Welcome to the 2003-04 school year!

I am the “new” Director of Educational Services and I’m very happy to be here. I was previously a principal and Special Programs Manager in Sonoma County. I look forward to meeting with you in person. (See Parent meeting information below.) Feel free to give me a call at 492-3703 just to say “hello!”

Discovery Days

Some of you may have noticed the absence of the traditional September release of the Discovery Days class catalogs. We sincerely apologize for the delay and we hope to have our program in place and catalogs to you by mid-October. The delay this year is due to recent budget cuts - you may have heard a bit about funding cuts to education in the news L. In light of the reality of a reduced budget, we are exploring ways in which we can continue to offer a variety of Discovery Days classes.

Parent Opinion Survey

One of the options we have been considering is a fee-based system for the Discovery Days program. We would like to hear your thoughts regarding a set fee (for example, $5 per class) or a scaled fee depending on the number of confirmed classes. Are you for or against this system? What would you consider reasonable fee? Would this affect your participation in the program? Etc. Please call (492-3704), fax (492-3707) or e-mail (abrooks@marin.k12.ca.us) your input to us. We very much appreciate your feedback!

Parent-led Classes

Last year we had a few parents offer a Discovery Days class in their area of expertise or interest. If you would like to be considered for this year’s program, please contact the Office of Educational Services at 492-3704 for a class proposal form.

Updated Contact Information

If you are new to the GATE program, or have recently changed your e-mail account, please make sure we have your correct e-mail address. If we have your
e-mail address you will receive information more quickly! Please send your preferred e-mail address to: abrooks@marin.k12.ca.us (Adrienne Brooks).

If we do not have an e-mail address for you, communication will be sent to your home address via U.S. mail.

Johns Hopkins University Talent Search

Information Meeting

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is holding an information meeting for parents interested in more opportunities for their academically talented children. The Talent Search offers students assessments of their academic ability, guidance, and seminars and academic programs.

The information meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2003, 7:00pm. It will take place at the Dunham Academy, 70 San Pablo Avenue, San Rafael, in the library.

If you would like more information about how to get involved in the Talent Search, please call (410) 516-0278 or visit the CTY web site at www.cty.jhu.edu/. Copies of the flyer are available in the Miller Creek library’s GATE reference file.

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2003-04 California Association for the Gifted (CAG) Parent Institutes

The CAG is offering parent institutes in two locations this year: Los Angeles on October 11^th and Pleasanton on January 17th. The institute will focus on Parenting the Gifted: Gain knowledge – Advocate – Take action – Educate.

You may pick up a copy of the registration form from the Miller Creek library’s GATE reference file or online at the CAG website http://www.cagifted.org/. Click on the “CAG Fall Institute: Teacher/Parent” link to access a registration form.