Previous BGA Events
High School Student Panel 2020
High school students who attended BSD's Advanced Learning (previously the gifted) program share their experiences and perspectives with the high schools they've chosen to provide current middle school students with additional insights when choosing a high school.
January 8, 2020
6:30-8:00 PM
Sammamish High School Performing Arts Center
100 140th Ave SE
January 8, 2020
6:30-8:00 PM
Sammamish High School Performing Arts Center
100 140th Ave SE
College Student Panel 2019
Current college students and graduates from BSD's Gifted High School Program (now Advanced Learning) discuss how to choose a college. This is a POPULAR event.
Panelists will be joined by:
*Tina Neville, Yale graduate and CEO of Transcend Academy, on college entrance success factors.
*Dr. Richard Repass, Psychiastrist and expert on student mental health and stress management.
*Moderated by Melissa Lloyd, Bellevue Gifted Alliance
*Panelists include students from Columbia, University of Washington, USC, Stanford, Louisiana State University, UC-San Diego, Harvard, and University of Chicago.
December 19, 2019
6:30-8:00 PM
Bellevue High School Performing Arts Center
10416 SE Wolverine Way
This event is free to all BSD staff and students with ID. There is a suggested donation of:
$5 for parents and others from BSD
$10 for non-Bellevue residents
Panelists will be joined by:
*Tina Neville, Yale graduate and CEO of Transcend Academy, on college entrance success factors.
*Dr. Richard Repass, Psychiastrist and expert on student mental health and stress management.
*Moderated by Melissa Lloyd, Bellevue Gifted Alliance
*Panelists include students from Columbia, University of Washington, USC, Stanford, Louisiana State University, UC-San Diego, Harvard, and University of Chicago.
December 19, 2019
6:30-8:00 PM
Bellevue High School Performing Arts Center
10416 SE Wolverine Way
This event is free to all BSD staff and students with ID. There is a suggested donation of:
$5 for parents and others from BSD
$10 for non-Bellevue residents
Fall Event 2019
Speakers include:
*Dr. Francine Wiest, Bellevue School Board Director will speak about being an effective advocate
*Dr. Duran, Bellevue School District Superintendent will speak about "An Update on our Advanced Learning Vision"
We will also address:
"The Do's and Don't's of How to Help Your Child Succeed in Bellevue School District"
October 7, 2019
6:30-8:00 PM
Wilburton Instructional Services Center
Rainier Room
12111 Main St.
Click here to see Dr. Duran's PowerPoint Presentation
*Dr. Francine Wiest, Bellevue School Board Director will speak about being an effective advocate
*Dr. Duran, Bellevue School District Superintendent will speak about "An Update on our Advanced Learning Vision"
We will also address:
"The Do's and Don't's of How to Help Your Child Succeed in Bellevue School District"
October 7, 2019
6:30-8:00 PM
Wilburton Instructional Services Center
Rainier Room
12111 Main St.
Click here to see Dr. Duran's PowerPoint Presentation
Spring Event
Aisha Simon of Axiom Learning will be giving a seminar “Boosting Executive Function Skills to Succeed in Middle School”
Geared toward 4th, 5th, 6th grade kids and a parent
Join us for an interactive workshop to learn about and develop executive function skills such as planning, prioritization, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.This session is designed for current 4th, 5th, and 6th graders plus a parent.You will be working in parent-child teams (1:1 is best). Reserve your spot.
June 3, 6:30-8:00
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
Aisha is the Chief Learning Officer at Axiom Learning, a research-based education company dedicated to catalyzing the transformation of education delivery globally, including projects in partnership with the Gates Foundation and Harvard, among others. Aisha led the development of Axiom’s flagship program, LEAP 3.0, which is now the world’s most effective intervention for addressing the highest incidence learning challenges (ADHD, Dyslexia, Executive Function, Anxiety and Autism). Axiom has ten offices across Massachusetts, California, New York, Seattle and Malaysia as well as pro bono operations helping Rohingya refugees in Malaysia and supporting some of the poorest students in America. In recognition of her work, Ernst & Young named her 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year. Previously, Aisha was heavily focused on medical humanitarian relief, which took her to, among others, Bosnia, the Middle East, Central America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. Aisha was a founding member of the humanitarian relief organization, Doctors Worldwide. She also founded a free clinic in Richmond, Virginia, drove anti-tobacco and refugee education efforts in elementary schools and led civil rights work in Richmond and DC. She received her MPH from Harvard, her MD from the Medical College of Virginia, and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from the University of Washington. Aisha is happily married with three amazing children.
