Celebrating Gifted

Fall has officially arrived, even if the weather hasn't quite gotten the message! This is the perfect time in the semester to consider a couple of things:

Mid-Semester Check-In: We are just shy of the halfway mark for the first semester. It’s a good time to assess how things are going academically and socially for your child. The GT Learning Plan is a great tool for starting this conversation.

Fall Activities: October is ripe with opportunities for family activities—think pumpkin patches, apple picking, and fall festivals. These outings can be a great way to make memories and offer a fun break from the usual routine, especially since we have an upcoming extended break from October 10 - 15.

Finally, Be sure to check out our GT Family Event for the month of October and mark your calendar for the November outing! We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

FBISD GT Department.

The Texas Society of Architects invites students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade to participate in its Architecture Design Dash! Taking place on Saturday, October 5, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at the George R. Brown Convention Center, students will collaborate with educators, architects, and designers through a rotation of fun activities designed for aspiring architects! This is a free event, but registration is required!

Registration Link

Join fellow FBISD GT Families for GT Family Game Day on Saturday, October 19, presented by GT PAC. From 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., students will get to share their own favorite board games and learn about some new ones! Snacks will be provided, and registration is required. This event will take place at the University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479. Please bring a board game (or two) to share, and we will see you there!

Registration Link (Please register by October 11, 2024)

The Dulles High School Mu Alpha Theta (National Math Honor Society) is hosting Math Bash on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Math Bash is a competition designed to further interest in mathematics and expose students in grades 3-8 to new styles of math questions and challenge them to think creatively. There is a registration form and registration fee ($12 for early registration by October 5; $15 after that). Please see the DHS Math Bash website for all details.

The GT Department is pleased to announce the following campuses have reached the maximum amount of three GTPAC representatives to represent their campus. Thank you for volunteering to serve on the 2024-25 GTPAC!

· Austin Parkway ES

· Bhuchar ES

· Colony Meadows ES

· Commonwealth ES

· Fort Settlement MS

· Madden ES

· Malala ES

· Neill ES

· Palmer ES

· Quail Valley MS

· Sartartia MS

· Jan Schiff ES

· Settlers Way ES

· Sullivan ES

· Walker Station ES

If you are interested in joining the GT PAC, please take a moment to complete the https://bit.ly/24_25GTPACInterestForm. The GTPAC provides parents of gifted students the opportunity to serve as liaisons between the GTPAC and their school community. In addition, GTPAC members offer feedback related to GT programming. The GTPAC meets every second Wednesday of the month. For more detailed information please visit the GTPAC webpage.

Reserve Thursday, November 21, 2024, on your calendar for Astronomy on Wheels! AOW is an educational community outreach program that brings astronomy to the public! Their club members will be bringing their telescopes for stargazing and some learning about the science of astronomy. Join in from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Fort Bend ISD Administration Annex, 3119 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479. Registration for this free event is required by November 15, 2024.

Registration Link

Students in the Gifted & Talented Academy at Quail Valley Middle School have already been out on the road. On September 17th-20th, GTA eighth graders were the first to travel off campus for a conceptual learning experience focused on the nine weeks concept of innovation. They visited the Eternal Gandhi Museum and the Houston Museum of Natural Science and considered how transformation, love, conflict, and sacrifice can lead to change. Next to brave the open road, GTA sixth graders visited and toured the BAP Sri Mandir and the Chung Mei Temple on September 20th as the first of 3 off-campus investigations of various cultures, religions, and practices. All three cultural anthropology trips explore the nine weeks concept of foundations. And, finally, on September 25th, grade seven GTA students will head out on the highway to engage in learning about Texas history at The Bryan Museum in Galveston and embark on a Goose Chase scavenger hunt centered on the nine weeks concept of influences while self-navigating the East End District tree sculpture walking tour. The GTA is racing down the road of discovery and isn’t looking back!

TAGT (Texas Association of Gifted and Talented) is now offering a podcast series supporting the GT community by providing a platform for insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and valuable resources. Podcasts include interviews, insights, parenting support, advocacy and action, and spotlights. Please see the TAGT Podcast web page for details on programming.

TAGT Podcast Web Page

With twenty-eight campuses, including twenty-five elementary schools and three middle schools, students at Innovation Hour campuses have been actively learning about the 6Ps of Innovation Hour. As we move into October, students will be finalizing their presentation pitches and beginning work on their projects. For further information about Innovation Hour, please visit the GT department Innovation Hour Web Page, or reach out to your campus COGS.

Innovation Hour Web Page.

In October, GT students participating in TPSP should actively engage in conferences to review and finalize their research plans and proposals. Additionally, students and teachers will collaborate to complete the Project Due Dates form and discuss the assessment rubrics. For more details, please visit your campus GT webpage or reach out to your campus COGS.

District TPSP Web Page

GT students will continue to set academic and social/emotional goals this year. Establishing goals as part of their GT Learning Plans assists students in developing objectives that provide them with a clear focus and direction for the academic year. Students will set goals and create action plans during the first three weeks of September. You may assist your child in creating the measures they need to take to achieve their goals by discussing their goals or asking questions about the GT Learning Plan goal setting process. Parents may be invited to provide feedback on student goals by email, GT Learning Plan Goal document, phone call, or parent-teacher conference September 23-27.

GT Learning Plan Signing Day for Parents is October 3, 2024!

GT Learning Plan Web Page

The GT Mentorship Class of 2025 cohort came together for a day filled with physical challenges, critical thinking, and sharing common experiences. There was even time carved out in the day to experience the long-forgotten favorite elementary school pastime of recess! These students will begin their mentorships with professionals in their chosen fields beginning in January 2025!

GT Mentorship Web Page