For the 27th year, The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University sponsored the Kentucky ceremony for the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) to honor seventh-graders who performed well on tests intended for college-bound high school students, the ACT or SAT.
The ceremony was held on May 29 in WKU’s Diddle Arena. Students received medals acknowledging their accomplishments.
For the past 26 years, thousands of gifted and talented seventh-graders have traveled to WKU’s campus to be recognized in the Duke TIP Talent Search. This year 1,300 of the 2,870 Kentucky students taking the tests qualified for state recognition. Two Kentucky seventh-graders — Mary N. Lee of Lawrenceburg and Valerie Y. Sarge of Lexington — earned a perfect score on one or more sections of the SAT or ACT.
Scottie-Beth Fleming of Scottsville keynoted the event. Fleming has had a long and happy relationship with The Center for Gifted Studies, has participated in Super Saturdays, SCATS and VAMPY, and traveled to England, France and Italy with The Center’s travel study program.
She will graduate in December from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta with a degree in aerospace engineering and plans to complete a master’s in the same field. She is participating in her fourth co-op with NASA at the Johnson Space Center.
The Duke TIP Talent Search program is beginning its 29th year and is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region.
More than 1.5 million students have completed the Talent Search since its inception in 1980. The Talent Search identifies academically talented seventh-graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are identified and invited to complete either the SAT or the ACT. Duke TIP then provides the participants with comparative information concerning their academic abilities and resources for unique educational opportunities.
For more information about Duke TIP, visit tip.duke.edu/.
For information, contact Gifted Studies at (270) 745-6323.
As the current school year comes to a close, we hope the year has brought you success and new discoveries in your studies. The second year for the Gatton Academy has brought numerous successes to the staff and student body. It has been a wonderful learning experience that we look forward to continuing with the Class of 2011. We hope you share our enthusiasm about the infinite possibilities that are ahead.
Now that we have received your Statement of Commitment, please review the enclosed materials in preparation for the May 30, 2009, Gatton Academy Orientation Day. The day’s events will begin at 11 a.m. CDT with a cookout behind Schneider Hall. Sessions will finish by 3 p.m. Parking is available in the parking structure adjacent to Schneider Hall.
Please RSVP for Orientation online at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com. Please include numbers for all members of your party so that we may order the correct amount of food. Please RSVP no later than Monday, May 25, 2009.
Please return all forms noted in this message on Orientation Day. If you are unable to attend, please return the forms by mail as soon as possible.
The Permission to Release Education Record Information is a release of privacy regarding your grades and other information that is granted to college students. Because Gatton Academy students are still in pursuit of a high school diploma, we must ensure that parental oversight is still in place.
The Residence Hall Survey of Interest will allow us to create suitable roommate matches for incoming students. If you already have a roommate in mind, you may request that person; however, both students must make the request on their form.
Please download a copy of the Gatton Academy Student Handbook. The handbook contains information regarding academics, residential life policies, and other expectations for Academy students. You will review an updated handbook on May 30th with Gatton Academy staff members. You will also receive a printed copy of the handbook on Orientation Day as well. Any questions or concerns regarding handbook policies may be addressed at that time. You will sign the Student Handbook Acceptance Form on Orientation Day.
Several WKU professors are conducting an examination of Gatton Academy students’ social cognitive characteristics. Having gifted students in this environment is ripe for exploration and will allow the Gatton Academy to contribute to the body of research being conducted at similar institutions around the country. The Informed Consent Document should be signed by you and your parent if you wish to participate in this important study.
In order to effectively communicate with Academy students, we will begin utilizing email on a regular basis through the students’ WKU issued email address. Now that students have been admitted to the Gatton Academy, WKU has issued a WKU Email address to each student. It is extremely important that you check your WKU email account often for important notices and details on upcoming events. This email address will be utilized daily during your time at the Gatton Academy. WKU’s Information Technology Division has a useful tutorial on setting up your email account online.
