September / October 2018 Newsletter

As you settle into your new routine this fall either in a school or your homeschool setting - use these resources on your path to success.

Highlights this month:
  • Jeffco GT Parent Seminar - September 24 with 5 breakout sessions
  • Jeffco GT Testing schedule - ** only testing in October this year **
  • Virtual Academy GT Classes
  • Gifted Mamas Retreat in Steamboat Springs, CO
  • Gifted Parent Classes and Workshop Oppportunities
  • Resources for mental health, homework, and parent-teacher conferences
  • Twice Exceptional training for educators, counselors, psychologists and administrators
  • CAGT and NAGC conferences
  • Save The Date - Gifted Education Conference & Symposium, Denver, Feb 6-7, 2019
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 Seminar Night

Several times a year, the Jeffco Public Schools Gifted and Talented Department presents seminars for parents that focus on gifted education and gifted culture. 
Monday, September 24, 2018
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Jeffco Education Center
1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg #27
​various rooms
Secondary Focus GT 101 with Social Emotional Focus GT 101 with Identification Focus Transitioning into Middle School Understanding ALPs
Room 3A Room 2A Room 4E Room 3B Board Room 5th Floor
considerations when choosing a secondary school (middle and high school), what to expect from the different offerings (AP, IB, etc), and how to manage the transition. learn about asynchronous development, over-excitabilities, and perfectionism overview of what qualifies a student for gifted education, what an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) is and how students are identified some topics covered are self-advocacy, organization, academics/grading, and making friends learn about the ALP life cycle for elementary and secondary (middle and high school), goal setting, and progress monitoring for both strength area goals and affective goals

Jeffco GT Center Applications

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!

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.

Free Night at the Museums

Free Night at the Museums  - Some of Denver's best museums are open late and admission is FREE. There will be shuttle busses serving some of the museums and new museums have been added this year!

Saturday, November 3
5 - 10 p.m.

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.

Family Nights
There will be an informational meeting about WATS testing. Visit with Dr. Amy Rushneck, Executive Director of CBK and the Western Academic Talent Search, to learn more about this national program. CBK is the Colorado Regional Talent Development Center, representing the Rocky Mountain region nationally. Academic Talent Search is the opportunity for students to take an above-level, high-ceiling test such as ACT, SAT, or PSAT 8/9 at a much younger age with no risk in regard to permanent record ramifications unless families choose to release data.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Merrill Middle School
1551 S Monroe St, Denver, CO 80210
C3 Elementary Auditorium

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.

Girls In STEM

Girls in STEM inspires girls to visualize themselves in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers and empowers them to pursue STEM professions. We envision a world where women feel confident to pursue STEM careers and are equally represented in the STEM workforce.

Girls in STEM works to create numerous pathways for middle school and high school girls to explore various STEM industries and careers, in an effort to fill the pipeline and close the gender gap in tomorrow's workforce. In addition, we aim to provide information, guidance and support for potential scholarships and internships

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 now open. 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

Thursday, September 27, 2018 ** date change
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.

Lunch Bunch typically happens the last Friday of each month, but please email Shelly Morris to RSVP or if you have questions. 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

Gifted Mamas Retreat

Join Dr. Linda Silverman and Tina Harlow for a weekend of self-care, insight, and support in parenting gifted children.

Linda Silverman, Ph.D., is a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist who is world renowned for her extensive work with the gifted population. She founded Gifted Development Center in 1979 and has written over 300 articles, chapters and books including Upside-Down Brilliance: The Visual-Spatial Learner and Giftedness 101. Her website is www.gifteddevelopment.com.

Tina Harlow, L.C.S.W., is a Child and Family Therapist specializing in giftedness. She is the  editor of the free ebook, “Helping Gifted Kids Thrive: Insights from the Experts.” https://guidingbright.lpages.co/expertebook. She has presented at conferences  nationally and internationally on the social and emotional needs of the gifted. Her website is www.guidingbright.com.

October 12 - 14
Steamboat Springs, 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:
Thriving with Intensity: Mining the magic from over-excitabilities
Presented by Kate Arms
Thursday, September 27, 2018
7.30pm EDT – 9.00pm EDT
REGISTER

Resources

JAGC's Parent-Teacher Conference Checklist

October is generally when teachers request parent-teacher conferences. Be prepared with this handy checklist! Find some helpful hints for a successful parent-teacher conference for your gifted child. There are also links to articles that offer guidance in advocating for your child.

Helping Gifted Kids Thrive - a free eBook

Child & Family Therapist Tina Harlow interviewed 26 experts across the field of giftedness to ask them one question: “What one thing can parents do now to help their gifted child to thrive in the future?”

Jeffco Public Schools GT Department Resources

Below are highlights and easy finds for resources within the Jeffco GT Department and its website.

Jeffco GT Resource Teachers (RT) and
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Counselors

GT Resource Teachers (RTs)
RTs are responsible for identifying gifted students in the schools they serve, initially setting up the Advanced Learning Plan (ALP), and working with teachers to make sure gifted students are receiving instruction for their academic needs.

