DCSD Gifted Education News
April 2020
Douglas County School District Gifted Education
Email: heather.groff@dcsdk12.org
Website: dcsdk12.org/gifted-education
Location: 620 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: 303-387-0191
April is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
The Waste Land, T.S. Eliot
Although a global pandemic was not on T.S. Eliot’s mind as he wrote The Waste Land, I’ve found myself reciting bits of this poem for weeks. In addition to the coinciding month, Eliot weaves moments of beauty, rebirth, and joy throughout a rather dismal depiction of the world. Similarly, my wish for everyone during this time has been to find moments of unexpected joy amidst our collective disappointment, uncertainty, and grief.
Poetry, like all art, captures the human experience and helps us make sense of our world. Our artists, as light bearers, have created many unexpected moments of joy in recent weeks. Whether through National Poetry Month home resources, virtual museum tours, visits to the Royal Opera House, or virtual concerts, we have been granted free passes to explore and experience everything from kitchen dance contests to Andrea Bocelli alone on the steps of the Duomo Cathedral. Locally, our students have submitted beautiful pieces of visual art in the DCSD Virtual Art Show. Take a look and encourage your children to submit a piece!
Over the past six weeks our team has been working closely with teachers and school leaders to provide guidance, resources, and support for all students and families. In this month’s newsletter we have highlighted a few relevant opportunities and resources; however, we encourage your continued communication with your child’s school as we partner to create engagement and connection throughout the remainder of the school year.
As we navigate “emergency remote learning,” I continue to hear and see inspiring examples of creativity, compassion, and courage from our teachers, students, and their families. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your grace and patience during this time.
Stay safe and healthy,
Natasha Langjahr Straayer
Director, Advanced Academics and Gifted Programming
Gifted Parent/Family Survey:
Advanced Academics/Gifted Family Survey
We understand that many school communities have been asking for feedback from parents, so please know this is OPTIONAL. Your responses to this survey will help our team and gifted education facilitators plan for continued resources and support throughout the remainder of the school year.
Parenting Gifted Children
Dear Parent, You are Handling an Education Crisis. And You Are Rocking It.
By Mary Wilson April, 2020
Dear Former Public (or Private) School Parent,
I wanted to write you a note because my post about how we shouldn’t refer to this current situation as homeschooling had nothing to do with the amazing way you are handling this crisis. One day your life was normal and the next day your kids were sent home from school. Indefinitely. And they are expected to be with you. All day. And no one can come over to babysit. And you can’t take your kids to a friend’s house. And the neighbors can’t come outside to play. And your parents aren’t allowed to come by and pitch in.
And on top of it all, this crisis didn’t care if you are a working or stay-at-home parent. You are simply expected to make the situation work. And so you have.
Find the full article: https://www.maryhannawilson.com/handling-education-crisis/
Twice Exceptional
Learning at Home: for parents of students with ADHD
TECA (Twice Exceptional Children's Advocacy) are offering several online groups and events related to 2e kids and parenting them
Gifted Teens
College Board has updated resources:
- Free Review Sessions and Classes
- Helping Your Student Prepare for the AP Exams (Parents)
- Tips for Making a College Decision During COVID-19
My Future...What Now? Teens talk about moving forward in our challenging times with Dr. Jim Delisle
Helping Teens Make Room for Uncomfortable Emotions
#EduHam at Home, A Virtual School Program For Theater Fans From Lin-Manuel Miranda
National Association for Gifted Children
Please click on the links below to see resources recommended by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
NAGC Supporting Gifted Children COVID-19
Resources for Educators & Parents During COVID-19
Resources from the Davidson Institute
Talking to children about COVID-19
Parenting differently wired kids through a pandemic
3 Ways to Teach Critical Thinking at Home
CTY Reading List: Good Books for Bright Kids
100 Free At-Home Learning Resources for kids of all ages (Johns Hopkins CTY)
DCSD Updates
How Your Child's ALP will be Monitored
The gifted education facilitator at your child's school will connect with you in the coming weeks to explain the process for reviewing your child's progress throughout the year and discuss his/her Advanced Learning Plan.