Blog Posts

Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Half Day Workshop Presented by NWGCA

At Risdon Middle School in Newcastle
December 9, 1 PM - 4:30 PM

Enjoy two insightful presentations back-to-back, in the longer workshop format, with opportunities to discuss with fellow parents and educators.
What Parents & Educators Need to Know About Smart Kids, presented by Austina De Bonte, President NWGCA.org Teaching your Gifted Child Social-Emotional Resilience, presented by Tracy Moncrief, M.A., ABD PhD, M.Ed

Cost: $45 adult registration ($10 for a second family member). Advanced registration is strongly recommended. Space is limited.

More Information

SENG Parent Discussion Group

SENG Parent Support Groups bring 10 to 15 interested parents of gifted children together to discuss such topics as communication, motivation, discipline, intensity, perfectionism, and peer relationships. The facilitator of the group is knowledgeable about parenting and about educating gifted children. The parents of the high-ability children are themselves also a rich resource of information, and they are able to get fresh ideas from other parents and
from "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children," the book around which the discussions are organized.

For more information or to get connected with a group, follow the links below:

- General SMPG Information

- Bellevue SMGP

- Seattle SMPG

- Spokane SMPG

- Tacoma SMPG

- Washougal SMPG

- Woodinville SMPG

SENGinars

Born Digital: The 21st Century Social Norms Established by Millennials

November 16, 2017
4:30 - 6:00 PM
Millennials are an amazing generation who are often maligned for they way that they seem to disengage with the world around them. We must remember, however, that millennials did not create the world they were born into to; yet, we asked to navigate it in ways we deem socially acceptable. Millennials did not create the technology infrastructure that permits them perpetually stay connect to a vast social network; yet, we expected to use common sense in how they engage with their peers. Many of the our generation's social norms were created at a time when void of digital technologies; yet, we expect them to apply them to a world that is vastly different. This session will describe the new social norms that millennials are creating and explain how we can help guide them through the tough times that are often associated with adolescence. More Information

Surviving the College Transition: A Gifted Undergraduate's Perspective

November 30, 2017 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
When a high schooler graduates and prepares to head to college, it's inevitable that they'll be told that college is going to be the best time of their life. But what happens when that isn't true - when who they are just doesn't seem to mesh with college? For gifted students, this is often a reality. Common traits of giftedness such as introversion, impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and intensities, when combined with a sense of pressure to excel at the highest level, can make college anything but perfect.
In this interactive, discussion-oriented presentation, Trent Cash, a gifted second-year Eminence Fellow at The Ohio State University, will start a conversation about how these common traits of giftedness have affected his transition into college while discussing strategies for overcoming the challenges they can present. Join him to be a part of the conversation and learn a little bit about what it feels like to be a first-year gifted college student. More Information

Social Media

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Opportunities for Your Student

2018 THINK Summer Institute - Three-Week Academic Residential Program

The Davidson Institute is seeking gifted teens to attend the 2018 Davidson THINK Summer Institute. THINK is a three-week residential summer program on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno where students can earn up to six college credits by completing two university courses. The 2018 THINK Summer Institute will run from July 14 through August 4. Tuition is $3,800 and covers course credits, books and materials, room and board, and the cost of planned activities. Need-based scholarships are available. To qualify, students must be 13 to 16 years old during THINK and must submit a SAT or an ACT score report. The application deadline is March 30, 2018.

Learn More Here

2018 Davidson Fellows $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 Scholarships

The Davidson Institute for Talent Development offers high-achieving young people across the country the opportunity to be named a 2018, Davidson Fellow, an honor accompanied by a $50,000, $25,000 or $10,000 scholarship in recognition of a significant piece of work in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Music, Literature, Philosophy or Outside the Box. Applicants must submit an original piece of work that is recognized as significant by experts in the field and that has the potential to make a positive contribution to society. The scholarship may be used at any accredited college or university. The deadline to apply is Feb. 14, 2018.

Learn More Here

Articles
Understanding Very, Very Smart People

by Samuel Kohlenberg

Being Smart is Really Hard. There may be people with high IQs who have an easy time in life; relationships are simple, work and school are a breeze, and they long ago addressed the existentialist questions that some of us might carry with us until the very end. I wish them well, and what follows is not about them.

In my practice, I have been able to observe and experience how the world treats young adults with superior intelligence. At times it can be pretty heartbreaking, and these are a few things that I wish I could tell all gifted young adults (as well as the people in their lives).
Read the Complete Article Here

Emotional Intensity - A challenging and often misunderstood aspect of giftedness

Our plum tree "broke". As did my heart, just a little. Can you tell? We believe it was planted some 80+ years ago; one of only four trees of that age still standing here. As the branches have been sawed and cleared away, I have mourned, my heart sinking a little more with the crack of each one taken. No tears, but a sense of loss nonetheless. Doesn't it sound ridiculous? It's a tree! Thank goodness cutting the grass doesn't elicit this kind of response! Image the guilt! But in actuality for some of our gifted (of all ages), this is a reality. They feel so deeply, so intensely that it can be unbearable. This expression can be misunderstood and considered excessive, unwarranted, and in some contexts, a sign of immaturity (the latter a reason sometimes cited by teachers as to why a child is not being moved a class even though academically they are well and truly ready). This lack of understanding can lead to experiences of isolation, not to mention confusion. If she or she recognizes that their feelings and logical thinking are in-congruent in some way.

