Showing posts with label gifted and talented program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gifted and talented program. Show all posts

Kids, School, & Summer

06 May 2009
Here in Podunk, if the kiddos pass all their classes as well as the TAKS tests they are required to take, they get out of school on May 20. If they fail to meet these criteria, then they do not get out of school until the first week of June. Miss Ashley got a letter yesterday saying she qualified for early release, but so far no such letter has came for Tristen. I am really aggravated about the whole situation.

I agree that it's great motivation to perform well in school, but it has it's drawbacks. Tristen is now convinced he was too "stupid" to make the early release requirements. He is not stupid, he just struggles academically whereas Ashley seems to fly through everything. Don't even get me started on standardized testing! Anyway, there are countless reasons I am not liking this early release program and I am sure I am not the only mom who feels this way. I really hope he qualifies.

Ashley turned in her G/T stuff today. I so hope she gets accepted into the program. She is so determined to be successful and does not do well when she fails. The poor girl cries and carries on if she makes a B. Can you say perfectionist? I am so worried how she will react if she is found to be officially not gifted and talented. It could be bad, real bad.

So, I have all these school related matters on my mind while I am looking forward to summer break. Ashley does quite well during the vacation period, as she is content with reading 24/7. Tristen on the other hand bores very easily. Dan and I have decided to make him read this summer. He hates it and getting him to do it for school is a major battle. I am so thankful Ashley always loved it. Beyond reading requirements, I am stumped as to what activities to do with them. I refuse to let them sit in front of a TV all day. Tristen wants an ant farm, so maybe that would entertain him for awhile. I have got to come up with more ideas!

Are you looking forward to summer break? How do you keep your kids from the dreaded "I'm bored!" war cry?

Gifted and Talented, Help!

01 May 2009
Ashley has been nominated for her school's GT program. I have to fill out a zillion page survey outlining her brilliance. Then she has to submit a portfolio. A portfolio?! I think my kid is gifted and creative, not me! It is supposed to demonstrate her wonderfulness. What the heck? The kid reads at a high school level, is unbelievable creative in the way she thinks, and is in my mind years above her actual age, but what am I supposed to put in a portfolio? I am so panicked about this! It has to be turned in by the 6th. I do not know what to do!

Do any of y'all have ideas? If you've been through this before, can you give my an idea as to what to include? I will be forever grateful!