September 2018 Newsletter

School's back in session and your hopes and anxieties are probably riding high.
You've landed in the right place for resources, help, and support for your family's gifted journey.

Highlights this month:
  • Jeffco GT Testing schedule - ** only testing in October this year **
  • Jeffco GT Parent Night - September 13 in 4 Locations
  • Virtual Academy GT Classes
  • Gifted Parent Classes and Workshop Oppportunities
  • Resources for mental health, homework, and college-readiness
  • BVGT presentation on Gifted Friendships - Sept 25th
  • Twice Exceptional training for educators, counselors, psychologists and administrators
  • CAGT and NAGC conferences
Note: This newsletter is intended to provide a wide array of information that readers may find helpful. In an effort to bring breadth of information, JAGC does not necessarily endorse or support opinions presented. JAGC also does not endorse, approve for services, or recommend any specific program mentioned.

Jeffco GT Parent Information Night

Learn more about the Jeffco Public Schools Gifted Center Program, how to apply and when.
Thursday, September 13, 2018
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Evergreen Middle School Ken Caryl Middle School North Arvada Middle School Jeffco Schools Ed Center
2059 Hiwan Dr 6509 W. Ken Caryl Ave. 7285 Pierce St. 1829 Denver West Dr. Bldg #27
Evergreen Littleton Arvada Golden
Jeffco Gifted Center applications will close at 4pm on October 15, 2018.
Jeffco offers free testing for applicants who are 5 years of age (or older) by October 1, 2018 and are enrolled in Kindergarten or above. These children are eligible to apply for the start of the 2019-20 school year.

Testing will be Saturday, October 27, 2018 or Saturday, November 3, 2018, and takes approximately 2 hours.

It is also possible to apply for consideration for an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) to remain in your neighborhood school or a charter. Learn more and apply.

Jeffco will only be conducting GT Center and ALP Testing in the fall - there will NOT be a spring testing window!

Jeffco GT Parent Seminar

Topic: To Be Determined
Monday, Sept 24
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jeffco Education Center - 5th Floor Board Room
1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg #27

Why "to be determined" ?
Jeffco recently conducted a survey asking gifted families what they are interested in seeing for the GT Seminar topics. Future seminar topics will be decided after those survey results are considered.

Extra-Curricular

Virtual Academy GT Classes

The Gifted and Talented Department, in collaboration with Jeffco’s 21st Century Virtual Academy (JVA), is launching Jeffco Online GT Courses for the 2018-19 school year. This program will start with 7th grade core classes:
  • GT Language Arts 7
  • GT Math 7/8
  • GT Science 7
  • GT Social Studies 7

Classes are taught by certified GT teachers and offer the opportunity for GT students to participate in an engaging online curriculum that incorporates both the academic and social-emotional needs of gifted students. Families may work with JVA and their home schools in order to arrange for their gifted children to take one or more GT classes during their school day in their area(s) of strength. All students are required to have an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) and an eligibility form
completed and approved by their home school’s counselor or administrator.

CU Mini Schools

In Spring 2013, the Graduate School at CU Denver launched several Mini-Schools with the goal of sharing the outstanding scholarship of the Denver Campus faculty with a broad audience of young and senior learners. So far 8 Mini-Schools have been opened with a focus on STEM, Humanities, Arts & Architecture, Public Affairs & Public Health, Global Affairs, and Social and Political Sciences. In each Mini-School, eight lectures are presented in a format that is enjoyable for people with different expertise, and attendees who participate in at least six of the eight free lectures will earn a Certificate of Participation. Next month, another Humanities Mini-School will be opening.

While it seems some of these Mini-Schools have taken a break, some are still active. Some are newer Mini-Schools including  CU Mini Med School  , that includes a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) option, a Mini Pharmacy School , and Mini Law School.  Some Mini-Schools have a nominal fee while others are free.

Center for Bright Kids - Testing Process

Western Academic Talent Search (WATS), PSAT 8/9, SAT, ACT  - Testing for GT Students in Grades 3-9
The Center for Bright Kids (CBK) is the regional talent center in the Rocky Mountain area,  serving 7 states, providing summer programs and other youth programs. The goal of CBK is to "offer K-12 enrichment and acceleration programming for high interest and high ability kids. Our focus is not only on how kids think and learn, but how they discover ways to navigate the world while thinking and learning differently. CBK is focused on providing safe spaces for kids to laugh and play while being intellectually challenged with intensive academic experiences and actively engaged in meaningful, authentic learning experiences."

