Penn Wood Elementary School

Gifted Program

Summer 2007 Newsletter

Dear Parents,

The end of a school year brings a pause in the cycle and rhythm that students, parents, and teachers know so well.  It represents an opportunity to recharge the mind and body in other directions which helps to provide a sense of balance to the grind of day to day schedules.  I hope the summer brings its share of relaxing moments no matter how hectic your family schedule may be.

During one of our classes, students were debating the merits of year round school. Students were researching and discussing the pros and cons and how such a model would impact their lives. It was so interesting to listen to the debate and the arguments which were put forward. Students needed to present both sides of the issue when debating and that extra reflection helped students to focus many points.

I have much to be thankful for this past school year.  I am very lucky to be able to support the educational process at Penn Wood and have been blessed with such wonderful students to share this experience.  In my position as the Gifted Resource Teacher, I have the opportunity to work with many teachers across the school. Teachers at Penn Wood work very hard to promote positive learning experiences for all students.  I encourage you to always convey your thoughts and to be open to suggestions and observations that teachers may share to help relay the sense for how your child is progressing on this journey.

One of the fundamental points that I believe in strongly in is the power of emotions in the learning process.  One of my favorite quotes comes from Rachel Carson: “If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow.” In this day and age of high stakes testing, it can be easy to forget the importance of engaging students first on an emotional level. Students have an incredible power to learn just about anything when they are exploring the learning process as an outreach of their emotional curiosity and inner drive.  In short, it is the love for learning that must never be lost!

I invite you to check out our Sundial Page to learn of the progress being made on a sundial located in a courtyard between the third and first grade classrooms.  This sundial is under construction and is being created to convey a strong link between the arts and science. You will be able to visit the sundial and stand on spot which will then cast your shadow onto an ellipse, revealing the correct time.

I wish all of you a safe and healthy summer and look forward to seeing you in September.  Please feel free to contact me at jmaxwell@wcasd.net if I can be of help.

Best wishes,

Sandy Maxwell, Penn Wood Elementary School Gifted Resource Teacher

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