BoulderGPS is parent group whose goal is to help facilitate connections, communication and support among gifted families by creating opportunities for gifted children and their parents to connect with each other.  By providing an informal environment for families to socialize, brainstorm ideas, discuss concerns and gain from each others’ experience, we hope to foster and strengthen relationships between children, parents and the broader community as well as to consolidate resources appropriate to the gifted community.

Game Nights
BoulderGPS hosts monthly game nights for families of gifted students from all educational situations (homeschooling, public, private, virtual, etc.) in the greater Boulder area - families from outside of this area are also welcome.  It's a casual opportunity for parents and kids to connect.  Children do not have to be formally identified as gifted, siblings are included, as are twice exceptional children, and profoundly gifted and it is for all ages. 


Parent Discussion: During game night parents may have an opportunity to meet in a separate quieter space to discuss topics relevant to the gifted community - parents should decide if they want to stay in the game room or go into the parent area. We ask that you consider your child's temperament and ability to be without you or strict supervision in a room with other children and that you do not leave your child in the gaming area if they have challenges with your being outside of the room they are in.  BoulderGPS and it's members take no responsibility for those attending our events.  If you do leave your child in the game room and they are having difficulties you may be asked to return to the game room.
April Game Night

Sunday, April 15th - 1376 Miners Dr., Lafayette (Catalyst H.S.)
   4 - 6pm

Optional Parent Discussion: Kurt Levasseur of BVSD will be discussing and get feedback on the new Boulder Explore School (geared toward homeschoolers) and Boulder Universal (on-line school).  See Boulder Explore's Mission/Vision Statement.
Read the Daily Camera article. 

As always, this free event is open to all family members of school-aged gifted children. This includes PG and 2E children, as well as those in public, private or homechool. 

Please bring a snack to share and any games your family likes to play (we'll have some too). 
Teen lounge (optional) is in a separate space in the building. 

Suggested donation $3 - $5/family to help pay for facility rental and on-going costs.

RSVP appreciated: bouldergps@yahoo.com

        

Important NAGC Article on RtI and GT:
RtI and the Gifted Child: What Every Parent Should Know
by Michael Postma, Dr. Daniel Peters, Barbara Gilman & Kathi Kearny

Summer Programs Update

Yunasa West spots still available!  A letter from the Institute for Educational Advancement:
Yunasa, the Lakota word meaning balance, is a weeklong camp for highly gifted youth. This weeklong camp is a place where gifted and highly gifted youth feel a sense of acceptance and community they rarely find elsewhere. Yunasa uniquely focuses on teaching campers how to integrate every aspect of themselves and is devoted to reminding bright young people that they are more than just intellect. Yunasa campers are highly gifted individuals between the ages of 10 and 14 who are performing at the middle school level or above, are ready to explore the natural environment, gain new confidence and skills, meet new friends, and be challenged to achieve their personal best. In addition to the camp coordinators and camp counselors, Yunasa faculty includes IEA's Senior Fellows, nationally recognized experts in the field of gifted education. 
 

For the first time in 2012, the Institute for Educational Advancement is excited to offer Yunasa West in Sedalia, Colorado!  Yunasa West has the same Yunasa Spirit – now, with a distinctive Western Flair!  Click here for more information about Yunasa West on our webpage, and to download our application. Yunasa West will be held at YMCA Camp Shady Brook from June 10 to 17, 2012. As of today, there are still a few spots left in this camp. Limited financial aid is available. Please contact us at yunasa@educationaladvancement.org or call (626) 403-8900 for further information.

See the IEA Newsletter.

(BGPS Note: If you would like to talk with parents whose children have attended the Yunsasa camp in MI, email bouldergps@yahoo.com and we will help you connect with some.)

 Epsilon Summer math camp for Exceptionally and Profoundly Gifted students
Epsilon Camp is for 8 to 10 year olds who like math. It is an intensive student camp & a parent workshop - running in parallel. Epsilon Camp 2012 will be held at Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO. The two-week camp will commence on July 29 (arrival date) and end on August 12 (departure date). www.epsiloncamp.org


The Colorado Junior Writers Project Presents: 2012 Summer Intensives for 6th-12th grades  Facilitated by Gifted Education TeachersBoulder- weeks of June 25 and July 2, Broomfield/Thornton- weeks of June 11 and June 18

Engaging. Creative. Active. Powerful. Week long intensive writing camps.
- Be part of an amazing community of writers
- Deepen passion for writing
- Connect with new friends
- Take writing to new heights
- Make lasting memories
- Develop creative writing ability
- Improve critical thinking
- Laugh...a lot
 To register or find out more contact: CoJuWriters@gmail.com 303-525-6911 
Colorado Junior Writers Project CoJuWriters.blogspot.com  

