Litchfield Community Unit District #12
Litchfield, Illinois
Unlock the Mysteries of the Mind
In collaboration with the St. Louis Science Center , Blackburn
College and the St. Louis Art Museum.
June 10-15, 2018
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Welcome to the Summer Gifted Academy
This is the sixteenth year of the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy. Litchfield Community Unit District #12, in collaboration with the St. Louis Science Center and the St. Louis Art Museum has created a special program designed to maximize the unusual talents and skills of gifted and talented students. The Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy (LSGA) will meet the unique academic, social, emotional, creative and recreational needs of the gifted and talented student. Each child will participate in intellectual challenges and social and recreational fun. The academy is carefully designed to offer a safe learning experience for those who are excited about learning new and challenging things. A caring and nurturing staff is dedicated to providing an enriching and exciting program for each student. Students will be actively engaged throughout the week. They will participate in hands-on learning, field trips, evening events, and other challenging activities. The students will be grouped in one of two groups: grades 4-6 or 6-8. The 6th grade students have the option to choose from either group courses. Classes will be held at Litchfield High School. The students are given the opportunity to spend the 6 days and 5 nights as a resident, or they may choose the option to commute.
excellence, and social, and emotional growth. Students will learn responsibility, team work, self- motivation, and respect for others. Students will engage in activities that promote responsibility, teamwork, self-motivation, and respect for others.
Program Description
The Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy provides instruction in academics, arts, and recreational courses during the week. Students will arrive at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. The academy will conclude late Friday afternoon with student presentations. Students will select the academic area of interest they want to study for the week. Students will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively with others and participate in problem solving activities. A variety of courses will be offered to introduce the students to new areas of interest and learning experiences. When applying, each student will choose three courses of interest. We will try to honor the first course choice. If the course is cancelled due to low enrollment or is at full capacity, we will enroll the student in his/her second or third course choice.
Program Director and Staff
The program director is a National Board Certified Teacher who is trained to teach gifted students and teaches in the Litchfield Community Unit School District #12. The instructors are trained and experienced in working with gifted students. The staff consists of Illinois certified gifted instructors, college professors, and other professionals.
Location
Litchfield is located in Central Illinois 40 minutes south of Springfield, IL on Interstate 55 and 60 minutes north of St. Louis, MO.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Summer Gifted Academy is to provide numerous stimulating, exciting, and engaging opportunities to promote academic, social, and recreational skills of gifted children in the bi-state region.
History and Program Philosophy
In 2001, the Litchfield Community Unit District #12 received a three-year grant for the 21st Century Community Learning Center from the U.S. Department of Education to offer programs for children in grades K—8, who are at risk academically and socially. Gifted students are at risk because their needs are not always met in the regular education setting. This is our sixteenth year of offering a week long summer academy for the gifted students to help meet their needs. The program will be offered to students who have completed grades 4-8 as of May, 2018. Our philosophy is to offer a program that will challenge the students beyond their normal course of study at school by providing academic challenges
for the students in their areas of interests and abilities. We will provide a low student/teacher ratio. Students will be with other students who have similar interests and desire for challenges. The students must have the commitment to academic
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Residential Staff
The residential staff consists of highly qualified, experienced teachers who are responsible for keeping the students safe while at the Summer Gifted Academy. This staff is trained to take care of the needs of the students.
Academic Program
The instructional programs cover writing, the humanities, social studies, sciences, and mathematics. Courses are taught to students who have completed grades 4-8 as of May, 2018.
Instructional Strategies
The Summer Gifted Academy teaching staff will use many teaching methods to engage and excite the gifted and talented students. Beyond the teaching methods of lecture and discussion groups, the teaching staff will use inquiry-based learning and the hands-on approach to encourage higher level thinking and creativity. Field trips will be scheduled as enrichment activities.
Academic Performance
The goals and expectations of the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy are to encourage the students to achieve a high standard of academic performance. Students will produce projects to demonstrate what they have achieved during the week.
Student Schedules
An example of the Litchfield Summer Gifted schedule is as follows: 8:00-8:30 Resident Breakfast 8:45-9:00 All Campers Arrive & Daily Kick Off 9:00-11:15 AM Program Session 11:15-11:30 AM Break 11:30-12:15 Recreation Activities 12:15-1:00 Lunch and Relaxation 1:00-3:15 PM Program Session 3:15-4:15 Problem Solving 4:15-5:00 Extra Activities 5:00-6:00 Dinner 6:00-8:30 Evening Activities 10:30 LIGHTS OUT FOR RESIDENTS!
