WATG July 2022 Newsletter

July 2022 - Volume 2

WATG Mission: To educate about and advocate for the needs of gifted in Wisconsin.

One DO and One DON'T

Happy Summer! As a classroom teacher, I love the summer weeks that allow me to relax, spend time with my family, and read books for fun again. I’m sure that you also have things that you love to do each summer.

As a classroom teacher, I also have some recommendations for things to do and things not to do this summer. I will call them DOs and DON’Ts.

First of all, DON’T, and I mean DON’T, push your cart past the summer school supply displays that are popping up at stores all over the state. Those displays show up earlier and earlier every year and they are the bane of my summer existence! They may also take some of the joy out of summer’s freedom for you and your family.

DO take a moment to sign up for the WATG Fall Conference! It will be a fantastic event full of valuable professional development, amazing keynoters, and multiple chances to network with others that understand what it means to teach and parent gifted children.

Early Bird pricing lasts until the first week of school, but we all know how busy that time can be. Now is a perfect time to send an email request, arrange for registration, and reserve your hotel room at the Wilderness Conference Center. I assure you that our WATG Board is going to roll out the red carpet for you as we return to our first face-to-face conference in almost three years. I can’t wait to see you there!

Sarah Kasprowicz, President

WI Association for Talented and Gifted

WATG Blogs

Dr, Pam Clinkenbeard

WATG Past President and Current Board Member

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Motivation Tips for Parents and Teachers of Gifted Students

If you click on this article, odds are that there is a young gifted underachiever in your life, or someone who is at least perceived as an underachiever by others. It's so frustrating when we care about someone who seems not to be living up to great intellectual or creative promise, or who has been labeled as "...not working up to potential." There are many thousands of publications on motivation and the gifted, and if you're interested in the scholarly perspective, you can check out the articles cited at the end of this brief list of tips. While all of the tips are based on empirical research evidence, they are also parent and teacher tested!

Dr. Jenna Cramer

WATG Board Member

Perceptions of Parenting Gifted Kids

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook. Luckily I have a really great support system with family and friends who’ve made the parenting journey easier. However, as a parent of a gifted child, I find myself hesitant to share successes and struggles I have when it comes to anything related to my child being gifted. Even with my closest family and friends there is a perception of what it means to be gifted, and I often find it to be isolating. More recently I’ve started sharing more with my loved ones, and have been seeking opportunities to connect with people outside my inner circle who are in similar parenting situations.

Student Shares WATG Scholarship Experience

Every year the WI Association for Talented and Gifted awards student scholarships to deserving students. These scholarships are used for a wide variety of camps, conferences, and other enriching experiences. One of our award winners, Roshan Bonick, recently attended the National Student Leadership Conference - Aerospace and shared his amazing experience:

“My experience at NSLC Aerospace allowed me to further explore my interest in the aerospace industry. I got to experiment with designing and creating airplanes, visit leading companies in the aerospace industry, and learn about aerospace in general. This program helped solidify my interest in an aerospace career.”

WATG is pleased to learn about Bonick’s adventure and wishes him much success in his future endeavors!

WATG Parent/Caregiver Conference

Sunday, October 2, 2022

If you are a parent/caregiver or a grandparent, here is a special invitation for you to join us for a day to learn from WATG experts about key themes in raising and supporting your gifted child(ren)!

In the morning, you can participate in a SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted) workshop facilitated by Jackie and Dal Drummer, members of the WATG Board.

In the afternoon, we will have a Parent Member Unconference. In an Unconference, participants may choose mini-workshops that most interest them.

This and so much more will be waiting for you at the WATG Parent Conference! Don't miss it!

Student Enjoys a Marvelous Musical Experience

Every year WATG provides scholarships for a number of deserving students to experience enrichment opportunities in the areas of their passion. One of this year’s recipients, Lucas LaBeau, attended the Milwaukee Jazz Institute Summer Camp with help from a WATG scholarship.

Lucas’ father sent this note of gratitude, “Lucas LaBeau and I are very thankful for the generous scholarship funds for his camp with MJI. Lucas learned a lot and really enjoyed playing with talented musicians.”

WATG wishes Lucas many wonderful musical moments in his lifetime. We are delighted to have been part of his journey.

Cory chats with Colin Seale!

Any organization mentioned in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement by or partnership with WATG. No recommendation regarding the services of these organizations is being made by WATG. Families and educators are urged to perform due diligence in researching all organizations.