GATE
Karna Roa,
GATE Coordinator
525-8350 x 134
email – gate@wrightesd.org

Program Description:
The curriculum is based on the district's student learning objectives, with opportunities for some acceleration and emphasis on problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, concept development, and process skills. GATE students in grades four through six attend classes for 75 minutes each week. High ability students in Kindergarten through the third grades receive differentiated instruction within their classrooms as well as the opportunity to participate in a small pullout program with the GATE coordinator.

The K-3 High-Ability program this year includes a modified version of the Odyssey of the Mind's long-term problem, “The Time Capsule.” Students will create and present a performance about a group of explorers that uncover a time capsule filled with five unusual items made by the team. The explorers will try to figure out what these odd items are and how they were used. The exploration may take place anywhere in any time period.

The GATE program will also offer the opportunity for its members (as well as teacher recommended students) to participate in after school enrichment classes including music and art. Class sizes will be small to ensure the highest quality program possible.

GATE Links

California Association for the Gifted

California Department of Education, GATE

SCOE, Lego Robotics

Starlab (Star Dome) from Lawrence Hall of Science

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted

National Association for Gifted Children

Odyssey of the Mind 2006-2007
The Wright School District is proud to offer the Odyssey of the Mind program to its GATE community as well as teacher recommended students. Our district has overwhelming success with this program and offers many challenging opportunities for students to grow and learn in a team environment. Here is a description of this year’s Odyssey of the Mind long-term problems.

Visit www.odysseyofthemind.com for a complete description of the program.

2006-07 LONG-TERM PROBLEM SYNOPSES
Updated on August 14, 2006

Problem 1: Tag 'em

The team's problem is to design, build, and run one, two, or three small vehicles that will make trips and get "tagged" within a Tagging Zone for score. The team will create tags and a system to remotely place them onto the vehicle. To receive maximum score for a trip, a vehicle will have one tag successfully placed on it and will continue traveling into a Home Area. The team will present a performance that incorporates the running and tagging of the vehicle. Cost limit: $145 USD.

Problem 2: The Large And Small Of It

This problem requires teams to create and present an original performance that integrates team-created Small Pages and Large Versions that change appearance. The method used to make the Large Versions change appearance will simulate the methods used to change the Small Pages. One of these methods must be technical. The Large Versions will serve as stage sets for the performance. During the performance a character will also appear to dramatically change in size. This effect will be created using technical means. Cost limit: $145 USD.

Problem 3: Classics ... Around The World In 8 Minutes

In this "classics" problem, teams will create and present a performance that includes a "Traveler" character on a trip around the world. During the trip, the Traveler will stop at three locations on Planet Earth that have different geographic characteristics. Two settings -- one polar, the other different -- will be actual places, and the third one will be an undiscovered location created by the team. The performance will include an explanation about why the character takes the trip and the reason it stops at each location. Cost limit: $125 USD. Sponsored by NASA.

Problem 4: Out Of The Box Balsa

The team's problem is to design, build, and test a structure made of balsa wood and glue that will balance and support weights. The team is allowed to use materials other than balsa wood and glue to assemble the parts of the structure. The structure will be designed to fit completely inside a box that is smaller than the assembled structure. When competition time begins, the team will remove the parts and assembly materials from the box, creatively assemble its structure, and test it by placing weights onto it. Cost limit: $125 USD.

Problem 5: I'm Only Thinking Of You!

For this problem, teams will create and present an original humorous performance that includes a Self-Centered Character (SCC) and a surprise. The SCC will take advantage of others three separate times. Two of the three times it will successfully convince others that it is being helpful and will say, "I'm only thinking of you," or something similar. The third time it will fail to deceive others into believing that its self-centered behavior helps them and its true nature is revealed. Cost limit: $125 USD.

Three WSD Teams Qualify for the 2007 State Finals!

Four of our eight teams earned medals in first, second, and third places at the Odyssey of the Mind Redwood Regional Tournament on February 10, 2007. Three of our teams qualified to compete in the State championship on March 31, 2007 at Whitney High School in Visalia, CA.

A special thank you to the District Board as well as private donors for their support of our students in traveling to the state tournament.  It is a costly venture to get all our students and their families down south to compete in this wonderful event.  Without your support it would have been impossible.

Teams representing WSD include:

JX; The Large and the Small of It

JX; Around the World in Eight Minutes

RL; I'm Only Thinking of You

Congratulations to all our fantastic coaches and team members. What a great success!