GECO Forum - Looking ahead to high school and beyond A panel of experts including Hinsdale Centrals Principal and Director of Guidance, an admissions officer from Northwestern, and experienced parents discussed how to tailor the high school experience to have fun and minimize stress, while at the same time keeping an eye toward selective college admission. We discussed the testing and college application process, advice for middle school students and their families and answered some questions.  Due to higher than anticipated attendance, we ran out of handouts.  Here are copies for you to print:

 GECO Kids’ Event – Math night for grades 5-8. Dr. Edna Bazik, (see 3/5 event for bio), leads children and their parents in fun math games. Email geco@arvamont.com or click here for more information. Click here for a list of Math websites recommended by Dr. Bazik.

GECO Event – Meet the District 181 School Board Candidates. An informal gathering to meet, chat with, and ask questions of the candidates. Although there are four people on the ballot for four open positions on the school board, it is still important that the community get to know these candidates. Contact geco@arvamont.com or call Susan Portland at 630-920-1027 for more information.

GECO Book Club Book to be determined. Email GECObookclub@arvamont.com to RSVP.

 GECO Family Field Trip. Advocates from all over the state of Illinois descend on Springfield to encourage recognition of and funding for gifted education. Visit the Lincoln Museum, other historic sites, meet with legislators and see the legislature in action.  For more information or contact geco@arvamont.com

GECO Kids’ Event – Math night for grades K-4. Dr. Edna Bazik, (see 3/5 event for bio), leads children and their parents in fun math games. Email geco@arvamont.com or click here for more information.  Click here for a list of Math websites recommended by Dr. Bazik.

GECO Book Club Book to be determined. Email GECObookclub@arvamont.com to RSVP.

GECO Forum - Looking ahead to high school and beyond A panel of experts including Hinsdale Centrals Director of Guidance, an admissions officer from Northwestern, and experienced parents will discuss how to tailor the high school experience to have fun and minimize stress, while at the same time keeping an eye toward selective college admission. We will talk about the testing and college application process, offer the advice that they think middle school students and their families should know about how to approach high school, and take questions. Please direct questions to geco@arvamont.com or click here for more details. 

GECO Book Club – A is For Admission, by Michele Hernandez. A former Dartmouth admissions officer gives a basic summary of the college admission process and offers advice including how to keep goals in perspective. Email GECObookclub@arvamont.com to RSVP.

GECO Event – “Encouraging Reluctant Mathematicians”.. Dr. Edna Bazik, retired D181 teacher and faculty at National Louis University, will lead a discussion regarding how to encourage students who grasp math concepts quickly but are reluctant to put forth effort, how to encourage girls to stay interested in math, and other math issues. Dr. Bazik, a noted educator and author, is the winner of the 2009 Illinois Council of Math Teachers Max Beberman award for outstanding service in the field of mathematics education. Email geco@arvamont.com for more information or  click here for more details.

2008

2007

Wednesday, January 24, 2007: 7:30 p.m. at a member's home

       GECO Bookclub - Join us to discuss The Myth of Laziness by Dr. Mel Levine.  E-mail Lynne Bloomfield to RSVP:  GECObookclub@ArvaMont.com.  She will tell you where the meeting will be held.  Read the book (or at least skim it!).  Come to the meeting with one or two discussion points, questions or issues that are relevant to the topic for you and your child/children.  Haven't read the book, but always wish you had?  Join us anyway!

Friday, January  26, 2007: 9 - 11 a.m. at the Community House

       GECO Coffee - Join us to discuss a child's need to struggle.  Why is it vital for gifted children to have special programming?  If they are so bright, why do more for them?  Research indicates that one of the most important things children learn is school is how to learn, which is impossible to do when you already know the answer before the teacher asks the question.  Join us as we explore this question.  Meet other parents who are just embarking on their child's educational journey and others who have older children. 

Want to read more about this concept before the meeting?  Check out:

1. Struggle, Challenge and Meaning:  The Education of a Gifted Child  by Valerie Bock
2. Gifted 102: The Next Steps...  by Carolyn K of HoagiesGifted.com

Grab a mug of your favorite morning brew and join us for a round table discussion.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007: 7 p.m. at Clarendon Hills Middle School

       SELAS Author Presentation - Come hear Dan Kindlon discuss his book and our December book club choice, Too Much of a Good Thing, Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age. 

