Message from the Instructional/Gifted Facilitator

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Hello families! My name is Betsy Barbary and I am the Instructional/Gifted Facilitator at Pinewood School. As the Instructional Facilitator, I work with the data in the building, assist the classroom teachers with curriculum issues, serve on several committees, work with Adopt-A-School partner Clarkson College, and plan events with Pam Johnson our principal. I enjoy getting involved with projects throughout the school!

My job as the Gifted Facilitator is to provide opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and to assist teachers with suggestions/strategies for differentiation of instruction. This assistance may take many forms from indirect to direct services in large groups, small groups, or individually. Because of Pinewood’s multiage program, differentiation occurs naturally within the classroom. Our “gifted” program occurs everyday with the classroom teacher. Kudos to our teachers who work above and beyond to make this happen! My role is to help them as needed.

I also work with students to prepare them for a variety of competitions or opportunities. The majority of these opportunities are for students in Grades 4-6. However, occasionally, students from other grade levels who show readiness are encouraged to join in events. Below you will find a partial listing of some of the events in which students might participate:

•    Read to Succeed - One team (four students) of high ability in Grades 4/5/6 will read twenty books and compete in April. Students read books all year beginning in the fall. Open to those interested.
•    Northmates –Eight 6th graders will be selected in the fall to experience engineering/computer activities and field trips with high ability North High School students four times a year.
•    Spelling Bee - For the best spellers no matter what age (Winter).
•    STAT Student Technology Assistance Team (along with Ms. Miller) - Students interested in technology in Grades 5/6 throughout the year.
•    Build It! - Two 5th grade students will be selected to learn about building design and engineering problem solving. (November 7th)
•    Speak Out! – A competition for public speaking-Grade 6-Saturday, February 28th.
This is a great opportunity for a student to learn about speaking in front of others. Students choose the type of oral presentation.
•    SmART Minds- Two 3rd grade students are selected to participate in art-oriented activities. (May 6th)
•    Global Solutions Summit – One team of 4th graders (four students) will be selected to learn about two biomes. (February 27th)
 
•    Quiz Bowl – A competition for a small group of 5/6 students around November.

•    Math competitions for sixth graders as they become available during the year.

• Writing competitions sponsored by our Adopt-A-School partners-Grades 1-6 (Late Fall/Spring).
•    Independent Projects (as needed and recommended by the teacher).
•    Small Special Project groups (at a variety of grades as needed and recommended by the teachers).

•    Other activities as they become available.

As you can see, there will be opportunities within or outside of the classroom all year long for your children who are ready for a challenge. Again, remember high ability learners need to have their needs met on a daily basis so; fortunately, your child’s curriculum is delivered with a focus on readiness especially in reading and math.
If you ever have any questions or concerns please give me a call, stop by, or make an appointment for a visit.

Sincerely,   
Betsy Barbary-Instructional/Gifted Facilitator  (561-6011)