Thinking Along the Same Lines

The advantages of spending time with like-minded others provides increased opportunities for connectedness; improved chances of being understood and accepted; better prospects of forming high quality friendships; more suitable occasions to practice socio-affective skills; and the comfort of “feeling normal.” Click here to read more from this article posted by SENG.

Toy Fix it Clinic - 12/05/2015

Fix it Austin: Toy Fix it Clinic

12/05/2015 12:00 PM

@ Recycled Reads, Austin Public Library

5335 Burnet Rd
Austin,  TX 

Fixit Clinics are all about do-it-together, hands-on disassembly, troubleshooting and (hopefully) learning to repair. FixIt Clinic attendees are expected to be active participants in trying to fix their items with guidance from our coaches. Attendees should plan to stay and fix their items.

Exploration Station: Black Friday at the Bullock - 11/27/2015

Visit the Bullock Museum on Black Friday. Explore the Story of Texas with activities and art projects. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and make holiday ornaments and souvenirs! More information at https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/visit/calendar/exploration-station-20151127

Community Arts Sundays - 11/22/2015

Gifted Issues Discussion Forum

The Gifted Issues Discussion Forum is a meeting place for all things gifted. Register and become a part of one of the most active gifted education forums on the web! With more than 8,000 registered members, this forum is a great place to share and interact with others about a wealth of gifted topics. http://giftedissues.davidsongifted.org/BB/

Austin ISD Bats and Bridges Family Fun

aisdgtfun@gmail.com

Tapping Social Media to Learn, Collaborate & Advocate

If you find it hard to believe that 140-character posts on Twitter and updates on Facebook could possibly help change the world of gifted education, think again. Social networking among gifted advocates is at an all-time high and continues to grow. Five years ago, it would have been hard to imagine educators and parents of gifted students from across the world gathering weekly on Twitter to share resources, insights and inspiration. Yet, now it’s a reality. More than 1,000 tweets are devoted to Global #gtchat (a Twitter chat dedicated to gifted and talented issues) each and every week. Click here to read more of this article posted by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development.

Gifted Education Matters Webinar Series

Learn from some of the best minds in gifted education through presentations and ongoing discussions of the best tools, techniques, and strategies for teaching gifted students. This webinar series will be useful to new teachers, experienced gifted teachers, and anyone with gifted students in their classroom. Visit  Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to register.

Time: 5:00pm to 6:00pm (MST) converts to 6:00-7:00 pm (CST)
Cost: FREE 
PD Hours: 1 hr/webinar

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation is accepting applications for its College Scholarship Program. Recipients will be awarded as much as $40,000 per year for four years for tuition, books, living expenses and other required fees. Up to 40 spaces are available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. Applicants must plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in spring 2016 and enroll in an accredited four-year college in fall 2016. Visit the website for further eligibility requirements.

Texas Teen BookFest - 9/26/2015

2015 Texas Teen BookFest
Saturday, Sept. 26, 8:30 – 5:30
St. Edward's University
FREE and Open to the Public

The Texas Book Festival, in a close partnership with BookPeople and with generous support from Humanities Texas and venue sponsor St. Edward's University, is pleased to present the Texas Teen Book Festival, a one-day event that celebrates the teen reading experience by inviting teens to visit with many of the most popular and critically acclaimed Young Adult authors in the country.

http://texasteenbookfestival.org/

Gifted and Talented Nominations Open

 September 14 to September 25, 2015

Austin ISD

Schools in Austin ISD are accepting nominations for gifted and talented services for students in grades K-12. Complete the GT Parent Nomination and GT Parent Survey and submit to your child's Campus GT Advocate. http://www.austinisd.org/academics/advancedacademics/gifted/parent-corner

Escuelas en Austin ISD están aceptando nominaciones para los servicios dotados y talentosos para estudiantes en los grados K - 12. Complete la Lista de Verificación y el Nominación para los Padres para el Programa de Dotados y Talentosos. Daselo al representante del Programa de Dotados en la escuela. http://www.austinisd.org/academics/advancedacademics/gifted/para-padres

Austin Museum Day - 9/20/2015

AUSTIN MUSEUM DAY

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Austin Museum Day is a free, city-wide rediscovery of Austin museums held on the penultimate Sunday of the month of September. It provides the public with a free access to exhibits and activities representing more than 40 Austin cultural institutions!