Summer Institute for the Gifted Newsletter
Broomfield Academy Announces Summer Academic Preschool, Kindergarten Prep and Elementary Prep Program
Broomfield Academy will again offer individualized and advanced Junior Kindergarten, Kindergarten Preparation, Elementary Preparation and Intermediate Preparation programming this summer. Junior Kindergarten, for children who will be in preschool in the fall, provides a structured and age-appropriate academic and arts-based program, along with great summer fun. Kindergarten Prep, for children entering kindergarten in the fall, Elementary Prep, for children who have just completed kindergarten or first grade, and Intermediate Prep, for children who have completed second grade or above, are academic programs for families who desire a balance of intensive core academic work and plenty of summer fun, swimming and field trips for their children. Children in the Prep programs will focus on enriching and sharpening their academic skills for the fall. This academic program provides a balanced approach to learning, fun and exercise during the summer.  You can sign up to attend for the entire summer or just for the weeks you need.  Days and weeks flexible.  Sibling discounts.  There is also a summer camp option. To request registration materials or for more information, please call (303) 469-6449 or visit www.broomfieldacademy.com. 
 
CU Science Discovery Summer ClassesCU Science Discovery is once again offering a large number of hands-on classes that explore the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) disciplines. Classes feature rigorous and relevant content with a focus on CU science, small class sizes, hands-on activities in CU labs and nearby field locations, and lots of creative fun! Half- and full-day classes run May 29-Aug 3. Please visit our new website(sciencediscovery.colorado.edu) for a complete listing of classes and to register online. For more information, please call 303-492-4839.
 Sophie Math: A Summer Math Workshop for Middle School Girls: Monday, July 16, to Friday, July 20, 2012, 1:00 to 3:30 pm, University of Colorado at BoulderSophie Math is a weeklong summer math workshop designed to introduce middle school girls to the fascinating world of mathematics. We will discuss topics outside the typical school curriculum like combinatorics, modular arithmetic, topology, and 3D geometry. Classes will emphasize interactive and group learning. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and work together with other participants to explore math topics.

Applicants should complete the Sophie Math online application by March 23. There is no cost to attend. Girls entering 7th through 9th grade in fall 2012 are welcome to apply. Recommended background: high school algebra. The application deadline is March 23, 2012. Participants will be chosen based on math background and grade level. Note that participants from out of town will need to provide their own housing.  Sophie Math will be led by Silva Chang, director of the Colorado Math Circle.


Stargate School presents, “Stargate Kaleidscope Summer Program for Gifted and High Ability Learners”.  Join us for a fun, interactive learning experience during the month of June.  Classes on a variety of topics ranging from Genealogy and Comic Classroom: the exploration and creation of graphic novels, to French Language and Culture, Creative Dramatics, Math Olympiad, the study of Middle Earth, and more.  Classes are offered in one-week sessions June 4-29, 2012.  Go to Stargateschool.org click on Stargate Kaleidoscope Summer Program for more information, course descriptions, and registration form.


The Center for Bright Kids Regional Talent Development Center is now accepting applications for Summer Programs 2012! Please see www.centerforbrightkids.org for more information on our three residential summer programs, which are held at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden: CBK SHINE for rising 4th-6th graders July 29th-August 4th, CBK GLOW for rising 6th-8th graders June 10-23, and The CBK Luminary Project for rising 8th-11th graders July 1-21st. Application deadline is April 30th, and classes fill by postmark, many quite early. We hope you can join our family this summer!

Camp Directories:
National Association of Gifted Children: http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=1103
Hoagies Gifted: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/summer.htm  
Kids camps : http://www.kidscamps.com/summer_camps/colorado-summer-camps.html

BoulderGPS has an unofficial camp directory comprised mostly of camps that BoulderGPS families have had some experience with.  It is available to parents who have attended BoulderGPS game nights and have subsequently been invited to join the BoulderGPS yahoo group.  If you have attended a game night but have not received an invitation to the yahoo group, please let us know. 

Community Connections:
Teen Group:   Gifted teens get together at game nights and separate activities. If you have a teenager (or a tween who relates well with teens), we hope they'll consider attending a teen group event.  Write to BoulderGPS to find out more.

Connect with Parents:   If you would like to ask other parents about a particular school or educational alternative (i.e. homeschooling, dual enrollment, early entrance to college, etc) or if you would like to share your experience with other parents please let us know so we can do our best to connect families with each other.

Homeschool Group:  There are area parents interested in connecting with other homeschoolers.  If you are a homeschooler and would like to connect during the next game night or separately, please write to us.

Recognition: BoulderGPS would like to thank Catalyst High School in Lafayette for the use of it's facilities.  Cataylst is an alternative private high school with the mission to "provide an individualized learning experience that empowers students to achieve their academic goals."