Course by Grade Level
Courses for the students are offered on the following pages. The courses may be cancelled if there are not enough registered. When making your choices, please make a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice. Students in grades 6 may choose from either grades 4-6 or grades 6-8 sessions. Class accommodations will be considered.
Please pay close attention to the grade categories.
4-6 grade choices are:
Konstruction Junction Around the World in 5 Days ACTing Up Phun with Physics Geology is a “Jumpin”
6-8 grade choices are:
Robotics Reloaded Hands On Zoology Wild Stringdom Robotics Reloaded So You Want to Decorate Top Class Chef Phenomenal Photography Emerging Entrepreneur
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Hands On Zoology
From the microscopic critters crawling on plants to the giant elephants of the world, why are animals so different? Use Blackburn College advanced microscopes, skeletons, and fossils to explore animal diversity large and small, past and present. Tap into a large collection of living creatures and handle living sea urchins, brittle stars, millipedes, turtles, snakes, lizards, and an endangered species of salamander! Examine closely the world of zoology with your teacher, a zoologist. The week will include a tour of the St. Louis Zoo. Wild Stringdom Want to be the coolest kid on the block? Want to have groupies flock to you like the superstar you are? Want to be a true Guitar Hero? Or just want to get the lifelong gift of music in your soul? Then join us for “Wild Stringdom” and learn to play guitar. During the week you'll learn to play chords and single notes, read some music and tablature, as well as tune and maintain your guitar. We'll have some local players as guests, spend some time practicing and set your feet on the path to a lifelong skill. So You Want to Decorate Think like an interior designer! Design your own creative space, either your room at home or an imaginary studio, shop, or business. Create floor plans, study basic color theory, and learn how to use a scale for space planning. Update with current trends, colors, styles, and basic design techniques. Construct a contemporary scaled model with furnishings. Decorate and have fun! Top Class Chef Want a challenge to test your culinary skills? Do you think you have the right stuff to become Top Class Chef? There is no eliminating of participants in this kitchen, but just some good ol’ fashioned competition. Each day holds culinary challenges that test your basic abilities in the kitchen, and unique culinary challenges that test the versatility and inventiveness of chefs working in teams. You will explore the fast growing field of culinary arts and learn what it takes to work with other chefs and manage a kitchen like the masters. You will need a cooperative spirit and good management skills to survive this course. So, remember, “If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.” Phenomenal Photography Do your parents own one of those fancy cameras? Do they know how to use it? Do you? Would you like to learn? In Phenomenal Photography, you’ll learn how to turn your snapshots into professional-looking photographs. You’ll learn how to compose an image, how to look for “good” light, how to control exposure, and how different lenses or zooming in or out on a subject affects a variety of photographic elements. Hands on activities with our digital SLR cameras and your very own smartphones will improve your photography skills each day of our week-long course.
Emerging Entrepreneur Do you have a great idea for a product or business that you just know people would love? Enter the Shark Tank™ to pitch your ideas! Work with other like-minded, aspiring entrepreneurs to arrive at the perfect sales pitch and marketing plan, while developing your public speaking, writing, art, math, and teamwork skills. Give it a try! You could be the next big
Descriptions Grades 4th
– 6th
Konstruction Junction What do toppling dominoes, playing card towers, and K’NEX® have in common? They are tools of creativity that inspire the master designer within. Think like an engineer and design your own version of the Eiffel Tower, assemble a working windmill, and devise a bridge that can bear the heaviest loads. Use your science, technology, and mathematic skills and construct real world engineering marvels. Let your imagination soar! Around the World in 5 Days Pack your bags and board your flight! Journey around the world and discover the many mysteries of ancient civilizations. Take a step back in time and live like the ancient Pharaohs of Egypt and the Kinds and Queens of England. Experience the cultures of China and other far away places. Generate your own flight plan, design your own costumes, research customs, traditions, music and dance and use your culinary skills to create “around the world” cuisines. ACTing Up Calling all actors and actresses, playwrights, make-up and hair dressers, costume and stage designers! Star in a grand production of your version of fantasy movies, such as the “Hobbit” or the "Oz”. Focus will be on writing scripts, directing, designing sets and costumes, and performing your masterpiece to an audience. Experience the inner workings of a professional theater. Don’t miss the world of fantasy and experience it all. Phun with Physics Explore the world of matter and energy through hands on activities and experiments. Ride a hovercraft, launch rockets, swing a bowling ball pendulum, and learn how to spin like an Olympic skater, make a record player, explore the light spectrum, make electromagnets and much more. Investigate the forces of nature and how they affect our everyday lives. If you enjoy science, you will have lots of phun! Geology is a ―Jumpin‖ Rocks and minerals will keep this summer a rockin’. Some of you might even find it delicious as we cook up some of the different types! You can create your own conglomeration! And mine for minerals with only a toothpick! Are you impressed by fossils? You can form your own impression and see what develops. You will also have a chance to dig into Archeology with your own dig and trip to Cahokia Mounds.
