August 12, 2024
June 25, 2024
June 20, 2024
August 26, 2010 | News, People, Photos, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments
August 26, 2010 | News, People, Staff, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments
by Kelsey Wagner, Academy Avatar
It has become a yearly tradition for the new arrivals at the Gatton Academy to travel to the home of Western Kentucky University President Dr. Gary Ransdell for a casual dinner on his front lawn as part of Adventure Week festivities. The picnic is generally held as a casual interaction between new students and staff, and serves as a great way for people to get to know each other in an informal setting.
Dr. Bruce Kessler, the Associate Dean of Odgen College and an Academy trigonometry professor, views the picnic as a great to ease students fears about interacting with faculty on campus.
“The students are all a little nervous right now, and I hope to reassure them that I’m actually a human being,” he said. “We’re here to reassure folks that it’s gonna be okay.”
Exemplifying the casual and friendly atmosphere upheld at the annual dinner, Kessler joked that “there are a few students who were complaining about the cost of textbooks. I said, ‘Hey, your trig book is free!’”
President Ransdell values this chance for building student-staff relationships, disclosing that “I want to get to know them personally and individually and I want them to grow confident and comfortable with the WKU experience. I want to lead by example and help lead the way for them to come to understand what we’re about as an institution and what they’re in for at the Gatton Academy experience. ”
As Ransdell mingled about the tables of dining juniors, patting them on the backs and making amiable conversation, he asked them about their experience so far. The cookout was a very friendly and comfortable setting, which, according to Ransdell, is a good thing. When asked why the President began the now-tradition of inviting new Academy attendees to the annual picnic, he said, “First of all, to get to know them. It’s an honor to have Gatton Academy students on our campus for the next few years.”
Apparently, lounging on the lawn of the leader for a luncheon is relatively commonplace, when it comes to letting the faculty get to know some of WKU’s most extraordinary people. “Just last week we had all of the first year international students here, and next week we’ll have all of the first-year honors students here,–about 3oo of them. Last week we had eleven teachers from China that are in our Confucius Institute that are teaching Chinese at local schools. We have lots of student and faculty groups here at the President’s home,” added Ransdell to the group.
Overall, the easygoing atmosphere and low-pressure, congenial spirit at the cookout was an equally good experience for both students and staff; they dined at the same tables, played each other in games of bocce ball and corn-hole, and generally got to know one another outside the meeting halls and classrooms.
“I had a great time interacting with kids at my table, and they were very sweet, and seemed nervous, but I think that’s to be expected,” noted Kessler.
Ransdell assures this is not the last interaction he will have with the Class of 2012 during their time on campus. “I’m just excited about this class of Gatton Academy students and cannot wait to get to know them,” he said.
by Kelsey Wagner, Academy Avatar
The staff members of the Gatton Academy met for two days at the All Saints Center in Leitchfield, KY, on the Rough River for their annual Staff Retreat earlier this month. The retreat, held on August 12th and 13th, featured three sessions with Dr. Tracy Cross, the Director of Gifted Studies at William and Mary University.
Dr. Cross, a former director of the Indiana Academy of Mathematics and Science, provided the staff with a “deeper understanding of high-ability students, in terms of social-emotional needs as well as academic needs,” noted Tim Gott, director of the Gatton Academy and attendee of the staff retreat.
Dr. Christopher “Pokey” Bowen, Assistant Director of Counseling Services, described Dr. Cross as “humble, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth.” Dr. Bowen also said that meeting Cross was the highlight of the trip, which also included open discussions and a concert performance by Sean Giddings, musician and Academy Residential Counselor.
This year, the annual trip wasn’t as much of a team-building experience between staff members given the majority of the staff was returning, although it did “build connections and camaraderie” among them according to Gott. Its focus was placed more on the students and gaining a better understanding of the best way to communicate with gifted/talented students. The sessions were a learning experience, with information gleaned about suicide prevention and the traits of such students.