Read the complete article here

A Study Has Been Following Gifted Kids for 45 Years. Here is What We've Learned.
The study, called the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth never ended and is now nearly 45 years in the making. It has followed countless kids from middle school into their careers as some of America's top politicians, scientists, CEOs, engineers, and military leaders. It's not a stretch to call this the biggest and most in-depth study on intellectual: precociousness." The results of the study thus far are equal parts fascinating and genuinely surprising - a deeply insightful look into the minds and lives of brilliant children.
Read the complete article here

Upcoming Events
What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Smart Kids
Many people are surprised to learn that their child's unique "quirks" are actually well-studied social & emotional behavior patterns that appear across large populations of highly intelligent children. Whether it's refusing to wear shirts with buttons or tags, overreacting to the slightest criticism, gravitating towards adults and older children, forgetting to turn in their homework, trouble with handwriting, anxiety about trying something new, or preferring a book to a party, these and many other perplexing behaviors are common in this population. Learn what's normal, what to expect as they grow, and why genuine challenge is vitally important for kids' social and emotional development, as well as developing their academic talents, from the preschool and elementary years all the way to high school and beyond. Presented by Austina De Bonte, President of NWGCA.
September 21 @ 6:30 PM in Mount Vernon
La Venture Middle School, 1200 N. Laventure Road, Mount Vernon
October 3 @ 6:30 PM in Leavenworth
Icicle Creek Middle School, 10195 Titus Rd, Leavenworth
October 5 @ 6:30 PM in Shoreline
Shoreline Auditorium at the Shoreline Conference Center 18560-1st Ave NE, Shoreline
November 1 @ 6:30 PM in Redmond
Scarr Resource Center, 16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond
If you are in the area, please join us for this FREE presentation, and spread the word!

Twice-Exceptional SENG Parent Support Group
Time: Thursdays from 4:15-5:15 pm
Dates: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7 There will not be meeting on 10/26 or 11/23
Location: 1818 Westlake Ave. North, Suite 312, Seattle, WA 98109
Cost: $600 for the 10 week group
This will be a small, therapeutic support group for parents of twice-exceptional children to share, understand, accept and learn new parenting strategies to implement. This group will run con-currently with a Wally's Play Group (social skills group) specifically for twice-exceptional children in 3rd or 4th grade, which will be happening in our suite at the same time as the parenting group. Contact Karrin Grutz: http://www.wallysplaygroups.com for more information about that group. Parents of children not in 3rd or 4th grade are welcome to join the parenting group.
Register by contacting Anne van Roden at Anne@SeattleRelationshipTherapy.com if you are interested in joining this group.
More information here
Social Media
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Opportunities for Your Student

College Scholarships from Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Curious about just how far this scholarship can take your students? Click below to watch Cooke Scholars describe the internships, study abroad, and other opportunities available through our $40,000 per year College Scholarship Program. The application process opened on September 14, 2017.
More Information Here

Science Competitions for High School Students
This article details the hands-on laboratory and research experiences available across the country. By interning for a variety of academic, government and nonprofit organizations engaged in scientific research, students gain valuable experience.
Read the complete article here

Upcoming Conferences

October 13-14, 2017
Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) Annual Conference - Grow the Gifts You Have
Tacoma, WA
More Info Here

November 9-12, 2017
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) 64th Annual Convention
Charlotte, NC
More Info Here

Articles
50 Tips, Tricks and Ideas for Teaching Gifted Students
Gifted kids can be a joy to teach when you know how to identify what engages them. These 50 tips and tricks come from experience and research. They're good to have in your bag of tricks whether you're a newbie or an old hand at teaching these high-level thinkers. This article provides ideas to engage the high-level thinkers in the classroom.
Read the complete article here

Resources
Figure It Out: Why you learn what you learn
by Aparna Varadharajan
Do I have to learn this? But why ? Am I ever going to use this? What is school trying to teach me? How do I learn? And why learn at all?
Learning is something you do all your life. Yet, it does not have to be a chore. If you pay attention, you can learn more effectively-by thinking in different ways and connecting the dots, you can create a beautiful picture of your world. Subjects in school are just lines in the sand, overlapping to create different fields. In our daily lives, there are many unexpected patterns which we tend to overlook. When you take the time to look at these patterns, you can see unlimited possibilities.
More Information Here

LEGISLATIVE ALERT
I apologize in advance for the length of this message but the issue calls for a deep explanation. It is imperative that the community of people supporting highly capable education Insist that legislators include appropriate funding for highly capable programs in the current budget being negotiated. While we do not want to be alarmist, it is possible that any funding done this year will serve as the floor for funding for the next several decades. This deserves your immediate attention and action. What follows is support information you will need to make an effective appeal to your legislator, and other key legislators if you are willing to take the extra effort.

A child's educational program must be appropriately ambitious and every child should have the chance to meet challenging objectives. That is one of the main purposes of the Highly Capable Program.

The Legislature has not yet begun serious negotiations on the next budget. However, the McCleary Work Group is supposed to be meeting at least weekly to prepare the education portion of the budget. They have before them all the research conducted when they were the Education Funding Task Force plus the 3 budget proposals this year, and they are reportedly at a stalemate. There are persistent rumors that the budget will not be ready until late June!

The proposed 2017-2018 funding levels for highly capable programs in all three budgets won't even allow districts to continue the services they offer today.

Neither the Governor's, the House, nor Senate budget proposals address the persistent and pervasive underfunding of gifted education, and all will do harm to our state's gifted learners.

Both House and Senate proposals continue to limit services to 2.314% of our state's enrollment, or about 25,530 students. The Governor's proposal raises the percentage slightly but not significantly.

But - in 2015-2016, districts identified and served 63,551 gifted students. All of these students deserve their appropriate, fully funded basic education. They have been waiting since 2009.

The cost for educating most of the 38,000 students above the state limit is paid for from local levy funds. Local levy funds are not to be used for basic education, and HCP IS BASIC EDUCATION.

At a minimum, the state needs to allocate an amount that covers the actual costs of providing services to our 63,500 plus identified gifted learners. To provide for improvements in the program that are essential to address issues of equity will require more. Providing the professional development necessary to build teacher capacity in the identification and service of gifted students costs money. Making changes to our referral and identification processes also has a cost.

What you need to do today!!
Please contact your Legislators today and ask them to contact the members of 1) the McCleary group and 2) the budget negotiators (listed below). Tell them that the Legislature needs to fund the recommendations of the 2010 Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group. The recommendations immediately below include all the issues outlined in the above paragraph.
*Fund 5% of enrollment
*Fund 6.5 hours per week in grades K-6
*Fund 3.1 hours per week in grades 7-12

If you have contacted your Legislators before on this topic, please do so again. If you have not yet done so, please do so now while your input can still have an effect.

