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 | An inclusive community advocating for learners with gifted education needs, their families, and educators |
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Hello GiftedNYS Community,
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As we begin a new school year, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the important roles we all play in the lives of our gifted children. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, or a service provider, we are all part of a team working together to support these remarkable learners. Our children’s curiosity, creativity, and unique abilities shine brightly, but their journey can come with its own set of challenges that require our collective support.
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As parents, we witness our children’s potential daily, but we also see their need for emotional, social, and academic balance. It’s not always easy to navigate this path, and that’s why our partnership with teachers and service providers is so essential. Together, we can create an environment that challenges them academically while ensuring they feel understood, supported, and empowered to explore their passions.
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To the teachers and service providers, thank you for your commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our gifted and 2e learners. Your work is invaluable in helping them grow, not just academically but also in developing resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. We are grateful for your dedication and expertise.
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By maintaining open communication, sharing insights, and working together, we can make this school year one of growth, learning, and discovery for our gifted and 2e children. Let’s continue to advocate for their needs and ensure they have the tools to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
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GiftedNYS is honored to be a part of your journey. We will continue to work hard throughout the year to provide you with the information and resources needed to support this wonderful population of learners.
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Wishing everyone a successful and fulfilling school year!
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| | Self- Advocacy, what is it, and how can students effectively advocate for themselves? |
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Self-advocacy is the ability to communicate what your needs are. It creates independence and empowers people to find solutions for challenges they may be experiencing. Successful self-advocates understand their needs, know what kind of support might help, and can communicate these needs and ideas to others.
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The good news is you can learn these skills at any age! Here are four strategies to help you get started. |
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| Choose the right moment
It’s important to approach your teacher at an appropriate time. Find a quiet moment when the teacher can give you their full attention. If you’re uncomfortable speaking in person or the teacher is hard to catch, writing a note can be a good alternative. It allows the teacher to consider your concerns and respond thoughtfully while giving you the chance to organize your thoughts clearly.
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Understand the school/classroom routines
Think about how your school operates and figure out how you can work within that framework to find a solution that achieves your goal. It’s like solving a puzzle! For example, if you get nervous before big exams, see if you can negotiate arriving a few minutes early to give yourself time to settle in.
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Identify the specific challenges before your meeting|
You’ll want to be clear about the exact issue you’re facing and be honest about any part you might play in the problem. First, pinpoint what’s troubling you. Try explaining something specific, like “I have trouble getting my thoughts down when writing by hand.” These details give your teacher a clearer picture of how to help. |
Second, own up to anything that you may be doing to contribute to the problem. Saying something like “I know I’ve been calling out without raising my hand” or “I struggle to collaborate during group projects” demonstrates that you’re willing to take responsibility and work toward a solution.
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Bring realistic solutions but stay open-minded|
As the person experiencing the issue, you probably have some ideas about what might help. It’s great to come prepared with suggestions, but make sure they’re reasonable. Skipping math entirely may not be feasible, even if you’d prefer to focus on writing. Small changes, like switching your seat to avoid distractions or using calming techniques during tests, can make a big difference. |
It takes a lot of courage to ask for and prepare for a meeting to talk about what you need. As important as it is for you to come up with solutions it is equally as important to listen to your teacher’s feedback. There might be reasons your ideas can’t be fully implemented, or your teacher might suggest changes that could improve your plan. Keeping an open mind shows you’re serious about working together to find the best solution, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
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| | Expert Tips On Supporting The Adults Who Support Your Child|
With each new school year comes the opportunity to introduce or reintroduce your child to the adults who will help them throughout the year. The experts at Young Scholars Academy have some advice to help you navigate these important conversations. |
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| What do we love about it?
As parents, it's natural to wonder, 'How can I support those who are helping my child?' Building a strong partnership with your child's teachers, counselors, and support staff not only benefits your child but also fosters a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. This article explores practical ways to strengthen these relationships and ensure that your child receives the best possible care and guidance throughout the school year.
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| GiftedNYS Presents... | Helping 2E Students Thrive in the Classroom, with Dr. Lois Baldwin | |
Helping 2e students thrive requires adopting a mindset of “Yes, AND...” This webinar will explore the importance of recognizing and supporting giftedness AND areas of challenge for success in the classroom and beyond for these unique students. We will discuss the national definition that focuses on recognizing and meeting the needs of 2e students in the classroom through a balanced approach of strength-based activities, social and emotional supports, and learning accommodations. |
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October 1st, 7pm |
Registration is required. |
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Dr. Lois Baldwin has been both a teacher and a school administrator of one of the first programs in the country for twice exceptional students. She co-founded the first national advocacy group for gifted underachieving students and has taught courses on giftedness and twice exceptionality at universities and colleges as well as has presented at numerous national and local conferences. As a consultant to the Department of Colorado’s Twice Exceptional Program, she developed the materials and videos that she and the 2e team used to train educators and families throughout that state. She is currently consulting with local NY school districts advising on 2e students and the systems of support needed to provide student success. Dr. Baldwin also serves on the GiftedNYS leadership team. |
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| | Attention Finger Lakes & Western NY Educators & Caregivers! |
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Presented by Christine Fonseca, Educational Psychologist and Author |
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Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES
3599 Big Ridge Rd.
Spencerport, NY 14559 |
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| | | | | Youth Opportunities!
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- Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth(CTY) is offering multiple workshops this fall to help students navigate the college admissions process. You can learn more about them HERE!
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We are always seeking dedicated volunteers to help advance GiftedNYS's mission. Even 2-3 hours a month will have a meaningful and positive impact on our community. To learn more visit https://giftednys.org/get-involved/volunteer/. |
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If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you'd like to receive future GiftedNYS newsletters, advocacy updates, and information about interesting events, subscribe to our mailing list by visiting https://giftednys.org/about-us/newsletter/. Its quick and free to subscribe! |
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| | About GiftedNYS | |
Gifted New York State, Inc. (GiftedNYS), is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization of parents, educators, and professionals who have come together to support the needs of New York’s gifted and twice-exceptional (2E) student population and their families. To learn more about our work, visit us online at www.giftednys.org. |
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