Thursday, February 1, 2007:  12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at a member's home

        GECO Planning Meeting - Join other GECO members as we plan for upcoming events.  All GECO members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please email GECO@Arvamont.com for an agenda and the location of the meeting. 

Sunday, February  4, 2007: 12 noon - 4 p.m. at Chicago Marriott Hotel, Michigan Ave.

       IAGC Parent Seminar - Come and share a stimulating afternoon with parents from all over Illinois as we listen to our featured speaker, Dr. Susan Jackson. Dr. Jackson is a counseling psychologist, District Gifted Coordinator, teacher, researcher, parent, and founder of the Daimon Institute for Highly Gifted, which is located in British Columbia, Canada. The title of her presentation is "Down the Rabbit Hole - Growth and Development of the Gifted Child: a Parent's Primer." You'll learn important strategies which will help you support the social and emotional development of your child.

        A second feature of the afternoon will include the latest update on advocacy for gifted education and what is going on in the Illinois legislature. Finally, choose to participate in one of several breakout sessions led by experienced facilitators. These sessions will focus on issues related to social-emotional needs as a follow up with the presenter; school; home and family; underserved populations, including twice exceptionalities; and Chicago Public Schools. By the end of our time together, you will go home knowing what you can do to help your child, and you'll know that you are not alone!

        The IAGC Exhibit Hall will be open for previews between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Exhibitors include schools for gifted children, summer programs, publishers, game and toy makers and more!  Plan to stop in to browse or shop! 

        Register before November 30th for the best rate!  Click here to register or for more information.  

Sunday, February  4, 2007:  7 - 8:30 p.m. at Chicago Marriott Hotel, Michigan Ave.

       IAGC Parent Evening - Understanding and Sustaining the Uncommon Development of the Gifted Child
by Dr. Susan Jackson, Daimon Institute for the Highly Gifted — More than an “able learner,” the gifted child is a rich amalgam of mind, body, spirit, and soul in dynamic evolution. What does “normal” (yet often uncommon) development look like in this population? What is the optimal role of parents and educators in
responding to and guiding the gifted child? What are some of the key indicators that a gifted child is at risk? This presentation provides insights as parents and educators navigate the matchless, often impenetrable “code” at the core of each gifted child in the always surprising and most often rewarding task of parenting and educating gifted children.

        Register before November 30th for the best rate!  The early rate for this presentation is as low as $15 per couple!  Click here to register or for more information.  

        The IAGC Exhibit Hall will be open for previews between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Exhibitors include schools for gifted children, summer programs, publishers, game and toy makers and more!  Plan to stop in to browse or shop! 

Monday and/or Tuesday, February  5 &6, 2007:  8:30 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. at Chicago Marriott Hotel, Michigan Ave.

       IAGC Convention - Over 175 sessions per day with more than 75 presenters on topics ranging from parenting gifted children, the social/emotional needs or gifted children, differentiation of instruction, specific curricula appropriate for gifted children, twice exceptional children and more! 

        Register before November 30th for the best rate!  Click here to register or for more information.  

Thursday, February 8, 2007:  7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the Hinsdale Middle School Commons

       GECO Summer Activities Fair - Looking for new or different things for your children to do this summer?  Come learn about many summer programs and meet the people behind many of programs.  Click here for last year's Summer Camp Catalog.  This program is an Open House - come any time between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.  Please direct questions to Tom Isaac.

Sunday, February 11, 2007:  1 - 5 p.m. Fermilab, Batavia

        Fermilab Family Open House -   Organized by the Fermilab Education Office, the event offers free family-style hands-on activities and exhibits, make-and-take projects, science shows and tours.  The highlights of this year's program will include the demonstration of historic experiments originally conducted during the 18th century by Benjamin Franklin and other scientists; the popular Ask-a-Scientist session on the 15th floor of Wilson Hall; and tours of the linear accelerator. Plans for tours to additional sites are now being finalized.  More than 2,000 people are expected to attend. Registration is required!