Unsure of your message? May we suggest:

Districts serve 63,551 highly capable students. The state funds only ~25,530. It is the state's responsibility to fully fund gifted education as part of basic education. Adopt and fund the Recommendations of the Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group of 2010. The current funding allocation of 2.314% of a school district's population is a FATAL FLAW that assures a lack of equity in highly capable education for the unforeseen future. Do not embed this FATAL FLAW into current budget language, thus dooming under-represented populations who desperately need to be identified and served. Districts serve 63,551 highly capable students. The state funds only ~25,530. It is the state's responsibility to fully fund gifted education as part of basic education. Adopt and fund the Recommendations of the Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group of 2010. The current funding allocation of 2.314% of a school district's population is a FATAL FLAW that assures a lack of equity in highly capable education for the unforeseen future. Do not embed this FATAL FLAW into current budget language, thus dooming under-represented populations to a lack of services. These are students who desperately need to be identified and served.
* Fund 5% of enrollment
* Fund 6.5 hours per week in grades K-6
* Fund 3.1 hours per week in grades 7-12"
Please contact the members of the McCleary Work Group and the budget negotiators and urge them to implement these recommendations.

You can find and email your Legislator using the District finder at http://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder, or you can use the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Hot Line operators will write down your message and transmit it to your Legislator(s) so plan out in advance what you want to say, write it down, and then read it to the operator to be sure it says exactly what you want it to say.

Most Legislators are currently at home in their districts. Some have district offices. If they do, for House members, they will be listed at http://leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/DistrictOffices.aspx and for Senators http://leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/Pages/default.aspx. Both sites are in (mostly) alphabetical order; scroll down to yours to see if there is a district office. Try to make an appointment to meet with your legislator(s) as soon as possible.

Thank you for taking action to gain full, ample, and equitable funding for highly capable services. 63,551+ gifted students in Washington are counting on you!

Key Legislators your Legislators need to contact are listed below. If you are feeling especially energetic and motivated, after you contact your Legislators, you can contact the key legislators directly yourself. Email addresses are Firstname.Surname@leg.wa.gov.

McCleary Work Group

Rep. Pat Sullivan
Rep. Kristine Lytton
Rep. Paul Harris
Rep. David Taylor
Sen. Ann Rivers
Sen. Christine Rolfes
Sen. Andy Billig
Sen. John Braun

Budget Negotiators

Rep. Timm Ormsby, Chair, House Appropriations Committee
Rep. June Robinson, Vice Chair, House Appropriations Committee
Rep. Bruce Chandler, Ranking, House Appropriations Committee

Rep. Frank Chopp, Speaker of the House
Rep. Pat Sullivan, Majority Leader
Rep. Dan Kristianson, House Republican Caucus leader

Sen. John Braun, Chair, Senate Ways and Means Committee
Sen. Dino Rossi, Vice Chair Senate Ways and Means Committee
Sen. Kevin Ranker, Ranking, Senate Ways and Means Committee
Sen. Christine Rolfes, Assistant Ranking, Senate Ways and Means Committee

Sen. Mark Schoesler, Senate Republican Caucus leader
Sen. Sharon Nelson, Senate Democratic Caucus leader

March 2017

3/1/2017

Two things for this newsletter:

It's time to contact your legislators about full funding of highly capable programs as part of McCleary. Decisions are being made, now is the time to make your voice heard.
It's time to register for summer programs! Lots of great choices below...

It's time to contact your legislators!
The Senate Republicans passed their budget bill (ESSB 5048) last Friday, and the House Democrats are on track to pass their budget bill (HB 1067) this Friday. The bills have significant differences, and we expect some long and difficult negotiations between the two parties. Today is the best time to get your voice heard.

The proposed 2017-2018 funding levels for highly capable programs in either budget won't even allow districts to continue the services they offer today. Neither House nor Senate budget proposal addresses the persistent and pervasive under funding of gifted education, and both will do harm to our state's gifted learners.

Both House and Senate proposals aim to limit services to 2.314% of our state's enrollment, or about 25,530 students. In 2015-2016, districts identified and served 63,551 gifted students.

Learn more, plus exactly how to find and contact your legislator

It's time to register for summer programs!

Registration for summer programs is already well underway.

Great news! After a year away, CTY is back in Washington this summer at Seattle University. They offer terrific programs for kids grades 7 and up. If you missed the registration for UW Robinson Center programs, which fill up SUPER fast (often same day!), these are a great alternative.

There are TONS of other programs available as well, on topics from music to math to wilderness awareness to live-aboard sailing adventures.

See our giant list of summer programs

January 2017 #2

1/15/2017

EVEN MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
January is a busy month. Gifted Ed Day is coming up soon, on February 2. Dyslexic Advantage is looking for more test subjects ages 7-9. Lake Washington GEAC is sponsoring a talk by Nancy Hertzog, Director of the UW Robinson Center. Youth programs at Centrum are registering, and a free science camp for high school seniors is taking applications. The Jack Kent Cooke scholarship application deadline is approaching. SENG Groups are always forming... And we have more dates getting scheduled for our signature NWGCA talk: "What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Smart Kids." Got more events to announce? Email us anytime.
Gifted Ed Day - February 2, 2017
Join other gifted advocates in Olympia on February 2 for Gifted Ed Day, sponsored by the Coalition for Gifted Education. Festivities start at 10am in the Columbia Room with a presentation for kids (How a Bill Becomes a Law), as well as hearing from legislators and OSPI staff. Attendees are encouraged to make appointments to meet with their local representatives in the afternoon. Inquire for a Gifted Ed Day information packet by emailing wagifted@earthlink.net
Help Dyslexic Advantage Finish their New Assessment Tool
Dyslexic Advantage is seeking Volunteers ages 7-9 years old who have access to an iPad and are willing to spend 45-60 minutes to help with the development of an accurate and affordable test for dyslexia.
Dyslexic Advantage was founded by Drs. Brock & Fernette Eide, who are national experts about giftedness as well as dyslexia - and are fellow Washingtonians!
Both dyslexic and non-dyslexic volunteers are needed. Results will be stored anonymously, and will be used only for scoring norm development for the test.
As a thank you, each volunteer will receive a lifetime pass to use the final versions of the test. This pass can be used for themselves or a designated family member and also be used to track progress over time.
This test is being developed by our partner organization, Neurolearning SPC, and Dyslexic Advantage will receive a percentage of all profits from the final version of the test.
If you are willing to help, please send an email to drseide@dyslexicadvantage.org and we will forward you a link with instructions to download the test.

