Teachers and staff at MIS/HPMS enjoyed scrumptious treats and abundant appreciation at the annual breakfast hosted by PC-TAG.

5th graders in Emily Green's science class dissected cow eyes to learn about the parts of the eye and their functions. The students were led through the dissections by retina specialist Dr. Deborah Chong and cornea specialist Dr. Jamie Alexander. Ms. Green says, "This experience has opened my students' eyes to all new possibilities!"

This great day of learning and experiencing science in House of Lockhart was made available through a grant from PC-TAG.

In January 2020, HPMS will launch a "Read It Forward" initiative, when the campus will be flooded with multiple copies of two novels that share the same theme. A Raider who finds a book will read the selection, sign his/her name inside, sign his/her name on the poster in the library, then "Read It Forward" to another reader. There will be trivia contests and activities tied to the books throughout the month as well. "Read It Forward" is made possible by a grant from PC-TAG.

The public libraries will also have book suggestions on display for older readers based on Read It Forward themes. All of these efforts will comprise the first-ever "HP Reads," which will encourage the entire HP Community to begin the year reading together.

The Aquaponics Greenhouse in Mr. Newhouse's science classroom has a fresh, new crop of lettuce that will be ready to harvest in the next week or two! Students can observe these food production processes of farming thanks in part to a grant from PC-TAG.

Armstrong 4th graders communicate 1-to-1 with peers across the globe to collaborate on real-world STEAM challenges, thanks in part to a grant from PC-TAG for the Level Up Village course.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released 116 Senate Committee charges to study in the interim before the 2021 legislative session. Among these charges is to monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Education passed by the 86th Legislature, including a review of the impact of HB3 on G/T education in Texas.
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The monitoring charge, spearheaded by Senator Jane Nelson, directs the committee to “Review the impact of the repeal of a Gifted and Talented allotment on programs in districts and charter schools; Highlight various innovative Gifted and Talented programs in districts and charter schools across the state, and make recommendations on methods to strengthen and promote Gifted and Talented programs throughout Texas” (see p. 4).

TAGT appreciates the efforts of Senator Nelson, a strong G/T advocate, and is thrilled that G/T programs and funding will continue to be highlighted as an area of focus for the Senate Committee on Education.

Divya Chaturvedi, fellow HP mom, enlightened HPISD parents on the college admission process at a brown bag lunch sponsored by PC-TAG. Thanks to Divya, we are better prepared to navigate the process and know it doesn't have to be stressful. Just follow Divya's Roadmap to College!

Angelique Whitehurst (PC-TAG Advocacy Chair) and Laura Haag (PC-TAG President) recently met with Lisa Wilson (Assistant Superintendent for Education Services), Mike White (Assistant Superintendent for Business Services), and Kim Brooks (TAG Coordinator) to discuss House Bill 3 (HB3) and its impact on HPISD's TAG program.  
 
House Bill 3 was enacted in June 2019, bringing sweeping changes to school finance. It reworked many aspects of Texas public education funding, including G/T funding. Prior to HB3, G/T programs were funded with a separate protected allotment (roughly equal to 0.12 of the base allotment per student). HB3 eliminated the protected allotment. However, G/T funding does not go away; the funds are now rolled into a district's general allotment.  
 
Under HB3, Texas school districts are still required to have a gifted program. Each year districts must certify with the state that they have a G/T program consistent with the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students. Districts must also report the use of funds to the state. If a district fails to comply, the district could lose funds equal to the amount of the old allotment (0.12 of the base allotment per student). For additional information on HB3, visit the Texas Education Agency website.
 
What does this really mean in HPISD? Both Lisa Wilson and Mike White offered assurances that nothing will change in our district's TAG program and HB3 will not affect our district's TAG funding levels. Historically, HPISD has spent well over the allotment on its TAG program. Last year's allotment from the state was approximately $213,000, and our district budgeted over $500,000 for TAG. HPISD's TAG program will continue to receive this same general level of funding, regardless of the loss of the protected allotment. 
 
We are fortunate that our school district values and upholds specialized education for Gifted and Talented students. PC-TAG will continue to work closely and collaboratively with HPISD to ensure that the services our students receive are not diminished in any way as a result of HB3.
 
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.

The PC-TAG Mad Science event was a huge success! Over 100 students and parents enjoyed a spectacular science-filled afternoon. Attendees were entertained and inspired by a Mad Science Show and many hands-on activities. Much fun was had by all!

PC-TAG's Parent Speaker Series kicked off 2019-20 with Dr. Patricia Gatto-Walden, PhD. Presenting to a packed house of PC-TAG parents, our dynamic speaker was entertaining, informative and inspiring! Parents walked away with greater insight into their children and themselves.