Opportunities for Students
3M Young Scientist Challenge
The annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5 – 8 to submit a 1 – 2 minute video describing a unique solution to an everyday problem for the chance to win $25,000 and an exclusive 3M Mentorship. Ten finalists will be chosen for their passion for science, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills. Deadline to submit: April 22, 2022. Select this link to learn more.
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities available for your child! Most camps have updated their information and some have already started to accept applications! Select this link to be taken to summer camp opportunities.
More summer enrichment opportunities can be found here, on the APS Gifted Services website.
Resources for Parents
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4 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Child’s Gifted Summer Programs Summer programs can introduce your child to brand new experiences that promote their growth and development. In our gifted summer programs, these experiences all serve to provide further academic and personal enrichment—equipping your child with the skills and knowledge they need to feel |
Gifted 101: A Brochure from the National Association for Gifted Children No single definitive definition of gifted and talented exists. However, most states and districts model theirs from the first federal definition established in 1972. Since then educators and researchers have continued to study gifted and talented children, and definitions have evolved. |
| Find more resources at https://www.apsva.us/gifted-services/parent-resources/ | Questions? Contact Ms. Clark, Resource Teacher for the Gifted, at celine.clark@apsva.us |
- March Newsletter 2022.docx
- SPANISH March Newsletter 2022.docx
William and Mary Center for Gifted Education: Spring Saturday Enrichment Programs (Virtual)–Registration now open!
SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning for students. The program is not meant to supplant the regular school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing able youngsters to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics, humanities, and arts. Course activities are compatible with the expected achievement of talented students at specific grade and age levels. Spring registration is open for March Classes. Select this link to access the site. (Deadline March 1st).
To view this newsletter in Spanish: SPANISH February Newsletter 2022.docx
Creative Communication: Poetry Contest 
This poetry contest is open to students in grades K-9th. Participants have the opportunity to win prizes and be published. Select this link to learn more.
3M Young Scientist Challenge
The annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to submit a 1-2 minute video describing a unique solution to an everyday problem for the chance to win $25,000 and an exclusive 3M Mentorship. Ten finalists will be chosen for their passion for science, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills. Deadline to submit: April 22, 2022. Select this link to learn more.
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities available for your child! Most camps have updated their information and some have already started to accept applications! Select this link to be taken to summer camp opportunities.
Resources for Parents
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Gifted 101: Our Favorite Gifted Parenting Books Check out this list of books on gifted parenting that covers topics such as parenting, education options, social-emotional development, and more. While there is always more to learn, these books will hopefully provide a great foundation of information for your gifted family! |
SMPG workshops meet weekly for 8-10 weeks and are structured around A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, by James T. Webb, Janet L. Gore, Edward Amend, and Arlene DeVries. |
| Find more resources at https://www.apsva.us/gifted-services/parent-resources/ | |
Questions? Contact Ms. Clark, Resource Teacher for the Gifted, at celine.clark@apsva.us
Opportunities for Students
Eco-Art Competition 2022 for students aged 5 and up
Calling All Artists ages 5-22. Use your creativity to help sustain our world! Young artists, ages 5-22, will create a piece of art, either 2-D or 3-D, that illustrates the message of the theme: Plant the Seed. Contestants can use any medium or combination of media as long as the work meets the size requirements designated in the Official Rules. The artwork should address this year’s theme of “Plant the Seed”. Click here for more information. Deadline January 24th, 2022.
William and Mary Center for Gifted Education: Spring Saturday Enrichment Programs (Virtual)–Registration now open!
SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning for students. The program is not meant to supplant the regular school curriculum; rather, it recognizes the importance of allowing able youngsters to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics, humanities, and arts. Course activities are compatible with the expected achievement of talented students at specific grade and age levels. Spring registration is open. Select this link to access the site. (Deadline January 31st and March 1st, for February & March sessions, respectively).
Resources for Parents
Article: “Attaining Health and Well-Being Through Balance”This Tips for Parents article is from a Young Scholar seminar hosted by Patricia Gatto-Walden, in which she discusses how you can strive to establish the foundations of health and well-being in your family. Select this link to read the article. |
Article: “Self-Regulated Learning and Academically Talented Students”Dr. Sally M. Reis provides strategies on self-regulation in this article. A number of case studies are covered to help explain the topic. |
| Find more resources at https://www.apsva.us/gifted-services/parent-resources/ | |
Questions? Contact Ms. Clark, Resource Teacher for the Gifted, at celine.clark@apsva.us.