For more information, contact Rebecca Marino.

What is this "gifted" thing anyway?

This is a question I am asked—in one form or another—on a regular basis. I find myself pausing, assessing who is asking, how much they may or may not understand, how open to the idea of “gifted” they may be, and then mentally searching through all of the definitions and descriptions about gifted I know, to carefully craft an answer that has the best chance of sticking and being understood. Why is answering this question so hard? Click here to read more of this article posted by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development.

HS Seniors: U.S. Presidential Scholars Program - Due Date 09/11/2015

The United States (U.S.) Presidential Scholars Program honors graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship, achievement and promise of future success. Seniors chosen as U.S. Presidential Scholars are selected by the Commission on Presidential Scholars and will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. where they will be presented with a medallion at a ceremony in their honor. While there, the students will engage with accomplished people and participate in conversations and events over issues that concern America and the world. 

TEA invites high school seniors graduating between January and June of 2016 to apply for the opportunity to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar. The Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate ten male and ten female candidates to apply for the honor.

This year, President Obama amended the program by adding a new component – recognition for excellence among students in career and technical education (CTE). Therefore, TEA also invites high school seniors who are participants of a CTE program graduating between January and June of 2016 to apply for the opportunity to be a U.S. Presidential Scholar. In addition to the 20 candidates who will be nominated to apply, the Texas Commissioner of Education will nominate five additional students who have excelled in a CTE program to apply for the honor.

Please see TEA’s U.S. Presidential Scholars Program webpage for more information: http://www.tea.texas.gov/Presidential_Scholar/

Application due date: September 11, 2015

Read It: Youth Reading Program Kickoff - 9/26/2015

SAVE THE DATE!

Breakfast Supports Learning

A breakfast high in carbohydrates and protein before school has many benefits, both mental and physical. These benefits not only last throughout the school day, but also can contribute to overall health and school performance over the long term. Read more from LIVESTRONG at 
http://www.livestrong.com/article/289854-does-eating-breakfast-help-your-performance-in-school/

Non-Academic Extracurricular Activities for Your Child

Do extracurricular activities compromise academic performance or well-being? Research suggests that the media may exaggerate the “over-involvement phenomenon,” or the idea that teens are burdened with too many activities. Click here to read more from this article posted by Duke Talent Identification Program.

Back to School Bash and Safety Fair - 8/15/2015

Back to School Bash Celebration and Safety Fair

9 a.m.–noon at the

Palmer Events Center

08/15/2015

More than 130 community and district organizations will offer exhibits for Austin ISD families to learn more about the services and programs that can help students enjoy a safe and successful school year.

Nurses from Dell Children’s/AISD Health Services will provide free vaccinations (must present their shot records) and Kids Vision for Life Central Texas may be providing free vision exams and eyeglasses.

Austin ISD students must be present to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, while supplies last.

Codeacademy

Learn to code interactively, for free.

Explore https://www.codecademy.com/ 

Life-changing knowledge should be free and easily accessible to anyone, and on Codecademy it is, with thousands of courses available for free online and yet more available for users on mobile apps for iPhone and iPad.

Nature's Treasures Citywide Treasure Hunt and Rock Fest

Keep an eye on Nature's Treasures Facebook Page for more details!

Details also in their newsletter posted online

Gifted . . . and Teeenagers, Too

Jim Delisle discusses how teens need their parents in their teen years just as much as they did in kindergarten, just in different ways. Several strategies are offered as to how to address common teenage challenges. Click here to read more in this article posted by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development.

Web Mix of Austin Activities

Our city offers numerous opportunities for children and their families to explore the arts, culture, nature, history, and fun ideas. The Web Mix below has convenient links to several activities in the Austin community that may be of interest.

