Your Extraordinary Saturday (YES)
For 1st – 4th Grade Students
A New Adventure Every Weekend
Now accepting applications for winter session!
MITY's program for elementary students enables inquisitive, high achieving 1st - 4th grade students to continue learning outside of the traditional classroom. Courses are intentionally designed to inspire inquiry, activate imaginations, and engage eager learners in hands on discovery that is not possible within a regular classroom setting. While students are in class, parents are invited to listen to professional speakers on topics related to raising bright children, socialize with other parents, or visit a local coffee shop.
At A Glance
2024 - 2025
Program Dates:
- Fall Session: November 2, 9 & 16, 2024
- Winter Session: Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & 8, 2025
- Spring Session: March 29, April 5 & 12, 2025
Program Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Program Locations:
- Fall Session: Twin Cities German Immersion School, St. Paul, MN
- Winter Session: Visitation School, Mendota Heights, MN
- Spring Session: Breck School, Golden Valley, MN
Application Information
Ages: Students currently in grades 1 – 4
Cost: $170 per session; Sibling - $140; Financial Aid Available
Application Timeline:
- September 1: Applications available for Fall Session
- November 15: Applications available for Winter Session
- February 1: Applications available for Spring Session
- NOTE: MITY accepts applications on a rolling basis
Highlights
- Students take 2 unique classes every weekend
- Features content not covered in the regular school day
- Experienced and engaging teachers
- 8:1 student-teacher ratio to ensure all students get the attention they need
- Creative individual and group projects in every class
- Mid-morning snack and game break to socialize with new friends
100% of parents said they would recommend MITY to other families.
Partnering with Families
- On the first two Saturdays of each session, MITY offers free seminars from esteemed speakers about topics related to parenting a bright and motivated child.
- Families are invited to visit classrooms during the final 15 minutes of each class period on the third Saturday.
- Specific course information will be given by the teacher during the session. Parents are encouraged to discuss class content and activities with their child.
"The speakers provide tactical strategies and tips that I can walk away with and implement with my child if it fits our family." - 2024 Parent
2024 - 2025 Parent Speakers
Winter Session
January 25: Recognizing Anxiety in Gifted Children, Shelly Harvey
Levels of childhood anxiety are on the rise and gifted children are no exception to this trend. In this session we will explore the seven ways your child may be telling you they are experiencing anxiety without directly saying so. You will leave with evidence-based tools to help your child cope with their anxiety and tips for working with your child’s school to identify possible accommodations. This session is intended for parents early in their journey learning how to identify signs of anxiety and help their child develop coping skills.
Bio: Shelly Harvey, MA, MBA, LPC is a psychotherapist, parenting coach and parent of a gifted son. She works with children, teens, parents and couples at her private practice in Eden Prairie, MN and across Minnesota via telehealth. Her areas of specialty include: anxiety, ADHD, trauma and relationships.
February 1: Using Mind-Body Science to Enhance the Well-being of Gifted Families, Dr. Andrea Johnson
Join Dr. Johnson in a discussion on the science of the mind-body connection and the unique neurobiology of giftedness. Explore ways to utilize simple research-based strategies such as deep breaths, gratitude, and compassion to decrease stress and enhance family well-being.
Bio: Dr. Andrea Johnson is a clinical psychologist with a background in neuropsychology and has been working with kids for over 10 years. She has a private practice in Edina, MN and specializes in working with gifted kids and their families. She has worked or trained at Mayo Clinic, the U of MN, Children’s Hospitals in Denver and Minneapolis, and the MN Department of Health. She is certified in Integrative Health through the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine. She has been presenting at local and national gifted conferences for over a decade and is also the parent of gifted kids.
Recent Presentations:
- "Supporting the Academic Success of the Visually-Spatially Talented" - Martha Palm
- "The Challenge of Being Good at Almost Everything" - Josh Chambers
- "The Parenting Journey" - Dr. Teresa Argo Boatman
- "Defining Success Your Own Way" - Tina van Erp
- "Easy Ways to Cultivate Critical and Creative Thinking at Home" - Molly Hammel
- "The Origin of Worries in Gifted Children" - Dr. Lori Migdal
- "Building Relationships And Self-Efficacy Skills To Support Academic Success" - Dr. Melissa Malen
- "ADHD: Symptoms, Superpowers, Self-Image, and Support" - Dr. Liz Adams
- "The Road To Positive Advocacy For Your Gifted Child" - Carol Malueg
- "Guiding Principles For Raising Gifted Kids" - Dr. Danika Maddocks
- "If Gifted Kids Are So Smart, Why Can't They Just..." - Anne Tyler
- "A Mind Body Approach To Promoting Wellness For Gifted Kids" - Dr. Andrea Johnson
- "Perfectionism, Passions, Problems, And Possibilities" - Pam McDonald
- "Executive Functioning in Gifted Children" - Jennifer Siebenaler
- "Navigating a Gifted Child's Educational Journey: Strategies to Support Parent-Teacher Collaboration" - Dr. Carol Hokanson
What do people say about MITY’s program for elementary students?
Parents:
"All smiles and excitement about these Saturdays. We loved our experience!"
"MITY delivers interesting, challenging and growth mindset-based education."
"Love MITY!"
"Your teachers are phenomenal!"
Students:
"I wish regular school was this cool!"
"I leave each week excited to come back. It’s awesome!"
"I love my teachers and always have fun."