Creative Exploration Day, December 9, 2017 was an engaging day for 55 San Luis Valley gifted students. The students participated in the following activities: Spark Fun Inventor’s Kit – creating with digital electronics, taught by Gina Randolph (physics teacher, Monte Vista HS), Coding – applications in everyday life, as well as coding using code.org taught by Ryan Sederquist (Alamosa Elem. 3-5 music teacher), Entomology – the study of insects, taught by Loraine Glidewell (science teacher, Monte Vista MS), Fairy Tales Drama, taught by Jehamy Morales from Creede Repertory Theatre, and Cooking – Competing in the Jr. Chef Cookie Challenge, taught by Adriana Chapa (Ortega MS, Home Economics & Spanish).

Classroom Assistant Instructors were Chris Dahl (Ortega MS), Nina Carbutt and Janae Naranjo, (Sargent), Vilate Thacker and AnnMarie Thacker (Del Norte). Creative Exploration Day was held at Ortega Middle School, which we are thankful to Alamosa school district and Ortega Middle School for use of their building.  

The students came from 10 SLV schools 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 Ms. Randolph, Mr. Sederquist, Ms. Glidewell, Ms. Morales, Ms. Chapa, Mr. Dahl, Ms. Carbutt, Ms. Naranjo, Ms. Thacker, and most importantly the parents of the 55 students for their time, effort and dedication to helping and working with all students in this worthwhile Fall 2017 Creative Exploration Day!!

Respectfully,
Cheryl Franklin-Rohr, SLV BOCES Gifted Coordinator
Linda Eickhoffm SLV GERC representative