Book, Webinar And Podcast Recommendations For The New Year
By: Bethany Weiler & Kate Mikulencak Parenting a gifted child can be both rewarding and challenging. Gifted students often have unique needs, ranging from academic acceleration to social-emotional support. Navigating these needs effectively requires understanding,...
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
Welcome back students and families
Round Rock ISD’s Department of Gifted and Advanced Academics hopes everyone had a fun summer where great experiences were had and lasting memories were made. We are so excited to see our gifted and advanced learners in our school hallways and classrooms. It is too quiet without the usual laughter and learning in our buildings. Our enthusiastic and committed teachers have been working hard to prepare for the start of school. We are ready!
Cancelled: Gifted and Advanced Academic Services hosts Parent Conference
Round Rock ISD’s Gifted and Advanced Academic Services is hosting a Parent Conference to provide information, discussion, and support for parents of TAG and Advanced Academic Services students. The Parent Conference will be held Saturday, February 4 at Walsh Middle School, 3850 Walsh Ranch Blvd. Round Rock. Check in, coffee and meet and greet will begin at 8:15 a.m. The keynote speaker and breakout sessions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. through 12 p.m.
Register for Spring 2023 After-School Classes
Round Rock ISD offers a wide variety of after-school classes for students in grades K through 12. Visit the registration portal to browse and register for Spring 2023 after-school classes that begin the week of January 23. Hurry, registration ends Jan. 16.
Meet Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, Michelle Moak
My name is Michelle Moak and I am excited to join Round Rock ISD as the new Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator supporting secondary programming. I am a native Houstonian having served 18 years with Houston ISD. I began my educational career in 2004 as a grant coordinator and entered the classroom in 2009 as a 5th grade reading teacher.
Meet Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, Melissa Vasquez
My name is Melissa Vasquez and I am the new Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, focusing on elementary programming. I’m grateful to say that I’ve been in the Round Rock ISD family for 11 years now. I started as a substitute for the district after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin
Maggio named 2022 Gifted Administrator of the Year
The Gifted Education Family Network (GEFN) has selected Raine Maggio as the 2022 Gifted Administrator of the Year. This was the group’s inaugural year for the GT Excellence Awards program which honors administrators committed to equity and excellence. Raine had recently served as the District’s Gifted and Advanced Academics coordinator. Her current role as the Director of Enrichment will allow her to continue serving all Round Rock ISD students and families by providing both classroom and after school enrichment opportunities.
TAG Referral window is now open
Each year Round Rock ISD has open registration to refer a student for gifted services screening. Our service model provides an array of learning opportunities for students who show advanced ability or potential in comparison to students of the same age, experience, and environment.
The referral window for students to be considered for gifted services is open through December 9, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. You will find the registration link on the Round Rock ISD TAG website. After completing the online form, you will receive email confirmation of your referral for gifted services. If you do not, please contact the Advanced Academics office at 512-464-5195 or 512-464-5925.
Gifted Services (TAG) – Identification Timeline
Each year Round Rock ISD has open registration to refer a student for gifted services. You might be asking yourself if this is a good fit for your child. Our service model provides an array of learning opportunities for students who show advanced ability or potential in comparison to students of the same age, experience, and environment.
Differentiation with Depth and Complexity
Getting students to think deeply about a concept or subject can be a seemingly daunting task, even as we know that we need critical thinking abilities to identify and solve the problems facing our society and world. However, there is a tool that is readily available: The Depth and Complexity Framework.
Accelerated Math Pathways K-8
Students who are identified for gifted services in math will participate in both an accelerated and enriched math curriculum. The accelerated math services begin in 3rd grade. In each year, grades 3 through 6, the student will complete a year and a half of math curriculum. Students who participate will have an adjusted STAAR schedule for math.
Math Fun for Summer!
Avoid the drill and have some fun with math this summer. These sites include lots of fun ways to keep your math abilities on target.
Summer Reading Resources
If you are looking for some books and recommended reading for your kids this summer, here are several resources to explore!
AP Seminar – Finishing Up the AP Portfolio
With Advanced Placement (AP)® exams right around the corner, AP Seminar students at McNeil High School are working hard to put the finishing touches on their AP Portfolios and prepare for the AP Exam. This week, we are working on final submissions of Individual Written Arguments and Individual Multimedia Presentations.
Providing Support in School Transitions
During the K-12 experience, students go through 2 major transitions, elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. These transitions are very exciting times and give new opportunities for our students with the addition of elective choices, clubs, athletics, and special programs.
Enrichment Review
The school year may be winding down, but our enrichment opportunities are not. Be sure to check out the many summer programs run by the Enrichment department. We have camps focusing on all areas of interest that are perfect for the gifted student.
Social and Emotional Support
As we focus on academic challenges, we should also engage in a mindful, targeted effort to support the social and emotional needs that face our youth. As things have become the closest to “normal” that we have seen in quite some time, let’s help encourage our kids to build healthy relationships with peers and adults in their lives by re-engaging and sharing experiences.
Gifted and Advanced Academics Recap
On March 26, 2022 approximately 160 parents joined us in a day of learning and growing. The keynote address was given by Dr. Brian Housand and participants also enjoyed a variety of breakout sessions including topics on gifted, advanced academics, and enrichment opportunities.
College and Career
Throughout the year, we will feature one of the array of opportunities that meet the needs of our gifted and advanced learners. Starting with an overview of college and credit in high school, there are four primary programs, Advanced Placement (AP), University of Texas OnRamps, International Baccalaureate, Austin Community College Dual Credit