Ottoson A.C.E. Parent Communication
Google+ no longer supports the site that was the Ottoson ACE Parents Group. I'll be looking for a new format to share occasional items of interest to the A.C.E. Community.
(some have activities for children and teens as well)
New England Conference for Talent Development and Gifted Education
www.megat.org/necgt-conference-information
National Association for Gifted Children
Annual Conferences for Parents and Teachers
www.nagc.og
Learning and the Brain Conference for PreK through University Educators, Parents and Clinicians
San Francisco, CA or virtually
www.learningandthebrain.com
Beyond IQ Boston
"A conference series for and about highly and profoundly gifted children."
www.giftedconferenceplanners.org
Ottoson Before or After-School Clubs
AM/PM Programs require an AM/PM card that costs $80.00 per term (financial aid available). Current classes can be found on the OMS homepage. Classes may include AM or PM Sports Activities, AM or PM Homework Club, Art Club, Chess Club, Digital Painting, Garden Club, LARP Workshop, Magic Cards Club, Ottoson News Network Filming and Video Editing, Anime Manga Club, Sustainability Club, Acapella Club, Show Choir, Speech and Debate, and Workout Club. Registration forms can be picked up in the office or Media Center. Form and payment should be given to Ms. Moisand in the Media Center.
After-school Ottoson programs that are free have included Math Club, Queer Straight Alliance, Science Fair Club, National History Day Club (a science-fair-type contest for history), Generation Citizens (devising solutions for current community issues), Latin Club, Spanish Club, Literary Magazine (runs Jan-June), Writing Center, Ottoson Cares About Prevention (OCAP; works to discourage smoking), Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Boys Chorus, Select Chorus, Ottoson Students' Advisory Council (OSAC), Robotic/Engineering Club, World of Difference, Performing Arts (annual Ottoson musical), and Yearbook Club.
Robbins Library Teen Programs
Virtual Teen Writers' Group
Arlington Regional Model United Nations & Civic Engagement Clubs (ARMUN)
Outside-of-school Model UN Club (grades 6-8) for middle school students. Students attend the National High School Model UN Conference in March. Participation in the club is 35.00; fees for participation in conferences are raised through fundraising. For further information: kimkayholt@gmail.com
Arlington Community Education
www.arlingtoncommunityed.org
Find "Teen Zone" under "Youth Programs" (also Vacation Fun and Summer Fun).
"Afternoon classes in babysitting, art, cooking, computer science, and more."
Arlington Recreation Department
Offerings change but recent courses for middle-school students have included babysitting, cross-country running, fencing, rock climbing, badmitton, yoga, and tennis. www.arlingtonma.gov, follow link to Recreation.
Fidelity House
"A non-profit community center..serving the needs of Arlington and surrounding communities for the past 58 years." www.fidelityhouse.org. 25 Medford St. Arlington MA 02474 Programs for grades 5-8 have included "Now UR Cooking," bowling, FIHO players (drama), volunteer club, pickle ball, after-school archery, gymnastics, cross country, flag football and basketball leagues. Fidelity also has open membership drop-in hours after school and on the weekends. One year membership is $50.00. Classes cost between $40-$80 for approximately 8 weeks.
Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Mass. General Hospital
DNAtrium
The Broad Institute, 7 Cambridge Center, Cambridge: free, interactive exhibits exploring insights into human biology and how they lead to treatments. Showcases the evolution of medicine. 2 North Grove St., Boston. www.massgeneral.org/museum/
MIT Science on Saturday
All of MIT's Science on Saturday programs are free and open to all elementary, middle and high school students and their parents. Parking and seating are limited, so it is recommended that you arrive early. Programs start at 10 AM in MIT's Kresge Auditorium, 48 Mass Ave, Cambridge. Sessions are held Nov, Dec, Feb and March. Topics have included Optics, Underwater Robotics, Physics, and Hands-on Engineering. www.edgerton.mit.edu/scienceonsaturday
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, open daily . Showcases technologies from the slide rule to expressive robots, as well as archives from Polaroid Corp. It's also home to the world's biggest collection of holograms.
