Summer Pals and Summer Quest (July TBA, 2021)
Hello Summer Pals and Summer Quest Families! We hope you are doing well during this unprecedented time… Related to this, we are reaching out with heavy hearts to update you and share the news that Drury University and Drury Center for Gifted Education are cancelling in-person classes for this summer, as related to safety concerns with COVID-19.
Just as is true of many campers, most of our staff and teachers have been involved in summer camp for years in one way or another; we certainly understand the importance this camp, and the relationships it creates, has in your lives. Please know we are hopeful to find some alternative options for the school year to engage your gifted learners. This includes FallScape/Winterscape and potentially adding Septemberscape and Springscape. We will certainly miss having you with us this summer.
Refunds are being processed and will be mailed out in a couple of weeks (if you paid with a credit card, you should see the $195 refund in a few days). Please let us know if you have any questions.
Mary Potthoff, Director
Center for Gifted Education
Drury University
900 N. Benton Ave, Lay 103
Springfield, MO 65802
417 873-7386 (O) 417 885-8089 (C)
mpotthof@drury.edu
Drury University is happy to offer a summer experience for gifted students. Courses are taught by highly qualified, effective teachers who understand and use both enrichment and acceleration. Courses are hands-on, activity oriented, and highly motivating.
The goals of Summer Quest/Summer Pals are:
- To provide opportunities for students to interact with peers of similar academic abilities and interests.
- To encourage students to use their intellectual and creative abilities.
- To allow students to pursue areas of interest they would not have a chance to study elsewhere.
Director, Summer Quest – Janice Hampton
Director, Summer Pals – Lori Herring
Director, Center for Gifted Education – Mary Potthoff
Resident Psychologist – Brandi Klepper, Psy.D.
Dates & Times
July TBD, 2021
(Monday - Friday)
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: St. Agnes
- Locate and complete the application form for the proper grade level. Please note each application differs, so you must have the correct form for registration to be complete. If you need a registration form, e-mail or call the number below. You may copy both sides of the forms. Register by the grade you are in now. For example, at the end of the school year, if you are in 4th grade, please register for a 4th grade class.
- Summer Pals: Application
- Summer Quest: Application and Certification
- For Summer Quest, obtain certification from school.
- For Summer Pals, ask the school to complete the checklist in grades K and 1. Pre-School teachers or parents can complete the checklist on the Pre-K child.
- Have the child select the courses he/she desires. Be sure to rank all choices desired. Put a 0 by classes not desired.
- Attach tuition check or money order for $195 to application form. Checks should be made payable to SUMMER QUEST or SUMMER PALS. Or you may pay online:
- Mail application, tuition (or scholarship information) and certification to:
Summer Quest OR Summer Pals
Drury University
900 N. Benton, Lay Hall 103
Springfield, MO 65802
(417) 873-7386
mpotthof@drury.eduThere is no deadline for registration UNLESS you are applying for a financial need scholarship (see Cost and Scholarships for that information). Classes just fill up so apply early.
- Locate and complete the application form for the proper grade level. Please note each application differs, so you must have the correct form for registration to be complete. If you need a registration form, e-mail or call the number below. You may copy both sides of the forms. Register by the grade you are in now. For example, at the end of the school year, if you are in 4th grade, please register for a 4th grade class.
The cost for each Summer Pals / Quest class is $195. Classes with additional fees for materials or field trips are noted on the course selection form. This additional fee will be collected when the student is notified of placement in the class. Total class cost (or scholarship application) must accompany application.
There is a withdrawal fee of $30. Refunds must be requested in writing.
Pre-Kindergarten Courses
Penguins, Polar Bears and Seals…Oh My!
Come waddle and hop – slide and glide into the icy cold Antarctic regions. Discover how penguins, seals, walruses, whales and many more Antarctic animals live. Join us in a journey through Antarctica as we discover this icy continent! You will be in Penguins one week and Kitchen one week.
Country Kitchen
Have you ever wanted to become an explorer? Have you dreamed about becoming a chef? Now you can be both at the same time! Join the adventure and travel around the world with us to explore the sights, sounds, and tastes of the United States, Mexico, Japan, and Italy. You never know what you will learn next. Experience for yourself by making homemade ice cream, wearing a sombrero, dancing, singing, and much, much more. It's an adventure you don't want to miss!
Instructor: Shannon Yarnell, Kindergarten Teacher, Day Spring, Springfield ($10 fee)
Kindergarten Courses
Knights, Castles, Dragons, Checkmate!
Let your imagination run wild with the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Robin Hood and stories of princesses and dragons. Examine significant discoveries in math, science, architecture and heraldry. Explore the people, places and events of Medieval Times. Host a Medieval Faire complete with tournaments, guild crafts, music, performances and chess.
Instructor: Gina Wyckoff, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, Springfield
Grossology
Do revolting topics excite you? Do you enjoy ruining your family’s dinner conversation with questions about parasites, fungi, or earwax? Have you wondered where snot originates? With field trips, speakers, and experiments we will answer questions ranging from where toilet water goes to what parasites eat for lunch.
Instructor: Dr. Tara Herring, Missouri State University
Grade 1 Courses
Bodyworks
Come learn how you are different, but alike. Explore your five senses and discover how your brain controls all of your body functions. We will study the heart, lungs and digestive system. We will discover how our fingerprints are unique and only yours. There will be lots of experiments and projects. Learn how to keep your body healthy. Have fun learning first aid, CPR, and learn the importance of healthy bones and strong teeth.
