833 Young Scholars

Happy May, everyone! It finally feels like spring outside, and summer break is already just around to corner.

Before we dig into this month's topic, I'd like to first send out another BIG welcome to all our new Young Scholar families and a HUGE thank you to all who attended our family nights at Hillside on May 2nd and at Crestview on May 9th. The food was great and a good time was had by all!

Keep an eye out for future Young Scholar Family Events next year.

I'd also like to take a minute as we wrap up our newsletters for this school year, to thank all families, teachers, and the staff at Crestview and Hillside for supporting Young Scholar students and working each day to increase access to challenging experiences, build affirmation of what's possible, and be a strong voice of advocacy in the lives of Young Scholar students.

Have a beautiful summer, and I'll see you in September!

If you couldn't to make it to the Family Night this spring or are maybe still trying to understand what Young Scholars is all about, you're in luck!

This month's newsletter will revisit some of the information shared at the Young Scholar Family Nights and focus on the basics of Young Scholars - what it is, how it works, and where we're going.

Taking the time to build a better understanding of the program can help us all better support, encourage, and foster the amazing potential of these Young Scholars.

Young Scholars was originally created in 2001 by Dr. Carol Horn in Fairfax County, Virginia. Dr. Horn knew that there were students in her schools not being recognized for their bright promise and creative and complex ways of thinking. Young Scholars was developed as a way to find those students and foster their capabilities. Since then, schools across the country have been using Dr. Horn's strategies to learn more about different ways of thinking and to better help all students realize their potential.

Young Scholars focuses on increasing access to resources, affirmation of self, and advocates in and out of school to help students reach their potential.

833 Young Scholars currently works with first through fourth grade Crestview students as well as first through third grade students at Hillside Elementary providing learning experiences that strengthen basic skills and require students to think and apply knowledge at higher, more complex levels.

Young Scholars students use stories, puzzles and games to learn more about different ways of thinking in order to grow critical and creative thinking skills.

The primary goals of 833 Young Scholars are to recognize advanced potential in students, raise students’ personal expectations, support family involvement, and prepare students for more challenging and rigorous coursework in later grades.

833 Young Scholars continues to develop and evolve based on the changing needs of our students.

Access

• Young Scholars will participate in a variety of creative and complex thinking lessons and activities throughout the year
• Family Night events to increase access to fun and creative experiences for Young Scholars and their families

Affirmation and Advocates

• In-class student support will be provided within large- group, small-group or individual settings

Access and Affirmation

• Monthly newsletters for parents will contain information, resources, and opportunities to help affirm and support children at home
  
• Family Night events to increase access to fun and creative experiences for Young Scholars and their families

Advocates

• Have a question? Want to learn more about 833 Young Scholars? Know a great resource for our newsletter? Feel free to contact me!

Colleen Redmond

651-425-6212

credmond@sowashco.org

As crazy as it sounds, there are just a few weeks left before the end of another school year.

No doubt, keeping your Young Scholar busy over those long summer days can be a challenge. Plus, it doesn't help that summer activities can often be expensive.

The Young Scholar Newsletter is here to help! Take a look below at some options for free (yes, free!) summer fun for your Young Scholar. Hopefully, you find something that fits your family's style!

Keeping up on reading in the summer can be tough. Here are a few ways to make it fun!

Summer Adventures at Your Library

Stayed tuned for more information about summer reading adventures through a Washington County Library near you!

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading

Read eight books and receive a free book from a list of specific titles. Download the summer reading journal. When it's filled bring it in to a store to receive the free book. Parents can enter to win a free Nook e-reader when kids turn in their journals.

Half Price Books "Feed Your Brain" Summer Reading Contest

Kids who download a reading log and read 300 or more minutes a month in June and July receive a $5 coupon for each month. They also may enter in a "Top Reader" drawing to win a $20 coupon.

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge

Kids log their reading time as they participate in weekly reading challenges, earn rewards and enter sweepstakes. While this summer reading program is designed to encourage whole schools to promote reading (top 20 schools win a prize), kids whose schools are not signed up can participate too.

The City of Cottage Grove Spring and Summer Brochure is out! There are many options to choose from including these free events. Click on the images below for more details.

Click here to see the full brochure.

It has been wonderful to connect with everyone through our Young Scholars Newsletter this year. I will be back in the fall ready and eager to get going with more exciting thinking lessons and loads more Young Scholars learning to come. Stayed tuned for our next newsletter in September. In the meantime, have a beautiful and safe summer, and I'll see you soon!

Previous Young Scholars newsletters can be found on the District 833 website using the following link:

http://southwashingtoncs.ss19.sharpschool.com/academics/gifted-education/833_young_scholars/monthly_newsletters

Hi All!

My name is Colleen Redmond, and I am thrilled to work as the 833 Young Scholars advocate and lead teacher.

I'm a mom of two teenagers, a wife, small business owner, avid biker (the pedal kind), book enthusiast, and beekeeper. Plus, on top of all of that, I have the happy job of implementing and growing the Young Scholars program here in 833!

I've been lucky enough to teach in South Washington County Schools for the past twenty-five years and have had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the lives of students and families in my classroom.

Now, as we launch Young Scholars, my path in education is taking on a whole new and wonderful life. I am so very excited to work with and support you and your Young Scholar. I can't wait to see where the journey takes us!

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or needs!

Colleen Redmond

651-425-6212

credmond@sowashco.org