Girls Day
for girls ages 10+ held for one day in March
mitmuseum.mit.edu/program/girls-day
MIT Educational Studies Program (ESP) for grades 7-12
https://esp.mit.edu/
“Splash” and “Spark”: one weekend (day classes only) of short courses and workshops facilitated by MIT students and MIT community members. Over 300 workshops are offered, with topics ranging from "Duct Tape Design," "Urban Orienteering," "Stage Fighting," "Chinese Brush Painting," to "Design and Analysis of Roller Coasters" and "The World of Harry Potter." Students may sign up for just one or multiple workshops. Many ACE students have enjoyed the experience, both because of the topics that are covered and for the new friendships they make with students from other Boston-area communities. Cost is $45.00 for either weekend. Specific class enrollment depends on a lottery system, so pre-registration is best. Visit the ESP site for more information and to view this year’s course offerings.
Splash (for students in 9th-12th grades) is always held the weekend before Thanksgiving on the MIT campus , with on-line registration opening mid-October.
Spark (for students in 7th or 8th grades) is held in March with registration opening mid-February.
High School Studies Program (HSSP) Spring and summer Saturday classes for students in grades 7-12. Students participate in a 6-8 week series of the same class.
BC Splash for High School Students
This is a high school program on a middle-school site, but fyi...
bcsplash.learningu.org
BC Splash concentrates on courses in the liberal arts, but also includes workshops in math, political science, and computer science. All classes and workshops are taught by BC graduate and undergraduate students. The program is “designed to instill a sense of excitement in students about academia and have fun doing it!” Parent workshops are available while teens attend their classes
Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up Games
There are pick-up Ultimate Frisbee games held every Sunday at the Arlington High School athletic field 10:30 AM and Magnolia Field 4 PM. All ages welcome. huck@lizardbrain.org
Improvado Engineering Challenges
improv.a.do.engineering@gmail.com
"Create Challenge": Elementary and Jr. High Division
"Communicate Challenge": Elementary and Jr. High Division
Collaborate Challenge: Jr. High Division Only
held at MIT
Boda Borg Boston
90 Pleasant St. Malden
www.bodaborg.com
"Each of our many quests offers challenging fun for your team of 3-5..." Minimum age of 7, you need at least 3 people and "strangers" are not added to your group. Definitely reserve in advance as the sessions often are sold out. A popular field trip destination for Ottoson 8th graders, and a very popular college student activity.
Puzzle Break Newton
www.puzzlebreakma.com
An "interactive, real-life escape-the-room game" that lasts one hour. "Teamwork and logic are essential in order to solve the challenging clues and puzzles..." Participants may sign up individually (in which case they will be placed with a group) or as a group. See the website for more details.
Arlington Center for the Arts
20 Academy St., Arlington
A fun and creative mix of arts classes for children, teens and adults, including February, April and summer camps. www.acarts.org
Grub St Young Writers Program
Grub St offers free creative writing workshops for teens 14-18 on Saturdays, 12-4 PM. It also offers teen writing camps that meet for six Fridays 4-6 PM. Scholarships available. Most classes are held at the Grub St. headquarters, Steinway Building, 162 Boylston St., 15th floor, Boston (very close to Boston Common). www.grubstreet.org
Latin Enrichment for Grades 5-8
Ascanius: The Youth Classics Institute
a website that introduces the Latin language and the culture of the ancient Romans. join the mailing list at www.ascaniusycl.org/salvete/boston
The Math Circle: On-line Program
A legendary program in the Cambridge community established in 1994 as enrichment classes for ages 5-17 that “give all students a chance to enjoy math through exciting topics that are normally outside the school curriculum. Its classes are cooperative rather than competitive, and while the courses are mathematically rigorous, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. We want our students to feel free to express their ideas, to suggest their own approaches, and to make mistakes.” Many ACE students over the years have participated in these classes and enjoyed them. The program was discontinued a few years ago, but has been re-established as an on-line community. For more information, visit www.themathcircle.com, or kaplan@math.harvard.edu.
