Schooling For Life GIFTED ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

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1 GIFTED ENRICHMENT PROGRAM PHONE: (805) Website: Address: P.O. Box Pasadena, CA

2 Welcome to s Enrichment Program! We look forward to working with you and your family this school year. Schooling for Life is an organization dedicated to serving gifted homeschoolers. Schooling for Life is a non-profit organization, not affiliated with any school, religious organization or other educational institution and is tax-exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. The program is structured to: Support your child s social growth Provide a peer group of like-minded students who love to learn Expose your child to a variety of educational enrichment activities and programs Our goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for your child as well as to provide quality programming. This registration packet contains information that will help you and your child to understand the program and benefit from the experience. Who We Are Schooling for Life s program director is Jessica Paliotto. Jessica has a degree in biochemistry, and broad and deep experience teaching, developing curriculum, and in planning and executing a broad range of field trips. We are very fortunate to have Jessica. Her boss at the job she left before she joined us told us they were grieving over Jessica s leaving. Jessica was herself homeschooled for several years. Schooling for Life was founded by Roger Silk, who serves as chairman of the board. Roger is CEO of Sterling Foundation Management, has a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford, and is a homeschooling dad. Goals We have observed (and many parents tell us) that their gifted homeschooled children would benefit from a larger peer group. Toward this end, we are building a program designed to create an environment that fosters the development of long-term friendships while allowing students to grow intellectually. Philosophy As a general rule, we believe that K-12 education should be primarily concerned with helping kids learn to be good people and productive, responsible members of society. K-12 education should be concerned with helping kids learn and develop skills that require years of dedicated effort. These types of skills are often much more difficult to acquire if they are not learned while one is a child. Primary among these are language (English but also one or more other languages) mathematical reasoning, and clear thinking. We also believe that education should help people learn to appreciate the greatest achievements of man, especially those achievements which require significant background to appreciate. We believe that about 99% of what kids learn will not help them earn a living. There s way more to life than earning a living, and so kids who routinely ask the derisive question when will I ever use this? are NOT for our program. Student Performance and Eligibility All students recommended for our program are recognized as having ability. Schooling for Life is designed for and limited to gifted children. We accept the definition of 2

3 giftedness provided by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC): Students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities Mere potential is not enough, we are looking for kids who have a strong desire to learn, who are curious, open to a variety of ideas and topics, interested in the world, and willing and able to work hard at something worthwhile (and who don t already believe that they know better than anyone else what is worthwhile). We reserve the right to accept or decline the participation of any child or adult at any time and for any reason other than those reasons prohibited by law. All students will be placed on probationary status to ensure that an appropriate placement has been made. Any child who does not conform to general standards of decent behavior will be asked to leave the group. If we determine that a child is causing trouble, not contributing in a positive manner, or simply not adding to the group, he/she may be asked to leave. These decisions will be at the sole and absolute discretion of Schooling for Life. At this time, we are limiting participation to children who 11 years old and above. What We Do creates, plans, and facilitates weekly trips and events for gifted students ages 11+. For our term, we will meet every Wednesday typically for 3 hours within 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Details are forthcoming. Weekly sessions will mostly take place in and around Los Angeles. Anyone may participate, regardless of where they live, provided that they are able to consistently be at events. Parents provide transportation or arrange carpools. Some of the trips or events will take place at a central location. Other sessions will take place at various locations. Parents and participants will know at the beginning of the term where weekly sessions will be held, prior to program commitment. Participant Commitment Participation in the Schooling for Life community is a privilege. We want to build a community, which will require a group of committed, like-minded families who like each other or, at a minimum, can at least get along. It will also require that people commit to weekly events, and follow through by showing up. Anyone who commits and then does not participate is taking a space from someone else. Unless a participant is ill or has a valid reason, missing events to which they have committed will normally be grounds for being asked to leave the group, without refund. Families are expected to notify SFL staff if a student will be absent from the program for any reason. Tuition Schooling for Life is well-funded, and is not intended to earn a profit. We expect that our programs will routinely cost significantly more than we will charge for them. We believe and expect that the funding sources we have identified and will continue to identify will make it possible for us to operate indefinitely. We estimate that the cost of providing the Schooling for Life Program for a single child for a year is about $10,000. This estimate includes the costs of planning, program 3

