Due to PSSA testing, and the numerous SEE seminars taking place in March and April, in-house seminars have been temporarily put on hold. However, I am very excited to announce that Dr. Annalisa Crannell from Franklin & Marshall College will be visiting MCHS on May 17th for a seminar titled, “Art & Mathematics: An Unlikely Combination.” If you scroll halfway down the linked page, you can learn more about Annalisa and check out a similar interactive lecture to what she’ll be presenting at Manheim Central: http://www.maa.org/dist-lecture/past-lectures.html.

I am receiving information about numerous summer opportunities for our gifted students- many of which look GREAT. We are very fortunate to have Lebanon Valley College, Millersville, and Franklin & Marshall so close- all offer fantastic summer programs at an affordable price. Here are just a few of the topics that students may explore through these programs:

-Songwriting & Recording  -Theater  -Horror in Literature & Film  -Actuarial Science  -Forensic Science  -Psychology of Criminal Behavior  -Mobile App Development (Androd & iOS)  -Robotics  -Networks and Computer Security  -Video Game Design  -DNA  -Game Theory  -Statistics  -Rat Studies  -Photosynthetic Marvels  -Color Formation  -Summer Writing Camp           … and many more!

Contact me if you’re interested in any of the following summer opportunities and/or would like more information, please:

*SIG: Summer Institute for Gifted

*Millersville Summer Science Program

*LVC Youth Scholars

*Architecture Summer Camp

*Suquehanna University Summer Writing Workshop

Also, PCAD (Pennsylvania College of Art & Design), located right in Lancaster, is offering a variety of summer courses for our aspiring art students. There is even a one day workshop to help students prepare their art portfolio for college admission! Check it out here: http://www.pcad.edu/

As always, feel free to email me any questions/comments you may have at oneillm@manheimcentral.org.

Can you believe it?? It’s almost time for spring SEE seminars! If you haven’t already, please stop down to make your selections. The sooner you sign up, the better chance you have of getting your #1 or #2 choice! -Mrs. O’Neill

College Search & Prep– It’s Never Too Soon!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012         Seminar Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: The Conference & Training Center at IU 13

Presenter: Rachel Kiehl & Carolyn Hoy

Description: College might seem like light years away, but it will be here before you know it! So what do you need to know now so that you are prepared when it comes time to begin your applications? This interactive presentation, designed for the gifted 9th and 10th grade student, will show you how to navigate the process of college searching! During the morning session, we will discuss how to research colleges which might be a good fit for your personality, interests, and learning style. You will also learn about high school course planning, college admissions testing, and how a private college can end up costing as little as a public college. Then in the afternoon, we will look at the college application essay. This is an important part of a college application which lets the admissions people understand more about you by reading what’s NOT apparent on your transcript, SAT scores, and grade reports. By looking at the Common Application essay prompts, we’ll examine this crucial part of the process. By thinking of strategies and possible topics, you can get a head start on your college essay. It’s not too early to be thinking about what to write!

Shakespeare On Your Feet

Friday, February 24, 2012                     Seminar Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Millersville University

Presenter: Laura Howell

Description: There is no need to fear William Shakespeare after you participate in this workshop. After all, Shakespeare was a playwright (and an actor, too!) who wrote plays that were meant to be played to audiences with players performing in a playhouse. In case you missed the message, we will play with Shakespeare. We will break the myth that Shakespeare is only for the elite intellectuals as we breathe life into his texts and characters and discover the poetry and deep humanity of his words as actors still do today. Students will also be able to see the set for The Children’s Hour at the Millersville University Theatre.

Creative Expression Explored: Kevin Lehman’s Pottery and Lancaster Creative Factory

Monday, March 26, 2012                    Seminar Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Kevin Lehman’s Pottery (and Multi-Media) Studio, Lancaster

Presenters: Kevin Lehman and Studio Artists

Description: Artistic expression is a dynamic avenue for fostering and showcasing creativity. Artistic talent can be explored and developed in a variety of ways. This seminar will offer students an opportunity to see how Garden Spot High School graduate, Kevin Lehman, has used his passion for art to create a multi-media community center. SEE seminar participants will create with clay; decorate redware pottery with various techniques; and watch a demonstration of the highly specialized art form of glassblowing. After a short tour of the studio, students will be divided into 3 smaller groups. One group will attend the Clay Building workshop where students will learn three clay-building techniques; pinch, coil and slab construction that will be used for creating a group clay sculpture. The second group will attend the Redware Decorating workshop. This group will watch demonstrations on different techniques for decorating redware before trying it themselves. The third group will watch the Glass Blowing Demonstration in which a glass cup, bowl and ornament are created. Throughout the day, groups will rotate so all students experience each workshop.