Thursday, February 22, 2007:  12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at a member's home

        GECO Planning Meeting - Join other GECO members as we plan for upcoming events.  All GECO members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please email GECO@Arvamont.com for an agenda and the location of the meeting. 

Saturday, February 24, 2007:  11 - 3:30 p.m. Illinois Institute of Technology, Rice Campus in Wheaton

        Engineering the Future: Celebrating Sustainable Engineering - IIT has a day of hands-on activities and presentation planned, designed to introduce children to the disciplines of engineering.  You'll find a building full of opportunities to build, touch and create science and technology knowledge.   Make plans now to attend this fun, free event!  For more information see the Engineering the Future Flyer, the web site: www.rice.iit.edu/engineersweek or contact Barbara Kozi - 630-682-6040. 

Wednesday, March 7, 2007: 7:30 p.m. at a member's home

       GECO Bookclub - Join us to discuss Losing Our Minds:  Gifted Children Left Behind by Deborah Ruf. Copies ordered at Books-a-million in Grant Square.  E-mail Lynne Bloomfield to RSVP:  GECObookclub@ArvaMont.com.  She will tell you where the meeting will be held.  Read the book (or at least skim it!).  Come to the meeting with one or two discussion points, questions or issues that are relevant to the topic for you and your child/children.  Haven't read the book, but always wish you had?  Join us anyway!

Friday, March 9, 2007: 9 - 11 a.m. in the Community House Auditorium

       GECO Speaker: Cathy Risberg - Celebrate the Differences: Creating Understanding, Support and Advocacy for Your Twice-Exceptional (2e) Child.  Cathy Risberg, M.A., is an educational consultant. As the owner of Minds That Soar, LLC, she specializes in providing academic advocacy services for gifted and twice-exceptional children and their families. Cathy has 15 years of teaching experience in public and private schools, the last ten as a classroom teacher in a school for gifted and talented. She is an adjunct faculty member for the Technology in Education program at National-Louis University in Wheeling, Illinois, and presents regularly to various educational and professional groups. Cathy can be contacted at c.risberg@comcast.net.

What is a twice exceptional child?  How can parents create a collaborative relationship with each other and the schools to help meet the needs of their bright, talented and gifted children with learning differences?  Why are there so many gifted children who are also learning challenged?  Why do the intellectual needs of so many special education students get ignored in the classroom? What can you do to help your child?  Join us as we explore twice exceptionality.

Want to read more about this concept before the meeting?  Check out:

1. The Twice-Exceptional Dilemma by the National Education Association.
2. Gifted But Learning Disabled: A Puzzling Paradox by Susan Baum.
3. Meeting the Needs of Twice-Exceptional Children by Meredith Warshaw.
4. What Does It Mean to Be Twice-Exceptional (2e)?  by Cathy Risberg.
5. 2 e - twice-exceptional newsletter by Glen Ellyn Media.

Grab a mug of your favorite morning brew and join us at the Community House.  This presentation is free and open to the public, so bring a friend!  Contact Linda Rio Reichmann for more information.

Friday, March 16, 2007:  4 - 6 p.m.  at The Lane School

        GECO Kids - Join other GECO kids and their families for our annual Mastermind Mania Party!

Tuesday, March 20, 2007:  7 p.m. River Forest Public Library

I N S I G H T (INforming, Supporting & Inspiring Gifted, Highly Talented & Twice Exceptional Children) presents Randee Blair and colleagues from the Northwestern University Center for Talent Development SUMMER PROGRAMS, SATURDAY PROGRAMS and TALENT SEARCH for GRADES K-12.  Learn about  

·  Summer and Saturday Enrichment Classes and Programs

·   Distance Learning through LearningLinks,

·  Midwest Academic Talent Search

Questions?  Contact Maury at (708) 771-2189 or Cheryl at (708) 366-1686 or by email to INSIGHT.RiverForest@gmail.com

Thursday, March 22, 2007:  12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at a member's home

        GECO Planning Meeting - Join other GECO members as we plan for upcoming events.  All GECO members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please email GECO@Arvamont.com for an agenda and the location of the meeting. 