Geared toward 4th, 5th, 6th grade kids and a parent
Join us for an interactive workshop to learn about and develop executive function skills such as planning, prioritization, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.This session is designed for current 4th, 5th, and 6th graders plus a parent.You will be working in parent-child teams (1:1 is best). Reserve your spot.
June 3, 6:30-8:00
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
Aisha is the Chief Learning Officer at Axiom Learning, a research-based education company dedicated to catalyzing the transformation of education delivery globally, including projects in partnership with the Gates Foundation and Harvard, among others. Aisha led the development of Axiom’s flagship program, LEAP 3.0, which is now the world’s most effective intervention for addressing the highest incidence learning challenges (ADHD, Dyslexia, Executive Function, Anxiety and Autism). Axiom has ten offices across Massachusetts, California, New York, Seattle and Malaysia as well as pro bono operations helping Rohingya refugees in Malaysia and supporting some of the poorest students in America. In recognition of her work, Ernst & Young named her 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year. Previously, Aisha was heavily focused on medical humanitarian relief, which took her to, among others, Bosnia, the Middle East, Central America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. Aisha was a founding member of the humanitarian relief organization, Doctors Worldwide. She also founded a free clinic in Richmond, Virginia, drove anti-tobacco and refugee education efforts in elementary schools and led civil rights work in Richmond and DC. She received her MPH from Harvard, her MD from the Medical College of Virginia, and a Bachelor’s in Biochemistry from the University of Washington. Aisha is happily married with three amazing children.
Preparing for College - Four Workshops
Bellevue PTSA Council, Bellevue Gifted Alliance, and Transcend Academy present a series of four exciting NEW workshops geared toward students in grades 8 to 11. Workshops will be led by Transcend Academy CEP Tina Tran Neville and BSD Counselors.
FREE to any BSD student with student ID CARD
$20 for BSD adults
$40 for out of district attendees
I. Top 10 Things Colleges Look for in Admissions and How to Get There
* Why Transcripts Matter: Grades and Classes
* Passionate Involvement in Activities is Key
* A Well-Written, Authentic Essay Speaks Volumes
* Demonstrated Interest in Colleges is Increasingly More Important
April 15
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
II. Rocking Standardized Tests
* General SAT, ACT, and Standardized Test Taking Tips
* Timing Strategies for Students
* Practicing Strategies in Session
* Tips for the Week of and Day of the Test
April 29
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
III. How to Write an Unforgettable Essay
* Uncovering an Authentic Story for Each Student
* Reflect on Events, Accomplishments, and Goals
* Working with Friends and Family to Get Feedback
* Using Words to Paint a Beautiful Story
May 14
Newport High School
4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue
Library
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
IV. How to Find Your Passion
* Life is a Journey. Appreciate the Journey.
* Who You Are Will Change Through High School and College
* Craft a Personal Resume that Works for You
* How Joining Activities Can Help You Find Your Passion
May 28
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
About Transcend ACADEMY CEO Tina Tran Neville
As a high school teacher in private and public high schools in Washington, DC and a first generation college student, Transcend Academy Founder Tina Tran Neville witnessed an urgent need for additional high-quality test preparation and college advising services. In 2010, Tina launched Transcend Academy to create educational content that improves diverse students' chances for college admissions. Since then, the company has expanded from in-person standardized test preparation classes, to online college admissions coaching services, to online English language learning to reach international markets. In 2018, Transcend Academy was awarded the Best Education Company in Washington, DC for their work with the majority of high schools in the region. Tina has led national workshops for College Summit and read essays for the College Board. Prior to the field of education, Tina was an U.S. Foreign Service Officer promoting education and culture exchanges with the U.S. Department of State. Tina received her B.A. from the University of Tulsa and her M.A. from Yale University. She lives in Seattle with her husband and two young children.
