December 8 was an engaging day for 82 San Luis Valley gifted students. The students participated in the following activities: Create your own puppet, taught by Nina Carbutt (art teacher, Sargent SD), Light It UP: Make your own lamp, taught by Chris Dahle (Ortega MS, STEM teacher), Mythical Creature Makeover, taught by Bethany Talley from Creede Repertory Theatre, biology through board games, taught by Lyle Carbutt (science teacher, Sargent SD) and Beginners Folklorico, taught by Domingo Estrada (Adams State University). Classroom assistants were Lisa Powers (Mountain Valley), Janae Naranjo (Sargent), Madison Mansheim and Abigail Rendon (S. Conejos), and Mandy Mortenson (Sanford).

Creative Exploration Day was held at Ortega Middle School, which we are thankful to Alamosa school district and Ortega Middle School for the use of their building.

The students came from 11 SLV school districts and the grade levels served were 3rd through 8th grades. All the students enjoyed the hands-on experiences and were very proud of their projects and new skills to take into their world.

We are extremely grateful to all of the teachers who created such interesting classes, the classroom assistants who helped. and most importantly the parents of the 82 students for their time, effort and dedication to helping and working with all students in this worthwhile Fall 2018 Creative Exploration Day!

Respectfully,

SLV BOCES Gifted Coordinator Cheryl Franklin-Rohr and SLV GERC representative Linda Eickhoff