1. Go to http://www.wku.edu/infotech/.
2. Under “Administrative Systems and Applications” click “Email.”
3. Begin with “Manage Email Account” and proceed to “Getting Started.”
Most students have been registered for their fall classes. Students may view their schedule online using TopNet. TopNet has a variety of features and is the hub of a student’s WKU account, including billing, final grades to name a few. Students are not to alter their schedule using TopNet. Only Academy staff members may add or drop courses for students. To learn more about TopNet, follow these steps:
1. Go to http://topnet.wku.edu/.
2. When you log-in for the first time, you should use the last six digits of your Social Security Number as the PIN. You will be prompted to establish a new PIN once logged-in.
3. Additional TopNet help is available by clicking “Not sure how to login? Please click here to find out more.”
Once you have received grades for the spring 2009 term, it is imperative that you send an updated transcript to the Academy office. Additionally, as Advanced Placement (AP) test scores arrive later this summer, students should inform the Academy of scores for which you seek credit at WKU. Please note, to receive credit an official score report must be submitted to WKU, not a photocopy to the Academy office. Students who receive credit for courses will have your fall 2009 schedules modified as needed by Academy staff members.
Finally, the Office of Admissions at WKU has requested that all students have an official ACT or SAT score report on file with the university. When taking either test, many of you have already requested those scores be sent to WKU. For students who submitted older scores to the Academy or did not list WKU as a recipient school, you will need to request an official score report. Reports may be ordered online:
We are excited that you have chosen to take this step in your academic career. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Academy office. We hope to make your transition this fall as smooth and rewarding as possible. We look forward to seeing you soon!
One of the most frequent questions we receive at the Academy is from parents and students who are not yet on track to complete Algebra II by the end of their sophomore year. This question is simple: how can we do it? One of the best options is to consider taking a class through the Kentucky Virtual Schools, an online option that offers courses in the summer and fall semesters. Learn more about KVS from a message they send to counselors reprinted below:
Registration has been extended for Summer 2009 courses offered by the Kentucky Virtual High School. Students from schools throughout Kentucky are taking interesting and challenging courses online through KVHS. With approval of their local school, students may take courses that are not taught in their building or that do not fit into their busy schedules. Because these courses are available on the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, students can work from school, from a library and from home — from any Internet-connected computer to which they have regular access. KVHS courses are taught by Kentucky-certified teachers and are aligned with the Program of Studies and Core Content. To see the KVHS Course Catalog for a full description of all KVHS courses, click here.
KVHS Schedule
The Kentucky Virtual High School Summer 2009 Session Schedule is as follows:
Registration Ends: June 3, 2009
Classes Begin: June 8, 2009
Last day to withdraw without a fee: June 18, 2009
KVHS Fees
KVHS charges fees to recover costs. The fees for our courses are:
$150 for a credit recovery course*
$150 for .5 credit-valued course*
$300 for a full credit-valued course*
*If a student drops after the official drop date, the full course fee will be assessed.
KVHS Course Materials
Many of our courses include online materials; however, some of them do require that additional ones be purchased. To view the KVHS Prerequisites and Materials List, click here. These materials may be purchased online or at any retail store of the student’s choice. For the convenience of the students of KVHS, we have arranged for materials that are needed to be purchased through Specialty Books by clicking here. The materials may also be ordered by calling Specialty toll free at (800)466-1365 Ext 242. Be sure to identify yourself as a Kentucky Virtual High School student and the course that you are taking. Please order your needed course materials as soon as you have made your course selections. This will eliminate any delay in delivery.
If you have any questions that have not been addressed in this email regarding the Kentucky Virtual High School you may call (866)432-0008 toll free in KY or (502)564-4772.
Western Kentucky University, The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, is seeking applicants for an Assistant Residential Life Coordinator. This is a 10-month position. The position reports to the Residential Life Coordinator. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2009. This is an extraordinary opportunity for professionals who wish to make a true difference in the lives of young people who are gifted and talented and in the future of the Commonwealth.