Descriptions Grades 6th
– 8th
Robotics Reloaded Enter the world of robotics! Expand your knowledge of physics, mechanics, and programming as you design, build, and program a robot. Each day will bring a new challenge and each teams’ robot will have to adapt to compete. The week will end with the unveiling of a final challenge that will require creativity, mechanical skills, and teamwork.
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Dinner and Meals Lunch will be served each day at the high school. Dinner will be served at area restaurants.
Field Trips
To provide an exciting and hands-on learning experience, field trips will be planned based on the course of study. Transportation Transportation will be provided by the Litchfield School District. Transportation will be by van or bus. Evening Programs and Entertainment Evening activities will be offered for all students. The evening activities will be held off site and will allow time to socialize. The activities will include swimming, movies, and a Gateway Grizzly baseball game.
Spending Money
Students may want to bring spending money for snacks and field trip souvenirs.
Final Program A final program will be held on late Friday afternoon as an open house. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend this special program to see the students’ accom-plishments.
Residential Life for Students The primary responsibility of the Summer Gifted Academy staff is to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. To achieve this, we will carefully select and train our residential staff to serve the needs of the students. Students will stay each night in a local hotel under the direct supervision of the residential staff. The counselors will stay in the same hotel with the students who will have 24-hour supervision.
Residential Time There will be a residential time each evening between 10:00 and 10:30 before lights out. This is a time to relax and get ready for bed. Counselors will be monitoring the halls.
Commuter Students
Commuting students are those who choose not to stay the night. Commuters will be able to participate in all activities. They will need to arrive at 8:45 to participate in the daily kickoff each morning. They will need to be picked up as soon as the evening activity is over each night. The time will vary according to the activity.
Dress Policy Dress on campus is casual. Students may wear shorts, T-shirts, or other casual clothes that are neat, clean, and appropriate. No midriff may show. No T-shirts that advertise alcohol or tobacco will be allowed. Shoes are required at all events/sessions. Tennis shoes may be necessary at times.
Infirmary The Summer Gifted Academy will have a medical check-in table at registration to address medical concerns. Students will not be allowed to keep medication in their rooms unless the nurse authorizes it. This includes prescription and non prescription including over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, cough drops, decongestants, and antacids. Parents are required to discuss all medication upon arrival at registration. If a student doesn’t feel well, he or she will report to the person in charge. Any drug use outside of approved medication from the nurse is strictly prohibited. Parents will be notified if a child needs medical attention at the hospital.
Phone Calls
Students will have time to make personal phone calls during their free time. Students may bring cell phones but use is prohibited except during free time. If students need to make long distance calls, they should bring a phone card or cell phone. There will be no phones turned on in the rooms.
Summer Gifted Academy Eligibility For a student to be eligible to attend the Summer Gifted Academy at Litchfield Community Unit District #12, there are certain requirements:
Students must have a letter from their district confirming their participation in the gifted program.
Students not in a gifted program must have two letters of recommendation. The letters should be written by their superintendent, principal and/or teachers.
Student must have completed grades 4—8 in order to attend.
Application Procedures and Deadlines Admission to the 2017 Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy is on a first-come first-serve basis according to the postmark on the application envelope. We will not accept applications after May 15th without the permission of the director. To apply for the Summer Gifted Academy, please complete and sign the application page in this brochure. Mail the application and payment by check to: Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy Jo Brummet 1705 N. State St. Litchfield, IL 62056 Please make checks payable to Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy. Credit cards will not be accepted. THE FIRST PAYMENT IS DUE BY APRIL 15 FOR EITHER PAYMENT OPTION. We will accept applica-tions after April 15th if space allows. We strongly recommend you to apply as early as possible due to the space limitations.
