Blue Heron Elementary School

Advocating for Your Child

Parents often wonder when and how to approach their child's teacher if their child seems unhappy or not challenged in the classroom. This NAGC TIP sheet on Classroom Advocacy offers some suggestions on starting this conversation to partner with your child’s teacher.

Deb Douglas  -  The Power of Self-Advocacy 

GT Parent Info Night

September 13, 2023
This seminar will be held virtually from 6:00-7:30pm.  Click here for more information and to RSVP.

October 3, 2023
An evening with Jenny Hecht.  More information to come soon.

December 6, 2023
Understanding the CogAT Assessment for Parents and Students. More information coming soon.

January 24, 2024
More information come soon.

March 6, 2024
  More information coming soon.

All seminars will be held virtually.  Meeting links are emailed the day of the seminar at 3:00pm.

 Jeffco’s Mental Health & Wellness Hub: During this stressful and uncertain time, it is essential to address and tend to the mental health and wellness of ourselves, our family, and community.  Jeffco’s Mental Health & Wellness Hub has numerous resources and supports on a variety of social-emotional and mental health topics for families and students, including a monthly focus and seminar series!

• SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted ): a nonprofit group that empowers families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals: intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. SENG provides various articles, resources, conferences and online groups, as well as a book study/parent support group model which Jeffco offers during the evenings.
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): not GT-specific, but does have great support groups, conferences, etc.
• Gifted Haven (an online forum for young people)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK
• "Mellow Out" They Say. If I Only Could. Intensities and Sensitivities of the Young and Bright by Michael Piechowski
• The Smart Teens Guide to Living With Intensity by Lisa Rivero
• Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnosis of Gifted Children and Adults by James Webb, Edward Amend, Nadia Webb, Jean Goerss, Paul Beljan and Richard Olench

Jeffco's GT Social Emotional learning Counselors (GT SELCs) are happy to support families through various offerings.  These opportunities allow families to learn about their GT children and/or to connect with other parents/families who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising GT kids.  There is no cost for any of these offerings, but families need to sign up to participate.  Interested families may sign up for one or more of the opportunities listed below.

Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents Book Study          

What: 6 week long GT Elementary Parent Night group with a book study of Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents by Wilson and Lyons. This book study will be led by Jeffco Schools GT Social Emotional Learning Counselors.  

When: 6:00-7:00 pm on the following days:   10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13 

Where: Westridge Elementary School library 

To sign up for Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents Book Study, click here

Families are responsible for buying the book.

Unique opportunities of 1 time sessions led by Jeffco Schools GT Social Emotional Learning Counselors are also available.  Click here for descriptions and sign up.

SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) is a nonprofit organization that empowers families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals:intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

EXPLORE SENG

•  Gifted and Talented Education Board Policy
• Jeffco GT Facebook Page
• Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children(JAGC)
  • Our district GT advocacy group--JAGC works in positive partnership with the Jeffco Schools District's GT Department to provide leadership by promoting information about the educational and social-emotional needs of our advanced students. A great way to get involved in the Jeffco GT community!  JAGC is a local affiliate of CAGT (Below): 
• Colorado Association of Gifted & Talented(CAGT)
  • Our state GT advocacy group, which holds an annual conference in October for educators & parents, advocates for Gifted Ed legislation, and provides info & resources for all stakeholders in the Colorado GT community, CAGT is our states affiliate 
• National Association for Gifted Children(NAGC)
  • Our national  advocacy group--NAGC supports those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research at the national level, while also offering support to state affiliates like CAGT.
• Institute for Educational Advancement(IEA): provides GT resources for professional learning and student opportunities.
• Council for Exceptional Children(CEC): advocated for special education needs, including a network for Gifted learners.
• Institute for the Development of Gifted Education(IDGE): professional organization that hosts an annual conference sponsored by the University of Denver.