Conscious of My Treasures

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously.  And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~  Ralph Waldo Emerson.  
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In the spirit of the American tradition of Thanksgiving, it is important for me to publicly thank the people that make WATG an amazing organization.  
Most importantly, I want to thank the gifted students of Wisconsin for their patience with us as we try to re-route rivers of thinking, and peel off mountains of red-tape on their behalf.  It is not an easy task to change decades of historical pedagogy and accepted practice. Please know that we are trying. We ask that you keep speaking up and letting your voices be heard. And then… when you are heard, say THANK YOU!  It is not easy work that your teachers are doing. They will cherish your gratitude!
Thank you to the Wisconsin teachers and administrators who have heeded the call to meet our gifted students where their learning begins.  You are making a profound difference in the lives of your students and their families. There are many students in our state that are not as fortunate as your students…students that are not identified and struggle everyday to find value in going to school.
We are indebted to those that participated in the 2018 WATG Annual Conference.  Our presenters, performers, and attendees made it one of the best conferences ever!  Thank you for carving time out of your busy schedules to make a difference!
Thank you to the folks at DPI who have been at the table with us in an effort to better serve our gifted Wisconsin students.  We understand the limited manpower and financial backing, but truly appreciate your support and acknowledgement of this important work that we do together.  
Thank you to our state and local elected officials who take calls and visits on behalf of our gifted students.  Thank you to the school board members who ask the right questions, look at data and make the decisions to support gifted education in their districts.  Thank you to our legislators who hear the cry of frustrated parents, educators and WATG board members, and make a commitment to support a more robust gifted education budget.  
Nancy Woodward, our executive assistant keeps WATG on an even keel.  Her 22-year commitment, organizational skills, kind heart and historical perspective gives our organization a strength and steadiness unknown to most organizations.  She is invaluable and our secret super power. Thank you Nancy!
Thank you to the WATG board members, past and present.  Your unwavering commitment to our gifted Wisconsin children is praiseworthy.  I especially want to thank our five out-going board members: Catherine Ames, Pam Clinkenbeard, Heidi Erstad, Sue Lee, and Kirsten Reitan.  Your work has made a difference. Do not think for one minute that your years of service have gone unnoticed. We salute you and your efforts.  My heart is full of appreciation for our new board members that have stepped up to continue the work. Our new members include Mollie Grinnell from Ashland, Joe Feldhausen from DePere, Liz Mallegni from Brookfield, Hillarie Roth from Altoona, and Stacci Barganz from Janesville.  I look forward to thinking outside the box and moving mountains with you. This next year holds great promise!
Thornton Wilder said, “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”  I am truly alive because I know what treasures I have found in WATG. This Thanksgiving I am grateful for all of you! Happy Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you.  May your blessings abound and may you be “alive” enough to recognize them. ~Cathy