4 direction, insurance, teachers and experts, facilities and some supplies. From time to time, we may offer optional enhancements of services or programs which will cost extra (e.g. theatre tickets, certain admissions, supplies such as cameras or computers, etc.) The Schooling for Life Board has authorized a very generous subsidy for this program so that we can keep the cost to the student as low as possible. As a result, we are able to offer participation in the program for just $325 per student for the Fall 2015 Program and $325 for the Spring 2016 Program. Acceptance We are currently accepting applications for membership. Membership will close as soon as we have filled our target goal. At that time, we will open a waiting list. Applications can be found on our website as well as at the end of the Welcome Packet and Application Brochure. Health Related Issues The health and well-being of everyone involved in the Program is of the utmost importance. We ask that if your child shows signs of illness that you would keep in mind the possibility that their illness might be something that could spread to others in the program. If this is the case, we ask that you would keep your child home. Please notify us in the event that your child contracts a communicable disease such as measles, chicken pox, etc. We will be unable to accept children who have a case of untreated head lice. SFL staff will not administer any medications. If your child should become ill while at Schooling For Life, the Program Director will first call the parent/guardian listed on the Emergency Medical Authorization Form enclosed in this packet. If we cannot reach the parent/guardian, we will place a call to the emergency contact person listed on the application form. Parent involvement Parental involvement may include providing transportation and possibly supervision. Because of space and other constraints, we may need to limit the number of parents present and/or participating during trips or events. Certain programs may be open for nonparticipants (i.e. parents, siblings) for an additional cost. Keep in mind that every class session is primarily designed for the SFL participants. Any involvement from a non-participant is secondary (i.e. seating, asking/answering questions, etc.). Photographic Release Please sign the Photographic Release form in this packet. This form gives consent to the use of photographs, color slides, TV spots, video, newspaper, radio spot, etc. of your child(ren) by, or other related community agency for any bona fide purpose associated with these organizations. We may include photos of students in our newsletter or on our website. Full names of students WILL NOT be published with the photo. Cell Phones and Other Personal Items Cell phones, mp3 players, or any electronic games, etc. can become a distraction, and so we are asking that students leave these items at home or in their coats/backpacks. 4

5 Program Guidelines: 1) Follow the instructions of staff the first time given. 2) Respect and care for other people and their possessions, equipment, and the facility. 3) Stay in areas supervised by staff. 4) Personal items need to stay in backpacks (cell phones, mp3 players, games, etc.) 5) Computer use is restricted to work for unless okay d by staff. Any student who is found on the premises using drugs or alcohol, discovered carrying a weapon, who leaves the program or field trip site without permission, or who is involved in a physical altercation with another student may be dismissed from the program at the sole discretion of. Registration Packet Included in this packet are forms for you to complete and return in order for your child to participate in this program. Thank you for your interest in the s Enrichment Program! We look forward to a rewarding and fun year with your child. 5

6 1. Complete Application Forms How To Submit Your Application Gifted Program Policy and Protocol for Enrollment Applications can be found on our website as well as at the end of the Welcome Packet and Application Brochure. Please fill-out a separate application for each participant. 2. Include a 3-Minute Video of Applicant Details found on page 10 of application. 3. Send Reference Letters NOTES ON APPLYING: requires two letters of reference. One letter must come from a teacher, coach or tutor. The second letter must be a character reference. Family members are excluded from completing references. 1.) Please use blue and black ink and print clearly. 2.) Fill out all pages of this application in its entirety. 3.) Students are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited. 4.) Please fill out a separate application for each participant. MAIL APPLICATION TO: Admissions P.O. Box Pasadena, CA Please Note: Students may be invited to visit a class or workshop prior to acceptance. Fall 2015 Program begins September 9,