GT SEL Counselors
SEL counselors are assigned to GT Center Schools and work with the students in those Centers to ensure their social emotional needs are being met.

Reclassification of GT Identification Areas

Colorado Department of Education (CDE) recently updated the categories for GT identification. For students identified prior to 2018, find out how the Advanced Learning Plan strength/focus areas may have changed for your child.

Jeffco GT Parent Resources

This site has information about upcoming Parent Seminars, as well as presentations from past seminars. Also - find helpful links and past editions of the Jeffco GT Gazette, the GT Department's monthly newsletter.

Jeffco GT Social & Mobile App

Follow Jeffco GT on Facebook and Twitter.

Download the new Jeffco Public Schools mobile phone app and get GT news delivered directly to you no matter where are! Available for both iOs (Apple) and Android. Once the app is on your device, go to ‘Settings: Schools’, then scroll down to switch on ‘Gifted & Talented’. You can also select your children’s schools to receive notifications from them on the same app!

College Planning Help

Jeffco Virtual Academy put together this helpful JVA College Planning Calendar 2018- 2019 listing fairs and offering links for financial aid and testing information.

Travel Fair
hosted by Denver Center for International Studies

This travel fair is free and open to the public. It will showcase opportunities for students in grades 4-12 including information on gap year, travel, study abroad, cultural exchange, language immersion, and service opportunities.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018
3:00pm – 7:00pm
Denver Center for International Studies
574 West 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80204

This month's helpful article:
What You Need to Know Before Your Gifted Child Takes the PSAT - We have highlighted this article over the last few years, and wanted to bring it back this year. Thank you to Ginny Riley for writing "One Day Matters: A Mom's Journey" about her son who was a National Merit Semi-Finalist at Conifer High School. She brings to light how gifted students often score lower each time they take the PSAT, why this happens, and how to keep this from happening to your child.

Note: PSAT/NMSQT this year is scheduled around the week of October 8 th , 2018. Please check with your high school as to when they are offering it. This is a different version of the PSAT than what this year’s 9 th and 10 th graders will be taking in the spring
instead of CMAS.
​
Homework Help:
Book of the Month:
Self-Reg: How to Help Your Child (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life by Dr. Stuart Shanker
There’s no such thing as a bad kid. That’s what a lifetime of experience has taught Dr. Stuart Shanker. No matter how difficult, out of control, distracted, or exhausted a child might seem, there’s a way forward: self-regulation. Overturning decades of conventional wisdom, this radical new technique allows children and the adults who care for them to regain their composure and peace of mind.  Self-Reg is a groundbreaking book that presents an entirely new understanding of your child’s emotions and behavior and a practical guide for parents to help their kids engage calmly and successfully in learning and life.


Website of the Month:
2enewsletter.com
"What is 2e? It’s short for twice-exceptional, a term often used to describe kids who are exceptional because they’re gifted and because they have learning disabilities, learning disorders, attention difficulties, or just plain learning differences"

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
Understood.org - for learning and attention issues
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.

Educator's 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: enrollment closed
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: enrollment closed
Blended Online Session Two: March 11 – April 26, 2019 online and In-person day or ZOOM
INFO & REGISTER

CDE Online Modules for Teachers:
Addressing Needs of Gifted Learners

Colorado Department of Education Office of Gifted Education offers a variety of online courses for teachers. Among the choices are:
  • Gifted Learner
  • Differentiating for Gifted Learners – Elementary
  • Raising Thinking Skills
  • Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Gifted Learners -- NEW
  • Addressing the Social Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
  • Depth & Complexity Framework
  • Differentiating for Gifted Learners – Secondary Level
  • Developing Mathematical Thinking in Gifted Learners
  • Reading for the Gifted Learner
  • Creativity for the Gifted Learner

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 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

2 Days of 2e Virtual Conference

2 Days of 2e Virtual Conference is for parents, educators, and clinicians, to help bring out the best and raise self-esteem in 2e learners (gifted with a learning difference). 12 renowned experts and innovators discuss topics from (Mis)identification, anxiety, and perfectionism, to underachievement and advocacy. Participants learn how to use research-based tools for their home, classroom or clinical office. Contact hours are available through the University of Connecticut.

Presented live October 26-27, 2018, but available on-demand through April 2019.

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.

Gifted Education Conference & Policy Symposium

The 9th Annual Gifted Education Conference – Theory and Practice: Conceptual Foundations and Classroom Strategies in Gifted Education is designed for teacher leaders, building and district leaders, researchers, parents, mental health professionals, and education service providers. The conference is intended to provide specific topical information about selected areas in gifted education, focusing on both leading edge research advances and practical classroom strategies. Important policy issues and trends facing gifted education today will be highlighted and discussed during the Symposium.

Wednesday, February 6 – Thursday, February 7, 2019
University of Denver Campus
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.

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Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children

1100 Johnson Road #18792
Golden, CO 80402
jeffcogifted.org
Email: info@jeffcogifted.org
Promoting rigorous education for all students


Copyright © 2020 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.