FREE to any BSD student with student ID CARD
$20 for BSD adults
$40 for out of district attendees
I. Top 10 Things Colleges Look for in Admissions and How to Get There
* Why Transcripts Matter: Grades and Classes
* Passionate Involvement in Activities is Key
* A Well-Written, Authentic Essay Speaks Volumes
* Demonstrated Interest in Colleges is Increasingly More Important
April 15
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
II. Rocking Standardized Tests
* General SAT, ACT, and Standardized Test Taking Tips
* Timing Strategies for Students
* Practicing Strategies in Session
* Tips for the Week of and Day of the Test
April 29
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
III. How to Write an Unforgettable Essay
* Uncovering an Authentic Story for Each Student
* Reflect on Events, Accomplishments, and Goals
* Working with Friends and Family to Get Feedback
* Using Words to Paint a Beautiful Story
May 14
Newport High School
4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue
Library
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
IV. How to Find Your Passion
* Life is a Journey. Appreciate the Journey.
* Who You Are Will Change Through High School and College
* Craft a Personal Resume that Works for You
* How Joining Activities Can Help You Find Your Passion
May 28
Wilburton Instructional Service Center
12241 Main St., Bellevue
Rainier Room
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
About Transcend ACADEMY CEO Tina Tran Neville
As a high school teacher in private and public high schools in Washington, DC and a first generation college student, Transcend Academy Founder Tina Tran Neville witnessed an urgent need for additional high-quality test preparation and college advising services. In 2010, Tina launched Transcend Academy to create educational content that improves diverse students' chances for college admissions. Since then, the company has expanded from in-person standardized test preparation classes, to online college admissions coaching services, to online English language learning to reach international markets. In 2018, Transcend Academy was awarded the Best Education Company in Washington, DC for their work with the majority of high schools in the region. Tina has led national workshops for College Summit and read essays for the College Board. Prior to the field of education, Tina was an U.S. Foreign Service Officer promoting education and culture exchanges with the U.S. Department of State. Tina received her B.A. from the University of Tulsa and her M.A. from Yale University. She lives in Seattle with her husband and two young children.
High School Panel
Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 6:30PM
A panel of high school students, who discuss how to choose what high school to attend, including Interlake’s Advanced Learning (AL) program, AL in the home/neighborhood schools, and private schools
WISC Rainier Room (Wilburton Instructional Services Center)
12241 Main St.
BGA apologizes for moving the date of this High School panel twice. We tried to host the panel before the application due date for open enrollment passes, but that date put the panel right in the middle of semester exams and project due dates, making it challenging for our panelists. BGA suggests that if your child is interested in open enrollment, please consider attending the high school open houses.
A panel of high school students, who discuss how to choose what high school to attend, including Interlake’s Advanced Learning (AL) program, AL in the home/neighborhood schools, and private schools
WISC Rainier Room (Wilburton Instructional Services Center)
12241 Main St.
BGA apologizes for moving the date of this High School panel twice. We tried to host the panel before the application due date for open enrollment passes, but that date put the panel right in the middle of semester exams and project due dates, making it challenging for our panelists. BGA suggests that if your child is interested in open enrollment, please consider attending the high school open houses.
Click here to see a summary of the event
College Panel
Monday December 17, 2018, 6:30PM
A panel of college students, who discuss “what I know now that I wish I knew then”
How to choose a college.
Interlake High School Performing Arts Center
16425 NE 24th St
Free for students, Suggested donation of $5 per adult
To hear an audio recording of the college panel from our December 17, 2018 event, please go to:
https://1drv.ms/u/s!Ar-X-IGLKMJ7ksY3dUt4ZdnTjylUNA
BGA Event
October 30, 2018
6:00PM
Rainier Room at WISC
12241 Main St., Bellevue
BGA Event - Dr. Duran and Lora McHugh will present a brief info session, then parents will engage in a classroom lesson to experience the level of depth and complexity that their students are faced with each day. There will be separate sessions for elementary and secondary levels.
The last hour of the evening will be a meet-and-greet for parents to get to know other parents in the program.
