The AMS-ELP Blog is designed to provide news about ELP activities in 7th and 8th grade. Check back often to see what is happening in ELP!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

ELP Lunch: Lost in Space


Are you a creative thinker? How good are your creative problem solving skills? Join us to solve some group puzzles and to learn more about 7-8 ELP opportunities this year. 

Bring your lunch or pick up hot lunch and meet in the 7-8 ELP room ( E109). 


8th Grade: Wednesday, August 31st 
 and Thursday, September 1st, 2011
7th Grade: Tuesday, September 6th and Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Back To School Night

Parents are invited to learn more about the 7-8 Extended Learning Program on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 5:30 in the Media Center before Back To School Night. Our brief presentation will include a description of  ELP in 7th and 8th grades and upcoming events. We hope you can join us!

Science Fair Working Lunch


All 7th and 8th grade students are being offered the opportunity to do a science research project to enter in the Science Fair of Iowa at the Hilton Coliseum on March 30 and 31 of 2012.  Researchers will have an opportunity to present projects at the Ames District Fair in January and at Ames Middle School in February.  Anyone wishing to participate should obtain an instruction sheet from Mrs. Dixon or a science teacher.  Participants should email a research question to Mrs. Dixon by September 30, 2011.   

A Peek in The ELP Classroom


Talent Search Time Again!


Each fall, high ability middle school students have the opportunity to participate in a Talent Search sponsored by various universities. A Talent Search allows students to take an out of level test, usually the ACT or SAT, and have their scores compared to students their age with similar abilities.  Out of level tests provide more information about a student’s strengths and weaknesses than grade level standardized tests and the scores, if shared with the school, can be used as another tool for making academically appropriate decisions.  Most Talent Searches offer awards for high scores as well as invitations to summer enrichment opportunities.
Enrollment for participation in Talent Searches is in the fall. Additional information about Talent Searches can be found at < http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/talent_search.htm

Welcome to the 2011-2012 School Year!


Welcome! 

We have exciting plans in store for the school year and are looking forward to working with you!

 The 7-8 ELP Collaborative model allows the ELP teachers to work with classroom teachers to provide an enriching, challenging learning environment for high ability students. Each year brings different learning needs and many new activities. Rather than a set pullout schedule or curriculum, students rotate in and out of the ELP classroom based on classroom performance and learning goals. ELP teachers also spend time in the regular classroom, team teaching with or assisting the regular classroom teacher in differentiated activities.

 In order to be responsive to classroom and students, the ELP schedules are determined weekly. Mrs. Staniforth, the English-Social Studies ELP teacher, is at AMS three days a week and Mrs. Dixon, the Math/Science ELP teacher is at AMS two days a week. They share administrative and group student responsibilities. Either teacher can be contacted for information or concerns.

 ELP students establish academic and social goals at the fall ELP Mini-seminar in early September. Students will receive a note in homeroom telling then when to attend.

 Participation in each ELP cluster group activity is documented on Infinite Campus. Click on the envelope next to ELP on the grades section of Infinite Campus to view participation records. Additional information about current ELP activities can be viewed on the 7-8 ELP Blog.

We look forward to working with you and hope to make this year the best year yet! Please email us if you have any questions. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

August 10, 2011

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! We have many exciting things planned for the coming year and are eager to see all of you. Please check the blog often for updates on ELP activities. We update the blog regularly with information about what is happening in classes, invitations to ELP Lunches or Learning @ Lunches, contests,  and other learning opportunities.

We will be popping into your classes in the next few weeks to get acquainted. If you have a free moment before then, stop in and see us!