Where Passion Meets Education

 *  Math Marathon        (for Grades 3-4)    offers students gifted in the area of mathematics an opportunity to experience and learn challenging, new math concepts. Math specialists present hands-on workshops in three rounds during the course of a morning. The binary system of probability and Trachtenberg addition are among the many topics that have been previously presented.

*  Junior Model United Nations   (for Grades 7-8)  is a simulation several months in duration. Students in Grades 7-8 form delegations of three persons, each of which represents a member nation of the UN. Delegates research the history/geography of their member nation, address major world issues from the perspective of that nation, and develop resolutions to bring before fellow members on Junior Model UN Day. On the morning of that day, delegates meet in committees to finalize the resolutions to be discussed at the afternoon's plenary session of the General Assembly. At that time, resolutions are presented, debated, and voted upon. 

* Workshop on the Arts  (for Grades 6,7,8)  is a two-day event incorporating  art, vocal music, instrumental music, dance, drama, and creative writing.  On day one, professionals from the artistic community conduct student workshops. Scenarios are provided to collaboratively  create, interpret, design, and perform on day 2.

* Spelling Bees  (Grades 3-5) and  (Grades 6-8) afford students opportunities to apply their excellent spelling skills  in competition with  spellers from many school districts. Trophies, ribbons, and a cash prize are awarded. 

* Interpretive Reading   Interpretive reading is the first level of public speaking offered to JV  (Grades 5-6) and Varsity (Grades 7-8). 

Students are coached in their district school. They then read a prose or poetry selection in two rounds at a regional tournament. Each team must be accompanied by a trained judge. Training is provided in the fall. The top five students at each level advance to the final round. Top individuals and winning teams at both the JV and Varsity levels earn trophies.

* Learning Carnival is an opportunity for Gifted and Talented students in Grades 3-5 to broaden their interests. Numerous presenters facilitate challenging, creative, and hands-on workshops in areas or dimensions new to attendees.  Mock trials, cartooning, forensic medicine,  and advertising are but a few of the diverse topics presented.

* Debate is the most challenging level of public speaking offered. In the NJCGTP debate format, students research, prepare, and present timed speeches and rebuttals in support of or against a given controversial topic. Many high-level skills are necessary: researching, assessing sources, critical thinking, persuasive writing, editing, critical listening, oratory, and extemporaneous public speaking. A coaches training workshop is offered in October to explain the Consortium’s debate format and to provide lesson plans that can be used to prepare students for the Consortium’s debate tournament, held in May. Each district may send up to two JV teams (Grades 5-6) and two Varsity teams(Grades 7-8), with each team  consisting of two Affirmative speakers, two Negative speakers, plus one timer/alternate. Coaches must also bring one trained judge per team to the tournament. Judges training workshops are held in May. Top Affirmative and Negative teams win trophies.

* Brain Bowl  is a knowledge-based competition for teams of students in grades  3,4, and 5.  All teams will rotate through three preliminary rounds of competition in the areas of math, reading, science, social studies, and pop culture. After the three rounds of competition, the four teams with the highest  scores will advance to the final round of competition. 

*  Living Voices …. An Oral History Project    It is well recognized that it is important to listen to the experiences of our community leaders, our grandparents, and even our parents to gain an appreciation for the history of a time or location. But it is also critical to capture the voice; the dialect, the accent, and the emphasis to truly create a whole picture. Capturing the oral record is easier now than it has ever been – and with the loss of one of the most influential generations ever in our history, time is of the essence. This workshop is offered to students in grades 6-8.

*STEM/STEAM Adventures  (for Grades 2+3) Students will challenge themselves while working together in groups to explore three different activities relating to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.  Students will help each other as they must follow directions, utilize trial and error, and test their creations for strength and stability.

* STEAM MACHINES (for Grades 7&8) Student teams are challenged to create a machine that will perform a simple task. Each machine needs to fit within a 100 square foot area.  This is a competitive event.

* CHESS Tournaments  (for Grades 3-5) and (Grades (6-8) The Game of Kings! Students will bring their chess playing skills to compete in this great competition.