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WATG NEWS
WATG is extremely excited to announce that its annual October conference will be held in person in Wisconsin Dells this year! The theme this year is Launching Gifted Learners: All Systems Go. Registration will be opening soon, so keep an eye out for the link, and be prepared to join us to learn and to share many great tips and strategies!
We have lined up two engaging keynote speakers, Colin Seale and Dr. Matt Zakrewski, as well as a powerful lineup of workshops presented by other great speakers who are knowledgeable in the gifted field, great exhibitors, and opportunities for you to network with one another. In the past, attendees have shared that this conference is a great way to learn and grow.
Every year WATG holds a logo contest for the annual conference. We received many great logos for October 2022’s conference: Launching Gifted Learners: All Systems Go, but unfortunately we are only able to choose one. This year, we are happy to congratulate Evelyn Barker, a 6th grader, for submitting the winning logo. Check out her work!
We have lined up two engaging keynote speakers, Colin Seale and Dr. Matt Zakrewski, as well as a powerful lineup of workshops presented by other great speakers who are knowledgeable in the gifted field, great exhibitors, and opportunities for you to network with one another. In the past, attendees have shared that this conference is a great way to learn and grow.
Every year WATG holds a logo contest for the annual conference. We received many great logos for October 2022’s conference: Launching Gifted Learners: All Systems Go, but unfortunately we are only able to choose one. This year, we are happy to congratulate Evelyn Barker, a 6th grader, for submitting the winning logo. Check out her work!
WATG Board Welcomes Dr. Danielle Hairston Green!
Dr. Danielle Y. Hairston Green holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M University, a Master’s degree in Community Psychology & Social Change, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Penn State University. Dr. Hairston Green’s action research includes “Perceptions of Mentors and Mentoring Relationships Among Minority Doctoral Students,” “Examining Microaggression at a Historically Black University,” and “The Impact of food insecurity and Homelessness Among College Students at an HBCU.” Read More |
WATG Welcomes Dr. Jenna Cramer to Our Board!
Jenna is foremost a mom to a son who is just starting his schooling as a gifted and talented student; he is her inspiration for joining this organization. As a former educator who has taught in a variety of school districts (urban, suburban, and rural), she is passionate about meeting all students' needs. Her love for learning has earned her a variety of teaching licenses, a masters degree as a Reading Specialist, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her expertise in secondary literacy led her to becoming an adjunct professor for UW-Stevens Point. Jenna is enrolled in UW-Whitewater’s Gifted & Talented licensure program and plans to do educational research in the field. The WATG Board welcomes Jenna! |
Calling All Exhibitors and Sponsors!
Are you interested in reaching a large number of gifted and talented advocates? Does your product or service apply to educators, administrators, coordinators, parents, or others in the gifted and talented community? Then you will want to be an Exhibitor/Sponsor at our annual fall conference in the Wisconsin Dells October 2-4. Information on our conference and how you can be a part of it can be found in our proposal packet at https://midd.me/t7rw.
Are you interested in reaching a large number of gifted and talented advocates? Does your product or service apply to educators, administrators, coordinators, parents, or others in the gifted and talented community? Then you will want to be an Exhibitor/Sponsor at our annual fall conference in the Wisconsin Dells October 2-4. Information on our conference and how you can be a part of it can be found in our proposal packet at https://midd.me/t7rw.
APSI
“I learned so much! Great presenter with excellent ideas and information. I'm feeling much more equipped to teach an AP [course] now!”
It is that time of year to plan for summer events, including summer professional development! Make sure to save the date for the 2022 Advanced Placement Summer Institute. There is BOTH an in-person and an online session. The dates for in-person (on the University of Iowa campus) are June 28 - July 1, 2022, and the dates for the online session are August 1-5, 2022.
Registration is now open, click here to access the APSI webpage.
In-person class offerings include Calculus AB, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Government & Politics, Human Geography, Psychology, US History, and World History.
Online class offerings include Computer Science & Principles, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Physics I, Psychology, Spanish Language & Culture, and Statistics.
The Belin-Blank Center APSI is College Board approved. APSI provides subject-specific training for teachers who are interested in teaching an AP course. It can also benefit current teachers already teaching AP courses to develop their skills or gain familiarity with the course.
“I learned so much! Great presenter with excellent ideas and information. I'm feeling much more equipped to teach an AP [course] now!”
It is that time of year to plan for summer events, including summer professional development! Make sure to save the date for the 2022 Advanced Placement Summer Institute. There is BOTH an in-person and an online session. The dates for in-person (on the University of Iowa campus) are June 28 - July 1, 2022, and the dates for the online session are August 1-5, 2022.
Registration is now open, click here to access the APSI webpage.
In-person class offerings include Calculus AB, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Government & Politics, Human Geography, Psychology, US History, and World History.