In addition to their youth programs, CBK also offers testing without ceilings, provided by the Western Academic Talent Search (WATS). The benefit of this testing is to find a child's true potential in Reading, English, Math, and Science at the given time they take the test. Typical assessments used by school districts only test one or two grades up, not demonstrating some childrens' true potential in a subject. WATS testing goes far beyond one or two grades. WATS uses ACT, SAT, and PSAT 8/9 tests. PSAT 8/9 is used for grades 3-6, while ACT and SAT are used for grades 6-9.

Testing is currently being offered. If your child has an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP), you will receive a letter from the district allowing your child to test. Your child can qualify to test in other ways too if you are interested. If you allow results to be reported to your school district, at least in Jeffco, they will become part of your child's ALP, further aiding your child's teachers in challenging him or her academically.

School of Mines STEM Program for Girls

DECTech is a Colorado School of Mines outreach program designed especially for girls! Program leaders are female Mines students who are both passionate about their subjects of study and sharing this passion with the next generation. Their mission is to engage girls in STEM by introducing them to various subjects with an interactive, engaging, and hands-on approach!
Registration for fall is now open for DISCOVER Tech for girls (grades 3 - 6) and EXPLORE Tech for girls (grades 7 - 9).

National YoungArts Foundation Competition

National YoungArts Foundation is accepting applications for its annual competition in the visual, performing, design and literary arts for 15 to18 year-old artists from June 5 to October 12, 2018.  YoungArts winners receive valuable support, including financial awards of up to $10,000, master classes with renowned artists, and performance and exhibition opportunities.

Teen Book Con

The Colorado Teen Book Con is a full day event exclusively for teens with two keynote presentations, several author panels, a special writing workshop, a special panel with local literary agents, and a big author signing party at the end of the day. Books will be available for purchase throughout the day.

Join Tattered Cover as we present 20+ of your fave teen authors...
You meet them.  You hear them speak.  You talk to them.  You get lots of books signed.  Snap some selfies with them. And food trucks. Of course, food trucks.

This event is free, open exclusively to teens, but you must register.

Saturday, November 3, 2018
8:30am - 5:00pm
Littleton High School (199 East Littleton Blvd, Littleton, CO 80121)

Registration opens in September. Visit the website at www.tatteredcover.com/2018-colorado-teen-book-con

For the Parents

Gifted Parent Academy

Jeffco Schools Gifted Parent Academy is now offering four different online courses to help parents gain a deeper understanding of their gifted children and load up their tool boxes with effective strategies for greater success and well-being. Courses are open enrollment - start anytime and work at your own pace - and cost only $35 per family.

Gifted Support Group, Littleton

Friday, September 28, 2018
Lunch Bunch at 11:30am - 1:00pm (feel free to bring your own lunch or buy it there)
Southwest Plaza Mall Food Court
Bowles & Wadsworth
Main door entrance next to Bad Daddy's (entrance is on southwest side of mall between Dillard's and Macy's)

Please RSVP to the Lunch Bunches you wish to attend. If no RSVP's are received to a particular meeting, that meeting will be cancelled.

This group is a place to find support and get new ideas. Come share how things are going for your family, ask questions, and share your experiences with others who "get it." Please help JAGC volunteers plan their time and also reserve enough space. RSVP to Shelly Morris , noting your name. Your RSVP also allows us to contact you in the event of a last minute cancellation.

BVGT Presents:
Understanding the Complexities of Gifted Friendship: An Evening for Parents

Boulder Valley Gifted and Talented (BVGT) presents “Understanding the Complexities of Gifted Friendship: An Evening for Parents” with Catherine Zakoian, MA, LPC, NCC. “In this session, we will discuss both the challenge and delight of gifted friendship. We will examine gifted basics, and how these universal characteristics can impact a gifted child’s path to establishing and maintaining meaningful friendship. We will also explore more advanced relational concepts and gifted parenting strategies to best support children seeking true connection.”

