Creative learning for children ages 3-13
July 12 - 30, 2010
KITE
August 2-6, 2010
What is KITE?
KITE (Kaleidoscope Institute for Thinking Excellence) is a one-week full-day advanced program for the academically talented child at Pike School for Grades K - 8.
From KITE kids:
- "I learned how to organize things in my head and make good decisions."
- "This past KITE program was just perfect."
From KITE parents:
- "We feel the program was wonderful and our daughter benefited tremendously."
- "The staff was well-prepared and enthusiastic and this was reflected in the students' success."
Who Should Go to KITE?
If your child grasps new concepts quickly and deeply, asks questions that show depth of understanding, often adds that “something extra” to a project, seems motivated to explore new ideas, spends time waiting for others to “catch up”... then we highly recommend that you try the KITE program this summer. Please feel free to call us at (978) 475-1422 any time to discuss your child and to determine whether the KITE program would be a good match.
2010 Theme
For our twenty-first summer, KITE has chosen a very positive and intriguing theme: “Climb Every Mountain”. KITE students are eager, talented learners who have unlimited potential and who meet challenges with skill and determination. No slope is too high, no trail too rocky and no stream too deep to prevent our KITE adventurers from exploring and conquering. Join our KITE 2010 Expedition as we follow every rainbow and find our dreams.
What would you pack in your survival kit before our expedition begins? What dangers lie along the way? Can you use a compass? What is the tallest mountain in the world? In North America?
During the week, our skilled teachers will provide instruction on a variety of topics, pose challenging open-ended questions and function primarily as a “guide on the side” rather than assume the more traditional teacher’s role of “sage on the stage”.
Students will create “hands-on” projects based on some of their own interests. Active learning is emphasized as they stretch their critical and creative thinking skills with a group of enthusiastic and capable peers.
Examples of Special Interest groups might include: Reach for the Summit (theater/drama); Rocky Road Math; Survival 101; Animals and Shelters (science/engineering); Avalanches and Other Disasters, and more.
A typical first day at KITE begins with a large group gathering. Students return with their teachers and grade-level groups to a highly enriched classroom setting, where individual needs and interests lead to exciting projects/learning activities. Each year a general theme is chosen and woven throughout the week’s activities.
The Pike School provides exceptional opportunities to use its immediate and surrounding resources. The week concludes with either a performance or formal display of students’ efforts, and parents and friends are invited to attend.
To view pictures from KITE 2009, click here.
Highlights
- Emphasis on higher order creative and critical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills
- Use of the nationally validated "Talents Unlimited" thinking skills model, including productive thinking, communication, forecasting, decision-making and planning activities
- Chance to meet and work with other outstanding students, share interests and abilities, and make new friends
- Individual and small group independent investigations
- In-depth study of student-determined high interest topics
Prerequisites
- Above average academic skills
- Independent learning skills
- High degree of motivation
- Teacher survey (sent upon registration)
- Student interest questionnaire (sent upon registration)
- Recommendation of previous year's KITE teacher (if applicable)
Time
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM DailyTuition
$325 per child +$30 non-refundable Registration Fee.Cancellation Policy: Refunds are given (less $100 cancellation fee) if student withdraws prior to JUNE 1, 2010. No refunds available beyond that date.
Extended Day
Extended day arrangements (2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) are available at an additional cost of $90 per child. Please indicate if you need this service when registering. Early Care (8-9am) is also available for $30 per child.Registration
The registration form can be found here. Teacher survey and student interest survey will be mailed upon receipt of registration form and tuition. Children will receive several letters prior to the start of the program.Please indicate grade level completed as of June, 2010.
Class Size
Each class has 12 students.
Coordinator: Janis Baron
Director: Ethel Coltin
Instructors:
Highly qualified certified teachers with training in gifted education and /or higher order thinking skills. All have been trained in the nationally validated Talents Unlimited thinking skills model.