The retreat was somewhat of a turning point for the direction the staff of the Academy heading into this new year in terms of the staff-to-staff and staff-to-student relationships. Bowen spoke of how meeting structure and communication between staff will become more inclusive. Also reported by Dr. Bowen were the staff’s plans for an “increase of communication with parents, students, and each other.”
After hearing Dr. Cross present his own research at the Staff Retreat, the staff and administration made plans to research gifted strategies themselves. In addition, Cross gave the Academy an informational binder full of resources and articles about teaching and fostering gifted students.
Of course, the retreat wasn’t all work and no play. Despite storms on the first day, Laura Huff, a new face this year and second floor RC, said that they also “hung out at the lodge, stayed up late, played cards, and went down to the river, and sat on the docks.”
Huff also met some members of the Academy personnel those two days. It was her first encounter with Pokey Bowen, Derek Strode, April Gaskey, and the coordinator for study skills, Keely P’Pool. Huff comments that she is “glad to be here,” and that she is looking forward to the upcoming school year. Gott agrees, reporting that the trip promoted “energy and synergy” and was a “good way to start a great year.”
August 26, 2010 | News, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments
by Brandon Kerr, Academy Avatar
What am I forgetting?
The majority of students coming to the Academy for the first time frantically asks this question countless times before move-in. They check and recheck their boxes and bags, ensuring they do overlook something of importance. Each student tries to bring items to the Academy that will help them to feel comfortable, prepared for classes, and more at home during their stay.
On Sunday, the unpacking process began. The student Community Leaders (CLs) helped incoming student transport their belongings from vehicles behind Schneider Hall to place where they would call home for the next many months. While helping unload, several of the students look over their peer’s possessions.
“Oh my gosh! That’s so cool! He has a pirate chest!” shouted Sydney Combs (Laurel, ’11) elated at the site of another student’s wooden trunk. Several times a unique piece of furniture turned out to prove as an effective ice breaker, sparking conversation between the CLs and the arriving students, with parents often being involved as well.
As students settled in and boxes emptied on Sunday, several of the new juniors could be seen sporting their personal treasures. “Dude, how awesome is this?”, asked Austin Taing (Warren, ’12) showing off his Pokémon towel to his suitemates.
Rebecca Brown (Nelson, ’12) proudly sported a silver necklace. Upon further inspection, it became apparent that it was more than just a fashionable piece of jewelry. One of her favorite possessions, the necklace consists of a D20 (a twenty sided die) wrapped in a spiral of silver, functioning as a pendant. “I feel like it just screams geek, but I still think it’s pretty cool.”
As a school that is often considered—if jokingly–to house only geeks, it’s strange to find that some of the most striking items are completely unrelated to academia. Rose Nash, residential counselor, commented on how she thinks the most unique items are often those with a “strong, and personal background.” Students often bring baby blankets, woven baskets, stuffed animals, or other items worthless in all regards but sentimental. Many feel that they help relieve homesickness, and help to make their room feel more comfortable.
August 24, 2010 | Academics, News, People, Research, Staff, Students, WKU | No Comments
[Video Blog] Gatton Academy First-Years Discover Research Opportunities During Fair from Gatton Academy on Vimeo.
Faculty from Ogden College of Science and Engineering and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at WKU met with Class of 2012 students to discuss opportunities to engage in research.
August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Photos, Student Life, Students, WKU | No Comments
Photos by Suzanne Van Arsdall, Academy Avatar
After months of applications, interviews, waiting, and planning, the Gatton Academy is proud to finally welcome our Class of 2012 to campus for Adventure Week and the start of an exciting two-year journey.
[flickr album=72157624667833395 num=100 size=Square]
August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments
by Krysta Waldrop, Academy Avatar
Emotions ran high on Sunday as parents helped their children move into Schneider Hall. For many families this was the first time they unloaded a car on a university campus–two years earlier than when the average student would leave for college.
Every parent handled the situation differently: some families encouraged their teens to socialize with other students in the common areas while others chose to spend most of their time together before departing.
