Gifted and Talented Program - QUEST

I have launched our new gifted and talented program for our district.  It will be called, QUEST.  This stands for - "Questioning, Understanding, Evaluating, Searching, Thinking."  I am extremely excited about this new opportunity for our children.  The issue I am running into is parent opinions and support.  Due to the fact that my district is in a small town that does not like change (of any kind, good or bad), they are extremely apprehensive.  I am working so hard to break down the walls of miscommunication and discontent to open the doors to opportunity, learning, and higher level thinking.  I have my first parent meeting in October and I hope this will give parents a chance to share their concerns with me and allow me to gain their trust.  I know change and attitude cannot be changed over night, but I am looking forward to the day that I have earned their blessings and our new QUEST program is a great success! 

EDLD 5326

I am now in a new course with Lamar.  It is about Community and Parent Involvement.  I am really excited about this course because I know the importance of parent and community support for students.  I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for the support and love of my parents and the motivation from my community.  I strongly believe that without the support of parents, students suffer greatly.  I know in my classrooms in the past, each year parent support and involvment became less and less.  The consequence of this was the idea students began to form due to this lack of interest.  Many felt school wasn't important and that they were only there because they "had" to be.  Teachers can do their best to change this mindset, however, if parents are not involved or supportive of the classroom and education of their children, then the battle is an uphill climb.  Our children need us more than ever!