UW Robinson Center programs, Enrichment for Gifted Kids, History of Gifted Education and Beyond
February 1st - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
LWSD Resource Center at Redmond Town Center (driving directions)
Sponsored by Lake Washington GEAC (www.lwsdgeac.org)
Dr. Hertzog holds a joint appointment as Director of the UW Robinson Center for Young Scholars and Professor in the UW College of Education.   She will introduce us to the array of programs the Robinson Center has for gifted youth, including summer programs, weekend programs, early entrance to college, and their new online writing composition class.  In addition, she will discuss other ways for enrichment for gifted children outside of school.
Dr. Hertzog will also guide us through the history of gifted education in the US and the historical ebbs and flows of how highly capable children are viewed and what educational approaches are considered, as well as how programs are funded or not, and current big issues of research (such as professional development and equity).   There will be time for parents' questions on gifted education using her 35 years of experience in this field. (Please email topics you are interested in covering to info@lwsdgeac.org)
For more information on the UW Robinson Center Programs see https://robinsoncenter.uw.edu/programs/
Robinson Center Summer Challenge (finishing 5-6th grades) registration opens February 6th. Summer Stretch (finishing 7-10th grades) registration opens March 6th.

Centrum Youth Workshops
Centrum youth workshops are now open for registration! Some scholarships are available. Parents can apply for scholarships during the registration process.
Explorations (Grades 7-9)
http://centrum.org/explorations-grades-7-9/
March 5-10
Students take creative risks in a weeklong overnight program designed to challenge mind and body. Passionate artists teach sculpture, music, acting, printmaking, dance and writing every day. Those same artists showcase their skills in the evening before students enjoy snacks and group activities in the dorm. A student showcase finale allows friends and family to witness all that students discovered in their creative explorations.
Water World (Grades 5 & 6)
http://centrum.org/water-world-grades-5-6/
April 23-28
Young minds dive into marine science and art as Centrum teams with the Port Townsend Marine Science Center for a week of creative investigations. Marine biologists introduce students to critical analysis while professional artists help students express findings through creative writing, dance, and visual art. Storytelling activities finish off the evenings before bed and a final presentation at week's end exhibits student discoveries and creations.
DANCE This! (Grades 9-12)
http://centrum.org/dance-this-grades-9-12/
August 6-12
Bollywood, ballet, hip hop and modern dance are all a part of this nurturing yet challenging week of practice, collaboration and performance. The Seattle Theatre Group teams with Centrum to hand-pick the region's best instructors. Students will engage in technique classes and repertory sessions, enjoy meals together and explore the beautiful seaside Fort Worden campus. At the end of the week, students dazzle friends and family with a performance in the McCurdy Pavilion.

Applications for 2017 National Youth Science Camp Delegates
Washington high school seniors are encouraged to submit an application to attend the 2017 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC).
Two Washington high school seniors will be selected from the applicant pool to receive a scholarship to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds. The selected delegates must not only demonstrate academic achievement in science, but also show potential for thoughtful scientific leadership. Application materials are available on the NYSC website at http://apply.nysc.org and must be submitted by March 1, 2017.
The NYSC experience is hosted and operated by the National Youth Science Foundation (www.nysf.com) and is offered at no cost to participants, so that selected delegates may attend regardless of their financial status. Educational and recreational programming, as well as meals, lodging, and round-trip air passage on scheduled airlines are provided free of charge.
The NYSC is held near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest. Delegates arrive in Charleston, West Virginia, on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, and depart on Saturday, July 8, 2017. The nearly month-long experience includes lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from across the nation, overnight expeditions into the national forests, and a visit to Washington, D.C.
Please contact Ellen Ebert at 360-725-4962 or ellen.ebert@k12.wa.us or Sultana Shah at 360-725-4961 or sultana.shah@k12.wa.us, if you have any questions regarding this memorandum. The agency TTY number is 360-664-3631.

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
The Cooke Young Scholars Program application will be available beginning
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017. This unique pre-college scholarship program is open to high-achieving 7th grade students with financial need.
Cooke Young Scholars will receive academic and college counseling, financial support for enrichment activities, and access to a community of ambitious peers and mentorship opportunities.
Join us for an upcoming webinar to learn more about this program. These information sessions are designed for educators, community leaders, and other potential outreach partners. Senior Program Manager of Outreach Nara Lee will be presenting live and cover eligibility requirements and selection criteria, as well as answer questions from attendees.
Register to attend: Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST Register to attend: Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST
SENG Parent Discussion Groups
SENG Parent Support Groups bring 10 to 15 interested parents of gifted children together to discuss such topics as communication, motivation, discipline, intensity, perfectionism, and peer relationships. The facilitator of the group is knowledgeable about parenting and about educating gifted children. The parents of the high-ability children are themselves also a rich resource of information, and they are able to get fresh ideas from other parents and
from "A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children," the book around which the discussions are organized.
For more information or to get connected with a group, follow the links below:
- General SMPG information
- Bellevue SMPG
- Online SMPG
- Seattle SMPG
- Spokane SMPG
- Tacoma SMPG
- Washougal SMPG
- Woodinville SMPG

What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Smart Kids
Many people are surprised to learn that their child's unique "quirks" are actually well-studied social & emotional behavior patterns that appear across large populations of highly intelligent children. Whether it's refusing to wear shirts with buttons or tags, overreacting to the slightest criticism, gravitating towards adults and older children, forgetting to turn in their homework, trouble with handwriting, anxiety about trying something new, or preferring a book to a party, these and many other perplexing behaviors are common in this population. Learn what's normal, what to expect as they grow, and why genuine challenge is vitally important for kids' social and emotional development, as well as developing their academic talents, from the preschool and elementary years all the way to high school and beyond. Presented by Austina De Bonte, President of NWGCA.
New presentation dates are announced for this spring for Burien/Highline, Tacoma, and Federal Way. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks as well.
Find the schedule here:
http://www.nwgca.org/events.html

January 2017 #1

1/1/2017

UPCOMING OPPORTUNTIES
This edition highlights two programs put on by the Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington. One is an exciting new conference for parents, educators, and other advocates, and it's FREE. The other is the latest session of Saturday Enrichment programs for kids. Also keep an eye on the Robinson Center's summer programs (for kids finishing grade 5 and higher), which start registration in February and always fill fast!