Throughout the various meetings which took place during the day, parents asked a variety of questions, ranging from living arrangements to major traveling opportunities offered by the Gatton Academy.
Many parents were anxious about permitting their child to go into the care of strangers at such a young age and sad to see their teens leave. One parent stated, “I’m excited for my son, but it’s sad. I’ve been crying all week.”
Other parents, instead, had a lighthearted approach. “Well, I’m okay, and he’s certainly happy that I’m leaving now,” laughed a parent as she toted empty boxes back to her vehicle. Overall, they appeared to be reluctant to depart, but it was also apparent they were aware of, and passionate about, the countless opportunities that were now available to the new Academy juniors.
For some families, this wasn’t their first experience with the Gatton Academy; the Class of 2012 contains several students who are the siblings of former and current Gatton Academy students.
The Missik family, parents of Justine Missik (Boyle, ’11) and Lucas Missik (Boyle, ’12) were asked to compare their two experiences with letting their children attend the Academy. “It’s certainly easier this time; we aren’t as anxious,” noted their mother, Christine. “We know the people who work here and we know more about the program, so there’s less to worry about.”
The Class of 2012 has another student whose parents are familiar with the Gatton Academy, but not in the same fashion as the Missiks.
Dr. Claus Ernst and Dr. Uta Ziegler, two professors at Western Kentucky University, moved their son, Markus Ernst (Warren, ’12) into Florence Schneider Hall this year. The two WKU professors currently teach Computational Problem Solving and helped to originate the course during the program’s first year.
Ernst and Ziegler are very involved with the Gatton Academy and are often in contact with the Academy Director Tim Gott as well as other staff members. “This will be much less difficult for us than it will be for other parents who are here today,” said Dr. Ziegler. “We know a lot about the Academy, and we’ve worked closely with them for a long time.”
As the day came to a close, the remaining parents were required to leave. Despite their anxiety and reluctance to see their children living similarly to traditional college undergrad, they left feeling optimistic. Several parents noted that while it is hard to have a child leave the house, the Gatton Academy provides each student with an incredible experience filled with so many opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
August 23, 2010 | Academics, News, Parents, People, Staff, Student Life, Students | No Comments
The 2010-11 Student Life Handbook for Gatton Academy students is now available for download. Class of 2012 students received drafts of the document earlier this week. Please review the updated copy to ensure your understanding of revisions under academic expectations, attendance, graduation requirements, and student life policies. Many components of the Handbook also apply to the Class of 2011 as well.
Students and parents should pay particular attention to the new Class Attendance and Conduct Policy as well as the Classroom Intervention Program.
Any questions regarding academic policies should be directed to the Academy Academic Coordinator April Gaskey. All questions regarding student life should be directed to Beth Hawke, Coordinator for Residence Life.
August 23, 2010 | News, Parents, People, Student Life, Students | No Comments
by Sydney Combs, Academy Avatar
Early Sunday morning, a small army of Community Leaders stood–clad in bright green Gatton Academy attire–ready to swarm the first Class of 2012 student to arrive. When that lucky junior pulled into the parking lot at 8:15 in the morning, swarm the upperclassmen did.
Like kids to free candy, the Community Leaders flocked to each incoming junior and their family, transporting their belongings from the car to their room before they could even turn around. After a day of trucks and trunks filled with bins and duffel bags, all first-year students were moved in around two o’clock, ready to begin Adventure Week.
This first step into real life evoked mixed emotions from the students, parents, siblings, and staff members alike.
While Tucker Joyce (Mercer, ’12) moved into his room on the second floor, his grandfather and siblings sat patiently, confident in Tucker’s abilities to succeed at the Academy. Bryan Joyce, Tucker’s grandfather, seemed at ease, commenting on how his only concern was for his grandchildren and how they would fair missing their brother. “It’ll be tough,” he stated, “They are all three very close.”
