New Underwood Gifted Education Parents' Group
Underwood Parents For A Bright Future -- Purpose, Mission, and Goals
by Laura Sherwin
October 25, 2006
A new Underwood gifted education parents' group has been formed. For more information, see below or contact Laura Sherwin (325-6980) or Theresa Hack (328-9490).
UNDERWOOD PARENTS FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
Our purpose: Underwood Parents For A Bright Future is a parent-led volunteer organization that strives to encourage, advocate, and support gifted education in the Underwood School District.
Our mission:
- promote a challenging academic, athletic, and fine arts curriculum for all students in the Underwood School District, including those who are gifted and talented
- further gifted education opportunities for Pre-kindergarten through high school students in the Underwood School District
- encourage training for parents and educators of gifted and talented students.
Our goals:
- sponsor speakers and discussion forums on gifted education
- research gifted education opportunities for Pre-kindergarten through high school students in the Underwood School District
- provide fellowship events for those interested in gifted education
- create and maintain a “Gifted Education Resource Center” via online and hard copy media
- advance gifted education staff development for Underwood School District personnel
- advocate gifted education as a topic for professional staff development programming topic for all faculty in the Underwood School District
- assist individual educators with gifted education needs
- aid in creating and implementing guidelines for identifying gifted students in the Underwood School District
- inform the general public of the unique needs of gifted and talented students
- foster an atmosphere of open communication and cooperation regarding gifted education between the elementary, middle school, and high school students, parents, and educators
- explore additional college class credit opportunities (nationally recognized) at the high school level
- secure grants, scholarships, and other funding for gifted education in the Underwood School District.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.: Why should I belong to this group if my child is not presently in any Talented and Gifted (TAG) program at school?
A.: This group strives to further educational opportunities for ALL students in the Underwood School District, not just those currently placed in a TAG program. Giftedness occurs in many forms – intellectual, artistic, musical, and athletic. There are many resources available to parents and educators regarding gifted education opportunities in all of these areas! By working together, we can provide our children with opportunities to nurture their special talents and gifts that we could not accomplish alone.
Q.: I am too busy to attend weekly or monthly meetings. I like the idea and goals of this organization, but I can’t commit to a large project that requires lots of volunteer time.
A.: Current plans are for this group to meet three to four times per year. You aren’t required to attend every group function – just come when you are able. Underwood Parents For A Bright Future is a parent-led, volunteer organization. We feel we can accomplish most projects and research via email and phone communication, so frequent meetings aren’t necessary. The group is led by a Chairperson and Co-chairperson, with possible subcommittees forming as the group becomes active.
Q.: Who do I contact for more information?
A.: Call Laura Sherwin (325-6980) or Theresa Hack (328-9490) for more information.
