Kate Simkowiak

Resources

Includes books and websites with resources for gifted education.

NWGCA – Connections Conference February 4th, 2012 – Agenda

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NWGCA-Connections Conference February 4th, 2012
8:00 – 2:00
Edmonds-Woodway High School
The Great Hall
7600 212th St SW Edmonds, WA 98026

Parents of gifted rarely have the opportunity to get information about the specific academic, emotional and social needs of their gifted children. They have even less opportunity to talk with other adults candidly about the delights and the challenges of raising highly capable children. Spend a day asking questions and talking with educators and other parents who understand the joys and challenges you face.

Keynote Speaker: Charlotte Akin 8:30 – 9:30, 11:40 – 12:30

So What? Who Are These Kids and Why Do We Serve Them?

Frequently it is difficult to explain to teachers or a neighbor or relative why it can be challenging to have a very bright child. Or to be a very bright child. Or to educate a very bright child.

This presentation is designed to help participants articulate to others who gifted children are, what their characteristics and learning needs are, what their social and emotional issues are, the myths surrounding this small population, and the risk factors they face. Filled with examples to illustrate and research to quote, this presentation helps participants themselves feel like now they can talk about it to the others in their lives.

Breakout Sessions: 9:40 – 10:30 Session 1

  1. Childhood Stress & Anxiety – Chris McCurry, Ph.D.
  2. Educational Alternatives: Homeschooling and Other Non-traditional Options – Patrice Torres
  3. Gifted Tweens – Lisa Krieger

10:40 – 11:30 Session 2

  1. Building Relationships with Administrators and Teachers to Benefit Highly Capable Learners – Nancy Velazquez, Director,Gifted Education, Puyallup School District
  2. Student Voices: What has worked for them – Teen panel discussion
  3. Twice Exceptional: Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place – Larry Davis

12:30 – 2:00 Optional: Brown bag table sessions.

Register today at www.nwgca.org!

SENG Concerns for Gifted ADHD Diagnosis: Help Us to Launch Our Public Awareness Effort

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Gifted, ADHD, or Both?

The answer is not always as clear as we might think.

Intellectually gifted children whose needs are neglected or misunderstood may exhibit traits and behaviors that resemble those of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and be wrongly diagnosed, possibly resulting in unnecessary medication and unintended harm. Young gifted children are especially at high-risk for misdiagnosis, in light of the new extended guideline for ADHD diagnosis.

To alert the pediatric healthcare community to the potential for misdiagnosis and the complexity of dual diagnosis, SENG, in coordination with its Professional Advisory Committee, has issued a news release and suggested resources as part of a public awareness effort.

Please help us by distributing the following information to members of your communities:

As part of this effort, SENG is also publishing for free on YouTube its video The Misdiagnosis of Gifted Children, formerly available only by purchase.

SENG Webinar Event Feb. 16th, 2012: Taming the Worry Monster: Anxiety in Gifted and Twice-Exceptional (2e) Youth

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Presented by Dan Peters, Ph.D.

In this SENGinar, teachers, parents, and counselors will learn to identify the warning signs of anxiety; the process which anxiety uses to become powerful; and, practical and effective techniques for managing and overcoming anxiety.

Gifted learners are prone to several types of anxiety, including worrying, obsessing, perfectionism, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. Worry, fear, and anxiety are common, yet often quiet “monsters” which have significant negative effects on a child’s academic achievement, social and emotional functioning, and self-esteem. While the aforementioned is true for gifted children, twice-exceptional children appear to be at even greater risk given their disabilities such as ADHD, Asperger’s Disorder, and Dyslexia.

Being aware of a gifted child’s propensity to become anxious and knowing effective interventions for reducing anxiety increase the likelihood of academic achievement and positive social-emotional adjustment.

Date: Feb. 16th, 2012

Time: 4:30 PM Pacific

Location: Participate at home or office using your computer.

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CONNECTIONS Conference sponsored by Northwest Gifted Child Assoc. – Feb. 4th

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Parents of Gifted Learners:

Parents of children in the Edmonds School District gifted program are encouraged to attend the following conference for parents of gifted learners.