In the Fall of 2007, the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky opened as the nation’s 14th state residential school with a focus on mathematics and science. Located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, the program provides extraordinary academic and research opportunities for Kentucky high school juniors and seniors who are academically talented and interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. One hundred and twenty Academy students earn at least sixty hours of college credit while completing their high school diploma in both a residential and peer-supported living/learning environment.
Responsibilities:
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.
Plans, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates student social / recreational activities and academic/developmental programming for Academy students both on and off campus
Monitors, logs, and assesses all programming activities and events for Student Life team
Participates in transportation and student activities responsibilities with Residential Counselors
Creates and monitors recycling program for the Residence Hall
Maintains the Residential Life Desk space and equipment such as recreational equipment, games, videos, tools, and other residential items
Provides on-call support and emergency response
Coordinates and supervises the student community service program
Assists with coordinating the maintenance and care for all Academy vehicles
Assists with judicial matters for the Academy students
Serves as a member of the Academy Leadership Team
Performs additional assigned tasks as delegated
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree
Experience with Residential Life
Must live at the Academy
Experience with social and educational programming for secondary or post-secondary students.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Experience with gifted high school students
Live-in residential experience with secondary or post-secondary students
Salary Grade: 106
Expected Salary Range: $2,084.00 – $2,917.00 per month, plus housing, medical and dental benefits
Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience, a current resume, and the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the online application process. Transcripts may be requested at time of interview. Please refer to the following website to apply: http://asaweb.wku.edu/sjobs Reference requisition number S2301. For further assistance call (270) 745-5934. To ensure full consideration submit application materials by June 1, 2009. Position will remain open until filled.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply including women, minorities, persons with disabilities and disabled veterans.
Western Kentucky University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Gatton Academy honored 55 members of the Class of 2009, the first group of students to complete the two-year program.
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky honored its first group of students to complete the advanced, two-year program.
Fifty-five students representing 35 counties from across the Commonwealth were recognized during Saturday’s ceremony held at E. A. Diddle Arena. The ceremony not only celebrated the significant accomplishments for this first cohort of students but also looked toward the infinite possibilities ahead for the program’s graduates.
Gatton Academy Executive Director Julia Roberts expressed the day’s events were not only a celebration of the Class of 2009’s personal accomplishments but also a milestone for Kentucky.
“Celebrations come in many kinds,” Roberts said. “For you, today is the time to celebrate both academic and personal accomplishments. Today we celebrate that the Commonwealth of Kentucky provides this challenging educational opportunity for young Kentuckians who need to be with peers who are ready to learn at advanced levels. We celebrate that the Gatton Academy is dedicated to developing leaders in math, science, engineering, and technology to ensure a bright future for Kentucky.”
David Laird, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Business Development, Jewish Hospital and St. Mary’s Healthcare of Louisville, delivered the commencement address. Laird encouraged the graduates to establish their place in an ever-changing world while resolving themselves to mastery of their pursuits.
“You’re getting ready to step in a new direction,” Laird said. “Find your footing. Be sure of your direction. Follow your passion. Ride the wave of change if there are opportunities.”
Over the past two years, Gatton Academy students have taken advanced coursework in mathematics, science and other subjects at WKU in fulfillment of high school requirements and the Gatton Academy curriculum. In all, students have each earned over sixty hours of college credit.
Gatton Academy Director Tim Gott shared his gratitude with attending faculty members for their role in making the program’s learning environment a challenging and rewarding experience for students.
“Faculty members have been responsible for engaging the minds of these students through the provision of rigorous coursework and introducing them to advanced concepts not typically available to high school students,” Gott said. “They answer questions while providing a host of new ones to follow. More importantly, they also give freely of their time and share their personal explorations as mentors in research.”
