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Parents for Academic Challenge and Enrichment

Meeting Minutes & Event News

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Recent P.A.C.E. Meeting Minutes and Event News

February 2008

    Special Guest Dr. Mary Rizza and people from the C.C.S. Gifted and Talented Department share information from a recent study about twice-exceptional children, which was funded by a Javits grant. Twice-exceptional children are actually more common than we might think, and strategies for teaching and raising them may inform those for children who are “just” gifted.

    [Dr. Rizza, now at the Ohio Dept. of Education, was previously an Associate Professor, and Coordinator of Gifted Programs at Bowling Green State University. Her research interests include: Gifted Education, Psychological Issues of the Gifted, Technology Infusion in the Classroom, Issues of the Twice-Exceptional.]

December 2007

    Special Guest C.C.S. Superintendent Dr. Gene Harris joined us for a wide-ranging discussion of issues related to gifted education and general questions regarding Columbus City Schools.

November 2007

    Two Counselors from Middle School, and two from High School will joined us as we discussed how counselors may play a key role in planning our children’s programs, progress and transitions - especially from Elementary to Middle to High School and college.

October 2007

    The O.A.G.C. Parent Fair provided information and inspiration. Some also attended the O.A.G.C. Fall Conference for even more.
    P.A.C.E. hosted the School Board Candidates’ Night in conjunction with the Franklin County Consortium for Good Government.

September 2007

    The room was packed as we met with other families of Gifted & Talented students, and Gifted and Talented staff for an overview of all the programs. Children enjoyed a session with storyteller Jeanette Bruton.

Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2007 (March)

  1. see Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2007 Booklet post.
  2. or Resources Page
February 2007

    Francie Nolan shared much helpful information on the new C.C.S. Acceleration Policy: it’s much more than just grade-skipping! We got a chance to explore the process for referring a student, and how acceleration is planned and implemented. We discussed how various acceleration options may fit a particular student.

    We also had Diane Ging as a guest, sharing about the Higher Education Partnership, which includes things related to Acceleration, as well as of general interest, which come from partnerships with colleges and universities. These include: Advanced Placement, Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, Articulated Enrollment, Kenyon Academic Program, International Baccalaureate, Columbus Teaching Academy, Early College High School, DeVry Advantage Academy, … and more to come!

January 2006

    We had a productive Parent-to-Parent discussion. Over hot chocolate, and cookies, we had a wide-ranging discussion of questions, concerns and issues. Of course, we talked about school choice (the lottery), and how to make good decisions that respect our students’ individual uniqueness. We also had some follow up on social and emotional issues, and touched on school board issues, mid-year motivation, course offerings.

    We did not discuss a disappointing game involving a local team and a brown prolate spheroid

December 2006

    We had a discussion about Arts and the gifted child: How are they identified? What are their learning needs? What resources can I find to help them develop their talent?

November 2006

    Special Guests: Dr. Kelly Wesolowski, and doctoral candidate Cami Winkelspecht, from Children’s Hospital led a discussion of unique social and emotional needs of gifted and talented children.

October 2006

  1. Special Event - Parent Day at O.A.G.C. (Ohio Assn. Gifted Children)
  2. The O.A.G.C. Fall Conference
October 2006
    Conversation with Superintendent Gene Harris

September 2006

    We met with other families of Gifted & Talented students, and Gifted and Talented staff.

April 2006

  1. How will the new Columbus Schools reduced class schedule meet the needs of Gifted and Talented Students?
  2. Mr. Pete Maneff (Dir. High School Curriculum/Career Education), Ms. Suzy Rhett (Supervisor – High School Curriculum), and Dr. Marvenia Bosley (Deputy Supt./Academic Achievement) from C.C.S.
Tuesday March 7, 2006

  1. Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair
February 2006

  1. How are our children tested?
  2. What will the new “value added” testing mean for gifted education?
January 2006

  1. Dialogue with Superintendent, Dr. Gene Harris
December 2005

  1. Elaine Bell of Columbus City Schools shared future plans in the Innovative Schools Programs. (see resource)
  2. A panel of parent led a discussion and shared experiences on how to choose the best school for our particular student(s).
  3. Further discussion and sharing information for choosing the best school for a particular student. (see resource)
November 2005

  1. Writing education plans to serve our gifted students (WEPs)
    How can we be involved?
  2. Highlights from representatives to OAGC Conference (October 17-18)
January 2005

  1. Celebrating Accomplishments: Lea Pearson & Francie Nolan
  2. Open Discussion of Questions about School Choice - Lea Pearson
  3. Presentation by Gifted & Talented Staff: Judy Gatti, Ginny, & Francie
  4. Group Discussion, Feedback, and Questions
November 2004
  1. Highlights from representatives to OAGC Conference (Sept 18 & 19) Lea Pearson
  2. Highlights from CCS / PTA Parents Count event (10/21) Lea Pearson
  3. New PACE opportunities for 2004-05 Lea Pearson
  4. CCS Gifted & Talented Services and Written Education Plan (WEP) Francie Nolan
  5. Break out groups to review Written Education Plan (WEP) Francie Nolan