Happy Monday to you all  I hope you’ve been able to stay dry!  I’ve been thinking of having our DVA students design an ark – just in case! 

I am planning a series of monthly seminars just for DVA parents. I think there are many topics that would be helpful to all parents of middle schoolers, but, because of the unique nature of our program, there are specific topics that may be of even more interest to you. For example, here are some of the topics that are already on my brainstorming list:

·         Academic Rigor -- What does "rigor" look like? What are the indicators that my child is being appropriately challenged?  What should I look for and how can I help?

·         Parenting for Achievement – What are the parenting skills associated with intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and achievement?

·         Promoting Creativity at Home and School

·         Looking ahead to High School -- IB, GHP, extracurricular opportunities, HOPE and other scholarships, etc.

·         Understanding the Social/Emotional Needs of Adolescents

I will be conducting some of these seminars myself, and I will sweet-talk my colleagues from Hall County high schools and UGA into presenting at others. Some may be of broad interest and some may be focused on more specific needs and interests.  For example, we may want to meet one evening to look at the unique pressures faced by academically able girls and what we can do to support an achievement orientation.  I have lots of ideas and I have asked our wonderful DVA teachers for their thoughts; but before I set the schedule, I would value your input on topics of interest to you. Please e-mail me your suggestions for DVA Parent Seminars by Saturday, September 26th.  Thank you!

Sally

Dr. Sally C. Krisel
Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning (Rigor)
Hall County School System
711 Green Street
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
770-534-1080, Ext. #246

www.hallco.org/rigor