SCPS High School Gifted Education
March 2022
What Should I Do if I am Struggling in a Class?
Gifted students are not gifted in all content areas all of the time. When natural ability reaches its limit in a particular class or assignment, this can lead to frustration and challenges. In order to conquer such roadblocks, students need to be equipped with effective learning strategies and healthy coping mechanisms to succeed. A message that we must consistently reiterate to our high-ability students is that having to work hard does not make you any less smart.
To read more connect here.
Independent Gifted Studies(IGS) and Differentiation: SCPS’s Opportunity for Curious, Gifted Students and Schedule Conflicts
Did you know that independent study is a differentiation technique used with our gifted population in SCPS? Indeed we do and we provide a challenge and critical thinking skills opportunity as they study topics that they choose to learn deeper through their research and creation of their final products. In high school, it is an elective worth 1 credit and a score of pass or fail. A gifted student has to be in either 11th or 12th grade to register for the class. To learn more about the course connect here.
Enrichment Opportunities
Pathways Pilot Training Academy
Who can apply: High school students above the age of 16
Cost: Free
Deadline to apply: March 6, 2022
Virginia Tech Black College Institute (BCI)
Who can apply: High school juniors and seniors
Cost: Free
Deadline to apply: April 1, 2022
Virginia Tech Black Engineering Excellence (BEE VT)
Who can apply: Rising junior and senior high school students (the program is designed for underrepresented students, but anyone with an interest in engineering may apply)
Cost: Free
Deadline to apply: March 21, 2022
Mary Washington Healthcare Junior Volunteer Program
Who can apply: Students ages 14-18
National Youth Science Camp
Who can apply: High School seniors
Deadline to apply: March 31, 2022
Cost: Free
Geosciences Bridge Program
Who can apply: graduating seniors
Deadline to apply: April 22, 2022
Cost: Paid internship (housing included)
Free Webinars: The Renzulli Center for Mindful Practices
Free Spring Webinar Series
Registration Is Open
Register at https://gifted.uconn.edu/events/
Thursday, March 10, 2022, from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern time (Parent Focus)
Talent Denied and Talent Lost: Challenges and Compromises of Gifted Girls and Women
with Dr. Sally Reis – University of Connecticut
This session will focus on the loss of talents of girls and women across the country and
the globe, and the implications of that phenomenon on diminished creativity, leadership,
innovation, and creative productivity. The session will conclude with a positive call to action on how educators and researchers can make a difference in helping girls and women to develop their talents.
Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern time (Educator Focus)
Designing Type I Learning Experiences
with Dr. Brian Housand – University of North Carolina Wilmington
A Type I Experience has the potential to supercharge students’ innate curiosity and propel
them toward a lifetime of inquiry and investigation, but how do we effectively tap into students’interests and purposefully construct a learning experience that promotes creative productive giftedness? In this session, we will explore ways to leverage readily available technology and resources to build meaningful and memorable Type I Experiences based on students’ interests.
Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern time (Educator Focus)
Privilege, and Positioning: A Critical Time for Adopting a Critical Lens
with Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Fogarty – University of St. Thomas
Power, privilege, positioning . . . what messages are portrayed in books, media, art, and
WHY? Today’s world requires citizens who can think critically about complex issues. This
session will demonstrate the use of a critical literacy framework used to help gifted kids
recognize and question the ethical issues in the world around them in order to create
meaningful change.
Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern time (Educator Focus)
The Power of Psychosocial Perceptions for Academic Talent Development
with Dr. Dante Dixson – Michigan State University
All advanced academic talent development requires psychosocial perceptions (i.e.,
one’s thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs) to advance from academic potential to academic
accomplishment. In this talk, Dr. Dante Dixson will discuss the role psychosocial perceptions
play in advanced academic talent development. Moreover, Dr. Dixson will outline what
educators can do to help students leverage their psychosocial perceptions to aid in them living up to their full potential.
Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern time (Educator Focus)
Evaluating Your Gifted Program: Why? What? How?
with Dr. E. Jean Gubbins – University of Connecticut
Program evaluation is an ongoing process designed to raise questions about the match
between identification systems and programming options to guide next steps in maintaining
effective programs and practices. Explore the why, what, and how to evaluate your gifted
program. Learn how to develop and implement a program evaluation plan matched to
expected outcomes.
For more information, contact: Del Siegle at del.siegle@uconn.edu
Recommended Resources
Upcoming Dates
Student Holiday/Teacher Workday: March 11, 2022
End of Quarter: March 10, 2022
Spring Break: March 14-18, 2022
Quote of the Month
The Fredericksburg Regional Governor's School Applications are Available!
The Fredericksburg Regional Governor’s School (FRGS) summer program is taking place this year in June. This FREE week-long program provides career awareness as well as learning opportunities and academic integration in the areas of technology and science. Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students can apply to a Chemistry Lab/Forensic Science or Exploring Engineering program. James Monroe High School in Fredericksburg is the base school for the two courses offered. A mentorship program for rising 11th and 12th-grade students is also offered. Mentorship placements are with a professional in the community based on student interest. To apply, students must be identified as gifted and attend SCPS. Applications and additional information are available from your high school gifted education resource teacher (Focus teacher). These are due by March 21, 2022!
A video you won't want to miss...
Helping Gifted Children Succeed: Part 1
Have a gifted child or student? Join in as Lisa explains how to raise or nurture an adaptive gifted child – one who functions well in their families, schools, and communities. In this three-part series, Lisa shares the power of connection in the lives of gifted students.
--by Lisa Van Gemert | Gifted Guru
Publications from NAGC
https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources-parents
Let's start with Crockpot Chili Easy Crockpot Chili with Baked Tortilla Chips!
Of course, we need to end with a wonderful dessert Easy Fudgy Brownies. Enjoy!
High School Gifted Instructional Team
Kevin Bouffard (BPHS) bouffardkj@staffordschools.net
Feli Cardenas (NSHS) cardenasfh@staffordschools.net
Susan Easter (CFHS) eastersl@staffordschools.net
Kali Hamill (MVHS) hamillkm@staffordschools.net
Helga Purnell (SHS) purnellhj@staffordschools.net
Stephenie Fellinger (SCPS Gifted Facilitator) fellingersl@staffordschools.net