The Gifted Gazette

Welcome to our district’s Gifted Education family newsletter! Each semester, you’ll receive two issues focused on the 4 Cs—Clarity, Challenge, Content, and Community. Our goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected as we support the unique learning needs of gifted students.

A common myth about gifted learners is that they are easy. They follow the rules, turn work in on time, and always do their best. Sometimes this is true, but often gifted learners decide if and when they want to put forth the effort to do the work. They may forget about turning in an assignment because their brain is busy with other things. And if a gifted learner doesn't understand or value a rule, forget about it! Gifted kids may also struggle with finding the right friend group. Parenting is hard to begin with and parenting a gifted and talented child adds another layer of challenge.

TAGT will host a webinar on Tuesday, April 7 at 6:30 pm CST. In this webinar, they’ll explore some key tenets and resources to help parents navigate the complexity of supporting their gifted and talented children.

The link to register for the webinar is posted below.

You can check out previous webinars at https://txgifted.org/community-resources/webinar/.

G/T Awareness Week takes place the first full week of April every year and highlights the importance of gifted education across Texas. The week encourages educators and advocates to celebrate gifted learners, strengthen understanding of advanced learning needs, and elevate the impact of strong gifted programs. The statewide recognition was established through the passage of HCR 64 (Curry and Parker), a resolution championed by TAGT that designated the first full week of April as G/T Awareness Week in Texas for 10 years. Throughout the week, TAGT shares resources, sparks conversation, and invites educators to share why gifted education matters using #whyGT.

Not familiar with TAGT? The Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented (TAGT) connects and empowers educators to meet the unique needs of a diverse gifted and talented community.

Ask your child to think about what it means to be a gifted learner. Why do they go to GATES or why are they taking advanced classes? What is it about the way they think and view the world that gives them this label? How have GT services made a difference in their life? What GT teacher has impacted your child's growth as a learner? Have them share their story with TAGT. Each story helps others understand what this label really means and it supports advocacy for gifted education.

By the way, if you were identified as a gifted learner when you were a child, guess what? You are now a gifted adult. The label doesn't disappear once you grow up. Share your own story with TAGT.

Connect with TAGT on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see how schools and communities across Texas are recognizing Gifted and Talented Awareness Week. Join the conversation and share how you are celebrating using #whyGT, #gtweek, and #TAGT.

It's important for gifted learners to find their community. But it's also important for parents of GT kids to find their community. Build community by participating in GT Awareness Week. Share the story of why GT matters.

NISD is proud to offer a variety of summer programs for students.

Camp Pursuit

For currently identified NISD GATES students only (Rising 1st - 8th)

Camp Pursuit blends the inductive scientific method (S), purposeful technology (T), problem-based engineering (E), and the art of expressive narrative (A) with exploratory mathematics (M). Your child chooses from a catalog of one-of-a-kind, STEAM courses that blend storytelling with project-based, interdisciplinary learning and hands-on activities.

June 22 - 25 @ Sendera Ranch Elementary (Camp Director: Jennifer Casey)

Link to register - COMING SOON!

Creative Problem Solving (DI) Camp

Rising 3rd - 8th

This camp welcomes both DI alum and newbies. The camp will offer sessions on the various components like prop building, repurposing materials for something new, instant challenges, and improv.

Register through the NISD Online Payment Portal.

June 15 - 18 at Hughes Elementary (Camp Director: Heather Martin)

Camp Invention

Rising 1st - 6th Grade

Camp Invention is one week in the summer where your child’s creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills are challenged and developed in fun and exciting ways. Our top priority is to inspire future innovators and build their confidence in the natural ability to dream and create.

Camp Invention is open to students in grades K-5. Middle school students are encouraged to enroll as Counselors-in-Training.

For details and registration information, please click here.

Spark!

June 1 - 4 @ Haslet (Camp Director: Mandy Smiley)

June 1 - 4 @Lakeview (Camp Director: Caitlin Andrews)

June 8 - 11 @Lance (Camp Director: Lindsey Hart)

June 8 - 11 @Schluter (Camp Director: Jessica Batson)

July 13 - 16 @Carter (Camp Director: Jessica Batson)

All of the above camps need student volunteers. High school students looking for volunteer hours should contact any camp director for details.

Visit this flyer to discover more summer enrichment opportunities throughout DFW.