Russian School of Mathematics
Quite rigorous after-school program held in various locations such as Winchester, Lexington, Newton and Wellesley. The school's teaching methodology is based on the theories of learning and teaching of Russion psychologist Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky. Mailing address is Russian School of Mathematics, 200 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459 RSM@russianschool.com
Girls’ Angle: A Math Club for Girls
A math club for girls 5th grade – 11th grade, part of “a supportive community for women and girls who study, use and create mathematics.” The club meets Thursdays from 3:45-5:45 on Magazine Street near Central Square in Cambridge. www.girlsangle.org
The Math Club
An after-school math organization in Lexington that prepares elementary and middle-school students for the Math Olympiad and the Applied Math Challenge. Classes meet for one hour per week, with the earliest time slot at 4 PM. 2018 cost is $445/term. www.TheMathClub.com
After-school Enrichment at Acera G/T school in Winchester
After-school hands-on enrichment programs in Science, Creativity, and Leadership open to students ages 7-15. Electronic Design, Science Lab for Kids, Woodworking, Robotic Friends. Located at 5 Lowell Ave, Winchester. www.acerasteamlab.org
Museum of Fine Arts Education Department
Weekend programs including teen studio art classes. Ages 12-18. www.mfa.org
Harvard University Extension School
Extension School courses are open to high school students who meet specific course prerequisites. In the summer, there is a two-week Pre-college Program for high school students to experience college life through participation in short term courses, dormitory life, and college-prep activities. There is also a summer Secondary School Program that allows students to enroll in one or two college courses, earning credit that can be transferred to a future college. Both programs are either residential or commuter, the Secondary School Program can be accessed on-line. Extension School courses have been opened to middle school students under special circumstances. www.extension.harvard.edu
Guard Up
Sword games, NERF Nights, weekly fencing, classes in in Burlington, for kids and adults. www.guardup.com
Arlington Soap Box Derby Association
Building, tuning, safety, and driving classes; cars available for club members; annual local race held in June. For teens 12-17. arlingtonsoapboxderby@gmail.com, or ttp://bit.ly/soapboxinfo
MetroRock Climbing Center
In Everett: afterschool and vacation classes. www.metrorock.com
Boston Fencing Club
Classes held in Brighton; includes introductory classes for teens. www.bostonfencingclub.org
Arlington Children's Theater
htpps://act.arlington.ma.us
An all-volunteer organization that aims to create positive theatrical experiences for children 7-18. The organization hires theater professionals to teach workshops and direct shows. Fees to participate as a cast member for a particular show are about $175, with financial aid available.
"Beyond IQ" On-line Classes
www.giftedconferenceplanners.org, click on "current course offerings" on the left
Beyond IQ meets the needs of highly and profoundly gifted children and adults. They offer an on-line class for teenagers and adults: "Scientific and Rational Thought: Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality."
For Future Inventors: Lemelson-MIT: website exploring the process of inventing and obtaining a patent; also includes some 'brain games." http://web.mit.edu/invent
For Young Women who Love to Write or Draw: New Moon magazine for girls ages 8-18: a “fully monitored website proven to build confidence and healthy on-line behavior,” publishes writing and artwork from ages 9-17 www.newmoon.com
For Aspiring Authors: Merlyn’s Pen: website that encourages teen writing through "tips and tools" for writers under the "succeed" tab, and encourages writing to be submitted for a variety of competitions www.merlynspen.org and New Pages: web site listing numerous options for teen writers to have their work published, as well as numerous creative writing contests. www.newpages.com/npguides/young_authors_guide.htm
For Those with Intellectual Curiosity: Khan Academy: “Learn almost anything for free.” Internet site with numerous videos exploring math, science, computer science, humanities, and test prep. www.khanacademy.org
For Aspiring Scientists: ASAP Science on You-Tube
Davidson Institute www.DavidsonGifted.org/DB
Numerous, up-to-date listings of “distance learning” options
Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth
CTY Online Distance Education Program www.cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline
Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY), Stanford University
On-line courses for elementary, middle and high school students http://epgy.stanford.edu
Institute for the Gifted: University of Missouri
High-school level courses for students in grades 4-8 www.cdis.Missouri.edu/MUHighSchool
IQ Assessment/WISC-IV or WISC V
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is the "standard" IQ test designed to measure intelligence and cognitive ability in children ages 6-16. The WISC-IV was published in 2003 and the WISC-V in 2014. The test is part of a traditional comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, but can be administered separately.
