On Our Way!

We are off and running here in the Nest. A group of sixth graders is busy planning to open a bakery. They have been developing business plans, researching supply and space costs, designing a menu and working on advertisements. Meanwhile across the room we have a duo comparing the profitability and popularity of Nike and Reebok.  In fifth grade, one student is learning about origami and preparing to teach us all how to make a paper crane. While another investigates the complex world of Egyptian mythology. These a just a few examples of the creative work being done in the Nest. The kids are so excited and enthusiastic to learn and share. My head sometime spins with all the great ideas and conversations going on here in the Nest.

A Decade of Project Based Learning!

Welcome to the 10th year of Falcon's Nest! We are so fortunate that Hatfield Public Schools has been supporting gifted and talented programming for a decade! The Nesters' work will continue to exemplify the best of what project based learning can be! Please check in during the months to come to hear about the wonderful academic and artistic projects the students are exploring in the Nest.

And keep and eye out for the Quest Enrichment Hour! This is a pilot program designed to provide more enrichment opportunities to all of our students. Ms. Shapiro and I are teaming up to bring fun critical and creative thinking activities to all of our 4th, 5th and 6th graders.

 Here's to a great school year!

Last few days in the Nest

These past few weeks have been a flurry of activity! Frantic sculpting, painting and typing are happening everywhere as we finish up the 2016-1017 year in Falcon's Nest. It is always bittersweet to say goodbye to the sixth graders. As always they have much to be proud of, they have proven themselves to be scholars, artists, scientists, historians and so much more. I am so fortunate to have been able to spend so much time with these terrific kids! They have taught me and each other about animals, sports, anatomy, technology and an endless number of other topics. But more importantly they epitomize joyful learning. I hope they carry that enthusiasm and curiosity with them throughout their lives.

Happy Summer!

News from the Nest

As always we've been busy in the Nest. Some of the project topics that the kids are working on include; Aikido, The Orchestra, International Holidays, Deadliest Diseases, and Paranormal Activity. The range of interests the Nesters explore is vast. The Nesters have also recently logged into Thrively.com and filled out an individualized strength assessment. This is a free online tool designed to help students find their strengths and develop passions through an individualized learning platform. Almost all of the Nesters who completed the strength assessment tool thought that is was quite accurate. Check it out for yourself! I also wanted to take a moment to share some of the things the Nesters said they wanted to do to make the world a better place. Jack said he wanted "an endless food supply" so no one would go hungry. Ella wants "to make sure everyone has a home and clean water."  Devin wants to "stop global warming." And Cori says she'd like "to clean all the trash out of the ocean." The Nesters are more than just scholars, they are our future!

Mark your calendars! We will be having our annual Open House on Thursday, March 30, at 6pm. I hope you can join us and see all of the great work the Nesters have been doing this year.