Resolutions

Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year again when we lay down our resolutions for the new year ahead. I have gone back to my resolutions from the last several years and I noticed a pattern. Each and every year for the last several years I have made a resolution to “surprise myself”. I have to say that this has become my favorite resolution, because I intentionally make myself do something new and uncomfortable… and I truly am surprised by the outcome. I’d like to challenge you to try it!  

Two years ago I sent out a list of possible resolutions for WATG newsletter followers and I decided that it would be alright to resurrect them.  One of them just might be your “surprise myself” resolution! Imagine the impact we would have on gifted education in Wisconsin (or across the nation) if we each took on one of these resolutions!  

My menu of possible resolutions that follow are for you to choose one, two, or…?  All?  These are an opportunity for us to focus on the needs of gifted children in our state.  They are just a few ways in which you can make a difference in the life of your child, your students, or the lives of Wisconsin’s gifted children.  

1. Join WATG and let your voice be heard.  I am always reminded of the Dr. Seuss book Horton Hears a Who when I think of advocacy.  Perhaps all we need is one more voice to join the chorus and we will be heard.  Will it be your voice that makes all the difference?
2. Let your gifted children know how much you appreciate them and their unique needs. They need to hear that again (and again). Assure them that you are there for them.  
3. Become familiar with standard “t”, the state law that references gifted education in Wisconsin. 
4. Get so familiar with standard “t” that you can quote it when you are called to do so.  
5. Let your school’s administration and GT staff know how much you appreciate the work that is being done on behalf of gifted students. 
6. Attend a school board meeting and speak out during the public comment time.  Let your district know that you appreciate the G/T support for students who need it.
7. If you do not already have a group for parents of gifted students in your school district, start one.  Start by talking to the GT staff person. He or she will probably appreciate your positive support. With encouragement, the staff member may call a meeting. Otherwise, it may be up to you. You cannot ask for a list of names from the school, but your own children will be aware of the other gifted children, and those in turn will have more names. 
8.  Consider joining the work of one of the WATG committees. We would appreciate extra hands (and feet) to do this important work.  Our committees include: Programming (includes the annual WATG conference as well as other conferences, webinars, podcasts, and sessions around the state), Government Action, and Membership.  We need visionaries, doers, planners, advocates, connectors, organizers, grant writers, etc. Please contact us if you are interested in offering your gifts. Your commitment would be what you are willing and able to offer…  one-time, short term, or long haul. You choose! We’ll embrace you and your offer! 

Wishing you and yours a peace-filled and gratifying new year. May ALL your resolutions become reality with your faithful perseverance.And may you “surprise yourself” while helping our gifted kids!  

Cathy Schmit, Past President and Board Advisor