Kaleidoscope

KITE

July 30 - August 3, 2012

Download the 2010 KITE Newsletter here

Join the KITE Parent Yahoo Group

KITE Evaluation Form

What is KITE?

KITE (Kaleidoscope Institute for Thinking Excellence) is a one-week full-day advanced program for the high ability learner 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 2010 KITE parents:

"This was the most organized program I’ve ever worked with---from the promptness in returning my first inquiry call to the map of the classrooms, the info was top-notch. We loved KITE!"
"Our son positively glowed after the first day and had a marvelous time the whole week. This was one of those unbeatable experiences for our son (and us)."
"This was my daughter's second year at KITE and she has loved both years. She wishes the program were longer than one week!"

Note received January 28, 2011 from a former KITE parent:

"Many years ago my daughter attended your program. I truly believe that it was one of the best programs she has attended in her life. I still remember her enthusiasm about the program. It carried over to all aspects of her life. (She) is now a sophomore at (college) where she is thinking and creating 24/7. She is majoring in film and animation. I attribute her experiences at KITE to leading her in this wonderful direction. Thank you!"

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.

2012 Theme

For our twenty-third summer, KITE has chosen a very intriguing theme: “Animal, Vegetable or Mineral?” Do you have a pet Felis catus or Canis familiaris? Did you ever see an Ursus arctos in the woods? Learn more about Linnaean taxonomy, a system of classification established over 250 years ago, in which there are three kingdoms: Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral. Don't miss the chance to embark on this journey in the summer of 2012 as you explore these kingdoms and more as a KITE student. You might even learn some Latin along the way!

Examples of challenging and fascinating Special Interest topics might include math, science, literature, art, theater, psychology, zoology, botany, mineralogy and more. Other topics are chosen based on information we receive from your child's interest survey.

KITE students are eager, talented learners who have unlimited potential and who meet challenges with skill and determination. During the week, our skilled teachers will provide instruction on a variety of topics, pose 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. Pike’s computer lab will also be available to our students.

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 2011, 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 Daily

Tuition

$355 per child +$30 non-refundable Registration Fee.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds are given (less $100 cancellation fee) if student withdraws prior to
JUNE 1, 2012. No refunds available beyond that date.

Extended Day

Extended day arrangements (2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) are available at an additional cost of $95 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, 2012.

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.

For KITE information, please call (978) 475-1422 anytime.

Creative learning for children ages 3-13 July 9 - 27, 2012