O'Neill Public Schools

Dear Parents and Guardians,

You are receiving this letter because your child has been recognized as a high ability learner at O’Neill Public Schools either through test scores or teacher identification.

I am thrilled that I will be teaching an enrichment class to your child! For children in grade five we will concentrate on analogical and analytical thinking. Analogical thinking is the use of the known to understand and define the unknown. It involves the transfer of an idea from one context to a new one and the joining of two apparently unrelated elements. Analytical thinking is the process of examining and evaluating evidence or data, seeking the importance of information or self, and asking “why?” Analytical thinking often incorporates the investigation of clues in order to make a decision. To explore these two types of thinking, we will do both a philosophy and a debate unit.

In addition to this, students will be participating in the Future Problem Solving Program. This program engages students in creative problem solving. FPSP stimulates critical and creative thinking skills and encourages students to develop a vision for the future. I am excited about working with the students using this program. If you like to learn more about it check it out on the web at www.fpsp.org

Each week grade five students will come to my class on Tuesdays for 40 minutes. We will also meet for lunch on Wednesdays to discuss philosophical topics. Since we only meet once each week, there will be expectations for students to work outside of class. As a reward for students who complete all necessary assignments, there will be a field trip towards the end of the year.

I look forward to working with your child! Thank you for sharing them, as they are all very special! I would be happy to visit with you, so feel free to contact me anytime at 336-1400 or via e-mail jbauer@esu8.org

Enthusiastically,

Jennifer Selting Bauer

Enrichment Specialist & Talent Development Coordinator