#gtchat - Twitter Chat Thursday, 7/23/2015 @ 6 pm

Volunteering in the Local Community

Volunteering in the local community with your child is a great way to connect with the needs of the community, teach compassion and empathy, and make a difference. Volunteer Match lets you search opportunities and organizations.

https://www.volunteermatch.org/

Financial IQ Matters for Your Child

Are you a money-savvy adult? Do you keep your financial house in order? Do you spend reasonably, save, invest, and prepare financially for the future?

Or do you feel you live paycheck to paycheck and carry too much credit-card debt? Are you worried about paying for college or saving enough for a comfortable retirement?

The answers to these questions are important ones for your child’s financial welfare. Research repeatedly reports this fact: children say they learn all they know about money from their parents.

This resource offers a thoughtful plan for modeling and teaching about finances.

http://www.themint.org/parents/your-financial-iq.html

AP Exam Scores 2015 for Texas Available 7/09/2015 @ 7 am

AP exam scores from the May 2015 exam administration will be available to Texas students on July 9, 2015 at 7 a.m. Don't forget to sign up for a College Board account. It's required to get your scores.

1. Sign up for a College Board account.
   • Make sure to provide the same information on your account as you did on your AP answer sheet.
   • If you already have an account from taking previous AP or SAT exams, try signing in to confirm.
2. Remember the following information to access your scores:
   • Your College Board account username and password. Forgot your password?(Opens in a new window)
   • Your AP number (or student ID if provided on your AP answer sheet). Learn where to find your AP number.

#gtchat - Twitter Chat Friday, 6/26/2015 @ 6 pm

Career Exploration Resources for Teens

Estimate how much money you need for housing, utilities, transportation, clothes, health care, entertainment and other expenses, and see which careers will pay for these needs.

Reality Check

Explore opportunities based on your interests and work values, and find specific information such as the fastest growing jobs, levels of education and training requirements, and average salaries.

Texas CARES

Davidson Young Scholars

The Davidson Young Scholars program provides free services designed to nurture and support profoundly gifted young people. Students and their parents receive assistance in the following areas: free consulting services, an online community, annual get-togethers, ambassador program, Davidson Summer STARS, free guidebooks. The Young Scholars application deadline is the 1^st of each month. More information at http://www.davidsongifted.org/youngscholars/

#gtchat - Twitter Chat Friday, 6/19/2015 @ 6 pm

Summer Maker Camp

Save the Date!

July 6–August 14, 2015

http://makercamp.com/

A FREE summer camp from Make: for building, tinkering and exploring. Participate any where you can connect to the Internet!

Juneteenth Memorial Monument Dedication - Saturday, June 27

Juneteenth Memorial Monument Dedication

Saturday, June 27, 2015

11:00 am

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center

1165 Angelina Street

Austin, TX 78702

Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinic

Iron Man's Avenjet

Saturday, June 13 (10:00 AM)

Register your child and they can build Iron Man’s Avenjet as part of the "Marvel's Avengers Assemble" Summer series.

Registration opens 12:00 AM (EST) June 1^st

Captain America Motorcycle

Saturday, June 27 (10:00 AM)

Register your child and they can build a motorcycle as part of the "Marvel's Avengers Assemble" Summer series.

Registration opens 12:00 AM (EST) June 15^th

http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx

SAT Practice Resources and Tests

Official SAT Practice for the redesigned SAT will launch on KhanAcademy.org in early June. It will include:

• Four full-length practice tests written by the College Board.
• Answer explanations for all four practice tests, along with calculated raw scores (scaled scores will be available by fall 2015).
• Thousands of practice questions written by the Khan Academy team and approved by the College Board, as well as video lessons and reference articles.
• Personalized practice recommendations to help students focus on the skills likely to have the biggest impact on their performance, building a solid foundation for the SAT and beyond.

Additional features that will be released later in the year. The College Board and Khan Academy will provide updates on these features as they become available. You are able to sign up for free SAT prep materials.

Ballet Under the Stars – Free Event

Zilker Hillside Theater

8:00 p.m.

