Advanced/Gifted Parent Newsletter

Welcome to our newsletter dedicated to the parents of advanced and gifted students! Here, you’ll find valuable insights, resources, and updates tailored to support your child’s unique educational journey. Our goal is to provide you with the latest information on enrichment programs, academic opportunities, and strategies to nurture your child’s talents and potential. We look forward to partnering with you in fostering an environment where your child can thrive and excel. Thank you for being a part of our community!

National Opportunities Through K12

K12 Calendar of National Competitions and Opportunities

Use this link to see what opportunities will be coming up throughout the school year - virtual fieldtrips, competitions, and more!

https://secure.smore.com/kfeyb-k12-national-clubs

K12 REEL ME Open for Submissions March 18 - June 20

The K12 Reel Me competition returns on March 18. All K12-powered students are invited to submit a short video sharing their "My K12 Why".

This year’s theme, My K12 Why, invites students to create a short 30–60 second video sharing why they chose K12-powered online learning and what keeps them motivated.

K12 Reel Me celebrates real stories, creativity, and the flexibility of online learning — while helping show what learning with K12 is truly like.

🏆 Top winners in each grade band will receive their choice of:

$500 cash
$500 Tango e-gift card
GoPro Creator Kit

https://enrichment.k12.com/reel-me/

K12 Art Competition is open for submissions!

20 years of creativity. Countless ways to color your world!
Your way. Your medium.

For two decades, the K12 Art Competition has celebrated the imagination, talent, and unique perspectives of young artists across the country. Now in its 20th year, we’re inviting students in grades K–12 to add their own color to the story—through bold ideas, meaningful expression, and original artwork that reflects how they see the world.

From vibrant paintings and sculptural creations to innovative digital designs, this year’s competition is all about showcasing what makes your creativity stand out.

However you choose to express yourself, this is your moment to be seen, celebrated, and inspired.

https://enrichment.k12.com/art-competition/

Minecraft Challenge: School Outside the Box

For Kindergarten–12th Grade Students currently enrolled in a K12‑powered school.

Theme: School Outside the Box

At K12, we know you break the mold in how you choose to do school. And we’re celebrating that with our “School Outside the Box” challenge!

Flex your Minecraft skills and show us what “School Outside the Box” means to you. Create a world that doesn’t follow any of the norms, or a world that breaks away from tradition. We want to see what you and only you can make possible!

Does this mean a school where everything is upside-down?

Is it a place where only animals go to school?

What does outside-the-box thinking mean to you?

We award bonus points for incorporating something you learned in school into your build.

How to Submit:

1. Create your build in Minecraft Education

2. Upload up to 3 photos of your build OR upload a video walkthrough (max. of 2 minutes in length)

Entry Period:

May 7–August 31, 2026

Public Voting:

September 1–15, 2026

PRIZES:

The build in each grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) with the most votes will win a $25 Amazon E-gift Card!

To complete this challenge, participants will need to download Minecraft Education and use their K12 login credentials to activate their license to play the game world.

All entries must be submitted by 5 PM (Eastern Time) on August 31, 2026.

https://promotions.k12.com/fbcontests/profiletab/K12MinecraftChallengeSchoolOutsidetheBox

K12 Virtual Field Trips!

K12 Virtual Field Trips bring the world to you through engaging and immersive online experiences. Designed to spark curiosity and enhance learning, our virtual field trips provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of environments, historical landmarks, cultural treasures, and more—all from the comfort of their own homes or classrooms. Each trip is carefully curated to provide interactive and educational content that supplements traditional learning. Whether it’s a journey through the Amazon jungle, a tour of a modern art museum, or a visit to a wildlife sanctuary, K12 Virtual Field Trips make learning exciting and accessible for students of all ages.

https://enrichment.k12.com/virtual-field-trips/

Esports for High School Students

Playing video games is fun! But when kids engage with and compete in online multiplayer tournaments against teams from other schools, it becomes much more than simply entertainment—it’s like joining a sports league in the digital world!.

The K12 Esports League offers students a fantastic platform to compete with peers nationwide, all while developing valuable life skills such as teamwork and communication. Coaches are dedicated to helping players excel, ensuring they find a healthy balance between esports, schoolwork, and other commitments so students can truly enjoy this exciting and competitive experience.

https://www.k12.com/extracurricular-activities/esports-league/