Tuesday, September 25, 2018
FREE
7:00 – 8:30pm
Boulder Country Day School
4820 Nautilus Court North
Boulder, CO

CAGT Conference Parent Institute

CAGT Parent Institute - parents, guardians, and educators interested in gifted children to come together to hear national and local experts share their knowledge and answer some of your questions. Part of the CAGT annual conference.

Monday, October 22, 2018
7:00pm - 9:00pm (Registration opens at 6:30pm)
Embassy Suites Loveland, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO
$20 per individual or for 2 family members

SENGinars

SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) webinars (SENGinars) provide convenient access to many of the top experts in the gifted field discussing issues related to the social and emotional needs of the gifted. The webinars are designed expressly for parents, educators, and mental health professionals who work with gifted children. You will have an opportunity to ask
questions at the end of each live webinar. Webinars are attended online from your own home and are $40.

Upcoming Senginars:
College Guidance and Support for Gifted Students
Presented by Amy Esterholm
Thursday, August 30, 2018
7.30pm EDT – 9.00pm EDT
REGISTER

When Lazy Doesn’t Make Sense
Presented by Cynthia Hansen
Thursday, September 13, 2018
7.30pm EDT – 9.00pm EDT
REGISTER

Resources

This month's helpful articles:|
"Preventing Parent Burnout: Meeting the Emotional Challenges of Caring for Children with Mental Health Issues” by Julia Johnson Attaway

Davidson Institute for Talent Development Free Guidebooks (Advocacy, Early College, Gap Year, Giving Back, Homeschooling, Mentorships, and Twice-Exceptionality)

"How to Help a Teenager Be College-Ready ” by Mark McConville

Homework Help:
Jefferson County Library Elementary Homework Help
Jefferson County Library Teen Homework Help
Khan Academy also offers homework help and test prep

Book of the Month:
Differently Wired - Raising an Exceptional Child in a Conventional World by Deborah Reber.
"Right now, millions of children are growing up in a world that doesn’t respect, support, or embrace who they inherently are.These are children Debbie refers to as “differently wired”—the kids with neurodifferences such as ADHD, giftedness, autism, learning disorders, and anxiety, as well as those with no formal diagnosis, who are being told day in and day out that there is something wrong with them. And because their differences are for the most part invisible, these kids are stuck trying to fit into a world that wasn’t designed to accommodate their unique way of being."

Website of the Month:
Understood.org - for learning and attention issues.
"With the right support, parents can help children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support."

Local Picks:
Jefferson County Public School Gifted Center Newsletter - GT Gazette

Advanced Learning Plans (ALP) - learn more about what they are and their life cycle in Jeffco Public Schools

Twice Exceptional - gifted with an additional challenge - learn more on JAGC's web page about 2e

Other Online Resources:
LDOnline - Lots of information on learning disabilities
Byrdseed - A website to better understand giftedness
Institute for Educational Advancement - Scholarships and Competitions Guide grades K-12
Boulder Country Day School Events (there are often gifted topics)
Jefferson County Public Library Kid Events
Douglas County Parent University Courses (there are often gifted topics)
Davidson Institute Newsletters
SENG Newsletters
Previously recorded SENGinars

JAGC Needs YOU!

Engage, show up, be seen, and make a difference by supporting JAGC in these ways....
  • GT Ambassador - JAGC works in positive partnership with the Jeffco School District's Gifted & Talented Department to provide leadership by promoting information about the educational and social-emotional needs of gifted and talented (GT) students. JAGC's Ambassador Program extends this leadership from the district level into individual school buildings. JAGC
    Ambassadors are volunteers who receive training in how to serve GT students, parents, and staff at the articulation area and school building levels. If you are interested in volunteering as a family or community member to help JAGC locally support the local GT community, please think about advocating for Jeffco's GT students in this capacity. JAGC would like to have a GT
    Ambassador at ALL schools, so please let us know if you can help.
  • JAGC Member - The Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children (JAGC) is a non-profit group providing leadership and support to families and educators of gifted young people in Jefferson County, Colorado. Membership in JAGC includes joint membership in CAGT (Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented). Combined dues are $40 annually.  Although JAGC often works in partnership with Jeffco Public Schools' Office of Gifted and Talented, JAGC is a volunteer organization. JAGC provides its newsletter and seminars to everyone in the community but membership, donations, and volunteers are essential to providing these resources. Locally, through JAGC, your membership helps support things such as: seminars, presentations, and speakers; printed literature; this website (including the JAGC newsletter); JAGC on Facebook; local advocacy. Through CAGT, your membership helps support such things as: CAGT's annual conference, CAGT's annual Parent Institute, CAGT's website, monthly "Happenings" email, the quarterly Kaleidoscope e-newsletter, state level legislative advocacy for gifted learners, and online learning opportunities.

