friday, March 1, at 5:00 PM informing rising 7th- and 8th-grade families. Please refer to that message for instructions and complete the verification form by March 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Course requests are the foundation of staffing and master schedule decisions. Your role in reviewing the accuracy of the course requests is crucial to the process. School counselors will contact you after processing your requests.

• For those with rising 6th graders, the same process applies, and you hopefully have already received a similar alert from your elementary schools (our technology doesn’t allow us to send alerts to you directly). We ask that you DO complete the verification form.

If your child is identified for gifted services, please know that your child will be slated to be in gifted cluster classes for math, English, science, and social studies.  Sometimes cluster teacher changes are made over the summer, so do not be alarmed if you expect a certain teacher for a certain subject or grade level and a different teacher appears on your child’s schedule in the fall. With changing enrollments, staffing changes need to be fluid!  If you have any questions or concerns about the teachers’ recommendations for placement in certain level classes, please contact your child’s teachers or school counselor before Friday.

For those with rising 9th graders, do not complete the PAMS verification form. Please refer to the Panther Press from this past weekend for what to do for those zoned for Kellam or Ocean Lakes.

Tech Talk:  I have found the blog posts from the developer of the Screenagers movies to be very helpful over the years I was raising my children, especially when my adolescents’ knowledge grew faster than mine (and yes, they could program the DVR and VHS when they were four…).  Here are two interesting recent posts you may be interested in.

Is social media an addiction?:  When does the social media spider web become more than just excessive time spent on devices? When is it an addiction?… This topic is particularly timely as we know that many state attorney generals are in the midst of suing Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, over the harm done to young people, particularly concerning the addictive features built into Meta’s platforms…”

Must-knows about incognito browsing:  “In Incognito mode, you can browse without being seen. This means that none of what you look up will get saved in your browser history, on-site cookies, or device. Kids and teens may have many reasons for using incognito mode, such as searching for edgy, sexy, or violent content. They may have questions they are embarrassed about or want information on how to get illicit substances, like vapes and weed, without anyone knowing…Even though it’s more than 15 years old, the technology allows youth avenues to get involved with things that could get them in trouble. Privacy is important, especially if we want kids to learn to be independent and make good choices. That is why having ongoing conversations about it with youth is important…”

Did You Know?
During the month of March, fine arts education programs are highlighted across the nation. Celebrations include Youth Art Month, Music in Our Schools Month, and Theatre in Our Schools Month. Visit the Virginia Department of Education’s Fine Arts webpage for resources and information on dance arts, music, theater arts, and visual arts in Virginia schools.

PAMS PTSA and students from the NJHS & SCA are getting ready for the PAMS St. Baldrick’s Carnival!  This will be PAMS’s 5th year hosting this fun event after school THIS Friday, March 15, to raise money for kids’ cancer research in honor of several PAMS students, past and present, who are fighting or have fought cancer. Student admission can be purchased for a $5 donation through schoolcashonline. The link was sent out on Sunday, March 3. Bracelets will be given to paid students during lunches during event week, and $1 raffle tickets will be available then as well.  Please watch the Principal’s Weekly Newsletter, PAMS PTSA Facebook page, and the event website https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/PAMS24 or contact PAMS parent Patty Furco– pattylynn1@aol.com–for more info.

Fourth Quarter Interscholastic Activity tryouts:

• Baseball: Any students interested in trying out for baseball, see the  link below. Tryouts will begin on March 25th after school from 4:15 pm – 6:15 pm. Students must have an up-to-date sports physical on file with Mr. Clark or in hand at tryouts. If you are unsure about your sport’s physical status, please stop by Mr. Clark’s office and double-check before March 25th. Tryout information – Google Docs
• Girls Track: Attention, any girls interested in trying out for the PAMS girls track team! 😃 There will be a mandatory meeting after school in the cafeteria on Thursday, March 21st. Please make sure you either bring your completed school physical form with you or, have your physical form on file already. Email any questions to Mr. Prater aaprater@vbschools.com.
• Softball: Any girls interested in trying out for softball should pick up an informational sheet from Mrs. Tori Smith (8th-grade teacher) in Room B213 which is upstairs at the end of the 8th-grade hall.  Girls need to fill out and return the information form by March 20th.
• Forensics: Forensics tryouts will be on March 25th in room A210. Forensics is an acting/speech competition. Please pick up a monologue to memorize from Mrs. Chapa starting March 18th. Email donna.chapa@vbschools.com with any questions.

Enjoy the spring weather!  Hopefully the March lion is giving way to the spring lamb!

🙂 Mrs. Cathy Smith, PAMS Gifted Resource Teacher