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Program Costs
Covered Fees The cost of the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy for a commuting student is $395. Resident (6 days/5 nights) is $695. There is a $45.00 application fee included in the total cost of the camp. This amount includes the academic program, all laboratory fees and course material costs, all room and board charges including three meals, recreational program costs, and evening entertainment. It also includes the cost of transportation to and from the sessions and the evening activities while attending the session. The payment schedule outlined below is an example of two payment options. Payment Option One includes a discount of the $45.00 application fee for paying by April 15. NOTE: Applications will be accepted after April
15th but early enrollment will increase your child’s chance of being enrolled in the course of
their choice.
Option One Pay in full-no application fees
Option Two 3 Month Payment Plan
The $45 application fee, included in the first payment, is non-refundable.
Refund Policy
All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing.
The $45.00 application processing fee is non-refundable.
Refunds will be provided to any student who is not accepted into the program due to lack of qualifications.
Refunds will be provided to any student who chooses to withdraw from the program prior to May 1st regardless of the reason for with-drawal.
Tuition will be refunded, except for the application fee and the first payment, to any student who chooses to withdraw from the program after May 1st but before May 22. After May 22nd there will be no refunds.
Students who withdraw after May 22 will not receive a refund except in cases where serious illness prevents the student from attending or completing the session. A doctor’s certificate is required to receive the refund.
Contact Information Jo Brummet School Phone: 217-324-3955 Fax: 217-324-5851 Cell Phone: 217-638-7714-texts are best E-mail: [email protected]
Final Note The Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy is an opportunity for your gifted student to participate in a new adventure. For many young people it can be a frightening experience, one that creates stress and anxiety. On the other hand, it can also be a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and increased self-esteem and confidence. Students acquire an acute sense of who they are. There are hurdles to jump and obstacles to negotiate. One of the most common hurdles is family separation, more commonly known as “homesickness.” If this occurs, please be assured that the staff is experienced in dealing with these feelings. The staff is a highly sensitive and caring group of individuals. One of the best remedies is limited contact with the family at home, since a parent’s first reaction is to get Involved. If we allow the students to jump these hurdles their growth can be quite substantial. Student conduct and behavior expectations are high. Academic challenges, social, and recreational opportunities are the goals for the program. However, respect for others is essential. Each participant has the responsibility to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy. Tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are forbidden. Vandalizing, hazing, leaving campus* unattended, being in restricted areas on campus, willful destruction of property, academic dishonesty, and attempting to leave the rooms after hours will not be tolerated. Program dismissal may be a consequence. Rules and regulations must be followed regardless of age.
* Campus consists of Litchfield High School, hotel, restaurant, locations for evening activities, and any place where the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy may convene.
Payment
Due Date
Commuter Resident
April 15, 2016 $350.00 $650.00
Payment
Due Date
Commuter Resident
April 15, 2016 $195.00 $295.00
May 15, 2016 $150.00 $250.00
June 1, 2016 $50.00 $150.00
Total Due $395.00 $695.00
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Summer Gifted Academy Application—Registration Form
Please print or type
Commuter ___ Resident ____ Gender: M __ F ___ Shoe Size: ______ Present grade _________ T-shirt size (circle) YM YL AS AM AL AXL AXXL (grade during 2017-2018 school year) Student’s Name _______________________________________________________________________ Student’s Home Address ________________________________________________________________ City ______________________________ State _______ Zip ___________________ Home Phone ( ) ___________________ area code Student’s Date of Birth ________________ Age _____ Social Security Number_____________________ Racial Status Caucasian African American Asian Other ______________________________ Emergency Number ( ) _____________ Name of Emergency Contact__________________________ Parent’s Cell Phone ( ) _____________ Name of Parent ____________________________________ Student lives with (circle one) Father Mother Both Other ________________________________ Parents’ Names Father ___________________________ Mother_______________________________ Parents’ Occupation Father ________________________ Mother _______________________________ Business Phone Father ( ) _______________________ Mother ( ) ________________________ E-Mail addresses: Father __________________________ Mother_______________________________
Name of Student’s school ________________________________________________________ School Address ________________________________________________________________ Type (circle) Public
City _______________________________ State ________ Zip ____________ Private Parochial
Name of School Principal (Mrs. Ms. Mr. Dr. ) ________________________________________ Name of School Gifted Coordinator/Counselor (Mrs. Ms. Mr. Dr.) ___________________________ Name of Current Teacher or Homeroom Teacher (Mrs. Ms. Mr. Dr. ) ______________________________
You are required to include documentation of program eligibility. Please check the item which is enclosed to verify your eligibility: ______ School District Gifted Program Participation ______ 2 letters of recommendation Please choose the course you would like to attend. Please give your three choices in case we are not able to fill one of your requests. Please pay close attention to the grade categories: 4-6 and 6-8.