Opportunities for K-5 Students:
The 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Literary and Visual Arts Contest
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the struggle for equal economic, political, and social opportunities for all – a struggle that continues today. During Dr. King’s March on Washington in 1963, activists, athletes, scholars, families and people of many different races and backgrounds came together to advocate for equality in their communities. His legacy lives on today and inspires many individuals to carry out his dream and make a difference in their communities
PROMPT: Incorporating a quote from Dr. King, describe in writing or through visual arts how you, as a student, can get involved, take a stand, and support Dr. King’s mission and vision for equality; and inspire a more equitable, inclusive and peaceful Virginia.
CATEGORIES: Writing, Poetry, Visual Arts.
DEADLINE: Entries Due Thursday, Dec. 16, 5pm.
Parent Resources
Webinar: Supporting Your Child’s Writing When You are Not Their TeacherThe writing process is frequently stressful for students and may become an additional source of frustration for families during quarantine. Join Cori Paulet to discuss simple strategies you can use to reduce tensions and support your child’s writing without needing to be the expert. Cori Paulet holds an MA in gifted, creative, and talented education from the University of St. Thomas, MN. Cori is an education consultant and writing coach. |
Podcast: Tilt ParentingThis podcast aims at helping parents raising “differently-wired” kids do so from a place of confidence, connection, and joy. |
| Find more resources at https://www.apsva.us/gifted-services/parent-resources/parenting-gifted-children/ | |
Questions? Contact Ms. Clark, Resource Teacher for the Gifted, at celine.clark@apsva.us.
Opportunities
Free Webinar for Parents, offered by the Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development: 
Thursday, November 18, from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
“Books and More for Promoting Literacy and Thinking in Kids” with Dr. Susannah Richards, associate professor of Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. Dr. Richards has a PhD in Gifted Education from the University of Connecticut, where she studied talented readers.
Looking for recommendations to ignite, delight, and cultivate lifelong readers? This session will highlight recently published books that kids will want to binge read. To find out more, click here!
Resources
Article: “Preparing Creative and Critical Thinkers”Students who are competent in not only the basics of content areas but also the basics of productive and creative thinking will be lifelong learners, knowledge creators, and problem solvers who can live and work effectively in a world of constant change. |
Podcast: The Neurodiversity PodcastEmily Kircher-Morris, LPC has dual Masters degrees in Counseling and Education, and specializes in the area of giftedness throughout the lifespan. She founded the Gifted Support Network, an organization which provides resources and support to parents and educators of gifted and high-ability children of St. Louis. |
Questions? Contact Ms. Clark, Resource Teacher for the Gifted, at celine.clark@apsva.us
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| How to use it at home: | Ask your child to:
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*Check out these other samples and variations.
Creative Thinking Strategy: FLUENCY 
Fluency is all about generating a lot of different ideas about a given topic, item, or topic. Practicing fluency can help develop creative thinking!
*Students were encouraged to think creatively to turn post-it notes into artwork for Ms. Guiffré and Ms. Diaz’s “Tiny Art Show.”
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| Some ideas for practicing fluency at home: |
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Opportunities
William and Mary’s Fall Virtual Saturday Enrichment Programs (SEP) 
(for students and parents!)SEP is an academically challenging program with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning for students. The program recognizes the importance of allowing able youngsters to explore additional specialized areas of science, mathematics, humanities, and arts. Course activities are compatible with the expected achievement of talented students at specific grade and age levels. Fall SEP 2021 brochure available here.
- Session 1: October 16, 23, & 30.
- Session 2: November 6, 13, & 20.
- (*Parent Seminars returning on October 23, 2021.*)
- Registration: Open now! Select this link for more information.
The Betty Award: Writing Contest for Kids 8-12 
Enter now for the Fall 2021 contest! The deadline for the Fall entries is October 16, 2021. Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, or poems. Maximum 1,000 words.
Resources
| Podcast: Adventures in Being Gifted Going back to school, especially during a pandemic, can be stressful. A veteran school counselor talks with us about ways to deal with anxieties while remaining hopeful. | Book: Creativity Journal for Kids! Fun activities to spark imagination and inspire self-expression |
Questions? Contact Ms. Clark, Resource Teacher for the Gifted, at celine.clark@apsva.us.