7 Enrichment Program STUDENT APPLICATION Student Information: (Please attach a recent photo no larger than 4x4) Name: Address: City/ State: Zip Code: Home Phone: Sex: M/F Age: Birthday: Student (Suggested): Parent(s)/ Guardian(s) Information: Name(s): Address (if different from above): City/ State: Zip Code Relationship to Child His His Cell: Her Her Cell: Sibling Information: Name(s), Age(s), Grade(s), & School(s) of Siblings: If Any Sibling(s) is/(are) also Applying to SFL, Please Indicate: How did you hear about? 7

8 General Information: 1. Does your child have any medical or health problems (i.e. allergies, asthma, diabetes, etc.)? If so, please describe. 2. Does the applicant have any dietary restriction(s) for health or other reason(s)? If so, please describe: 3. What are your child s strongest subject areas? 4. Do you have any formal testing or assessment results of your child? If so, please describe: 5. Does your child have a special hobby or activity? 6. Has your child ever been suspended or expelled from a program or a school? If so, explain. 7. Why do you want your child to be in the program and what do you hope your child will gain from his/her participation? 8

9 PARENT ATTESTATION SFL is designed for high-achieving, gifted students who require a more rigorous academic curriculum than most and desire a peer group of like-minded students who exhibit a similar intensity in learning. All students entering this highly specialized program will be placed on probationary status for the term with to ensure that an appropriate placement has been made. (initial here) I believe that the information contained in this application is accurate. I understand that misrepresentations of any information in the application may result in the invalidation of the application and the program placement decision. (initial here) I acknowledge and accept that this application does not guarantee acceptance into the program, that SFL is under no obligation to accept my child in its program, and that should my child not be accepted, SFL is not obliged to provide a reason. While SFL will keep all information in this application confidential, I understand that my information will be shared with screened and accepted employees and/or volunteers as part of the selection process. I hereby give SFL permission to share whatever information necessary as part of the selection process. By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read and understand SFL s program terms and conditions. Signature (Parent/Guardian) Date 9

10 Enrichment Program STUDENT SELF-EVALUATION Student name: (First) (Last) Self-Rating Please circle the appropriate response: I demonstrate respect for other people. Not Often Sometimes Often I get along with other students. Not Often Sometimes Often I enjoy learning. Not Often Sometimes Often I take responsibility for myself. Not Often Sometimes Often I follow directions. Not Often Sometimes Often I enjoy working on projects. Not Often Sometimes Often I like to learn as much as possible about Not Often Sometimes Often topics I find interesting. I like to learn about topics I do not find Not Often Sometimes Often initially interesting. 1. List length of time spent per week 1. Watching TV 2. Playing on the computer 3. Reading books 4. Playing video games 2. In your own handwriting, please answer the following questions on another piece of paper: 1. What are you good at/what do you enjoy and what are you not good at/do not enjoy? 2. Is learning important to you? Why or why not? 3. Please send in a 3-minute video including the following: a. Introduce yourself b. Include what you spend your time on/what you do for fun c. Include what activities/clubs/classes you are in d. Anything else you want us to know about you e. Why you want to be in SFL 10

11 Enrichment Program EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION Purpose: To enable parents and guardians to authorize provisions for student emergency medical care when parent/ guardian cannot be reached. The information herein will be maintained on file as reference for such an emergency. The staff will consider this information when possible but is in no way committed to adhering strictly to this document when the health and safety of the child is in jeopardy. Student Name: Mother s Name Father s Name Date Of Birth: Phone: Phone: Address: Local alternate contacts for emergency: Name: Phone: Relationship to child Name: Phone: Relationship to child Medical Professionals: Doctor: Dentist: Medical Specialist: Phone: Phone: Phone: Preferred Local Hospital: Facts about which a physician should be alerted concerning your child s medical history including allergies, medications, artificial limbs, implants and any physical impairments. This authorization does not cover major surgery unless the medical options of two other licensed physicians or dentists, concurring in the necessity of such surgery are obtained prior to the performance of such surgery. In the event reasonable attempts to contact me have been unsuccessful, I hereby give my consent for: 1. the doctor named above to administer any treatment deemed necessary, or in the event the designated practitioners are not available another licensed physician or dentist may exercise the same authorization, and 2. the transfer of my child to any reasonably accessible hospital. Parent/ Guardian Signature Date 11

