Your Extraordinary Saturday (YES)
For 1st – 4th Grade Students
A New Adventure Every Weekend
Apply now for fall 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
2023 - 2024
Program Dates:
- Fall Session: November 4, 11 and 18, 2023
- Winter Session: January 20, 27 and February 3, 2024
- Spring Session: April 13, 20 and 27, 2024
Program Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Program Locations:
- Fall Session: Friends School of Minnesota, 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 10: 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.
"Excellent speakers; I feel better equipped and empowered to advocate for my child." - 2023 Parent
2023 - 2024 Parent Speakers
Fall Session
November 4: Building Relationships And Self-Efficacy Skills To Support Academic Success, Dr. Melissa Malen
Gifted children are identified by their high IQ, a measure of their knowledge, intelligence, and ability to think logically. Many of these students still struggle to work in groups, empathize with others, and maintain self-control. Dr. Malen will provide information to help grow your child’s EQ and executive functioning skills, such as the ability to plan ahead, focus, and follow multi-step instructions.
Bio: Melissa Peterson Malen, PhD, is the owner of AxyLu Academic Coaching, LLC, Co-Founder of the nonprofit Focus and Learning Center, and International Talent Education Institute of Slovenia--American Partner. She specializes in coaching students and adults who experience performance challenges in the areas of executive function and self-regulation. Dr. Malen coaches clients that have ADHD, dyslexia, nonverbal learning disability, or are twice exceptional. Melissa presents at conferences in the United States and internationally. Melissa earned an MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas and a PhD in Education from the University of Minnesota.
November 11: Every Child is Someone's Baby: Navigating Schools & Family Life with Your Gifted Kids, Kris Happe
Join us to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that accompany parenting advanced students and learn strategies to create a happier and more successful journey for everyone.
Bio: Kris Happe is an educator with two gifted adult children of her own. Her experience includes over 34 years in various roles, including classroom teacher, staff development specialist, literacy coach, data and assessment coordinator, and district gifted coordinator. A decade of service as a member of the Minnesota Department of Education’s Gifted Education Advisory Board allowed her to have a long-lasting impact, including having input on Minnesota's State Statute 120B15c, which requires all districts to have a viable academic acceleration and early entrance policy. Kris has been a conference presenter at the National Association for Gifted Children, SENG Social Emotional Needs of Gifted, and the annual Hormel Gifted Education Symposium. Kris especially enjoys connecting with parent groups of bright, quirky, complex, gifted children.
Recent Presentations:
- "The ADHD Brain: Neurobiology And Real-Life Implications Of Executive Function In Gifted Students" - 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
- "Learning to Learn in 2022" - Tina Van Erp
- "Executive Functioning in Gifted Children" - Jennifer Siebenaler
- "Intelligence is not Executive Functioning" - Dr. Teresa Boatman
- "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."