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!