12 s Enrichment Program Photography/video RELEASE FORM Name of Student: (please print) PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOTAPING RELEASE There will be an occasional need to develop photographic data to document activities and events taking place in the s Enrichment Program. Students may be featured in this collection of data. Please check one: I give permission to the s Enrichment Program to photograph/ videotape my child while s/he participates in program activities. I do not give permission to to photograph / videotape my child while s/he participates in program activities. I understand that the photographs/ videotapes may be used in presentations, posters, brochures, advertisements, and on the website and other promotional materials on behalf of the s Program. All such photographs / videotapes will be maintained as the property of with all rights reserved. Parent/ Guardian Signature Date 12

13 SCHOOLING FOR LIFE Waiver of Liability, Release Assumption of Risk & Indemnity Agreement For and in consideration of the undersigned participant s registration with Schooling for Life, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, affiliates, contractors, and partners (all referred to together as Schooling for Life) and being allowed to participate in Schooling for Life events, field trips and activities, participant (and the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of participant, if applicable) waive, release and relinquish any and all claims for liability and cause(s) of action, including for personal injury, property damage or wrongful death occurring to participant, arising out of participation in Schooling for Life events, field trips, and/or activities incidental thereto (the Activities ), whenever or however they occur and for such period said Activities may continue, and by this agreement any such claims, rights, and causes of action that participant (and participant s parent(s) or legal guardian(s), if applicable) may have are hereby waived, released and relinquished, and participant (and parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) does(do) so on behalf of my/our and participant s heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. Participant (and participant s parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge, understand and assume all risks relating to Activities, and understand that Activities may involve certain risks to participant s person including bodily injury, partial or total disability, and death, and damages which may arise therefrom and that I/we have full knowledge of said risks. These risks and dangers may be caused by the negligence of the participant or the negligence of others, including the releasees identified below. These risks and dangers include, but are not limited to, those arising from traveling to and from the events, field trips and activities. I/We further acknowledge that there may be risks and dangers not known to us or not reasonably foreseeable at this time. Participant (and participant s parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge, understand and agree that all of the risks and dangers described throughout this agreement, including those caused by the negligence of participant and/or others, are included within the waiver, release and relinquishment described in the preceding paragraph. Participant (and participant s parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge, understand and assume the risks, if any, arising from the conditions and use of any locations for the Activities and related premises and acknowledge and understand that included within the scope of this waiver and release is any cause of action (including any cause of action based on negligence) arising from the performance, or failure to perform, maintenance, inspection, supervision or control of said areas and for the failure to warn of dangerous conditions existing at said areas, for negligent selection of certain releasees, or negligent supervision or instruction by releasees. Participant (and participant s parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) agree if any claim for participant s personal injury or wrongful death is commenced against releasees, he/she shall defend, indemnify and save harmless releasees from any and all claims or causes of action by whomever or wherever made or presented for participant s personal injuries, property damage or wrongful death. It is the purpose of this agreement to exempt, waive and relieve releasees from liability for personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death, including if caused by negligence, including the negligence, if any, of releasees. 13

14 Releasees include Schooling for Life, its officers, directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, partners, event hosts, other participants, sponsors, advertisers, owners and operators of the premises used to conduct any event and each of them, their officers, directors, agents and employees. Participant (and participant s parent(s)/guardian(s), if applicable) acknowledge that they have been provided and have read the above paragraphs and have not relied upon any representations of releasees, that they are fully advised of the potential dangers of any Activities and understand these waivers and releases are necessary to allow Schooling for Life to continue offer Activities to the participants. PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE: PARTICIPANT PRINTED NAME: Age: Date Signed: PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: (if Participant is 17 years of age or younger) PARENT OR GUARDIAN PRINTED NAME: Date Signed: 14