**Answers to the Questions asked at this Event that includes a list of books about gifted children:
| responses_to_parent_questions_from_oct._30_bga_event.pdf |
**The High School Sequence for Students Receiving Advanced Learning Services at Odle or Tyee:
| sequence_for_gifted_students_leaving_odle_or_tyee_update_2019.pdf |
**The Power Point for the Elementary Presentation on October 30:
| october_30th_elementary_presentation_bga_meeting_shared.pdf |
Gifted Program Becomes Advanced Learning Services
BSD recently announced a name change for its programming for gifted students. Almost all other WA districts call their services by a name other than gifted, and this name change not only brings BSD in line with what other districts are doing but also follows the recommendations from the state.
Though the name of the program is changing, the services and curriculum remain the same.
Though the name of the program is changing, the services and curriculum remain the same.
BSD Gifted Program Update
This special event for May 14, 2018 has been cancelled due to a late afternoon accident at Odle Middle School. We will schedule a similar talk in the Fall.
With Dr. Ivan Duran, BSD Superintendent and Lora McHugh, supervisor of gifted education in Bellevue School District (BSD). Dr. Duran and Lora will be speaking about an update on gifted education in BSD. The presentation will focus on information about gifted services, student achievement, and student matriculation data.
May 14, 2018
6:30-7:30 PM (doors open at 6:15 PM)
Odle Middle School Commons
7:30-8:30 PM will be a time for parents to meet other parents.
We have had several requests for a time for parents to meet other parents in gifted, and this is our answer to that request. Cookies will be provided.
May 14, 2018
6:30-7:30 PM (doors open at 6:15 PM)
Odle Middle School Commons
7:30-8:30 PM will be a time for parents to meet other parents.
We have had several requests for a time for parents to meet other parents in gifted, and this is our answer to that request. Cookies will be provided.
Bellevue Gifted Panel for Middle School, 2018
“What do all these tests mean?”
Primer for Middle School kids on high school standardized and college entry tests
Speaker Arthur Emery
January 25, 2018
Primer for Middle School kids on high school standardized and college entry tests
Speaker Arthur Emery
January 25, 2018
BSD Gifted Information Night
BSD Gifted Information Night with Debbie Brandt, Kristi Stroyan, Jake Duke, Debby Benzinger, Michael O'Byrne, and Gifted Programs Advisor Lora McHugh. Information will be communicated about each of the gifted programs from K-1 to HS. Lora McHugh will also share some of the results of the survey of the gifted community done last school year, as well as some basic information about changes in identification due to the law, and some of the initiations the district is undertaking. Michael O'Byrne will share some of the IB diploma points and colleges that GHSP graduates attend.
November 19. 2015
6:30-8:00PM
WISC (Wilburton Instructional Services Center), 12441 Main St., Bellevue
November 19. 2015
6:30-8:00PM
WISC (Wilburton Instructional Services Center), 12441 Main St., Bellevue
Prism Homecoming December 28, 2015
Details to come. This is for all GHSP/Prism alum and current GHSP students.
“What I know now that I wish I knew then” - The students' perspective - January 4, 2016
Save the Date - January 4
Our next College Night Event will be on January 4, 2016.
“What I know now that I wish I knew then” - The students' perspective
Presented by
Prism Alumni College Students
Newport High School
Performing Arts Center
6:30PM – 8:30PM
Monday, January 4, 2016
Free to Students with Valid Bellevue School District ASB Card
$10 for Adults, Visitors
Preferential Seating for Students released to general audience at 6:15PM
Understand the key success factors in choosing the right college for YOU from the folks who have come before you – and who are striving and/or thriving in their current environment.
Our next College Night Event will be on January 4, 2016.
“What I know now that I wish I knew then” - The students' perspective
Presented by
Prism Alumni College Students
Newport High School
Performing Arts Center
6:30PM – 8:30PM
Monday, January 4, 2016
Free to Students with Valid Bellevue School District ASB Card
$10 for Adults, Visitors
Preferential Seating for Students released to general audience at 6:15PM
Understand the key success factors in choosing the right college for YOU from the folks who have come before you – and who are striving and/or thriving in their current environment.
The FUTURE of gifted
On the evening of October 23, 2014, Parents Alliance for Gifted Education teamed with the Bellevue School District to present the "Future of Gifted" in the Bellevue School District. Presenters included Superintendent Dr. Tim Mills, Sharon Kautz and Lora McHugh (the new gifted advisor for the district. The following is the slide deck from the event.
| 2014-10-23_gifted_programs_a_look_ahead.pdf |
Setting Your Kids Up For Success: Beyond IQ
On the evening of April 29th, 2013, PAGE co-sponsored an event at Sammamish High School.