The 2012 CONNECTIONS Conference, sponsored by Northwest Gifted Child Association, will be Saturday morning, February 4 th , at the Edmonds-Woodway High School in the Edmonds School District. Don’t miss this informative symposium on raising gifted children. You can learn more about this conference and register by going to www.nwgca.org and clicking on the CONNECTIONS registration tab on the home page.

SENG Webinar Event January 19, 2012 — Self-Regulation: Essential Skills for Adolescent Gifted Students

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Presented by Richard M. Cash, Ph.D.

As gifted children move into adolescence, motivating and engaging them in learning becomes more complex and complicated. In many cases this perceived lack of motivation and/or engagement may be due to the students’ deficit in the academic strategies of self-regulation to learn independently. It is essential that parents and teacher assist students in developing the skills of self-regulation, including planning, organizing and meta-cognition. This session will offer suggestions as to how to develop self-regulated learners and ideas of how to encourage autonomous learning.

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Gifted Education Day 2012 FAQs

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What is GED?
GED stands for Gifted Education Day. The day is scheduled to have supporters from all over Washington state advocate in Olympia for gifted education in Washington State.

When is GED?
Monday, January 23rd, 2012. The Washington Coalition for Gifted Education schedules GED.

Who goes?
CPA organizes a Family GED for families in the highly capable programs at Terrace Park and Brier Terrace.

Why Advocate?
We advocate to educate the legislators that every child deserves to learn every day; that includes gifted students. Through advocacy the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education has succeeded in adding gifted education to the definition of basic education. We continue to advocate to push for adequate funding and standards in gifted education.

What is the 4th Grade Field Trip?
In conjunction with 4th grade social studies curriculum on Washington State, the 4th grade challenge classes will be taking a field trip to Olympia on GED. Ginger Everhart ( ginger.everhart@comcast.net ) is leading the 4th grade field trip and more information will be coming home. They will need chaperones as in all field trips.

What is Family GED?
CPA organizes Family GED to Olympia. Families caravan to Olympia to tour the capital and meet with legislators. Family GED is for Terrace Park Challenge students in Grades 1-3, 5-6 and Brier Terrace Highly Capable Students Grades 7-8.

My student wants to attend but I can’t?
CPA can not accept unattended children at Family GED. You may have your student attend with another family but you are responsible for making the arrangements.

Is this an excused absence?
Yes! The principals at Terrace Park and BTMS will excuse any students attending GED with their family including siblings not in the highly capable program.You must still contact your school and report your child’s absence.

I can’t go. Is there anything else I can do?
YES! You can write letters or email your state representatives. CPA will keep you informed on the most vital talking points for this correspondence.

Do I have to buy a T-Shirt?
We wear purple T-shirts with a Wolf print on them for GED. This identifies us as a group as we move around the capitol. We have used the same T-shirt for several years so you can reuse yours from last year. This year the T-shirts are available for $9and will be here in January. You can also wear any purple shirt or come as you are as the T-shirt is not required.

How do I get more information?
You can attend the CPA meeting on Jan. 12th at 6:30pm, or email Tina Raghu, CPA President at gatiraghu@frontier.com.

SENG Webinar Event December 15, 2011 — Touching the Mystery: Spiritual Dimensions of Giftedness

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Who am I? Where did I come from? What will become of me?

Presented by Joy L. Navan, Ph.D.

These are existential questions asked by many gifted children with deep spiritual concerns. In this SENGinar, Dr. Navan ponders these questions and their impact on our children, and presents several dimensions of spiritual giftedness, including a review of research in the field. Through interactive sharing and case studies of spiritually gifted children, she engages attendees in a discussion of ways that parents and educators can recognize, honor, and respond to spiritual facets of gifted children.

Date: Dec. 15th, 2011

Time: 4:30 PM Pacific

Location: Participate at home or office using your computer.

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SENG Webinar Event Nov 17th, 2011 – Helping the Disorganized Gifted Family

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“If I’m so smart, why can’t I ever find my keys?”

Presented by Kathleen D. Crombie, M.Ed.

It is common for gifted children and adults to have many projects in various stages, numerous collections, high expectations and shifting interests or areas of passion. Overwhelmed with your stuff? This SENGinar focuses on meeting the unique organizational needs of gifted families and shows how to use gifted characteristics for optimal functioning and productivity, whether at home, school or work. Learn routines that will allow gifted children and adults, including those with ADD, to get and to stay organized.

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