Upcoming Events

Registration is now taking place for the following events ...

AAGT Conference Registration NOW OPEN!

"Shaping Our Future One Child at a Time"

When: Thursday, 02/01/2018 - Friday, 02/02/2018

Where: Black Canyon Conference Center, Phoenix

What: A two-day event geared towards the needs of the Gifted population in Arizona and around the U.S. This event is for educators, professionals, parents, and anyone wishing to learn about Giftedness, further develop their knowledge, and to become a part of the Arizona Gifted community. Look forward to hearing from nationally renowned speakers, as well as statewide organizations.

Early bird registration prices end December 1st.

Registration link:  http://arizonagifted.org/conferences/#AnnualConference

Parent University Gifted Education Classes

Navigation link:  
www.gilbertschools.net → Parent Zone →  Parent University →  Gifted Education

The Role of the School and Home Environments in the Lives of Gifted Students

When:  Monday, 1/22/18, 5:30-7:30

Where: Val Vista Lakes Elementary

The discussion will explore how the school and home environments can work collaboratively to ensure gifted students' learning differences and social and emotional needs are addressed so the students are able to thrive in all areas of their lives. Topics include the importance of following passion interests and having social activities to accommodate each child's asynchronous development.

Registration required.  Click here for registration.    

The Gifted Child - Underachievement 

When:  Tuesday, 1/30/18, 5:30-7:30 

Where: Highland Junior

What are the causes of underachievement? And what can be done about it? Puzzling to parents, teachers, and even children themselves, underachievement is often chalked up to poor choices. When it is recognized, parents often feel helpless or unsure what to do about it. But there is much that can be done. Learn when to take action – and how to get help.

Registration required.  Click here for registration.  

Awake the Sleeping Giant

Part 1 of 3

by Stephanie Newitt, Gilbert Supporters of the Gifted

It is November and during this time of reflection and Thanksgiving I am thankful for the Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented (AAGT).  They have tirelessly worked to bring the need of gifted education funding to the attention of members of the Arizona legislature.  In the 2017 effort, our bill made it all the way through the Arizona House!  However, it was stalled in the Arizona Senate, not progressing beyond the Appropriations Committee.

AAGT is gearing up for the 2018 legislative session which begins in January.  We have learned that once the session starts, members of the legislature are inundated with 200+ emails daily!  If we want our emails to stand out during the legislative session, then we need to contact our legislators now, in the "off-season" so they will be familiar and recognize us and our efforts.

OUR GOAL

Contact your legislative representatives at least three times before the December holidays and encourage them to restore funding for Gifted Education.  We will provide templates for you.  Click here to find the contact information for your representative.  The first template is below.  Send this email prior to Thanksgiving.

Template 1 of 3

Subject line:  Let your email subject line contain "constituent" and "gifted education" in a manner of your choosing.

Greeting:  Dear Senator/Representative ________________  (Send three separate emails, one to your senator and one each to your two representatives.)

First paragraph:  Let this contain a statement that gifted education is needed and a brief personal experience.  Example ...

I am grateful that the state of Arizona mandates gifted education (A.R.S. 15-799), even though gifted education has not been funded in Arizona since 2009.  My 12 year old son is not in sync with his 12 year old peers as he is able to work two years ahead in math.  

Second paragraph:  Let this include your reason why gifted education needs funding. 

Giftedness affects the social and emotional development of gifted children as well.  Just because my son can do the math of a 9th grader doesn't mean he is socially and emotionally capable to socialize with them regularly.  I'm writing to ask for your support to reinstate gifted education funding.  This would allow districts to hire and train more teachers with gifted education certification, including training them to provide social/emotional supports for gifted students.  

Conclusion:  State that supporting gifted education is an investment and thank them for their support and service.

By supporting the learning differences of gifted children you are investing in the state’s intellectual capital.  I thank you for your support of this issue and for your service to our community.

Sincerely,

Your name

Active Voter in Legislative District # ___

Click here to go to our State Advocacy page on the GSG website where you will find more information to support you in your efforts.

November 2017 Events

November 11 - 12:  Barnes & Noble's 3rd Annual Mini Maker Faire

Calling all tech enthusiasts, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science club members, authors, artists, students, entrepreneurs, crafter, and makers of any kind—join us this November for the 3rd annual Mini Maker Faire!

Click here to visit the B&N link to learn more and to find a hosting store near you!

November 18 - Earth and Space Exploration Day 2017

by School of Earth and Space Exploration at ASU

Earth and Space Exploration day is a FREE annual fall event hosted by the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) on ASU’s Tempe campus inside/outside ISTB 4. The SESE community offers special science-related activities from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for students age five and up, families, educators and anyone interested in exploring Earth and space.

More than 40 exhibitors will participate in the annual Earth and Space Exploration Day. One of the biggest attractions is ISTB 4 with its Gallery of Scientific Exploration offering a variety of interactive exhibits and the Marston Exploration Theater, which will be running 3-D astronomy shows.

Each year, the SESE community brings to life its research through innovative hands-on activities as part of this special Earth and Space Exploration Day.

Click here to visit SESE's event site for more info!

Mark Your Calendar! Event November 14th

Parent Class and Kids' Game Night

GPS Parent University and the Gifted Education Parent Council (GEPC) 

are partnering for this event: 

Presents:

The Vibrant Social and Emotional Life of a Gifted Child

Val Vista Lakes Elementary Library

November 14, 2017

5:30 - 7:30 pm

The social and emotional development of gifted children can be like a roller coaster ride!  This discussion will focus on how the nature and traits of giftedness impinge on the normal affective development of these students.  We will explore ways both parents and students can better manage the ups and downs of growing up gifted.

Register for the Parent University class here:   

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcSflNV0FwNSyjkmdE5tNuMdI545zZ13CKPRTfCkEnX7O-9g/viewform 

Attention Kids in Grades K - 8

While your adults participate in the lecture, come meet new friends and enjoy a fun game night! Please bring your water bottle, snack for yourself, and favorite non-electronic game (such as: board game, card game, K’nex, Legos, chess, checkers, etc.). High School Student Volunteers will assist with game night. Kids meet in the Val Vista Lakes Elementary Multipurpose Room at 5:15 pm. 

Sponsored by:

Questions?  Contact:  giftededucationparentcouncil@gmail.com

 Together we can ensure that every GPS gifted student has the opportunity to learn and grow.

Click here to view a printable flier.