Wednesday, April 4, 2007: 7:30 p.m. at a member's home

       GECO Bookclub - Hold this date for the April GECO Book Club!  The book for April has not yet been selected.  Have a recommendation?  Email Lynne at GECObookclub@ArvaMont.com and let her know what you would like to read! 

Friday, April 13, 2007: 9 - 11 a.m. location to be determined

       GECO Roundtable - Join us to discuss Charting Your Child's Course.  Discuss what we did and what you can do to mold your child's educational experience.   Discuss what you can expect next year with parents who have children who are a little older than yours.  What can you do to ensure that your children flourish?  Grab a mug of your favorite morning brew and join us for a round table discussion.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007: Springfield Illinois

       IAGC Please Don't Leave Our Children Behind Day  - Join other gifted children and their parents on a visit to Springfield, our state capital.  The objectives of this visit are twofold.  First, we want an opportunity for our children to experience democracy in action, see how laws are made, meet their local representatives and visit the new Lincoln Library and other historic sites.  Second, we want state lawmakers to see that many of their constituents are interested in educating gifted children.    More details will be posted once they are available.  Email Springfield@Arvamont.com to be added to the mailing list for more information on this trip.  To organize a group to participate, please see the Springfield Organizers Packet. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2007: Fermilab, Batavia

       Wonders Of Science  - Fermilab sponsors a science show for area elementary students and their parents during National Science and Technology Week. Students in grades three through six and their parents come to a Sunday program where high school science teachers entertain the guests with the wonders of science. Students receive a demonstration kit based on the show's activities which they can share with their classmates. Students attend on a first-come first-served basis.  Register here. 

Wednesday, May 2, 2007: 7:30 p.m. at a member's home

       GECO Bookclub - Join us to discuss The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko. E-mail Lynne Bloomfield to RSVP:  GECObookclub@ArvaMont.com.  She will tell you where the meeting will be held.  Read the book (or at least skim it!).  Come to the meeting with one or two discussion points, questions or issues that are relevant to the topic for you and your child/children.  Haven't read the book, but always wish you had?  Join us anyway!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007:  12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at a member's home

        GECO Planning Meeting - Join other GECO members as we plan for upcoming events.  All GECO members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please email GECO@Arvamont.com for an agenda and the location of the meeting. 

Tuesday, May 29, 2007:  6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at HMS

        Gifted Program Review Presentation to the Board:  Dr. Shillingburg will be presenting a review of the new tiered gifted program's first year.   Parents are encouraged to come.

        Retirement Reception for District 181 - District Superintendent Dr. Mary Curley, and teachers Mary Sparks, a gifted specialist, and Jan Soenen will be honored.  For more information phone (630) 887-1070 x 226.   Invitation.

Thursday, May 31, 2007:  12:20 - 2:30 p.m. at a member's home

        GECO Planning Meeting - Join other GECO members as we plan for upcoming events.  All GECO members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please email GECO@Arvamont.com for an agenda and the location of the meeting. 

Friday, June 1,  2007: 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Community House

       GECO Coffee - Come hear Dr. Shillingburg give us a review of how the gifted program has gone this year.  Bring your favorite morning beverage and join us.   

Monday, June 4, 2007:  4 - 6 a.m. location being finalized

        GECO Kids - Join other GECO kids as they set up to conquer a team engineering challenge.  

Tuesday, May 29, 2007:  6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at HMS

        Gifted Program Review Presentation to the Board:  Dr. Shillingburg will be presenting a review of the new tiered gifted program's first year.   Parents are encouraged to come.

        Retirement Reception for District 181 - District Superintendent Dr. Mary Curley, and teachers Mary Sparks, a gifted specialist, and Jan Soenen will be honored.  For more information phone (630) 887-1070 x 226.   Invitation.

Thursday, May 31, 2007:  12:20 - 2:30 p.m. at a member's home

        GECO Planning Meeting - Join other GECO members as we plan for upcoming events.  All GECO members are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please email GECO@Arvamont.com for an agenda and the location of the meeting. 