May 29-30, 2015

Enjoy neo-Classical ballet, modern, contemporary and Broadway style jazz choreography. Bring a picnic and blanket. For more information:

 http://metamorphosisdance.org/ballet-under-the-stars/

Austin Public Library Summer Reading Program

http://library.austintexas.gov/srp

SRP'15, the 2015 Summer Reading Program for youth, takes place June through August.

How can you participate? Pick up a Reading Log at any Austin Public Libraries, or print one out at home. The front of the log is where you’ll record your reading list. Flip it over and you’ll discover 16 free and fun activities you can enjoy to make sure your summer is action-packed! We’re also excited to hear about your favorite book characters – grab a My Favorite Character sheet and drop it off at the Library to display.

There's something for everyone at the Library this summer from toddlers to teens: magic, robots, scavenger hunts, sewing, storytimes, theatre, puppets, local music, arts and crafts, even a glow-in-the-dark dance party!

SRP’15 is sponsored in part by Austin Energy, and the City of Austin Music Division. All programs and events are free and open to the public. For more information please call 512-974-7400.

Summer Reading List 2015

Check out these summer reading lists for children in kindergarten through 8th grade! For advanced readers, you may want to look at the list that is a few years above their grade level.Click here to go to the lists. Happy reading!

Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - Free Event but RSVP

Oh Dragon Theatre Company presents a hilarious, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s extensive playbook. Three (yeah that’s right, only three) madcap individuals weave their wacky way through ALL of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild evening that will leave you rolling with laughter!

Performance dates: May 28th, 29th, 30th, June 4th, 5th, & 6th, 2015. All performances begin at 8pm.

This is a FREE event, but donations are suggested and appreciated (funds raised from this show will go to fund their 4th season). Seating will start at 7:30 pm and is first come, first serve. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and enjoy the show!

**SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. HELP US KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE TO EXPECT BY R.S.V.P.ING FOR THE NIGHT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND.**

More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1632186527016297/

Get your free tickets!

https://secure.buyplaytix.com/ohdragontheatre/reserve/the_complete_works_of_william_shakespeare_abridged.html

African-American Parent Engagement Conference, April 25th

8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. | Saturday, April 25

LBJ Early College High School

Invited Guest Speakers

 • Dr. Sterling Lands II, My Brother’s Keeper

• Manny Scott, Original Freedom Writer

• Mychal Wynn, college and career planning

• Dr. Donna Y. Ford, national education author

• Dr. Anthony Muhammad, national school

transformer

Topics of Interest 

• Being an advocate for your child

• College and career readiness

• AP/gifted and special education classes

• How to prevent diabetes

• How to talk to police

• My Brother’s Keeper

Hosted in partnership with Austin Area Alliance of Black School Educators, Austin Urban League, City of Austin and Greater Calvary Rites of Passage Inc.

Local Heroes Fun Day - Saturday, May 2nd

2015 LOCAL HEROES FAMILY FUN DAY

Saturday May 2, 2015

Austin Fire/Police/EMS Training Academy, 4800 Shaw Lane

Check in at 7:30am

Opening ceremony at 8am

Advancement programs and displays 9am-3pm

Questions? Contact Shirley Sanders at shirley.sanders@scouting.org or 512-944-7691

Hispanic Futures STEAM Conference

The Con Mi MADRE and AISD Hispanic Futures

STEAM Conference

When: Saturday, March 28th

(rescheduled from previous Feb 28th date)

Time: 8:30am-12:30pm 

Where: Wihelmina Delco Center 

4601 Pecan Brook Dr.

 Austin, TX 78724

Click here for more information

Explore UT - Saturday, 3/07/2015

Saturday, March 7, 2015

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

University of Texas at Austin

The Biggest Open House in Texas! For those unfamiliar with the program, Explore UT features close to 400 programs across campus including performances, exhibits, lectures and activities for the entire family. Free and open to the public.

Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition - Deadline 03/02/2015

Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition

African Americans in Texas: Past and Present

Essays should focus on individuals or groups who are not well-known figures but who have made significant contributions to African American history or culture in Texas. Students should look first to their local communities for possible essay topics.

Visit http://www.uiltexas.org/academics/essay-contests/barbara-jordan for competition requirements.