February 2022 - Volume 1
WATG Mission: To educate about and advocate for the needs of gifted in Wisconsin.
As you may have noticed, WATG’s activities and reach have been growing! To keep you more informed on a more timely basis, our Board of Directors voted to send out news TWICE each month. The first installment will always arrive at the beginning of the month, and the second installment will arrive in the middle of the month. With this change, we hope to keep you more curious, informed, motivated, and engaged.
Work Smarter, Not Harder - A Virtual Town Hall - using our collective minds to solve today’s challenges and obstacles
Join WATG and educators from across the state on Wednesday, February 9, from 3:45-4:45 as we discuss what is on YOUR hearts and minds as you reach the mid-way point of the school year. Many hands make the work light, so join with us to help our colleagues in gifted education problem-solve and plan for the second semester. Bring your questions, your concerns, your wonderings and learn from the collective wisdom of educators from around the state. We can’t wait to “see” you!  Zoom Link
Check out the following on the WATG News Page:
WATG welcomes three new partners, Scott Peters interview with WPR, logo contest, call for presenters
WATG Blogs
News From the Board - Can You Help?
Roxane Hagedorn, Executive Director

If you subscribe to this newsletter, then I know you are passionate about gifted and talented education. I am hoping you will take that passion and consider applying to our Board of Directors.

We are going to have several openings on our Board. Though we are sad to see these dedicated volunteers move on, it opens the door for new members with new skills and new ideas. Maybe that is you?
(WATG would like to extend its deep appreciation to Dr. German Diaz from Milwaukee Public Schools for translating this article into Spanish for our Spanish-speaking families and educators. The translation can be found on our website blog.)
Hot News on Policy & Legislation Activity
From your Government Action Committee
Since our Jan. 1 newsletter article, as we expected, a lot has happened in the advocacy arena. By the time you see this, several WATG advocates will be testifying at the Assembly Committee on Education meeting that includes AB903 (the gifted education accountability bill)! In addition, WASB (the WI Association of School Boards) passed an "advanced learning" resolution at their January conference.
Jackie Drummer
Past President and Board Advisor
What Happens When They Grow Up?
As a coach and consultant in gifted education, I often find myself speaking with gifted adults about their gifted children and their gifted students. So often during these conversations, there are true moments of epiphany. The adults often burst into tears of disbelief, belief, and relief (and we keep the kleenex handy). As they share stories about children that they know and love, they realize tendencies in themselves that are similar. It is no surprise that gifted children grow up into gifted adults; their passions, intensities, and quirkiness do not just magically disappear. For some, this revelation is surprising and for others it is a confirmation of long-held suspicions.
Advocacy is Not One Size Fits All
Over the past year, many WATG Board members, parents, and educators have spoken at public legislative hearings in support of increased funding for GT programming. Thanks to those efforts, the first increase in many years was approved. There is much further to go to meet the needs in Wisconsin, but this is an all-important start.

I assume I am not the only parent who simply cannot imagine speaking in such a public situation. Good news: advocacy is needed at many levels. What can advocacy at the level of your own child look like? 
Mary Budde
WATG Treasurer & Parent
FREE PARENT MEMBERSHIP
Parenting gifted children can be an exciting, yet challenging journey, and WATG is committed to providing information, resources, and networking opportunities for parents and caregivers of gifted children.

As a service to gifted children and their families, WATG is offering FREE memberships to all parents/caregivers beginning now and extending through September of 2022. Benefits of WATG membership include:

  • Support for educational outreach
  • Support for parents/caregivers and advocates
  • Voting privileges
  • Consultation and coaching
And so much more!

So far, over 150 parents/caregivers have taken advantage of this outstanding opportunity! We encourage more of you to join us by filling out this Free WATG Parent Membership Form, and look forward to meeting you and growing with you.
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.