Instructors: Vicki Kersey, Marshfield Schools
Grades 2 - 3 Courses
Toy Box Physics
What does Force & Motion have to do with toys? Join us as we investigate what’s really hiding in a toy box! We’ll set up a matchbox track course in the classroom. Then we’ll roll toy cars, marbles, and balls of various masses down the ramp. Who invented the Slinky? How does it walk down stairs? We will answer questions that you have while using toys straight from the toy box! ($10 fee)
Instructor: Susan Trotter, David Harrison Elementary, Springfield
Grades 2 - 3 - 4 Courses
Creepy Crawlies
We will be studying reptile, amphibians, insects, and arachnids. If you are interested in knowing what the difference is between a turtle and a tortoise, or whether or not snakes are really slimy, or if a daddy longlegs is really a spider, this is the class for you! We will explore the biology, mythology, and behaviors of these animals using stories, viewing and handling live animals, dissecting a frog, and taking a field trip to the Dickerson Park Zoo to visit the reptile house.
Instructor: Elicia Ligon, Phelps Center for Gifted Education - Scholars, Springfield
Grades 3 - 4 Courses
I Want to Be a Veterinarian
Do you love animals? Would you like to be a veterinarian? In this class we will look at how you become a veterinarian and what they do. We will take a field trip to a veterinary clinic to see what a small animal facility has to offer. We will explore several other aspects of working with animals. We will discuss animal rights, responsible pet ownership, and ways animals benefit humans. ($10 fee)
Instructor: Jamie Davis, 5th/6th Social Studies, Immaculate Conception, Springfield
Grades 4 - 5 Courses
M^3! (Mysterious Mathematical Matters)
Do you like math? If your answer is yes, then you must like the study of numbers, structures and change. However, if your answer is no, then do you like art, nature, music, gaming, science, and ancient civilizations? Whether your answer is yes or no, join us in our exploration of the math conspiracy that hides in our everyday world! We will examine hidden areas of mathematics that makes our world beautiful and apply these relationships mathematically and artistically in the world around us.
Instructor: Audra Uzzell, Phelps Center for Gifted Education - Scholars, Springfield
Lego Robotics
Do you like robots? Would you like to build and program a robot using LEGOS? If so, this is the class for you! In this exciting, hands-on class, you will learn important science and math concepts as you build projects with LEGO MINDSTORMS kits. You will also learn how to write computer programs to make the machines perform specific tasks. This class is ideal for everyone, from beginners to experts, because you will learn at your own pace. In this class, you will also look at current robot technology and predict what robots may be able to do in the future. Perhaps you will find that robotics and engineering are future careers for you. If you're ready for the challenge, join us in LEGO Robotics!
Instructor: Dee Kerr, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, Springfield
A limited number of financial need scholarships are available. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, you must enclose the following:
- Photocopies of the first two pages of the parents’ or guardians’ most recent federal income tax return AND any attachments of schedules if applicable;
- A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances pertinent to existing financial status, including what efforts have been made to obtain money locally;
- A $30 registration fee (refundable if no scholarship is awarded) is required to insure that registration for classes can be completed; AND
- A letter from the student outlining why he/she wants to attend the program.
Scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of financial need. We encourage parents to contact local businesses, employers, schools, and civic organizations to help fund scholarships. Applications for scholarships must be received BEFORE April 15. All information is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
NOTE: If parents are not in the same household, please send copies of both income tax returns.
Please Note:
- Your application will not be considered for enrollment until the office has received your tuition check, money order, or scholarship application. APPLY EARLY! Many courses fill quickly.
- Checks or money orders will not be cashed until the student has been accepted.
- If your child has a specific physical or medical need or condition, please attach a separate letter to the director so that needed accommodations can be made.
- If a student is operating with an IEP, a copy of the IEP should be attached.
Summer Quest/Summer Pals Staff
Janice Hampton – Director, Summer Quest
Lori Herring – Director, Summer Pals
Mary Potthoff – Director, Center for Gifted Education
Brandi Klepper, Psy.D. – Resident Psychologist
mpotthof@drury.edu
www.drury.edu/giftededucationThe Musgrave Boys & Girls Club would be a great place for your child to spend the rest of the day after attending Summer Pals or Summer Quest. Why the Boys & Girls Club? It is located at 720 S. Park and it is a safe place to learn and grow- all while having fun. It is the place where great futures are started each and every day. Hours are M-F, 7:30-5:30 during the summer. Cost is approximately $35 per child, per week, approximately $40 for 2 children in a family and approximately $45 for a family of 3 or more children per week.
If you are applying for and receive a financial need scholarship through Quest/Pals, your cost for Boys & Girls Club is also included. You need to let Mary Potthoff know if you want to add this option.
The facility includes a games room, technology center, art room, music room, dance/fitness room, gymnasium, learning center, and lunch room. It is also adjacent to a city park and we offer daily opportunities for low cost field trips. Meals are free. We offer breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. You can check out our facilities online at www.bgclubspringfield.org
Additional questions or concerns about Boys & Girls Club, contact: Cindy Dodson at 862-9249 ext. 104. Please let Mary Potthoff know if you are interested in extending your day with Quest or Pals with Boys and Girls Club at mpotthof@drury.edu.