Advanced Academic Services is part of the Austin Independent School District. This blog provides information, activities, and events regarding advanced academics and high ability children and teens. Smart without compromise. Potential without limits.

Monday, December 15, 2014

TEDxYouth@Austin Hosts "Invisible", February 14, 2015



February 14, 2015

Westlake High School Performing Arts Center
4100 Westbank Drive
Austin, TX  78746


What is TEDxYouth@Austin?

A group of youth and adult speakers and performers are coming together to share their “ideas worth spreading”; TEDxYouth@Austin is an annual forum created to bring high school and middle school students from the central Texas area into the TEDx movement.  With engaging stories, inspiring performances, and intriguing presentations, participants will explore the theme of (in)visible. 

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. This event is called TEDxYouth@Austin, where x = independently organized TED event. At the TEDxYouth@Austin event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

Monday, December 8, 2014

SENG Lunch Discussion Group for Parents of Gifted Students

The objective of the series of sessions is to establish an environment in which parents of GT students can receive support, guidance, and information through discussion with other parents and trained facilitators.  This will serve as an opportunity to nurture the self-concept and emotional development of GT children and their families.



This event is available to parents of gifted children enrolled in an Austin ISD school.


Seats are limited!  There is only room for 40 parents to participate in this group. Registration is available through Eventbrite with the registration links below.


Topics, Dates, and Registration
Participants may choose to attend one or more sessions.
All sessions will be held at Baker Center, Austin ISD, 3908 Avenue B., Austin, TX 78751
from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Participants may bring a sack lunch.


Monday, January 26, 2015
Topics: The Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted

Monday, February 9, 2015
Topics: Perfectionism, Sensitivity, and Stress

Monday, February 23
Topics: Motivation, Enthusiasm, and Underachievement

Monday, March 9, 2015
Topics: Family and Peer Relationships



Contact Debi Torres, Austin ISD Gifted Education Coordinator, 
with questions at debi.torres@austinisd.org or 512-414-0155.

Friday, December 5, 2014

NAGC's 2014 Toys and Games List


The National Association for Gifted Children publishes an annual list of toys and games that have been tried out and reviewed by children identified as gifted and talented. Check out the "top picks" for 2014.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize

Call For Entries: The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize.

Eligible Participants: 16- to 19-year-old high school students
Submission Window: Jan. 1–Feb. 28, 2015
Prizes: Up to $5,000, and the winning entry will be published in The Atlantic
Theme: Important Documents from U.S. History
Details: How to enter

Friday, November 14, 2014

Umlauf Sculpture Garden
November 18, 2014
7:00-9:30 p.m.

ATX Laser

The series is free and open to the public.
For more information on guest presenters and to register through Event Bright, visit 
http://umlaufsculpture.org/program/public-programs/atx-laser/ 


Sunday, November 2, 2014

C-SPAN Student Cam Competition - Deadline 01/20/2015



Documentary Competition


WHO: Middle and High School Students

WHAT: “The Three Branches and You”
Tell a story that demonstrates how a policy, law, or action by either the executive, legislative, or judicial branch has affected you or your community.  Your topic should pertain to a branch of the Federal Government.
 WHEN
Now - January 20, 2015: Plan, research, shoot, and edit your documentary.
November 1, 2014 - January 20, 2015: Students who have finished their documentary may upload their video file and complete the online entry form.
January 21, 2015 - March 3, 2015: C-SPAN judges will view each submitted video to determine the 150 prize winning documentaries.