By: Josh Parsons
WASHINGTON — Students in the school district’s LEO program last week got a chance to teach others what they learned the past year.
On June 13, parents and students gathered at the Pond Road Middle School for an overview of the program, which stands for Learning Enrichment Opportunities and is open to grades 3-8.
This was the first year for the gifted-and-talented program. The 90-minute presentation started with a short introduction of the students. It then moved into the classrooms.
“What I try to do is work with the curriculum for the grade level, and expand on what the teachers are doing,” said Anne DiGiuseppe, who is the LEO instructor. “I work closely with the team of teachers to focus on creativity.”
In addition to enrichment programs by grade level, selected students have the chance to work on independent projects. Students got an opportunity to teach what they learned to the parents in a series of lessons, which were taught in three 10-minute sessions.
One such project, taught by Casey Kennette, was about the waning population of African wild dogs.
“I think it is really important to learn about the dogs because they need our help,” she said.
Casey added about LEO, “It’s a really great program because it challenges you.”
Fifth-graders Elizabeth Michal and Jaclyn Evans showed off their project, titled “E.J. Farms.” The students taught about the lives of Shetland ponies, and the lives of the farmers who care for them.
Another lesson, presented by student Jeff Geels, was on time capsules. He ordered his own on the Internet, which he will bury at his family’s home during their annual Fourth of July picnic.
“Of course I’ve seen them on TV, and I thought I would bury one,” Jeff said.
Ms. DiGiuseppe said the LEO program should get even better during its second year because it has received a grant from the Washington Township Education Association’s Resources Offered to Gifted and Talented in Education program.