UW Robinson Center Saturday Programs
The Saturday Program is an enrichment program offered by the Robinson Center for Young Scholars for students currently in grades K-8. These classes are intended to provide intellectually ambitious students with challenge, inspiration, and fun, in a collaborative, supportive learning environment. Our classes are not intended to move students ahead in the standard curriculum but rather to explore topics not usually covered in the K-8 classroom. Classes meet for one or two hours per week, for eight sessions each quarter; we do not run Saturday Program in the summer. Classes are held on the UW Campus, in Gould Hall.
The Robinson Center Saturday Enrichment Program is very excited to be offering a new class for 6-8 grade students this quarter titled "Exploring your Inner Playwright." In this class students will explore what happens when inspiration and imagination are combined with the very specific demands of play structure.
Financial aid is available to any family who receives free or reduced lunch. For more information see our website:
https://robinsoncenter.uw.edu/programs/enrichment/saturday/curriculum/
Saturday Enrichment Classes start January 21st.

UW Equity Summit on Gifted Education (FREE)
UW Seattle Campus - Haggett Hall, Cascade Ballroom
February 9 - 10, 2017
Calling all community advocates and educators!
There is a fundamental disconnect between the policies designed to serve all gifted students in our state, and those historically disenfranchised within the system by race, ethnicity, culture or language. Guest speakers from the University of Washington College of Education and across the country are invited to engage in discussions facilitated by our faculty related to access and equity to highly capable programs and services in the state of Washington. The Robinson Center's goal is to bring communities of people together from across the country, as well as across the state to discuss these important challenges facing our system in public education.
Equity Summit Registration
We will updating our registration page with new information as they come. Currently, you can preview our scheduled sessions for both Feb. 9th and 10th.
Also on the registration page, we are excited to inform you of two things we now offer:
1. Clock Hours: The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has graciously offered to provide free clock hours to educators attending. If you are interested, please provide us with your information by February 3rd.
2. Lunchboxes Available: For your convenience, boxed lunches are available for purchase and be delivered directly to the conference from Bay Laurel, our University caterer. This is preferred if you plan on attending a working lunch session. Other food options can be found at the nearby Husky Den at the HUB or The 8 at McMahan Hall. Lunchbox orders are due by January 23rd, and menus and ordering can be done here .

October 2016

10/1/2016

UPCOMING OPPORTUNTIES
There are some exciting opportunities for gifted kids coming up. We have a half day workshop being presented by Austina De Bonte (President NWGCA). There is also a one time education opportunity at the University of Washington as well as a scholarship opportunity for bright students. Details and registration links are below.
Learning Events

Half-Day Workshop: What Parents and Educators Need to Know About Smart Kids Presented by Austina De Bonte, President NWGCA
Saturday November 12, 2016
Jemtegaard Middle School
35300 SE Evergreen Hwy
Washougal, WA 98671
Many people are surprised to learn that their bright children's unique "quirks" are actually well-studied social & emotional behavior patterns that appear across large populations of highly intelligent children. Whether it's refusing to wear shirts with buttons or tags, overreacting to the slightest criticism, gravitating to play with older children, anxiety about trying something new, or preferring a book to a playdate, these and many other perplexing behaviors are common in this population. Learn the latest neuroscience and research about what's normal, what to expect as they grow, and why genuine challenge is vitally important for kids' social and emotional development, as well as developing their academic talents, from the preschool and elementary years through high school and beyond. Topics include: Topics The IQ bell curve, asynchrony, family inheritance, the inside scoop on testing Twice exceptional (2e) including spotlights on stealth dyslexia, vision processing, and central auditory processing disorders Emotional characteristics, including sensitivity, intensity, perfectionism Over-excitabilities (OE) Executive function delays Social development timeline and typical social development challenges School program choices and placement considerations Developing grit & growth mindset, underachievement The workshop format provides time to dig into deeper content and engage in guided discussion with other parents and educators. The goal of this workshop is to give you research-based perspectives and new tools for your toolbox, whether you are a parent or an educator.
$40 adult registration ($10 for a second family member).
Advance registration is strongly recommended. Space is limited.
Click here for more information and registration
Click here to download a flyer to share
Upcoming Conferences
November 3-6, 2016
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) 63rd Annual Convention
Orlando, FL
Click here for more information
Scholarship Opportunity
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Outstanding high school seniors should apply now for the nation's largest scholarship. Receive up to $40,000 per year to complete your bachelor's degree, as well as opportunities for internships, study abroad, and graduate school funding.
Click here for more information

