If you have been forwarded this Davidson Academy Prospective Student eNewsletter,
and wish to receive future newsletters, sign-up here: http://forms.ditd.org/forms/AcademyExplore_subscribe.htm.

   Student to Student
 
Hello prospective Davidson Academy students!

I've been a student at the Academy from the start, and unlike many fellow students, have lived in Reno for my entire life. Though my decision to attend was comparatively less complicated (some students moved great distances to attend), it has made a tremendous difference in my life. I left behind friends, teachers, and a whole other school, but I don't regret it in the slightest.

The Academy offered an environment I had only dreamt of in previous schools. I found myself immersed in a school that offered not only an academic level beyond any I had experienced before, but also a social environment that I enjoy. The students and staff are helpful and friendly, and I've made friends here that I hope to keep for life. In addition, I've gained access to amazing academic opportunities. I've been able to attend both advanced high school and college level classes, which have been challenging, rewarding, and most of all, interesting (for a few examples, I've taken courses ranging from Japanese to English to Chemistry). I no longer find myself bored or uninterested.

I realize that the decision is a huge one – and one that will change your life – but I believe it is wholly worthwhile. The Academy offers a perfect mesh of the academic and the social. A rewarding, new experience is waiting for you here if you only take the chance. I'm glad I did.

                                                                    ~ Cody Nolan, entering his third year at the Academy
 

   Get to Know Us
  
Busy as always, we’re extremely excited about our upcoming move into our new home on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, the Jot Travis Building. This incredible, newly renovated building is approximately 30,000 square feet, including 11 classrooms all equipped with Wireless Internet, smart classroom technology and mobile systems, and is symbolic of the growing partnership we have with the University and the strength of our collaborative educational efforts. We encourage you to attend the Davidson Academy Open House on Tuesday, Aug. 19 for a better idea of all that we offer (please see the section below for details and how to RSVP).
 
                         ~ Colleen Harsin, Director of The Davidson Academy of Nevada
 
 
     Program Updates
       Academy Open House - August 19, 2008

Academy Open HouseYou are invited to join us at the upcoming Davidson Academy Open House! Visit us on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, in our new home in the Jot Travis Building on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Tour the new facility, meet the instructors and staff, and learn more about the Academy’s commitment to serving profoundly gifted students.
If you would like more information about this event, please email explore@davidsonacademy.unr.edu. Parking is free; local media outlets may be present and videotaping. RSVP Required.

       The Davidson Academy - 2009-2010 Applications Available in September

The Academy is no longer accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year, however it’s not too soon to start thinking about the 2009-2010 school year! The application for 2009-2010 will be available in early September 2008. The Davidson Academy of Nevada is specifically designed to meet the needs of profoundly gifted middle and high school students who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ or college entrance tests, such as the SAT or ACT, starting at the sixth grade level and beyond. Please review the Test Score Criteria page of our website as these scores are mandatory for student eligibility.

   Student Excellence

  
We thought you would enjoy this student-produced video about The Davidson Academy, seen through the eyes of the students themselves.
During the past school year, a number of students from the Digital Media class, taught by Technology Instructor Mr. Larry Kramp, worked to create the
video. Displaying amazing teamwork, everyone in the course contributed
to the final project.
 

   Meet Ms. Vienneau, Davidson Academy Instructor

  
What subjects/age groups do you work with the most at the Academy?
Most of my students are 10-15 years old, and I teach a variety of subjects. This coming year, I will be teaching: Introduction to British Literature, Composition, Patterns in Ancient History, and Creative Writing. Ask me about any one of these, and I’ll probably say that class is my favorite one to teach—I like them all. Some of them are for high school credit and some are considered “middle school,” but middle school classes at the Academy offer high-level material, challenging expectations, and solid preparation for the demands of our high school curriculum.

  
What is your favorite part about working with Academy students?
It is every teacher’s dream to teach students who are excited about learning and aren’t afraid to show it. I love being able to interact with the younger students at such a high level. When I teach, I like choosing the most appropriate materials without being limited by the students’ abilities to grasp the concepts. My classes are very interactive and student- driven; they are created to provoke thought, understanding, and debate. At the Academy, the students are able and willing to join class discussions and delve into research and essay writing.
  
What advice would you give a prospective student who was interested in coming to the Academy?
Prospective students and their families should read everything on the Academy’s website, as well as our brochures and newsletters to make sure the descriptions match what they are seeking. There will never be one “best” program for all students, so it is important to be clear about whether or not this school is a good fit for you and your family. Ask questions. Talk to students who go to school here. Find out as much as you can, and be clear about your own goals, learning styles and educational needs. Understand that in this environment, each student will not be “the best” in every subject. For some students this can be difficult. For others it is exciting to be with peers who challenge them.

  
What part of the Academy’s new building are you looking forward to most?
I am excited about the new classrooms with built-in technology and the dedicated space for our writing center. It will also be great to be more centrally-located on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. The new building will allow us to accept many more students, hire new teachers, and offer more classes. It is exciting to be growing and improving every year, and this move is a big part of that process.

 
   Websites for Summer Fun

  
We hope you are enjoying your summer! Here are some websites you might find fun and entertaining when taking a break from other activities:

  • BEATCALC - Learn how to beat the calculator!
  • FunBrain - Great brain games!
  • Puzzle Parlor - Tons of puzzles with varying difficulty.
  • Who Dunnit? - Use observation and classification, measurement and prediction, and interpreting data to draw inferences, complete assignments.
  • Word Central - Build your own dictionary and sign up for a daily buzz word!
  • United Nations Cyber School Bus - Activities, contests, and links for students who want to learn and participate in efforts going on around the world.
  • Scholar Holler - a vibrant online community and website with helpful advice and resources on academics, college admissions, contests, research, scholarships and test preparation.


“The Academy is a really great place for profoundly gifted students because of its environment - peers of similar intelligence, interests and age, and
understanding staff and teachers.”

~ Second Year Davidson Academy Student  



 


If you have been forwarded this Davidson Academy Prospective Student eNewsletter,
and wish to receive future newsletters,
sign-up here.

The Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Supporting our nation's brightest young minds.

9665 Gateway Drive, Suite B, Reno, Nevada 89521
Phone: 775-852-3483 Fax: 775-852-2184
Email:
administrator@ditd.org     Web: www.Davidson-Institute.org      www.DavidsonAcademy.UNR.edu
Request a Brochure online.

       Visit The Davidson Academy Explore page.