Blythe Elementary Talent Development Quarterly NewsletterNovember2012

Welcome Back

Welcome back to Blythe Elementary! I would like to congratulate all 4th and 5th grade TD students on their excellent performance on the EOG last year! Their hard work paid off and they met their goals for growth.

We are excited that you have selected us to serve the needs of your gifted child. At Blythe Elementary teachers plan weekly with a TD certified facilitator in order to help differentiate and enrich the Common Core and the new Literacy Program. The TD Classroom teachers deliver the TD curriculum throughout the week through whole class and small group lessons, as well as, centers during Workshop and Math. In addition, I will be visiting classrooms in order to co-teach with the TD classroom teachers. Weekly communication regarding information such as what they are currently learning in each subject will come from the classroom teacher. Each quarter, you will receive an electronic or hard copy of the TD Newsletter. This newsletter will also be posted on the Blythe TD Wiki site Please be sure to email me your current email(s) if you wish to receive electronic newsletters. The TD Quarterly Newsletter is designed to keep you informed of information pertaining to the school-wide TD program and/or additional programs/resources available for our gifted children.

As we begin the year, I know you have several questions. This newsletter will answer some of them, and the parent DEP (Differentiated Educational Plan) meeting held in October should have answered questions regarding curriculum. If you missed this meeting the power point is posted to the Blythe TD Wiki. Please feel free to email me at any time throughout the year with any questions or concerns you may have at . We look forward to providing you and your child with a rigorous and fun-filled gifted program!

Student Groupings/TD Teachers

and Kindergarten and first grade students that are TD identified will receive indirect services. This means that the classroom teacher will be responsible for the delivery of the enrichment materials. I, the TD Facilitator, will plan with these teachers to provide support and professional development when and if students are identified within these grade levels.

In CMS, all second graders are screened for possible Talent Development (Gifted) identification. The screening process takes place September-December. Identified students are working with me once a week in Mrs. Kolbenschlag’s and Mrs. Tezca’s class in Literacy and Math. You can find out more about the TD screening process and identification by visiting

This year the TD/Catalyst services will be provided through a team effort. Mrs. Cross and Mrs. Gregory are the 3rd grade TD classroom teachers.The three of us will work together each week in order to plan, differentiate, and enrich your child's learning. The classroom teacher will utilize the TD materials throughout the school week and I will be visiting to add additional enrichment and to co-teach your child once a week. I will also provide the TD curriculum and enrichment to all 3rd grade teachers that have catalyst students in their classes. Congratulations to the 17 students who participated in the Mathapalooza competition. Aidan Hrinsin placed 5th in the individual completion. Krish Patel, Sarah Limbach, Grandville Caldwell, and Hunter Smith placed 5th in the team build competition. Great Job!

This year the TD/Catalyst services will be provided through a team effort. Mr. Reid is the 4th grade TD classroom teacher.The two of us will work together each week in order to plan, differentiate, and enrich your child's learning. The classroom teacher will utilize the TD materials throughout the school week and I will be visiting to add additional enrichment and to co-teach your child once a week. I will also provide the TD curriculum and enrichment to all 4th grade teachers that have catalyst students in their classes.

This year the TD/Catalyst services will be provided through a team effort. Ms. Vasudev is the 5th grade TD classroom teacher.The two of us will work together each week in order to plan, differentiate, and enrich your child's learning. The classroom teacher will utilize the TD materials throughout the school week and I will be visiting to add additional enrichment and to co-teach your child once a week. I will also provide the TD curriculum and enrichment to all 5th grade teachers that have catalyst students in their classes.

Curriculum Student Programs

Every child in North Carolina will learn and be assessed on the new CORE standards You can see the specific skills your child will be learning (based on their grade level) by visiting You can see the specific TD programs used by visiting

Student Clubs

Chess Club is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:15 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. in the Media Center.

Math Olympiads is on Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. in the Media Center.