Gifted Passion Projects

All learners were challenged to use one of their “passions” and do or create something with it “to make the world awesome”. They thoroughly researched their topics and took many notes. Some learners contacted experts on their topics through email, and others actually interviewed individuals over the phone or in person. They created posters, flyers, announcements, signs, dog treats, drawings, forms, and even a dance and a book.

The learners worked very, very hard on their projects and maintained their interest in them from October to February. They not only created their projects, they also created Shadow Puppet Edu multimedia presentations to share with other learners to inspire them to “make the world awesome” as well.

DR –Grade 3

Toby Rohrer—purpose- to make others aware of three endangered animals and to protect them. Creation of a video to post on a YouTube channel to inform many people.

Sam Murray— purpose- to help those in Third World countries by raising funds for Compassion International. Held a bake sale at Bomberger’s store to raise money for Compassion International. Total amount raised was $363.03.

Elijah Hehnly—purpose- to help families who can no longer afford their pets. Made and sold dog treats to earn money to donate to the Lancaster Pet Pantry. Total amount raised was $413.50.

Lincoln Nye—purpose- to encourage and express gratitude to DR staff. Creation of “Staff Shout-Outs”-- slips of paper on which students can write about staffs’ exceptional actions. 2-3 slips are announced each cycle and all slips are distributed to designated teachers.

DR-Grade 4

Lucas Campbell—purpose- to encourage other children who may be facing surgery to rely on their families for support. Created a book about his experience with his cochlear implant surgery and his recent heart surgery.

Grahason Lindberg—purpose-to inspire students and staff to show gratitude. Created a poster size drawing of two people expressing gratitude. It will be displayed in the school (maybe in the lobby) so that all can see it.

Jared Smith—purpose- to help children realize that getting vaccinations is much better than experiencing the diseases they prevent. Created a multimedia presentation focusing on mumps, polio and chicken pox.

Brody Tempalski—purpose-to begin paper recycling in all DR classrooms. Co-led a school wide assembly to introduce recycling; distributed recycling boxes; and collected paper for recycling. The first collection yielded 211.8 pounds of paper.

Nate Huber—purpose- to help the 30 homeless students in MCSD. Created a two-week coin collection fundraiser to which students and staff contributed. Total amount raised for the MCSD Social Services Fund was $1059.00.

Ian Le-purpose (new LEAP student)

HCB

Kaleigh Enck-purpose-to help the homeless of Lancaster County. Donated personal money and personal items directly to Water Street Rescue Mission.

Catherine Stuart-purpose- purpose- to expose learners who may know nothing about ballet, or who will never see a ballet, to its beauty and worth. Will perform a ballet during the project presentation.

Daniel Gertler-purpose- to raise awareness of the devastation that White Nose Syndrome is causing to the PA bat population. Built a bat box as an alternative home for bats so that they can avoid caves where WNS spreads.

Shatik Medina-purpose- to give support and encouragement to wounded and ill service men and women. Created two drawings and poster for soldiers in the Warrior Transition Unit (where most seriously injured soldiers receive treatment) at Fort Belvoir, VA.

Julia Hess-purpose- (new LEAP student)

Tate Garman-purpose- (new LEAP student)