Communication with parents is one of the most important components in the continued success of our students, our teachers and our program. Face to face communication is often the most effective and beneficial means for sharing information. However, there are many other ways to communicate and the Center staff attempts to maximize the options that are available. Below is a list and brief description of the approaches we use to keep parents and the community-at-large informed about the work that takes place at the Center.
Written Communication
Center Piece is a monthly newsletter containing Center and CCL-PTO news. Copies of this newsletter are sent to parents as well as to home school principals and central office administrators. Principals of private and parochial schools also receive a newsletter each month.
Grade Level Newsletters. Once a month, grade level teams send newsletters home to families. These newsletters review recent theme study activities and describe learning to take place in the coming weeks.
Minds in Motion is a student-produced yearbook. This yearbook is designed and produced by fourth and fifth grade students and is published once a year.
www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/giftededucation is the Gifted Program’s web site. It includes information about the elementary, middle school and high school gifted programs.
Performance Evaluations are sent home both weekly and quarterly with students. These written evaluations keep parents up-to-date on what students are studying and the level at which they are achieving curriculum goals.
Personal Notes and Telephone Calls are used by the teachers to share information with parents about their children and the progress they are making at the Center. This communication is as often initiated to share positive news and developments as it is to dialogue about concerns and strategies to enhance success.
Conferences and Meetings
Parent-Teacher Conferences are conducted in November and March. Conferences provide an opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss student strengths, areas for growth, and academic and personal goals.
Individual Conferences are conducted throughout the year as student issues/concerns arise. These conferences may be held at the Center or conducted over the phone.
PTO Meetings bring parents and the Center staff together in a collaborative effort to plan and implement programs and activities.
CCL Liaison Meetings provide an opportunity for building representatives to meet with the gifted program director to ask questions and discuss issues regarding the gifted program. The liaisons disseminate information from these meetings to the families in their respective schools.
Open Houses
Open House activities are held at both the Primary Campus and the Intermediate Campus. Information regarding the specific dates and times of the activities are on our master calendar and will be sent home with students.
Fall Focus Week is held each October at the Center. This is an informal open house when parents, teachers, principals, and district administrators are invited to visit and observe the students in their classrooms.
Gifted Education Week is celebrated each March throughout the state of Missouri. Parents, teachers, principals, and district administrators are invited to visit the Center and observe and/or participate with students as they engage in learning activities.
Grade Level and Class Demonstrations are opportunities for students to share their learning and projects with an audience. These presentations are scheduled both during the Center day and in the evening.
Special Topic Presentations are conducted by the Center staff to address the special needs of gifted students. There is a Fall and Spring Parent Education Series which covers such topics as the highly gifted, at-risk gifted students, and issues in educating gifted girls. Meetings are also held each January by the Academic Stretch staff to assist fifth grade students and their parents as they prepare to make the transition to middle school.
Special Events are planned each year that bring Center students and their families from across the district to a central location for the purpose of sharing in fun and fellowship. Past events have included an anniversary celebration of the gifted program, a talent show, curriculum carnival, a walk-a-thon to raise money for the fitness course, and a family supper.
Other Communication Opportunities
CCL Folders featuring the Center logo, current school year calendar, and other pertinent information about the Center are printed each year. These folders are included in the supply packets purchased by the students.
Weekly Goal Sheets / Learning Logs are completed by the students each week. These sheets provide parents with information on lesson objectives, class activities, and student performance. In addition, Student Portfolios are maintained to document student growth.
Classroom Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated at the Center. Volunteers are used to assist students with research, writing and editing reports, and planning and constructing projects.