Get Beyond Academics: Learning Stress Management, Self-Regulation and
Resiliency Leads to Success
Research shows that emotional intelligence is just as important, if not more, than IQ. We spend a considerable amount of time supporting our children in the most innovative ways intellectually providing them with classroom environments
that stimulate, after- school programs to enhance and inspire and at-home extensions to ensure their academic success. What about their ability to interact with others effectively? What about their ability to navigate social situations? Are we teaching them to self-regulate in the face of stress and disappointment? Do our kids have grit or
resilience? We call this Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and research indicates our children are lacking these skills.
Presenters:
* Rebecca Cortes, PHD Research Scientist, UW Department of Psychology
* Lynne Brazg M.Ed, retired school counselor, parent and child mindfulness educator
* Emily Cherkin - Mindful Mother of 2 young children, middle school teacher and empathy ambassador
* Andy Smallman - Founder and Director of Puget Sound Community School and founder of Random Acts of Kindness
Foundation
Moderated by Deb Grover, BSD GESP parent, Community of Mindful Parents, Roots of Empathy Facilitator
Sponsored by: Bellevue Schools
Foundation, Parents Alliance for Gifted Education, The Parents Union,
Community of Mindful Parents, ParentMap
Get Beyond Academics: Learning Stress Management, Self-Regulation and
Resiliency Leads to Success
Research shows that emotional intelligence is just as important, if not more, than IQ. We spend a considerable amount of time supporting our children in the most innovative ways intellectually providing them with classroom environments
that stimulate, after- school programs to enhance and inspire and at-home extensions to ensure their academic success. What about their ability to interact with others effectively? What about their ability to navigate social situations? Are we teaching them to self-regulate in the face of stress and disappointment? Do our kids have grit or
resilience? We call this Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and research indicates our children are lacking these skills.
Presenters:
* Rebecca Cortes, PHD Research Scientist, UW Department of Psychology
* Lynne Brazg M.Ed, retired school counselor, parent and child mindfulness educator
* Emily Cherkin - Mindful Mother of 2 young children, middle school teacher and empathy ambassador
* Andy Smallman - Founder and Director of Puget Sound Community School and founder of Random Acts of Kindness
Foundation
Moderated by Deb Grover, BSD GESP parent, Community of Mindful Parents, Roots of Empathy Facilitator
Sponsored by: Bellevue Schools
Foundation, Parents Alliance for Gifted Education, The Parents Union,
Community of Mindful Parents, ParentMap
Applying to College Presentation
On the evening of Monday February 4, 2013 BSF & PAGE sponsored an event at Newport High School Auditorium.
Speakers Included:
Karen Roper: A Parent's Journey, Application Essays
Joan Franklin: A Professional's Advice, Application Resumes
Resources:
Karen Roper
College Essay Consultant and Cofounder of PAGE
Email: karen.roper@gmail.com
Joan Franklin
Independent College Counselor
email: joanfranklin@micollegesupport.org
Website: www.micollegesupport.org
Phone: 206 232-5626
Paula Bishop, CPA - Financial Aid for College Advisor
Email: paula@paulabishop.com
Website: www.paulabishop.com
Office: 425-646-4535 Cell: 425-591-1137 | Fax: 425-646-7879
Address: 12360 NE 8th St Suite 200, Bellevue, WA 98005
Presentation Files from Karen Roper
Speakers Included:
Karen Roper: A Parent's Journey, Application Essays
Joan Franklin: A Professional's Advice, Application Resumes
Resources:
Karen Roper
College Essay Consultant and Cofounder of PAGE
Email: karen.roper@gmail.com
Joan Franklin
Independent College Counselor
email: joanfranklin@micollegesupport.org
Website: www.micollegesupport.org
Phone: 206 232-5626
Paula Bishop, CPA - Financial Aid for College Advisor
Email: paula@paulabishop.com
Website: www.paulabishop.com
Office: 425-646-4535 Cell: 425-591-1137 | Fax: 425-646-7879
Address: 12360 NE 8th St Suite 200, Bellevue, WA 98005
Presentation Files from Karen Roper
| parents_role_slides.pdf |
| essay_writing.pdf |
