Your Extraordinary Saturday (YES)
For 1st – 4th Grade Students
A New Adventure Every Weekend
Now accepting applications 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
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
Fall Session
November 2: The Challenge of Being Good at Almost Everything, Josh Chambers, LPC
Gifted people often find themselves being good at many different things, a concept sometimes called "multipotentiality." While being good at almost everything may seem like a gift, it can result in gifted people not learning their core strengths. This, coupled with the fact that gifted people are high achievers in most settings, can result in the belief that failure is an internal flaw. It can also diminish one's ability to experience a sense of purpose and connection, resulting in angsty development and scattered adults. This talk will explore how to help navigate the pros and cons of being good at almost everything and how to foster a deeper connection with one's strengths and values.
Bio: Josh Chambers, LPC, is a licensed therapist from Bloomington, MN. After a career spanning semi-professional hockey, advertising, and tech entrepreneurship, Josh became a therapist and executive coach. Inspired by his experience as a dad to two neurodivergent kids, he now specializes in working with gifted individuals, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
November 9: Supporting the Academic Success of the Visually-Spatially Talented, Martha Palm, MAEd
Do you feel that your child’s school does not see their full potential? Is homework a struggle? This session will provide information about visual-spatial thinkers and learners and the challenges they may face in school. You will walk away with strategies to try at home that will hopefully help your child blossom!
Bio: Martha has been an educator in both the US and abroad for over 30 years and has worked with gifted learners for 15 years. She is certified in gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) teaching and holds a master’s degree in International Education. Martha works with both children and adults to help them better understand how they process information and how to work through barriers.
Recent Presentations:
- "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."