Online class offerings include Computer Science & Principles, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Physics I, Psychology, Spanish Language & Culture, and Statistics.
The Belin-Blank Center APSI is College Board approved. APSI provides subject-specific training for teachers who are interested in teaching an AP course. It can also benefit current teachers already teaching AP courses to develop their skills or gain familiarity with the course.
The WATG Board Welcomes Ayesha Penesetti
Ayesha Penesetti is a former CFO and has been in finance in the manufacturing industry for over 15 years. She has an MBA from Rutgers University in NJ. Two years ago, Ayesha stepped back from her role in finance to focus on the growth of her children. Ayesha lives in Middleton, WI with her husband and 2 kids (4 and 6 years old). Ayesha enjoys hiking, reading, and meditation. She is very excited to have this opportunity to be on the WATG board and expand her knowledge as well as advocate for advancing education in Wisconsin. The WATG Board welcomes Ayesha, and is excited to begin this journey with her “on board.”
Ayesha Penesetti is a former CFO and has been in finance in the manufacturing industry for over 15 years. She has an MBA from Rutgers University in NJ. Two years ago, Ayesha stepped back from her role in finance to focus on the growth of her children. Ayesha lives in Middleton, WI with her husband and 2 kids (4 and 6 years old). Ayesha enjoys hiking, reading, and meditation. She is very excited to have this opportunity to be on the WATG board and expand her knowledge as well as advocate for advancing education in Wisconsin. The WATG Board welcomes Ayesha, and is excited to begin this journey with her “on board.”
Our Newest Partner!
Don't miss listening to our own Dr. Scott Peters' January 21, 2022 interview on Wisconsin Public Radio, "Where Does Gifted Eduction Go From Here?"
Just One Thing: One Step Forward Toward Promoting Justice for All
How is your school or your district promoting justice for all students? How are you prospecting for gifts and talents in diverse students? How are you serving and supporting these students and their families? What things are happening in your school or district?
Sometimes we think that efforts must be huge to make a difference, but every effort, no matter how small, counts. Every step is progress.
The Justice for All Task Force of WATG invites you to share your stories. Parents, educators, students, school board members, community members – we are counting on you. It is our hope that by sharing your stories, other schools and districts will be inspired to take small and large steps toward justice for all.
To share your story, please contact us at www.watg.org. Together we grow.
How is your school or your district promoting justice for all students? How are you prospecting for gifts and talents in diverse students? How are you serving and supporting these students and their families? What things are happening in your school or district?
Sometimes we think that efforts must be huge to make a difference, but every effort, no matter how small, counts. Every step is progress.
The Justice for All Task Force of WATG invites you to share your stories. Parents, educators, students, school board members, community members – we are counting on you. It is our hope that by sharing your stories, other schools and districts will be inspired to take small and large steps toward justice for all.
To share your story, please contact us at www.watg.org. Together we grow.
Read the WATG 2020-21 Year End Report.
Free Parent Memberships to WATG!
Parenting gifted children can be an exciting, yet challenging journey, and WATG is committed to providing information, resources, and networking opportunities for parents and caregivers of gifted children.
As a service to gifted children and their families, WATG is offering FREE memberships to all parents/caregivers beginning now and extending through September of 2022. Benefits of WATG membership include:
Parenting gifted children can be an exciting, yet challenging journey, and WATG is committed to providing information, resources, and networking opportunities for parents and caregivers of gifted children.
As a service to gifted children and their families, WATG is offering FREE memberships to all parents/caregivers beginning now and extending through September of 2022. Benefits of WATG membership include:
- Support for educational outreach
- Support for parents/caregivers and advocates
- Voting privileges
- Consultation and coaching
- And so much more!
A Few Words from Our New Executive Director
Hello, my name is Roxane Hagedorn and I’m excited to be the new Executive Director for WATG! A little about me...I’m married to Dave, who is a 4th-grade teacher in the Wausau School District. We have one son who was identified as GT in elementary school, and is now a junior at UW-Madison, majoring in History and Philosophy. We recently adopted a rescue dog named Rivers who is almost 8 months old. She takes up most of my free time with her endless energy!
For the past 11 years, I have worked in the Wausau School District as the Volunteer and Community Involvement Coordinator, and have learned much about working with volunteers, parents, and educators.
I’m looking forward to using my background in communications, my personal experience as a GT parent, and my general school district knowledge to advance the mission of WATG.
(WATG desea extender un enorme agradecimiento a la Dra. Martha Aracely Lopez de las Escuelas Públicas de Milwaukee por traducir este artículo al español para nuestras familias y educadores hispanohablantes. La traducción)
Hello, my name is Roxane Hagedorn and I’m excited to be the new Executive Director for WATG! A little about me...I’m married to Dave, who is a 4th-grade teacher in the Wausau School District. We have one son who was identified as GT in elementary school, and is now a junior at UW-Madison, majoring in History and Philosophy. We recently adopted a rescue dog named Rivers who is almost 8 months old. She takes up most of my free time with her endless energy!
