K-12 Talented and Gifted Committee Meeting Minutes Meeting: Time: Location: Attending: September 14, 2011 2:30-3:30

PM JFK Middle School Library Linda Cavanaugh, Sarah Collins, Brian Zawodniak, Brian Jurkowski, David Guertin, Christine Reale, David Mourad, Angela Foss, John Dague, Cindy Stamm, Susan Boucher.

Agenda and Discussion: Confratute: Sarah Collins, John Dague, Brian Zawodniak, David Mourad, and David Guertin attended the week-long program at UConn in July. We found the entire conference to be eyeopening and inspiring to determining our next steps in planning and implementing a TAG program for Enfield. The keynotes at the start of each day ranged from experts in TAG, to a scientist who is convinced time travel is possible, to a retired teacher who knows that anyone can learn math. It was a very comfortable, but intense, atmosphere as we tried to soak up as much information as possible. We brought back many ideas to share with the committee as possibilities in our process. Some that resonated with us: the concept of creating a TAG program that is challenging, meaningful, allows for student choice, and above all provides a caring, nurturing environment allowing students to take risks. One concept that we felt was especially meaningful in the process was possibility of the use of the SEM model. The Schoolwide Enrichment Model provides enrichment to all students, and may then provide a more intensive program for selected students to do type 2 or type 3 projects. Teachers could teach/instruct in a subject area they are passionate about (such as gardening, or technology, or cooking) and teachers who did not want to do this could assist others. Use as a primary source, to make connections to students and to personalize the instruction. There is no cookie-cutter model for TAG. We can custom-create our program, using the ideas and concepts learned, as how they best apply to Enfield. Dr. Sally Reis once again committed her time and resources as we were able to talk with her throughout the week. At one point we mentioned possibly creating a miniConfratute for Enfield, with the rest of the committee and possibly others attending. Development of a philosophy for Enfields TAG program When we asked other Confratute members where to start, the answer was always to start with the philosophy for the program. What do we want to do here in Enfield? Sarah provided each committee member with numerous examples of different philosophies from different districts to review.

Our next meeting, which will be a day working session, will be to construct our philosophy. We will be holding this meeting at JFK on September 28, 2011 from 12:303:30 PM. Members were asked to review the documents and bring their ideas as to whats important for our students to this session.

Upcoming Meeting Dates: We came up with the following meeting dates for the committee. All meetings will be held at JFK. o Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 12:30-3:30 PM. o Wednesday, October 19, 2011 from 3:00-4:00 PM. (This date may change if a day is available. We have the following dates open for subs: 10/17/11, 10/28/11, and 10/31/11. The day would be from 12:30-3:30 PM.) o Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 3:00-4:00 PM. o Wednesday, December 7, 2011 from 3:00-4:00 PM. o Wednesday, January 11, 2012 from 3:00-4:00 PM. o Wednesday, February 8, 2012 from 3:00-4:00 PM. o Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 3:00-4:00 PM. o Wednesday, April 25, 2012 from 3:00-4:00 PM. o Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 3:00-4:00 PM.