Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year again when we lay down our resolutions for the new year ahead.  I went back to my resolutions from January 2018, and I have to say that I did well on all of them except one.  The exercise program that I began early in the year dwindled out by the end of summer. Fall 2018 was not stellar for me with exercising.  But the great news about not reaching my goal is that I can have a do- over. That is the beauty of new beginnings.

This morning I reset my Fitbit and downloaded a calorie counter app onto my phone.  I’m actually quite excited about the plans I have for my personal fitness goals. Moreover, my professional goals have me looking forward to some exciting chapters as well.  

Perhaps you have composed a list of resolutions for this new year… or at least for January?  

Last year I sent out a list of possible resolutions for WATG newsletter followers and I decided that it would be alright to resurrect them, remembering that the beauty of a new year is the ability to have a do-over, either because something went well or because you fell short.  

In my menu of resolutions that follow, I invite you to choose one, two, or…?  All? This is an opportunity for all of us to focus on the needs of gifted children in our state.  

If you had an opportunity to read my newsletter blog for December, you will perhaps understand gifted education as the “Tiny Tim” that needs your strength and resources.  These are just a few ways in which you can make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin’s gifted children (Tiny Tim’s).

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?
   
2. Let your gifted children know how much you appreciate them and their unique needs.  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 on 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 school board and district know that you either appreciate the G/T support being given, or that you would appreciate more support, and that you are willing to “come to the table” to help.  
   
7. If you don’t already know who your state legislators are, look them up and get their office phone numbers into your contact list.  I did this last year and I have called their offices countless times about many issues.  You will be surprised how easy it is to contact them when the number is on your phone!
   
8. Make that phone call to, or go visit your representatives!  Let them know how and why they should support gifted education in Wisconsin.   
   
9. If you do not already have a group for parents of gifted students in your school district, start one.  Start by talking to your GT staff person, or designated coordinator. 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.
   
10. 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 and sessions around the state), Government Action, and Membership.  We need 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 your offer!
    

Wishing you and yours a peace-filled and gratifying new year.  May ALL your resolutions become reality with your faithful perseverance.  

​