For the past 11 years, I have worked in the Wausau School District as the Volunteer and Community Involvement Coordinator, and have learned much about working with volunteers, parents, and educators.
I’m looking forward to using my background in communications, my personal experience as a GT parent, and my general school district knowledge to advance the mission of WATG.
(WATG desea extender un enorme agradecimiento a la Dra. Martha Aracely Lopez de las Escuelas Públicas de Milwaukee por traducir este artículo al español para nuestras familias y educadores hispanohablantes. La traducción)
The Importance of Equity Based Talent Identification
Unless everyone counts, no one does. The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted believes all students deserve appropriate and enriching learning opportunities (Advanced and Accelerated Learning in WI - WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION FOR TALENTED & GIFTED). Developing equitable learning environments requires analysis of quantifiable evidence from all students.
Read More
Unless everyone counts, no one does. The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted believes all students deserve appropriate and enriching learning opportunities (Advanced and Accelerated Learning in WI - WISCONSIN ASSOCIATION FOR TALENTED & GIFTED). Developing equitable learning environments requires analysis of quantifiable evidence from all students.
Read More
Support, Training, & Resources for Educating Able Minorities: Project STREAM, 1988-2000
How many Wisconsin school districts would or should be interested in Project STREAM (Support, Training & Resources for Educating Able Minorities)? That was the question proposed when the late Dr. Donna Rae Clasen of the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater authored the first Javits Grant ever awarded to a Wisconsin initiative. The grant was in place from 1989 to 2000 and was a highly progressive initiative. We lost Dr. Clasen in March of this year, and this article and request is crafted in her memory and honor.
Read More
How many Wisconsin school districts would or should be interested in Project STREAM (Support, Training & Resources for Educating Able Minorities)? That was the question proposed when the late Dr. Donna Rae Clasen of the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater authored the first Javits Grant ever awarded to a Wisconsin initiative. The grant was in place from 1989 to 2000 and was a highly progressive initiative. We lost Dr. Clasen in March of this year, and this article and request is crafted in her memory and honor.
Read More
Did you know?
Did you know that WATG has a huge list of resources for educators, parents, and students? If you go to www.watg.org and click on the resources tab, this will drop down to multiple categories of resources. These categories include: Advocacy, Artistic Domain, Assessment & Identification, Creativity Domain, Coordination, Program Development & Evaluation, Curriculum & Instruction, Equity, Homeschooling, Intellectual Domain, Leadership Domain, Parenting, Parent-School Partnerships, Specific Academic Domain, Social-Emotional Wellness, Summer Opportunities, and Wisconsin Gifted 101. We invite you to peruse these resources, use them often, and to send great resource ideas to us at watg@watg.org so that we can add them to this database. This way we can help each other build great programming for gifted students, and provide ideas for parents and caregivers.
Want to help make a difference while you shop in the Amazon app, at no extra cost to you? Simply follow the instructions below to select "Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted" as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. They'll donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features
3. Select "Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted" as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app
How it works:
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu (=) & tap on "AmazonSmile" within Programs & Features
3. Select "Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted" as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ~Maya Angelou
As our nation faces the grave consequences of long standing and systemic racism, the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted remains committed to equity and justice for all. As an organization, we are cognizant of the inequities in identification and educational programming for gifted students of color. As always, we are devoted to examining and rectifying these disparities. We pledge to do our part to dismantle structural and institutional racism. We invite partnerships with other institutions, groups, and individuals to share conversations about the impacts of race, and will work to listen, learn, and support each other in this critical process of changing our world.
Board of Directors, Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted
As our nation faces the grave consequences of long standing and systemic racism, the Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted remains committed to equity and justice for all. As an organization, we are cognizant of the inequities in identification and educational programming for gifted students of color. As always, we are devoted to examining and rectifying these disparities. We pledge to do our part to dismantle structural and institutional racism. We invite partnerships with other institutions, groups, and individuals to share conversations about the impacts of race, and will work to listen, learn, and support each other in this critical process of changing our world.
Board of Directors, Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted
Help Wanted
HELP WANTED: WATG BOARD MEMBERS SOUGHT- The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted is actively searching for board members to represent the following: South-western and Northern-eastern Wisconsin regions especially, rural regions, healthcare, business, parents and gifted children of all ages. We are a working board of directors who would welcome applications from folks with a passion for gifted children and would roll up their sleeves for them! If interested, please follow this link. Board of Directors If If you have questions please feel free to email WATG Executive Director at rhagedorn@watg.org
