Winter Break Adventures: Engaging Activities for Gifted and Talented Kids
Author: Sandy Smith, Teravista Elementary TAG Specialist Winter break is the perfect opportunity to nurture your child's creativity and critical thinking while enjoying quality family time. For gifted and talented elementary students, this time off can be both fun and...
True Reflection: Unhindered by Shadows
Author: Andrea...
Round Rock ISD Gifted Services Identification Timeline and Referral Window
Each year Round...
Prevent Learned Helplessness in Your Child and Unlock Life-long Confidence
Prevent Learned...
TAG Testing in Round Rock ISD
TAG Testing in...
Talent Development at Old Town Elementary
Students at Old...
First and Third Quarter Service Checks
The Texas State...
Balancing Brilliance: Nurturing Executive Function and Mental Health in Gifted Kids
For those of us...
Summer Learning 2024
As students, parents, and teachers start to relax and enjoy our summer vacation, it is important to remember that kids need some time off. However, keeping kids’ minds active is important. This could be sports or summer activities, but it might also involve reading, writing, and math. Below are some suggestions I have shared with my TAG parents over the years.
TAGT Parent Webinar
The Texas Association for the Gifted/Talented (TAGT) celebrates Texas GT Awareness Week the first week of April each year – April 1-5, 2024
Organizations that support gifted and advanced learners, Part 2
Did you know that there are state and national associations that exist to support gifted and advanced learners and their families and educators? Not only do these organizations provide information and resources, but they also provide training opportunities and conferences.
Organizations that support gifted and advanced learners, Part 1
Did you know that there are state and national associations that exist to support gifted and advanced learners and their families and educators? Not only do these organizations provide information and resources, but they also provide training opportunities and conferences.
2024 TAGT Scholarships Are Open
With the help of our generous donors, the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) offers over $30,000 annually in student scholarship opportunities. By providing the right opportunities we may just spark the minds that will discover innovative answers to the most challenging questions of their generation. These scholarships have the potential to change a student’s life forever.
A New Middle School Opportunity – Accelerated Science
If you have a student in elementary school, you may have heard about the latest advanced learning opportunity for middle school students – Accelerated Science. The accelerated science pathway is meant to support students who have an early passion for science and are interested in pursuing additional advanced science coursework in high school. Like the middle school accelerated math opportunity, Accelerated Science will take the middle school science curriculum and compact it into two years instead of three, providing students with the opportunity to take a high school science course the 8th grade year.
Gifted and Advanced Academics Parent Conference
Round Rock ISD will hold a Gifted and Advanced Academics Parent Conference on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
The Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Walsh Middle School, 3850 Walsh Ranch Road, Round Rock. Check in begins at 8:15 a.m.
The cost to attend the conference is $10 per person. Reduced rates are available for parents/guardians with students eligible for free and reduced lunch. Please contact Michelle Swain for more information on reduced rates.
Schedule
8:15 a.m. – Check-in
8:30 a.m. – Conference begins:
Keynote: Fueling Their Passions
Featuring Keynote: Blake Haygood, award winning gifted educator and parent
Breakouts: Fuel their Passions: How to Fill Their Tank; Flakey or Fantastic: Multipotentiality; How to Talk About Your Gifted Child; Nurturing Passion in Elementary
Students through Research and Products; Middle School Transition; Navigating College Credit Opportunities in High School; and MANY MORE!
*Some sessions offered in Spanish*
Continue reading to register and add this event to your calendar.
Texas First Diploma offers an opportunity for early graduation
Has your student considered early graduation? If so, there is a new program in Texas to support them! In an effort to retain some of the brightest minds in Texas, the state has created the Texas First Early High School Completion Program for students who are interested in early graduation. The program is designed to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school and earn a scholarship for one or two semesters at Texas public colleges and universities.
Exploring Ancient Civilizations
Over the course of last semester, the fifth graders at Redbud Elementary School explored Ancient Civilizations. In order to challenge students to make connections and go beyond the surface level of understanding, we used the Depth and Complexity Icons (JTaylor).
Encouraging students through confusion and uncertainty
When I interviewed for the eTAG Specialist position, I was asked the question, “How has your most recent job prepared you for this role?” My job at that time was an interventionist in Round Rock ISD. On the surface of it, it seems that the two roles are worlds apart.
Going Beyond Book Clubs
I cannot understate the importance of helping students realize that reading is enjoyable and fun. If there is one lesson I want my students to walk away with from my class, it is that reading opens your mind and heart, is truly enjoyable, and will expand your outlook on life. I have a HUGE classroom library, and my students have access to checking out the books.
District TAG Parent Night
On September 26, 2023, Gifted and Advanced Academics hosted District TAG Parent Night at Cedar Ridge High School. In this back to school session, we provided an overview of District Gifted Services and secondary Advanced Academic options and programming for students. Information about the TAG Parent Advisory Council and other parent/community opportunities were also highlighted.
Fall Parent Webinar: Connection Before Content
Round Rock ISD Department of Gifted and Advanced Academics and TAGPAC invite you to…
The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT)
Parent Webinar: Connection Before Content
September 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for the TAGT Fall Webinar designed specifically for parents of gifted students.
In this session, attendees will delve into the critical topic of mental health challenges students face and the significance of fostering connections and relationships in their lives. Our expert panels will guide parents through an exploration of the unique struggles that gifted students encounter, including feelings of isolation and loneliness. By providing valuable insights and practical strategies, this webinar equips parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to support their children in combating these challenges. Be prepared for a successful new school year by joining us for this empowering event.
The Cedar Ridge High School viewing on September 12, 2023 will be in English.
Cedar Ridge High School Auditorium
6 – 6:20 p.m. Parent Mixer
6:20 – 7:30 p.m. Parent Webinar