Tucker’s brother Bailey, on the other hand, was more optimistic, focusing instead on how often Tucker will get to come home throughout the year. When asked how his parents felt about Tucker leaving, Bailey answered, “Well, right now they are pretty protective but I think that will change. It’s like they are sad to leave, but happy to let him go.”
It seemed like these conflicting feelings ran rampant throughout the parental community, striking victims such as Jay Porter, father of Jaymi Porter (Carter, ’12), “My feelings about Jaymi moving in are mixed; I’m a little sad but mostly excited. I know Jaymi can handle it.” However, when asked about moving in, Jaymi stated that she was only a little nervous, but mostly ready to start classes. She said, “I have been waiting all summer for this and now that I’m here, I’m just ready to jump right in and get started.”
Courageous and anxious for work, Jaymi’s confidence in herself was parallel to that of her parents. This also appeared to be the case for others such as Nikolaus Dilger, father of Daniel Dilger (Boone, ’12), who exhibited little worry for his son, “No, nope. Daniel has lived on campus twice and already has friends coming into the program. The atmosphere here is comfortable and with such unique people, he will undoubtedly feel at home.” For such a monumental step in the students’ and parents’ lives, the grace of the transition by all members was admirable.
As Academy Director Tim Gott mentioned early Sunday morning, “I am more excited about this year’s move-in than in years past. The program is getting better every year, and it started out pretty well to begin with. With the collective wisdom of our Residential Counselors and staff downstairs, I believe our years of experience will come together in a powerful way.”
With the apparent poise of the Junior class, supportive shoes provided by families, guidance from the Academy staff, and a cheering crowd of Seniors, there is no doubt that the recent additions to the Academy will provide a stunning performance.
August 18, 2010 | Academics, News, People, Student Success, Students | No Comments
Students at Western Kentucky University’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky outperformed their high school peers for the third consecutive year on the American College Test (ACT).
On Wednesday, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced the results for the recently graduated Class of 2010. Gatton Academy students outpaced their peers, receiving an average composite score of 31.0 out of 36 possible points on the exam — a score 11.6 points ahead of the statewide average.
As mandated by state law, all Kentucky public school juniors participate in the ACT, which assesses English, reading, mathematics and science and is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. Many college-bound senior take the test at least one more time during high school.
In the individual subjects, Gatton Academy graduates scored an average of 30.8 in English, 31.3 in mathematics, 31.1 in reading and 30.3 in science.
Academy administrators were pleased with the improvement in scores between since the class was admitted as sophomores in spring 2008. The average composite and math scores increased by 2.2 points.
The exceptional scores come as no surprise to Tim Gott, director of the Gatton Academy.
“It should come as no surprise that our students do well on the ACT since they were selected from among the top students in the state,” Gott said. “What pleases me most is the amount of growth from their sophomore year to their senior year. Going from an average composite of 28.8 to 31.0 is a substantial jump. This reveals the work ethic of the students and the rigor of our curriculum.”
Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations, added that Gatton Academy students showed strength not only in math but across the English and critical reasoning sections of the exam as well.
“Because the emphasis of the Gatton Academy is math and science, many individuals are surprised to learn our students are equally outstanding in the classroom in subjects across the academic spectrum,” Alderdice said. “Though our students intend to pursue advanced careers that require substantial study in math and science, we are pleased to know they are growing as problem-solvers and critical thinkers, skills that are crucial to a 21st century economy.”
Statewide, the 45,763 graduating seniors taking the exam received an average composite score of 19.4. In the individual subjects, students scored an average of 18.9 in English, 19.1 in mathematics, 19.7 in reading, and 19.5 in science.
Alderdice is also quick to share the success of Gatton Academy students on the test with their local sending districts. Students’ scores are included in the average of their local school on this and other required assessments, an important component in the shared relationship between the program and high schools from across the state.
“We hope to be viewed as an extension of every school and district in the state,” Alderdice said. “The scores are only possible with the combined preparation students received from their home institutions and continued study at the Gatton Academy. We are excited that districts are partnering with us to provide appropriate challenges while helping students grow academically and socially.”
For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.