53 percent of students participated in a facilitated research project with university faculty members. Research accomplishments include WKU’s first Department of Defense SMART scholarship recipient and WKU’s only 2009 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship winner.
Rachel Bowman, a graduating senior from Murray and recipient of the SMART scholarship, reflected upon her experience as an Academy student and the bonds shared by her community of fellow learners.
“I quickly realized when I got here that there was one thing we had in common: passion,” Bowman said. “It was not abnormal intelligence or unprecedented talent, but that we cared about something, anything. Being here has simply given us the tools we need to pursue these passions even further.”
In pursuit of those academic goals, three out of four graduates plan to attend Kentucky higher education institutions with 23 continuing their studies at WKU.
In the fall of 2009, representatives from the graduating class will attend sixteen schools across the United States: Agnes Scott College, Case Western Reserve University, Faulkner University, Hendrix College, Kettering University, Marymount Manhattan College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Murray State University, Point Park University, Sewanee: The University of the South, Smith College, Thomas More College, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Miami, and Western Kentucky University. Three out of four graduates will continue their studies at Kentucky institutions of higher learning.
Four-year scholarships totaling over $7.5 million were offered to the graduating class while over $3 million in four-year scholarships were accepted.
Ten members of the senior class were named Kentucky Governor’s Scholars. Three members of the class were selected as National Merit finalists. In all, seniors completed a total of 2240 hours of community service during their time at the Gatton Academy.
“These students have taken the most rigorous curriculum offered to any high school student in the nation,” Gott said. “They left the comfort of home and established a level of independence that will impact their lives forever. They have forged new friendships which will grow exponentially in the years to come. They have given themselves in community service throughout the state inspiring younger students, building new homes, and expanding awareness of the opportunities in math and science. They will become the leaders of this great Commonwealth.”
In the end, Bowman and her classmates are ready for the new challenges ahead thanks to the preparation they have obtained at the Gatton Academy and WKU.
“The best kind of education allows someone to not just know their field but to be the one who redefines it,” Bowman said. “That’s exactly what we’ve received here.”
Members of the Gatton Academy Class of 2009
From Adair County: Bethany Coffey and Jennifer Ludden
From Allen County: Aaron Bell
From Barren County: Travis Redford, Brittani Stone, and Caroline Wells
From Bath County: Marion Compton
From Boone County: Clayton Peace
From Boyd County: Benjamin Messick
From Calloway County: Rachel Bowman and Nicolas Burnett
From Campbell County: Sara Kuhl
From Carter County: Christopher Coleman
From Crittenden County: Matthew Brasher
From Daviess County: Seth Duke
From Estill County: Shelby Rader
From Fayette County: John Bowie, Alexander Chen, Daniel Coffman, and Rachel Moore
From Grant County: Ruben Cid
From Hancock County: Torie Bertke and Justin Howell
From Hardin County: Colleen Gavin, Nathan Griffin, and Dalton Hubble
From Hart County: Stephanie Burba
From Hopkins County: Mitchell Michael
From Kenton County: Kevin Kappes
From Livingston County: Billy Cunningham
From Madison County: Jennifer Wojno
From Mercer County: Kevin Allen, Daniel Price, and Takuto Uchida
From Monroe County: Ashley Coley
From Ohio County: Matthew Kirk
From Oldham County: Jess Heichelbech
From Powell County: Jonas Ringl
From Pulaski County: Haley Gregory and Tyce Hodges
From Shelby County: Chris Obermeyer
From Simpson County: Samuel Crocker
From Trigg County: Suzanna Sadler
From Trimble County: Benjamin True
From Warren County: Ruby Chang, Allyson Dilliha, L. J. Parrigin, Allison Paul, Katherine Riley, Kristine Song, and Rebecca Wheeler
From Wayne County: Gregory Pullen
From Whitley County: Catherine Smith
From Woodford County: Tara Cusick and Kaitlin Hartley
For more information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-2971.
