About DYS Homerooms

Welcome to homeroom classes addressing social and emotional needs, creative problem solving, and effective task management in a friendly setting. This is a fun space for students (8-12 years old) who are profoundly gifted to meet like-minded peers. 

“I love DYS Homeroom because it is a safe space where I feel I can talk about my feelings with friends. It’s so fun to be around other Davidson Young Scholars in a friendly environment! I enjoy all of Michelle’s mini lessons. I love and cherish every moment with Michelle and my peers.” – Lauren, Age 11 

First Semester 2023: Sep. 5th - Dec. 22nd (except Nov. 23rd and 24th)

Second Semester 2024: Jan. 8 - May 24th (spring break: March 29 - April 5)

Click here for the topics/curriculum calendar. 

DYS Homerooms are held M-F at the below times:

  • DYS Homeroom 1 (9:30am EST / 8:30am CST / 7:30am MST/ 6:30am PST)
  • DYS Homeroom 2 (10:00am EST / 9:00am CST / 8:00am MST/ 7:00am PST)
  • DYS Homeroom 3 (11:00am EST / 10:00am CST / 9:00am MST / 8:00am PST)
  • DYS Homeroom 4 (11:30am EST / 10:30am CST / 9:30am MST / 8:30am PST)
  • DYS Homeroom 5 (12:00am EST / 11:00am CST/ 10:00am MST / 9:00am PST)

If you would like a sense of our daily routine:

  • 10 minutes: Check-in questions for the day (What classes do you have? What specific topics are being focused on in these classes? How are you feeling today about these classes and the way they are going?)
  • 15 minutes: Guided discussions about various aspects of giftedness from resources recommended by Davidson (attending with a notebook/journal is encouraged)
  • The Monday routine focuses on project-sharing. Friday classes include online games, riddles, and lateral thinking puzzles.

Curriculum:

The gifted psychology information used in this class comes from “The Gifted Kids Workbook: Mindfulness Skills to Help Children Reduce Stress, Balance Emotions, and Build Confidence” by Heather Boorman and “The Gifted Kid/Teen Survival Guides” along with other resources suggested by Davidson. Please check out the class policy on this website for additional questions about communication, absences, and behavior.

Click here for the topics/curriculum calendar. 

Pricing:

The cost is $50 per week ($10/class). Billing takes place on a monthly basis via PayPal. Students are expected to attend at least three days a week on a regular basis. (A three to four day option is offered on a consistent basis due to scheduling issues, but then the price becomes $12/class for three days and $11/class for four days. Please reach out about any special concerns regarding your schedule.)

How did the homerooms start?

These online homerooms started during the pandemic. Meeting with like-minded peers on a frequent basis continued with homeschooled peers as we said goodbye to friends who returned to in-person schooling. Welcome to year three! Plenty of families have helped to spread the word regarding the benefits of starting the day with a DYS homeroom. Summer sessions twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays are also part of the schedule (sometimes old friends stop by)! As a reminder, this homeroom is not at all associated with the Davidson Institute and is an informal class organized by parents. 

Curious about the teacher?

Michelle VanCura, a certified talented and gifted teacher, loves providing lessons addressing topics relevant to kids in the Young Scholars program. In addition to the DYS online homerooms (conducted via email, Zoom, and PayPal), she is also an Outschool teacher. If you haven’t already, you can read about Michelle here on her Outschool profile and check out additional reviews on this site.

You can always contact Michelle directly at dyshomerooms (at) gmail.com if you have questions about signing up.

“Our 8 year old daughter has both participated in Michelle’s Davidson Young Scholars (DYS) morning homerooms and enrolled in special 1:1 instruction with Michelle.  Michelle quickly formed a bond with our daughter, and in just a matter of months I can see substantial benefits from the time they’ve spent together.  Michelle is a very thoughtful teacher who presents engaging and pertinent materials to her students, while her patience and encouragement towards each student is unparalleled.  She creates a safe space for children to be themselves while also working with them to build life skills to overcome challenges.  My daughter has made some great connections and looks forward to seeing her friends every morning.  On top of all that, Michelle is always responsive to my communications and always willing to share her wealth of knowledge or provide additional help.  We look forward to continuing to learn with Michelle!”  – Megan, DYS Parent

Interested in enrolling?

Semester sign-up forms are distributed in select communities online. If you’ve heard about this class from a different source, please forward your Davidson Exchange email along with a request for a sign-up form to dyshomerooms (at) gmail.com.

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