 On March 17, a panel of experienced parents discussed finding the right college for your student. The panel, led by Christine Goff from College Fit Tours, discussed the topics below:
Over a hundred participants turned out for the session. 
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 On March 15 the HPISD School Board gratefully accepted Park Cities Talented and Gifted (PC-TAG)'s 2016 gift during their board meeting. PC-TAG Chair Kim McCue and Chair-Elect Kathryn Gameros presented the $37,115 check, which was made possible by the organization's membership drive and "TAG you're It" fundraiser.
The funds will provide technology, curriculum enrichment, academic competitions, teacher conferences and training on all seven HPISD campuses.
Dr. Conner's theoretical orientation centers around Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Solution Focused therapies. A large portion of her clinical work has been in the area of substance abuse intervention and recovery work (with both the person with the addiction and family members of those with addictions.)
Click HERE to view her presentation. On Feb 18, fifty-two 4th graders across all four HPISD Elementary Schools met at MIS for a taste of middle school and a "Honky Tonk Takedown" murder mystery social event. This event was organized by PC-TAG's Elementary Campus Representatives. The tour was led by Daley Hilton (Explorations 5th/Creativity 6th) and several MIS/HPMS TAG students: Lindsey Haag (7th), Ellie Stager (7th) and Chloe Haag (5th). During the social event which followed after the MIS tour, students got dressed up for their randomly chosen characters and were asked to find the culprit. Congratulations to Nicholas from Hyer the lucky winner randomly selected among all who answered correctly! He received a custom printed T-shirt sponsored and designed by Big Frog of Park Cities. MIS Tour
 On January 21, Jennifer Lake gave an engrossing talk about math opportunities and competitions for kids of all ages. She also talked about other enrichment ideas to keep your kids stimulated and engaged in learning. Click HERE to view the presentation.  Micah Lyles, Highland Park High School's Lead Counselor, delivered a very information presentation to a packed room. He talked about Finding the Right Fit for College for Your Student.
Click HERE for the presentation.  On September 25, PC-TAG had a great presentation from Karen and David Dillard of KD College Prep. If you have questions about college prep or testing please contact them through their website. They are happy to help.
 Kimberly Bain has been named Highland Park ISD's Talented and Gifted and English Language Arts Coordinator.
Bain comes to HPISD from Lewisville ISD where she served as a Strategic Design Coach since 2013. She also served for six years as a Talented and Gifted Facilitator for grades K-5. Bain was an elementary classroom teacher from 1990-1997 in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and in Jenks, Okla. public schools. "We are excited to welcome Kim Bain to the HPISD family," said Gena Gardiner, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Special Programs. "Kim has a strong reputation as an instructional leader, and her expertise is well-known among her colleagues. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she clearly puts students first in her decision making. We know that Kim will be a valuable addition to our district." Bain received her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. She earned her master's degree from The University of Texas - Arlington, and she also holds a Principal Certification. "It is a privilege to join Highland Park ISD," Bain said. "During the transition into my new position, I will begin serving our K-6 ELA teachers and leading our TAG program for grades K-12. I look forward to partnering with teachers as we build students' capacity for critical, creative, and innovative thinking so that our Scots will succeed in the future they create." Bain lives in Highland Village with her husband Darryl. They have two children - Macy is a freshman at Baylor University, and Sawyer attends Marcus High School.  On August 20, Ann Batenburg delivered an excellent presentation to the PC-TAG Board about Your Mindset Matters. Click HERE to view the presentation.
Ann Batenburg, Ph.D., serves as a clinical assistant professor in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Dr. Batenburg earned her doctorate in Teaching and Learning with a focus in Gifted Education from the University of Iowa in 2011. She also holds two master’'s degrees: one in Special Education from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, and one in Teacher Leadership from North Park College in Chicago. She teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate teacher education courses with a focus on gifted education. Dr. Batenburg has several years of elementary teaching experience in the Chicago area. She taught fifth grade for nine years and students with special needs for five years. At the college level, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Iowa, Cornell College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Salem College. Her passion is working with children who are gifted and talented, as they are often the children who are left without services in our schools. Her research interests center on examining factors that contribute to talent development, other issues in the education of the gifted, and Constructivist philosophy and teaching methods.  On August 21, PC-TAG hosted the annual HPHS Teacher & Staff Appreciation Breakfast. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people educating and supporting our students every day! Thank you to Carolyn Greaves, Natalie Davis, and Letty Spicer for organizing the event. Click Read More to see lots of pictures from the event. |