BoulderGPS and it's members do not endorse individual schools or programs and are not responsible for individuals who attend events listed here, or for information shared via BoulderGPS.  Parents are encouraged to individually research and verify information.

School News

 Boulder Explore is a new school being planned at BVSD.  To hear more about it come to the BoulderGPS Game Night (details above) where Kurt Levasseur of BVSD will talk about this and get feedback from the GT community.  He will also talk about Boulder Universal's first year.

The BVSD TAG District Advisory Committee is seeking applicants for the 2012-2013 school year.  The purpose of monthly TAG District Advisory Committee meetings is collaborative engagement and networking to share expertise in the field of gifted education and to produce recommendations to the BVSD Office of Advanced Academic Services so that talented and gifted students have equitable access to academic and affective growth.   There are typically very few parents on this committee!  It would be great to see more on here to have a more well-rounded perspective!  The application deadline is August 24, 2012.   To apply and read additional information, click HERE. For questions contact:  Jennifer Barr, Coordinator, Advanced Academic Services, jennifer.barr@bvsd.org, 720-561-5087.  

(BGPS Note:  If you are considering applying and would like to connect with previous TAG DAC parent members to learn more, write to bouldergps@yahoo.com)

 

BVSD Board of Education will be working on new 5 yr. district goals this month.  There are currently no district goals for TAG students. TAG programming is not likely to be included in the district goals without a strong show of parental support for this.  Please consider signing up and speaking during the public participation portion of BVSD Board of Education meetings or writing to board members. You can find information about public participation HERE.


News from St. Vrain Parents of Gifted: 
This is super exciting news - a new Universal Middle School program is being piloted next school year at Sunset Middle School!  While it is located at Sunset Middle School, there is open enrollment for all.  This is huge on so many different levels!  Flexibility in scheduling and learning styles, depth of knowledge, social connections with like-minded peers as well as maintaining relationships with classmates outside the program - Dr. Dawn Macy and Michelle Faye are both very passionate about launching this program.  The Universal Middle School is modeled after the UHS program that has been in place for 10 years with modifications to be middle school appropriate.  That said, they are 2 separate programs, meaning you may have interest in one and/or both. If you have any questions about the Universal Middle School program, Michelle can be contacted at:  faye_michelle@svvsd.org  
 
7th Grade Scholarships:  If you have a gifted 7th grader, your child may qualify for a scholarship!
Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Young Scholars Program seeks high-achieving, low to moderate income 7th  grade students, and cultivates their talents and abilities throughout high school by providing the personalized advising and financial support needed to secure challenging academic opportunities.

Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship
The mission of IEA's Caroline D. Bradley Scholarship (CDB) is to identify exceptionally gifted middle school students who exhibit advanced intellectual talent and have the ability to demonstrate academic and personal excellence. These exceptional students are granted a scholarship to a high school where they can actualize their intellectual and personal potential.
  Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) Information:

Some laws addressing Colorado's gifted and talented students:

1) All schools must identify giftedness in the areas of general intellectual ability, specific academic aptitude, creativity, leadership, visual/performing arts, and music.
2) Identified students are required to have an advanced learning plan or ALP that is reviewed and updated annually (check websites below for deadlines).

Creating an advanced learning plan is still new to many parents and teachers, so there may be variables regarding how and when these are implemented.  You can find out more about Advanced Learning Plans in Colorado in these documents: 

CDE Gifted Ed ALP info

CDE Gifted Ed ALP Reference Series

CDE Gifted Ed Administrative Unit Program Plan

According to the law, a child's ALP must be completed at every Colorado public school, whether a charter school or not.  If an ALP has not yet been implemented for your child, and you feel it's appropriate, you may wish to inquire about this process. 


Proposition 103/Bright Colorado Initiative will be on the ballot in November.  This initiative would prevent deep educational cuts if passed. Learn more.

BVSD Talented and Gifted "Lab Sites" Update

On Tuesday, June 14th (6pm, 6500 Arapahoe), there was a B.O.E. meeting in which the BVSD Talented and Gifted department presented their update on the lab sites created last year in response to parents voicing the need for more effective educational options for gifted children. 
Read the update here.

This update summarized what has been done in 3 schools and what the plans are for the future.  Please view

If you have questions you would like to ask or an opinion regarding this update, or if you would like to hear the board's response to this update, please consider attending this meeting or writing to the Board of Education prior to the meeting.

To stay abreast of board happenings you can watch the meetings in Boulder, Erie, Gold Hill, Jamestown, Lafayette, Louisville, Marshall, Nederland, Superior and Ward (Comcast Cable Channel 22): live on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.  Rebroadcasts are shown Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Broomfield (Comcast Cable Channel 8): taped broadcasts air on Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Community members can also read, "On the Inside", the BVSD Employee newsletter that comes out about every two weeks, summarizing B.O.E. decisions and news in the district.