Friday, June 1,  2007: 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Community House

       GECO Coffee - Come hear Dr. Shillingburg give us a review of how the gifted program has gone this year.  Bring your favorite morning beverage and join us.   

Monday, June 4, 2007:  4 - 6 a.m. location being finalized

        GECO Kids - Join other GECO kids as they set up to conquer a team engineering challenge.  

Information of interest:  Prior to her parent meeting last June, Ms. Lori Gehrke, Director of Assessment and Program Improvement, allowed us to post her May 14 presentation to the board,  District MAP Update, as well as a chart with the average RIT scores for each grade, Average RIT Scores.   This information may be helpful to parents with questions regarding assessment and MAP scores.

Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, 2007: Printers Row Book Fair, Kids Alley

       Printers Row Book Fair, Kids Alley  - Perhaps your children would enjoy the 23rd annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair on June 9 and 10, 2007. The Midwest's largest free outdoor literary event features 150 new, used and antiquarian booksellers and more than 100 captivating programs including author readings, panel discussions, cooking demonstrations and children's activities. For one weekend, the historic Printers Row neighborhood is transformed into a festival for booklovers of all ages and interests. Come celebrate the world of reading with the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Public Library. Kids Alley

Thursday, August 2, 2007: 6:45 p.m.,  Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook

        Richard III, by First Folio Shakespeare Festival - Join GECO families, including current and former GRC/ACE students and their teachers to see Shakespeare's Richard III at First Folio's open-air theater.  Bring a picnic dinner for your family and a dessert to share at 6:45.   Performance begins at about 8:15.   There will be a backstage tour after the show, and special group discount price for tickets.  For more information:  Summer Shakespeare Evening

Tuesday, September 25, 2007:  7:15 p.m. - Hinsdale Middle School Commons

       GECO Discussion – Should  You Challenge Your Child More?  Do you want to better understand how enrichment and acceleration really help your child?  Would you like more information about testing available for gifted and talented students?

Discuss these issues and learn about the opportunity to take the SAT or Explore tests in grades 3 to 8.  A representative from Northwestern’s Center for Talent Development will talk about the Midwest Academic Talent Search, a program that offers above-grade-level testing to bright students and follow-up information (based on their score) about future school years, the best classes to take, and how best to advocate for them. Email geco@arvamont.com for more information.

Wednesday, October 10, 7:00 PM, at Scapa Italian Restaurant:   Kick-off social event for the Book Club.   Lively conversation guaranteed.  Feel free to bring book suggestions for later in the year.  See Book Club for more information.

Thursday, October 11, 2007:  7:00 p.m. - Hinsdale Middle School Commons 

GECO Speaker - Teaching Self-Discipline to the Gifted Child, by Andy Mahoney. Mr. Mahoney is nationally recognized counselor of gifted children and their families and a frequent speaker at conferences, symposiums, consultations and training workshops for fellow counselors, educators and parents.  This year, he is leading a training session for District 181 social workers to discuss the social and emotional needs of gifted children. Please submit questions on issues related to discipline and motivation that you hope will be covered in advance to geco@arvamont.com or call Susan Portland at 630-920-1027 for more information..

Wednesday, December 5, 2007:  7:30 p.m. at a member's home

        GECO Book Club - Freeing our Families From Perfectionism (Thomas Greenspon) Contact Sara Tieke at tieke.b@sbcglobal.net for details. In this groundbreaking book, Tom Greenspon explains perfectionism, where it comes from (including influences outside the family), and what to do about it.

Friday, December 7, 2007:  9:30 a.m. - Clarendon Hills Public Library  

          GECO Coffee – Gifts for the Thinking Child. - Join us with a cup of your favorite brew to discuss gift ideas for the holidays.  We’ll discuss classics, new finds, and award-winners.  Bring your favorite game, toy, or book to share or just come to hear others’ thoughts on creative and innovative gifts for your child, just in time for your holiday shopping.  Everyone welcome! Questions?  See Upcoming Coffee or contact geco@arvamont.com.   Link to the 2007 NAGC Toy list, http://www.nagc.org/uploadedFiles/PHP/Toylist%202007.pdf