St. Elmo Dragon Gazette

We have had a wonderful first few weeks of school with your children! For those of you who are new to St. Elmo, we utilize Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to drive our instruction. PBL consists of complex, real-world problems as a way to promote student learning of concepts and principles. Our teachers also extend the learning which is occurring at the home schools. At the end of the first semester, we will host PBL Showcase Nights in which students will present the work that they have been engaged in over the first half of the school year.

Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on "creativity and divergent thinking." We will explain to students the following skills and their importance - risk-taking, curiosity, adaptability, and originality. These and other 21st Century Skills will continue to be developed in our classrooms throughout the school year. As a Gifted facility, it is important that we constantly raise the rigor, focus on the development of individual talents, and challenge our students on a daily basis.

St. Elmo is also excited about being part of the final cohort of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Systems (PBIS) for the school district. The student expectations are defined later in this email. Teachers will teach lessons which are directly related to the behaviors that we wish to see from our Gifted students.

I am thrilled to be at St. Elmo each day this year. Education has always been my passion and I look forward to serving your children. Please contact me at any time if I can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Katie Lopez

Assistant Principal

St. Elmo Center for Gifted Education

(706) 748-3115