Membership in JAGC and CAGT runs concurrent to the school year. Both are valid from September until August of the following year. Be sure to select Jeffco as your affiliate.
  • Amazon Smile - Through Amazon Smile - a part of your purchase price will be donated to JAGC.  When you shop at Amazon, first go to https://smile.amazon.com/ and select "Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children" before making your purchase.
  • JAGC on Facebook - You can "Like" JAGC on Facebook and read GT and Jeffco-related information as part of your Facebook feed. To join -  "friend" Jeffco Gifted and send a Facebook message to request group membership.

Educators Training

CDE 2e Training

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) is offering two 2e (twice exceptional – gifted with a disability) training opportunities for educators who want to learn more about gifted students with disabilities, including: gifted educators, general educators, special educators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, specialized service providers, and administrators. Teams from your district, school, or BOCES are welcome to take the course together. Each level is eligible to earn one (1.0) graduate credit hour or 15 re-licensure hours.

Level 1 (7-week online class):
Session One: Opens September 10, 2018 and closes October 27, 2018
Session Two: Opens January 7, 2019 and closes February 23, 2019
Session Three: Opens March 11, 2019 and closes April 27, 2019
INFO & REGISTER

Level 2 (two format options – 4 weeks online and 1 day in person or a 2-day workshop):
Blended Online Session One: September 10 – October 12, 2018 online and In-person day
In-person: November 30 & December 1, 2018
Blended Online Session Two: March 11 – April 26, 2019 online and In-person day or ZOOM
INFO & REGISTER

Gifted Conferences

CAGT Conference - October 22-23

Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT) Annual Conference
Putting the Pieces Together: Understanding Giftedness

Keynote speakers: Temple Grandin & Tom Clynes

October 22 - 23, 2018
7:00am – 4:30pm
Embassy Suites Loveland
4705 Clydesdale Parkway
Loveland, CO

CAGT Leadership Awards Nominations - due Sept 1, 2018
CAGT Leaders in Action Scholarship for Principals - completed online by Sept 21, 2018

CAGT Parent Institute - parents, guardians, and educators interested in gifted children to come together to hear national and local experts share their knowledge and answer some of your questions.
Monday, October 22, 2018
7:00pm - 9:00pm (Registration opens at 6:30pm)
Embassy Suites Loveland, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO
$20 per individual or for 2 family members

CAGT Leadership Forum - This professional event is co-sponsored with the Colorado Department of Education and will be
held Tuesday morning, October 23, 2018. Leadership Forum is an extended session inviting leaders in education to engage in conversation on important issues facing gifted education. It is also time for district teams to gather for collegial discussion during the conference. This year's Leadership Forum guest speaker is Bryan Goodwin, CEO of McREL International, presenting
"Flip the Switch with Student Curiosity". We encourage administrators, coordinators, directors and GT leaders throughout the state to attend this informative and inspiring event.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018
7:30am – 10:45am
Embassy Suites Loveland, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO
$25

NAGC 65th Annual Convention - Nov 15-18

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) will have their annual convention and exhibition in Minneapolis, MN this year. This is the largest convention devoted to gifted and talented learners.
Note: This newsletter is intended to provide a wide array of information that readers may find helpful. In an effort to bring breadth of information, JAGC does not necessarily endorse or support opinions presented. JAGC also does not endorse, approve for services, or recommend any specific program mentioned.

Jefferson County Association

for Gifted Children

P.O. Box 812
​Kittredge, CO 80457

[email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Promoting rigorous education for all students


Copyright © 2025 Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children, unless otherwise attributed.  All rights reserved. This website provides information of a general nature and is designed for information and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. We are a nonprofit, 501c3.