The American Chestnut Project – Restoring a Native Species

Friday, April 13, 2012                       Seminar Time: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Location: LCC House Rock Nature Preserve

Presenters: Tom Stahl, Tim Eck, & Sara Fitzsimmons

Description: Students will be introduced to the historic importance of the American Chestnut and its’ ecological value in the landscape. What happened to the American Chestnut, what is the impact of similar mass extinctions, and what is being done to restore the species? This SEE seminar will look at the American Chestnut with an historical, economic, and scientific perspective, and students will gain knowledge of the breeding program of the American Chestnut Foundation. The restoration efforts of the American Chestnut Foundation (ACF) present lessons in genetics, ecology, evolution, history and horticulture.

EAT Poetry – A Poetry Experience!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012                    Seminar Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: The Conference & Training Center at IU 13

Presenter: Mickie Singer

Description: “EAT POETRY” is a workshop unlike any poetry workshop you’ve encountered. The idea of “eating” is to literally ingest, completely taking into one’s mind, heart and soul what will offer nourishment and growth. In this workshop, we will do just that…in a multitude of ways. Not only will we read poetry, but we will get right down into the middle of it, experiencing its cousins such as art and music too. You will need to bring a white t-shirt; a notebook or journal with a favorite pen; and a list of your favorite sounds and words. You are welcome to bring poems you’ve written, your favorite poetry books, and plenty of enthusiasm. You’ll read, write and hear poetry. Keep in mind this is not actually a poetry writing workshop but a poetry experience workshop. Be prepared to be infused with a love and understanding of our connection to rhythms – inside ourselves, with each other and, most of all, with the universe.

COSI Electronic Education: Total Knee Replacement (Live Videoconference)

Wednesday, May 9, 2012              Seminar Time: 9:45 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: The Conference & Training Center at IU 13

Presenters: Center for Science and Industry (COSI) & Henry Hershey, Hershey Physical Therapy Service

Description: Students attending this workshop will see a live knee replacement surgery from start to finish via videoconference. Those participating will have a truly memorable and powerful learning experience by being able to ask questions and interact with surgeons and medical personnel in the operating room, while watching a live, ninety-minute operation. There will be an information guide to be handed that details the actual surgical procedure and possible associated careers. NOTE: Due to the nature of this seminar, it is not for the weak of stomach! Henry Hershey of Hershey Physical Therapy Service, accompanied by Physical Therapist Erica Gerlach, will follow the live video of a total knee replacement surgery with a presentation on Physical Therapy rehabilitation following knee joint replacement and/or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) repair. Information regarding PT careers, opportunities, and pre-requisites will also be provided.

Susquehanna University invites high school students to submit fiction, poetry, essays, and photographs for the 13th volume of The Apprentice Writer. The Apprentice Writer is a publication featuring student writing and artwork that will be distributed to high schools and colleges throughout the United States.

Submission Requirements:

1. Manuscripts must be typewritten and double spaced on 8 1/2 x 11 pages. Poems may be single-spaced. The writer’s name, address, and appropriate teacher must appear on each page. Please be sure to affix sufficient postage.

2. We do not return written submissions. Please keep a copy for yourself. All rights return to the writer after publication.

3. If you are submitting photographs (must be black and white), and would like them returned, please include an adequately sized size self-addressed envelope. All other work will be destroyed.

4. There are no restrictions on style, subject matter, or length (up to 30 pages). We are looking for the best written work and photography by high school students (grades 9-12) from the United States.

5. Categories for submissions are fiction, poetry, drama, personal essay & memoir, and photography.

6. We send copies of The Apprentice Writer to accepted contributors and their teachers.

7. We are unable to acknowledge those works which are not accepted for publication. If you have not heard from us by May 15, 2012, your work has not been accepted.

8. Please include your name, address, email, name of teachers, and your school name on items submitted.

9. Submit individually or have your teacher send to: Gary Fincke, Writers Institute Director, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1001, 570-372-4164.

If you are interested, please stop down and see me at your earliest convenience. Thank you! -Mrs. O’Neill

On Friday, February 10th in the morning, Dr. Bennett Helm from F&M College will be coming to MCHS.

