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 Celi Trépanier in Crushing Tall Poppies

“How are you doing?”

My friend, an educational professional who has worked with gifted children for many years, had intently asked me this question as I wearily plopped down in my chair at the coffee shop where we were meeting. I was desperately in need of a friendly chat—more like an understanding ear. I heard the sincerity in her voice and saw the empathy in her eyes as I abandoned my standard I’m fine response for the truthful, It’s hard!

“I wish others could just understand how difficult it is to raise a gifted child. Mentally, I’m so exhausted. I just wish others knew this,” I emotionally lamented.

Continue reading the article HERE.

There’s a pressure on parents to allow more technology into the lives of their kids. Gaming and social media have positive and negative aspects, and neurodivergent kids often have a unique relationship to technology. Emily Kircher-Morris talks about it with Debbie Steinberg Kuntz.

Listen HERE.

We are proud to have a Gifted Education Facilitator in every school in Douglas County School District!

As students return to school, the Gifted Education Facilitator will collaborate with your child, you and the teacher(s) to review the Advanced Learning Plan and goals that were developed in the spring.

New to your school? Find the Gifted Education Facilitator by going to the school's website and then the page for gifted or connect to our district website HERE.

The DCSD Elementary Discovery Program is a center based gifted program designed to meet the needs of highly advanced gifted elementary school students (grades 2 - 6) who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from gifted programming and services provided through their school. Student’s placed in this program receive their typical school day instruction in a self-contained classroom with other highly gifted students.

Want to know more about the program and/or explore if it might be right for your student(s)? You can find further information and resources on the DCSD Gifted Education Website. When the Discovery application process opens in September, the links to apply will be located on that page. We will hold Discovery Information nights at each of our locations–exact dates to be announced soon.

The mission of the Council is to gather, communicate, and disseminate information to stakeholders, as well as advocate, influence, support, and ensure accountability for quality programming for gifted learners in Douglas County School District.

Do you have an identified gifted child in DCSD? Would you like to be a representative on DCGEAC? If so, please fill out the self nomination form.

Current Vacancies by Feeder:

• Castle View - Elementary
• Chaparral - Elementary, Secondary & Discovery
• Douglas County - Elementary & Secondary
• Highlands Ranch - Elementary & Secondary
• Ponderosa - Elementary
• Rock Canyon - Elementary
• ThunderRidge - Elementary & Secondary
• Charter Schools - Parker area
• High School Student Representatives - All Feeders and Charter

Are you interested in joining us for a meeting to find out more or would you just like more information? Contact Heather Groff through our department email at gifted.education@dcsdk12.org.

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.

OUR VISION & MISSION

It is CAGT’s belief that all humans have an inherent right to develop their full potential. The Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented fosters an understanding of all gifted children and their exceptional needs, and advocates for appropriate education and affective support through partnerships with educators, families, students, administrators, legislators, and the general public.

CAGT Talent Video Contest

Students in grades K-12 are invited to create a TikTok style video (about 20 seconds long) showing off their amazing talent! The best videos will be compiled into a student talent video showcase that will be shown at this year’s CAGT Conference.

Click here for the flyers in English and Spanish

Click here for more information

Video submissions due September 1, 2023

CAGT Annual Student Art Contest

Students who attend any K-12 school or homeschool in the state of Colorado are invited to create an outstanding piece of original artwork which interprets this year’s CAGT Conference theme: “Imagine, Believe, Grow.” As always, the Art Contest Committee will be very selective about which artwork will be chosen and displayed this fall due to the limited space at the annual conference. Conference participants will view and vote for their favorite artwork.

Click here for the flyer with information about the event and to submit your incredible artwork.

Click here for the flyer in Spanish.

Artwork submission due September 11, 2023.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program application is available on the Common App. The deadline to apply is November 16, 2023.

Selected Cooke Scholars will:

• Receive scholarship funding toward college attendance costs so they may graduate with as little debt as possible.
• Access comprehensive advising about how to maximize their college experience.
• Be eligible for internships, study abroad, and to apply for the Cooke Graduate Scholarship.

Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Senior standing - Plan to graduate from a U.S. high school in spring 2024.
• Fall college enrollment - Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2024.
• GPA - Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Unmet financial need - We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000. Last year's cohort of new Cooke College Scholars had a median family income of approximately $40,000.

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