First Choice ________________ Second Choice ____________________ Third Choice __________________ Description Description Description
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Litchfield Community Unit District #12 and Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy
Medical Information and Release Form Student’s Name ___________________________ Parent’s Name _____________________________ Home address ___________________________ Home Phone ______________________________ ________________________________________ Work Phone _______________________________ Cell Phone ________________________________ Birth Date ________________________________ Additional Emergency Contact and Phone #: _________________________________________ Social Security Number ______________________ Relationship to Student_____________________
Medical History
I hereby give my consent for my child to receive emergency first aid and medical attention by the health care pro-vider, or the program director in charge, while my child is at the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy. Should my child require hospital care, I also give permission for the hospital medical personnel to render necessary treatment. Signed _______________________________________________________________________________________ Parent or Legal Guardian Date Student’s Insurance Company and Policy Number _____________________________________________________ Please attach both the front and back copy of the child’s insurance card with this form!)
Date of last tetanus vaccine ____________________
List of known drug/medication or insect bite allergies
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
List Current Medications ______________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Please keep the students medication in the original
bottle with the attached label. The school personnel
or an adult chaperone must control all medications.
History of seizures? Yes ____ No ____
History of fainting spells? Yes ____ No ____
History of chronic illness? Yes ____ No ____
Food allergies? Yes ____ No ____
Explain all yes answers _____________ _______
Anything you feel we should know
__________________________________
My child may be given Tylenol, Dramamine, Antihista-
mines or other over the counter medications as the need
arises. Yes ___________ No __________
Parent’s Signature
__________________________________________
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For Parent or Guardian I hereby grant permission for my child, while attending the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy (LSGA) to leave campus for approved field trips (when a trip is authorized for a particular course). I grant permission to the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy and Litchfield Community Unit District #12 to use quotes, camp pictures and/or photographic images of my child in LSGA literature and on the LSGA/Litchfield Community Unit District #12 website. ________________________________________________________ _____________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian Date
For the Student I understand that, as a participant in the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy (LSGA), I have the responsibility to work to the best of my ability in all of my classes, that I will conduct myself appropriately and follow all rules, regulations and policies of the LSGA program, that I will support the efforts of the LSGA staff and participants to preserve the cleanli-ness and beauty of the campus, that I will respect the property of others, and that I will respect the rights and privileges of all LSGA students, faculty, staff and others of the campus community. I understand that failure to comply with the above may lead to my dismissal.
____________________________________________________ ________________________________ Signature of Student Date
Payment Information
Application for the 2018 Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy is on a first come first serve basis for qualified students. Applications are accepted and processed upon receipt. Admission is granted or denied in the sole discretion of LSGA/Litchfield Community Unit District #12. The first payment is due by April 15. Payment option _____ Check # ( _______) _____ Cash ____ Money Order Credit Cards will not be accepted. Camp Amount enclosed $ ______________ DVD and CD $10/set Total Enclosed $ Mail application and payment to: Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy c/o Jo Brummet 1705 N. State St. Litchfield, IL 62056 First payment is due with application. Approximately two weeks is required to review the application to determine eligibility. An acceptance letter and the master schedule with selected course will be sent to the student by May 23rd. By April 15 the first tuition payment must be received by the Litchfield Summer Gifted Academy office in order to have a guaranteed spot at the academy. It is the responsibility of the applicant to adhere to the payment schedule in order to maintain his/her enrollment status in the LSGA program. Any nonsufficient funds checks received by the academy will be turned over to our collection agency. The check holder will be responsible for the check amount as well as the percentage charged by the collection agency.
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entrepreneur.