September 2016

9/1/2016

September 2016 Newsletter
As we return to education, many families find it also a time to revisit the challenges gifted children face. In this issue, we include many educational opportunities to help understand the gifted person - free talks, as well as special presenters, and several conferences where NWGCA board members will be speaking. You will also find articles discussing educational challenges.
Social Media
Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Upcoming Events
September 22, 2016
Adult Giftedness:Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed
with Paula Prober, M.S.
Online SENGinar, Registration required
Using examples from her counseling practice and her analogy of the rainforest mind, Paula Prober, M.S. will detail the complexities of adult giftedness and provide strategies and resources to help gifted adults understand themselves, communicate with others, and find self-acceptance. Issues include: sensitivities, perfectionism, multipotentiality, schooling, parenting, counseling, relationships, impostor syndrome, and decision-making. the focus will be on the many ways gifted adults are misunderstood with some information on misdiagnosis.
More Info Here
September 29, 2016
Over-Excitabilities
with Dr. Susan Daniels
Online SENGinar, Registration required
Dr. Daniels is an internationally recognized expert in the field of gifted education and creativity, with numerous publications and presentations at educational and psychological conferences. She specializes in the social and emotional development of gifted children and adolescents, intensity and sensitivity of gifted individuals across the lifespan, and the development of creative potential.
More Info Here
October 8, 2016
Putting Together the Puzzle of the Gifted Family
with Anne van Roden and Gloria Sandford - both experienced parents of gifted children and licensed mental health professionals who specialize in working with gifted families in the Seattle area.
Seattle, Registration required
Come join us for an interactive and inspiring workshop where you will learn key tools to help your gifted family thrive. This one-day workshop will apply SENG concepts at a deeper level focusing on the whole family. Specific tools include: 1) measuring certain gifted traits in family members, 2) examining how different patterns can cause ongoing conflicts and misunderstandings and 3) identifying some strategies to help address those challenges. Participants will leave with uniquely crafted strategies to help their family live together in a more cohesive and harmonious manner.
More Info Here
October 17, 2016
The Power and Gifts of ADHD
with Dr. Edward Hallowell
University of WA, Registration required
Dr. Edward Hallowell will explore the brain science behind ADHD, the directions of current research and the impact of ADHD on the family. Dr. Hallowell's lectures are packed with children and adults who are always moved to hear about his life-long goal to help people master the power of ADHD.
More Info Here
What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Smart Kids with Austina De Bonte, President NWGCA
Shoreline - October 3 at 7pm
Redmond - October 5 at 6:30pm
Kelso - October 13 at 6pm
Mount Vernon - October 26 at 6:30pm
Bothell - October 27 at 7pm
FREE presentation, no registration required
Many people are surprised to learn that their child's unique "quirks" are actually well-studied social & emotional behavior patterns that appear across large populations of highly intelligent children. Whether it's refusing to wear shirts with buttons or tags, overreacting to the slightest criticism, gravitating towards adults and older children, forgetting to turn in their homework, trouble with handwriting, anxiety about trying something new, or preferring a book to a party, these and many other perplexing behaviors are common in this population. Learn what's normal, what to expect as they grow, and why genuine challenge is vitally important for kids' social and emotional development, as well as developing their academic talents, from the preschool and elementary years all the way to high school and beyond.
More info here
Upcoming Conferences
October 15, 2016
Oregon Association of the Talented and Gifted (OATAG) Annual Conference
Reed College, Portland, OR
More Info Here
October 28-29, 2016
Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) Annual Conference
Tacoma, WA
More Info Here
November 3-6, 2016
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) 63rd Annual Convention
Orlando, FL
More Info Here
Articles
Smart-Shaming: Sorry But Your Child is Too Bright to Qualify for Help
by Dr. Daniel Peters
Dr. Peters gives his perspective on the challenges advocating for 2e children.
Read the Complete Article Here
Why Talented Black and Hispanic Students Can Go Undiscovered
by Susan Dynarski
Public schools are increasingly filled with black and Hispanic students, but the children identified as "gifted" in those schools are overwhelmingly white and Asian.
Read the Complete Article Here
Gifted Kids and School: The Best Approach to Educating Einstein
by Kristen Gough
Keeping super-smart children engaged, motivated and accepted can be an incredible challenge. Learn how to help your academically bright child.
Read the Complete Article Here

May 2016

5/1/2016

May 2016 Newsletter

A Note from our Parent Groups Chair
What Parents Need to Know about Smart Kids
Job Openings
The BIG List of Summer Programs!
Online Courses for Fall & Summer
SENG Conference 2016
Highly Capable Programs Handbook
Invite us to speak to your group!
Calling all Parent Groups!

A Note From Our Parent Groups Chair

"Quality of Gifted Education exists in places where there are strong parent groups."
           -- NAGC, National Assoc. for Gifted Children

Did you know we have over 15 parent groups across the state of Washington? Our state's parent groups fill many different roles and are important for advocacy, education, and most importantly fostering community and connection. If you live in an area with an active parent group, we encourage you to connect with them and add your voice. Several parent groups that have websites can be found on the NWGCA website. If your local group is not listed, please let us know so we can add contact information to our site.

And while we have many great organizations across the state, there's always room for more. If your area does not currently have a parent group, then why not start one? Starting a parent group may seem daunting at first but it only takes a few passionate parents to get one started. NWGCA is here to help and we can provide tips and resources for launching a group in your area.

Check out many of the amazing stories and reasons to join, help, or start a local parent group in April's Hoagies Blog Hop: Forming Parent and Other Groups (Sanity in Numbers)

Check out this free ebook from NAGC: Starting & Sustaining a Parent Group to Support Gifted Children

NWGCA would like to recognize all of our state parent groups. Keep up the good work!

Marcella
Parent Groups Chair

What Parents (and Educators, Coaches, Grandparents...) Need to Know About Smart Kids
June 14, TBD, Burien
October 13, 6pm, Kelso
Addresses will be posted on our website soon
Many parents are surprised to learn that their child's unique "quirks" are actually well-studied social & emotional behavior patterns that appear across large populations of highly intelligent children. Whether it's refusing to wear shirts with buttons or tags, overreacting to the slightest criticism, gravitating towards adults and older children, forgetting to turn in their homework, trouble with handwriting, anxiety about trying something new, or preferring a book to a party, these and many other perplexing behaviors are common in this population. Learn what's normal, what to expect as they grow, and why genuine challenge is vitally important for kids' social and emotional development, as well as developing their academic talents, from the preschool and elementary years all the way to high school and beyond. Presented by Austina De Bonte, President of NWGCA.

Job Openings
This is the season for job openings. Feel free to send HiCap related job openings to info@nwgca.org to get included in upcoming newsletters. You can also post on our Facebook group.

