to

      Ms. Susan Bell's Room

 Gifted Specialist

3rd - 5th Grades

                              Welcome to E.T.C.!  Our room theme is "Intellectual 

                     Freedom."  Third graders will be involved in the Animal Research 

                    Project.  This project is a "kid-friendly" approach to the research

                    process.  In learning to use reference materials, students will

                    read for information, learn to take notes, and to organize

                    information.  Students will study animal classification, habitats,

                    population, and adaptations.  They will create a model of their

                    animal, and present their information to another class or to an        

                    audience in the community.  They will visit interactive websites

                    and communicate with experts in the field via e-mail.        

                        Fourth and fifth grade students will engage in Independent  

                    Study.  Each student must identify a problem, issue or theme 

                    related to a topic of interest.  After writing research questions, 

                    students will study their topics in depth.  They may contact U.S. 

                    Embassies, research institutes, and other organizations to 

                    request information, or make on-site visits.  They will write 

                   business  letters, make phone calls, send e-mails or conduct 

                    interviews.  The purpose  is to connect students with an expert  

                    in the field of study, and to give students real life  experiences in 

                    communication, problem solving, decision-making, and

                    data gathering.  In January, every child will present the findings

                    of their study to another class, or to an audience in the

                    community.

                        Additionally, all students in the gifted program will participate in 

                    an accelerated math  problem solving class.  They will learn to use

                    several different strategies to solve problems on or above  grade

                    level.

                        At Fulbright, we have an open door policy in E.T.C.  Parents are 

                    welcome to visit at any time.  I am looking forward to a great year!

                                                       Susan Bell