Dr. Helm is part of the Philosophy department at F&M, and he will be touching on various aspects of philosophy, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

More details will be coming to you shortly!

Good luck to everyone on final examinations!

-Mrs. O’Neill

This Monday, January 9th during advisory, former gifted students will return to talk with us about what it is like being gifted after their time at MCHS. Christian Hershey, Amanda Phillips, and Celeste Hershey are just three of the students who have volunteered their time to come back and share their experiences with us.

Join us for discussion of the following topics & many more:

-What is it like going to college in a large city after living in Manheim, PA?

-How is attending an ‘Honors College’ different?

-What is it like to live on campus in ‘Honors College’ housing?

-Are AP classes really a good representation of a college course?

-What advice would you give current high school alpha students?

*Please sign up on my door ASAP so I can make sure we have adequate space for this event*

I look forward to seeing you!!

-Mrs. O’Neill

Survivor:

Can you believe that it is almost December? I know that I, for one, cannot. Well, with December right around the corner, we all know what that means… it’s time for the annual Duct Tape Competition! Please find the details listed below.

Date: Tuesday, December 13th

Time: 8 am-10:30 am

Where: Middle School (We will be walking over. You MUST have a completed parent permission slip to attend!)

There will be a few COMPLETELY new materials to build with this year, so bring your creativity and team work skills. Snacks will be provided, and prizes will be awarded to our top teams!

UPDATES/REMINDERS:

-Cadaver Video Conference is set for Wednesday, December 7th! 9:00-10:00 am.

-Check back later this week for pictures from SURVIVOR at Lancaster County Park. Who knew cooked meal worms taste distinctly like popcorn?

Please note: Due to the impending torrential downpours in the forecast tomorrow, we are being forced to utilize our rain date for Survivor, which is Monday, 11/21. If you can no longer attend due to the change in date, please let me know.

Thanks,

Mrs. O’Neill

Thank you very much to the students who participated in our “Introduction to Japanese” seminar. Dr. Ikeda was wonderful, and we truly appreciate her volunteering to work with our gifted students. In a short time, she covered Japanese culture, a bit of history, the three writing systems (Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana), and quite a bit of language. By the end of the seminar, students were conversing with one another in Japanese, including saying: good morning, good afternoon, good evening, goodbye, thank you, you’re welcome, I’m sorry, no problem, greetings before and after eating, nice to meet you, my name is ____, family (mom, dad, older brother, younger brother, older sister, younger sister, grandpa, grandma, etc.), a few verb conjugations, numbers, and various other phrases/greetings.

In Japanese, my number at the high school is: nana ichi nana – roku roku yonn – hachi go roku  zero (717- 664- 8560). Please ask any students who attended how to say any of the above information!

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This Wednesday (11/16) is our SURVIVOR seminar at Lancaster County Park. However, determination will be made tomorrow regarding whether we should plan to utilize our rain date (Monday, 11/21) due to the forecast. An announcement will be made tomorrow regarding any update to our plans.

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Based upon the strong interest in medical sciences exhibited by our current gifted students, I have decided to have us participate in a  “General Cadaver Demonstration” videoconference on Wednesday, December 7th (8:50 am- 10:00 am). This videoconference is highly interactive and is presented by AIMS (Adventures in Medicine & Science), a program of Saint Louis University. The AIMS program has consistently been rated very highly by teachers, earning the CILC Pinnacle Award for the 2008-2009, 2009-2010, and 2010-2011 school years.

Please understand that participating in the videoconference is NOT a requirement. This is simply an enrichment opportunity extended to gifted students, and they may voluntarily decide to participate or not. If you are willing to give your permission for your son/daughter to view this videoconference, please complete the permission slip that your child will be bringing home. All permission slips must be received by Thursday, December 1st.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at your convenience (717-664-8560 or oneillm@manheimcentral.org).

P.S. Stay tuned for information on our annual DUCT TAPE COMPETITION COMING IN DECEMBER!!

Introduction to Japanese

Tuesday, November 8th

1:00-2:30 pm

 With Dr. Mayumi Ikeda

Consider bringing a Japanese dish to help us create an authentic afternoon!

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SURVIVOR:

You vs. the Elements

with Naturalist Lisa Sanchez

Lancaster County Park

 Wednesday, November 16^th

Rain Date: Monday, November 21^st

Park Time: 8 am – 2 pm

Do you accept the challenge?