HiCap Teacher - 5th Grade Discovery Program
Renton School District, Kennydale Elementary School
If you know of any strong teacher candidates who would be a great fit for a highly capable program and who is skilled in working with twice exceptional children, please encourage them to apply at our district website. They may also contact me by email: h.schmitz@rentonschools.us John Schmitz, Principal

HiCap Teacher - Elementary
Mount Vernon School District
Our Highly Capable program is in transition toward multiple self-contained classrooms in one elementary school in fall 2017. We are looking for a dynamic teacher who is interested in working in a team environment to promote the social and academic needs of students who are traditionally underserved in highly capable programs. For more information, contact David Anderson, Assistant Superintendent danderson@mvsd320.org or see the online job listing at www.mountvernonschools.org (Employment, certificated, highly capable teacher)

Junior High School Principal
Northshore School District, Leota Junior High
This school hosts the Advanced Academics Program (AAP) which is a magnet HiCap program in the district. In 2017, the district will be transitioning to grade 6-8 middle schools, and Leota will have multiple AAP sections at each grade level for core academic courses. More information

Superintendent of Schools
Northshore School District, Bothell/Woodinville/Kenmore
Seeking a new superintendent of schools for a district of 21,000 students that is about to open a new high school and significant grade reconfiguration in 2017. This district has made significant investments in their Highly Capable Programs over the past few years and has a vibrant school board that is supportive of the needs of highly capable students. More information

The BIG LIST of Summer Camps

Still thinking about summer plans? Check out our big list of camps. Some of them have already finished registration, but many are still available...
Get the BIG LIST of Summer Camps

Invite us to speak to your group
The mission of NWGCA is to support parents of gifted children across the state and provide resources, information, and coaching about raising gifted children.
NWGCA Board Members love to speak to parent groups, and we're even doing more and more professional development for educators these days. Our talks are FREE, and are available on a variety of topics that can be customized to the needs of your community. Please email us if you would like to schedule a speaker.

Join our List!
Was this newsletter forwarded to you by a friend? Join our free mailing list to get future newsletters and other member benefits.
More Info
Resources & Links
Meet our Board of Directors
Join our Mailing ListWe love to hear your feedback and ideas... Please don't be shy, we are here to serve you. Email us

Donate to NWGCA!
Looking for a great place to make a tax-deductible donation that really counts? We appreciate all donations, large and small, to help us reach out to parent groups across the state, provide resources and workshops. Donate to NWGCA
Online Courses
Thinking about an online course for your child for the fall - or summer? Don't wait too long to register!

Athena's Advanced Academy (including a few courses taught by board member Deborah Simon!!!)
Online G3
Art of Problem Solving
EPGY
SIG
Johns Hopkins CTY

SENG parent
discussion groups
Joining a SENG Model Parent Discussion Group is a great way to connect with other families and deepen your understanding of your child's needs.
- Bellevue
- Seattle
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Washougal
- Woodinville
- Online Groups
More information about SENG discussion groups

2016 SENG Conference
Heading out east over the summer? SENG is holding their annual conference in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia July 22-24. It's always a great conference, and has a terrific kids program, so bring the whole family!
More information

Highly Capable Programs Handbook
The UW Robinson Center for Young Scholars has published an online handbook for school districts that are developing and/or reworking their HiCap programs to be in compliance with the new laws. Please feel free to use this in your advocacy, or share with your district administrators as a valuable resource.
Download the Handbook

Calling all Parent Groups!
We are slowly collecting contact information for more and more parent groups across the state, but we know there are still more out there. If you belong to a group, whether it's associated with a school district or not, would you please drop us a line about where you are located and how best to reach your group? Or, are you hoping to create a group but not sure how to do it? We can help you get started.
Email us

February 2016

2/1/2016

In this Issue
A Note from the President
Feb 23 - Smart but Struggling Panel in Bainbridge
Feb 25 - Advocating Effectively in Centralia
Feb 28 - Board Game Day in Woodinville
What Parents Need to Know about Smart Kids
- Issaquah, March 30, 7:00pm
- Mukilteo, TBD this spring
- Lynden, TBD this spring
More NWGCA Talks for Parents & Educators
- Othello, March 1
- Yakima, TBD this spring
March 19 - Celebration of Talent Conference in Spokane
The BIG List of Summer Programs!
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship for 7th Graders
Highly Capable Programs Handbook
Invite us to speak to your group!
Calling all Parent Groups!
Recent Articles

A Note From The President
Springtime is in the air, and believe it or not, it's already time to register for many of the most popular summer camps that fill up fast - both in WA state and nationwide. Don't miss our ever growing list of summer enrichment opportunities below! The list is long not to encourage you to do it all, but to help you find just the right fit for your child's needs and passions. While summer opportunities to socialize with intellectual peers can be a lifeline for many of our kids, remember that unstructured time is still important too.

You may have noticed that we haven't scheduled any big events lately. In our continual effort to reach the most people with resources and support, NWGCA is spending this year doing as much outreach to individual communities as possible. We've been very busy doing presentations for parent groups, as well as an increasing number of professional development sessions for educators. Our talks are FREE, though we always appreciate donations. Have we been to your area yet? Please invite us!

Austina De Bonte
President, NWGCA

Smart but Struggling?
Learn how to help twice-exceptional children meet their full potential Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7-9 p.m. in the Bainbridge Island SD Board Room, 9530 NE High School Road, Bainbridge Island. Ask questions, share experiences and gain strategies from the following panelists:

Dr. Jeff McCormick, BISD director of Assessment, Title 1, LAP & Highly Capable
Diane Leonetti, executive director, Special Services, Section 504/ADA coordinator
Lydia Harrison, M. Ed., Island Educational Services
Dr. Steve Curtis, licensed clinical psychologist, Lifespan Psychological Services

Read the flyer for more information.

Advocating Effectively for Gifted Education: What to Say and Why
Thursday February 25 at 6pm
Centralia, WA
Email Marcia Holland for location details

Parents often find themselves in the awkward position of having to explain why their smart kids need a different type of educational experience than their neuro-typical peers. Parents and educators will review neurology, social/emotional needs, academic accommodations, and feedback from gifted kids themselves. These elements all influence what parents and educators need to do to accommodate these children's learning differences. The presentation makes the point that highly capable education is an intervention, not a privilege. Presented by Marcia Holland, Past President of NWGCA.

