We had a turnout of approximately 100 parents and students at this year’s Gifted Education Day in Olympia! A huge thank you to all who got up at the crack of dawn and headed down there to represent Terrace Park and the need for gifted education funding in the state of Washington.

The combination of seeing the many families and hearing the students’ stories in their own voices made a  powerful impression on each legislator about the importance of funding for gifted education.

Each legislator (8 representatives and 4 senators) who represents families in Edmonds School District received a copy of ALL the gifted student letters from Terrace Park and Brier Terrace. Although a couple of legislators were unable to keep their scheduled meetings with us due to an overtime session on the floor of the house, those we did meet made it clear they were in support of our cause and for pushing through a budget that supports education on all levels.

Many students and some parents were also able to take a tour throughout the capitol building and have a special meeting with Secretary of State, Sam Reed. How cool is that?! Thanks to Kristin Merrill for setting up these tours and to Patrick and Stephanie of the Secretary of State’s office for offering to provide the tours since state budget cuts have drastically reduced the number of guided tours of the capitol available.

We owe a huge thank you to the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education for coordinating Gifted Education Day at the Capitol, and for providing us space and refreshments for this yearly event, and especially for their tireless advocacy for our children. Please consider a Membership with the Coalition to help support their work in making education a priority for gifted students. And if you have not done so already, please  renew your yearly membership. A Coalition membership is $35/year. For only $90/year you can receive membership in all three statewide organizations that support gifted education:  Northwest Gifted Child Association, Washington Educators of Talented and Gifted and the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education. Please see the attached Membership form for more information on these organizations and how you can join.

Thank you! Your support makes a difference for all of our children.

CPA Board