DCSD Advanced Academics & Gifted Ed

Equity of Access

Opportunity ~ Agency ~ Empowerment

Vision: We seek out, surface, and nurture the potential in each student from all races, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

Mission: We partner with staff, students, families, and our community to design/refine/implement equitable and culturally responsive systems of identification and programming for high potential/advanced/gifted students from all demographic groups in all schools.

Email: gifted.education@dcsdk12.org
Website: dcsdk12.org/gifted-education
Location: 620 Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104
Phone: 303-387-0191

By Anni Layne Rodgers. October 26, 2023

The outspoken autism advocate credits neurodivergent thinkers for the world’s greatest breakthroughs—and worries we’re stifling them.

She was named a hero in Time magazine’s list of Most Influential People in the World. HBO made a Golden Globe-winning movie about her life. She is an author, scientist, professor, and mentor.

Temple Grandin sat down recently with ADDitude for a candid conversation about growing up autistic in the 1950s and 1960s, and how society today can ignite and encourage brilliant, neurodivergent minds.

Read the article HERE. Listen to the interview HERE. Visual Thinking is her latest book.

Parenting with Impact

Episode 115: Parenting with Presence: Celebrating Neurodiversity in Kids and Adults with Hope Zvara

Here's what to expect in this episode:

• Develop a toolbox of practices to support neurodivergent kids in life's challenges.
• Embrace and celebrate neurodiversity by understanding your kid’s individual needs.
• The significance of self-care, self-awareness, and continued learning in raising children.

Listen to the podcast HERE.

thekidstory.com August 21, 2023

And why board games are essential for every gifted kid

Gifted kids often climb the academic ladder with ease and consume books meant for kids years older. Yet, this gift can create an unrealistic expectation that they should win at everything. Remember, these kids don’t have a ton of practice at “losing”, so board games can help foster incredibly important life skills.

Read the full article HERE.

As you receive information about your elementary student(s) grades, look for updates on the progress of their goals. An * in the content area indicates a special plan for that area. If your child is on an ALP, check the Google doc or other shared progress monitoring form for an update. If you have any questions, reach out to your child's teacher or the school's Gifted Education Facilitator.

If your child is transitioning to Middle School or High School in the fall, please join them for the Information Nights. Advanced and Gifted Education will be represented at each site. If your school is not listed, please contact the school's Gifted Education Facilitator for more information.

• Legacy: Showcase Night December 6th, 6:30-7:30pm

• Douglas County High School IB info night: General 8th grade night: January 17th, 6:00pm

• Highlands Ranch High School 8th grade parent night: January 17th 5-8pm

• Rocky Heights Middle School: 6th grade Parent Night: January 17th, 6pm

• Cresthill Middle School: January 18th, 6-8pm

• Mesa Middle School: Passport to Mesa: January 25th - 4:30-5:30 pm & 6:00-7:00 pm

• Legend High School: Legend Begins, January 25th

• Sagewood Middle School: January 25th, 6:00 - 7:30pm

• Ponderosa High School: 8th Grade Parent Night January 22nd 6-8pm

Douglas County Association for Gifted and Talented (DCAGT) is an affiliate of the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT), which is an affiliate of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).

DCAGT’s objectives are to:

• Support the efforts and activities of CAGT, the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), and neighboring CAGT affiliates.

• Present gifted resources and educational opportunities to families, caregivers, educators, and the community.Encourage advocacy and best-practices for gifted children.

• Reach and connect the gifted community with opportunities to share experiences and exchange information.

They are currently looking for passionate parents that would like to serve on the board or volunteer to support events. Contact them via email at info@dcagt.org.

Visit their website HERE.

The Douglas County Gifted Education Advisory Council (DCGEAC) is seeking members with a variety of backgrounds and expertise! If you are a parent/guardian of a student identified for gifted services OR a high school student who has been identified as gifted, please consider joining us by completing the DCGEAC Self Nomination Form.

DCGEAC meets quarterly throughout the year.

Not sure if this is right for you? Join us at our next meeting to give us a try!

Wednesday, February 7, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Virtual meeting through Google Meets

All meetings are open to the public. Please send us an email at gifted.education@dcsdk12.org to receive the link.

CONVERSATIONS WITH CAGT

This season, we have new sessions with more amazing, gifted experts from Colorado, the nation, and around the world. We hope you can tune in live each first and third Tuesday on our Facebook page to view our Conversations with CAGT in real time at 5:00. You will be able to ask the CWC guest speaker any questions you might have about their session. Please come join us!

*Click here to go to CAGT News for information on our next CWC!