Board Game Day
NWGCA and the Northshore HiCap Parents Council are co-sponsoring an afternoon of board gaming, Sunday February 28 from 2:30-5:30 PM, at the Brightwater Center (22505 State Route 9 SE, Woodinville, WA 98072-6010).

All ages, family, and friends are welcome. But space is limited! Reserve your seat at Sign Up Genius.
If possible, please bring age appropriate games for your family or to share. A pool of board games will also be available.
This is not a drop off event--children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Donations of time (putting away tables & chairs at the end of the event) and/or money (towards hall rental costs) are appreciated.
Snacks will be available for purchase.
Feel free to come late or leave early. Some "between games" activities will also be available.
Directions to Brightwater are here. If you haven't been there before, it is slightly north of Costco on Highway 9. The community center is at the very end of the driveway to the left. There is ample parking.

Questions? Email bplottner@yahoo.com

What Parents (and Educators, Coaches, Grandparents...) Need to Know About Smart Kids
March 30, 7:00pm
Issaquah SD Admin Bldg, 565 NW Holly St, Issaquah, WA
Mukilteo, WA, TBD this spring
Lynden, WA, TBD this spring

Many parents are surprised to learn that their child's unique "quirks" are actually well-studied social & emotional behavior patterns that appear across large populations of highly intelligent children. Whether it's refusing to wear shirts with buttons or tags, overreacting to the slightest criticism, gravitating towards adults and older children, forgetting to turn in their homework, trouble with handwriting, anxiety about trying something new, or preferring a book to a party, these and many other perplexing behaviors are common in this population. Learn what's normal, what to expect as they grow, and why genuine challenge is vitally important for kids' social and emotional development, as well as developing their academic talents, from the preschool and elementary years all the way to high school and beyond. Presented by Austina De Bonte, President of NWGCA.

More Upcoming NWGCA Talks
We also are planning talks for parents and educators in the following communities:

Othello on Tuesday, March 1 from 6:30 pm-8:00pm
at the "DC building"
Contact Susan Jackson for details

Yakima, WA, TBD this spring
Contact Susan Jackson for details

Celebration of Talent Conference
March 19, 2016 - Whitworth University, Spokane Fifth annual conference designed to enlighten children, parents and educators on the subject of giftedness and the unique challenges and benefits that it brings. Gifted students will participate in a variety of fun and unique learning experiences with like-minded youth. Parents and teachers will attend presentations and interact with other parents and professionals on the challenges and joys of raising and educating gifted children. There will be presentation strands for elementary, middle school, and high school students as well as for parents, educators, and counselors.

Marcia Holland, Past President of NWGCA, will be presenting two sessions at the conference. Look for her there!

More Information & Registration
Schedule for the day
Presentations & Speakers

Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program is a unique pre-college scholarship for high-achieving, low-income 7th-graders. Young Scholars receive personalized high school and college advising, funding for summer and extracurricular academic programs, access to internships and study abroad opportunities, and other educational resources including books and technology. The Cooke Foundation also provides comprehensive support to help them gain admission to the top colleges and universities in the country with merit- and need-based aid. The application is open from mid-January through April 14, 2016.

The BIG LIST of Summer Camps
We have updated the big list of Summer Camps yet again, with more than a dozen new listings! There are so many great opportunities across WA state! There are options for kids as young as age 3, all the way through high school. Listings of premiere nationwide camps are also included.

It's not too early to be thinking about summer camps. Keep in mind that the UW Robinson Center summer programs tend to fill up within a few DAYS, and many other top programs fill quickly as well. Many are already open for registration.

Get the BIG LIST of Summer Camps

Articles
ESSA and Gifted Education in WA

How to Nuture the Quiet World of Introverts

ADHD and Children Who Are Gifted

Hyperfocus: The Flip Side of ADHD

Does your Gifted Child Have ADHD?

Decades of Failing to Understand ADHD in Girls Has...

Understanding High Energy Gifted Kids

Diagnosis Questions - 2e and gifted

Stealth Dyslexia

The Catch 22 of Gifted Underachievement

What Causes Gifted Underachievement?

Four Types of Underachievement in Gifted Children

Brains on Fire

Is Genius Innate?

The Math Revolution

If I'd Known Then...

Tips from an Occupational Therapist

Donate to NWGCA!
Looking for a great place to make a tax-deductible donation that really counts? We appreciate all donations, large and small, to help us reach out to parent groups across the state, provide resources and workshops. Donate to NWGCA

More Info
Resources & Links

Meet our Board of Directors

Join our Mailing List

We love to hear your feedback and ideas... Please don't be shy, we are here to serve you. Email us

SENG parent
discussion groups
Joining a SENG Model Parent Discussion Group is a great way to connect with other families and deepen your understanding of your child's needs. New groups often start this time of year, here is contact info:

- Bellevue
- Seattle
- Spokane
(Starting April 14)
- Tacoma

- Washougal
- Woodinville
(Starting Spring)
- Online Groups

More information about SENG discussion groups

Invite us to speak to your group

The mission of NWGCA is to support parents of gifted children across the state and provide resources, information, and coaching about raising gifted children.
NWGCA Board Members love to speak to parent groups, and we're even doing more and more professional development for educators these days. Our talks are FREE, and are available on a variety of topics that can be customized to the needs of your community. Please email us if you would like to schedule a speaker.
Highly Capable Programs Handbook
The UW Robinson Center for Young Scholars has published an online handbook for school districts that are developing and/or reworking their hicap programs to be in compliance with the new laws. Please feel free to use this in your advocacy, or share with your district administrators as a valuable resource.

Download the Handbook

Calling all Parent Groups!
We are slowly collecting contact information for more and more parent groups across the state, but we know there are still more out there. If you belong to a group, whether it's associated with a school district or not, would you please drop us a line about where you are located and how best to reach your group? Or, are you hoping to create a group but not sure how to do it? We can help you get started.
Email us

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