Information Session on Understanding the Gifted Child on May 1st

This event on May 1^st at the main library is from the parent-led organization, Durham PAGE (Partners for the Advancement of Gifted Education), that supports the education of gifted children.  They will have SPANISH translation available at this event, which I’m excited about as many Latino families do have students that may be gifted or advanced learners, but are less likely to have the opportunity to become more educated about their student’s needs.  This event focuses on the social and emotional needs of gifted students and features Rick Courtright, a gifted education expert with Duke TIP.  This would be a good event for parents, educators and anyone else working with gifted students.  I have included links to the flyers in English and Spanish below.

Parent & Educator Information Session

Tuesday, May 1, 2012
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Main Library Auditorium, 300 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC

Understanding the Gifted Child:  Overexcitabilities, Intensities, and Vulnerabilities,

Dr. Richard Courtright, Gifted Education Research Specialist, Duke University Talent Identification Program

Thirty years of working with gifted students in Duke TIP summer programs has provided evidence of the nature of the characteristics of gifted/talented students.  While individual differences (and exceptions to the rule) abound, there are strong tendencies among gifted kids regarding their social and emotional development that can help parents and teachers understand the responses they receive from gifted children.

Introductory Comments, Dr. Kristen Stephens, Duke University and President, North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented

Door Prizes and Closing Comments, Connie Vance, President, Durham PAGE

Registration:
To register, use the mail-in form on the flyer OR send an email to durhampage@gmail.com with Parent Information Session in the subject line.  Include the following:
Name(s)
Number of participants
School(s)

Spanish Flyer

Durham PAGE May 1st SPANISH

English Flyer

Durham PAGE May 1st ENGLISH

Web resource of the Week--SENG

After a short spring break hiatus, we are back with more resources for you.  Each week, we plan to bring you a web resource that we have found has been helpful to parents.  SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) is a non‐profit organization that cares and advocates for the unique social emotional needs of gifted children and their families.  Their mission is to provide support for families and empower parents and professionals to understand and support gifted children.  Many families find it difficult to find support for the challenges they face in a world where some may assume that a gifted child has it made and doesn't need as much support.

http://www.sengifted.org/

Their website has a free resource library, articles and a recommended reading list. You will also notice that they have seminars--the seminar coming up on April 19th is Teaching Academics to Gifted Youth with Asperger's.   The seminars are typically available for a fee.  SENG also has a commitment to promoting gifted education and support for students with diverse backgrounds who are often underserved.

Relaunched Government Website focuses on Bullying

This new Stop Bullying website emphasizes action steps individuals can take to prevent and stop bullying in their schools and communities. It also features tools and resources for community members, young people and families, including:

• How to recognize the warning signs and when to take action
• Tips to prevent bullying before it starts
• How to implement strategies for intervention
• Ways to share your community’s resources, policies or strategies to prevent and address bullying
• Information on bullying laws in your state
• Videos and other information targeted for kids, including a few videos for younger children (click the Kids link)

http://www.stopbullying.gov/

NC Pre-K in Durham Deadline Friday, April 6

Last July, the North Carolina General Assembly moved the More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program to the Division of Child Development and Early Education in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and renamed it the NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K).

The NC Pre-K Program (formerly More at Four) is designed to provide high-quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-olds. In Durham, Pre-K is provided through Durham County's, NC Pre-K Program, Head Start, and  Durham Public Schools.  The deadline to apply for the 2012-2013 is this Friday, April 6th.  This is important for families who might have a 4-year-old who may be eligible.  The program is free for those who qualify.

Check out the flyer below for information about how to apply.  Call 919-403-6950 x6820 with questions.
http://dpfc.net/Admin/uploads/photos/Documents/prekflyerenglish%202012.pdf

Speaker on ADHD on April 5th: Your Child and ADHD

Thursday, April 5th from 6:00 – 8:00

Your Child and ADHD

Presenter: Dr. Kevin Metz, Lepage and Associates
For more information on Dr. Kevin Metz and Lepage and Associates please visit:
http://www.lepageassociates.com/html/kevin_metz.html

Location: Grey Stone Baptist Church - Family Life Center on 15th Street (behind the church) at 2601 Hillsborough Rd., Durham

This speaker is part of "Let’s Connect" for families of children who have special needs sponsored by the Family Support Network of North Central NC. Parents/caregivers can come together to share ideas and strategies with each other. Any parent or caregiver of a child with special needs is welcome to attend.

Spanish Interpretation will be available. A light dinner will be available beginning at 5:45.

Please RSVP to Beth Hutson (contact info below). Registration is required for childcare (limited space). Please let Beth know if you have a specific question that you would like to have addressed.
 
Beth Hutson, Program Coordinator
Family Support Network of North Central NC
Phone: 919-560-3000
email: beth@familysupportonline.org
Website: www.familysupportcentralnc.org