The Acera School in Winchester publishes a list of local psychologists who administer this evaluation for a fee. These names are copied from their website (found under "Acera/Admissions/WISC").
Cambridge Center for Neuropsychology and Learning
Integrated Center for Child Development (ICDD)
Children’s Neuropsychological Services, LLC (Andover)
Daniel Reinstein at Community Therapeutic Day School (Lexington)
Dr. Jeremy Devlin at www.cfpsych.org (Norwood)
Institute for Learning and Development, Lexington MA
Mary Coakley Welch, Lexington, MA
Dr. Anya Dashevsky, Lexington, MA, 339-970-0659
NESCA (Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents), 617-685-9800
ILD (Institute for Learning and Development), Lexington
Ellen Goldberg, Newton and Brookline, 617-734-0107
Anna C. Lombroso, M.Ed., Ph.D., Natick, 508-653-9211
Troy Carr at Behavioral Solutions in Lexington 781 676-0028 www.anthonyrao.com/clinicalpractice.html
Gail Grodzinsky in Lexington 781 860-7980 grodz@rcn.com
ICCD (Integrated Center for Child Development) www.iccdpartners.org.html
Boston Neuropsychological Associates www.bostonneuropsych.com/whyevaluate.html
Acera School, Winchester MA
An alternative school for gifted students, started in 2009 “by a group of parents and professionals who shared a vision for a school that would offer accelerated learners a runway to develop their unique talents. They envisioned a place where learning was based on ability, not age; a place where curiosity was encouraged; a place for boundless learning...” Currently the school includes Kindergarten through Grade 8. www.aceraschool.org
"We believe that schools should catalyze students’ passions, free their potential, and inspire a sense of purpose. We also believe it is the responsibility of schools and their communities to safeguard each student’s spirit, curiosity, and innate love of learning. At our K-8 STEM school, we are proving that this works. And through collaborations and partnerships, we are bringing this approach to other schools and communities."
Gifted Resource Center of New England
"Serves the needs of gifted children, adolescents, and their families. Clinical psychologists and educational services are offered in assessment, psychotherapy, school consultation, etc."
P.O. Box 40326, Providence, RI 02940-0326, 401-421-3426 http://www.grcne.com
Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth
The Diagnostic and Counseling Center (DCC)
DCC provides psycho-educational evaluations and/or consultations in their Baltimore office. The staff has expertise in clinical psychology, developmental and educational psychology, learning disabilities, gifted education, college planning/career exploration, and counseling. www.cty.jhu.edu/giftec/dcc
The Sage School, Foxboro MA
Pre-K-8th grade private school: “A day school dedicated to realizing the potential of gifted children.” www.sageschool.org
Odyssey Day School, Wakefield MA
An independent school for infants through Grade 8 emphasizing education for gifted children. www.odysseydayschool.org
located near 93 and 95/128: 11 Paul Avenue, Wakefield MA
Bard College at Simon’s Rock – The Early College
A small college of 400 students, all of whom enter after completing 10th or 11th grade in high school. Located in Great Barrington, MA (in the Berkshires). http://simons-rock.edu
Middlesex Community College Dual Enrollment Academy
Courses at Middlesex Community College in Bedford and Lowell are open to qualified high school students; the college will work with Arlington High School to allow students to earn college credit while meeting their high-school graduation requirements. Dual enrollment students pay reduced tuition costs. Arlington students enroll at the Bedford campus. www.middlesex.mass.edu/dualenroll or contact MCC's Academic, Career and Transfer Center 1-800-818-3434
Laurel Springs School: on-line
An accredited on-line private school for grades k-12, including a special "gifted and talented academy" for grades 6-12. https://laurelsprings.com
Mass. Association for Gifted Education (M.A.G.E.)
includes a social events calendar for parents and children, a MAGE Services Network that describes services for parents, students and universities, an "information" tab that includes lists of afterschool, summer and vacation enrichment programs, and Mass. legislative advocacy updates
National Association for Gifted Children
Publishers of Gifted Child Quarterly and Parenting for High Potential magazines , includes a library of research articles about gifted-talented issues, and sections for parent support and updates on their nationwide advocacy for the special educational needs of gifted-talented students www.nagc.org
Hoagies Gifted Education Page,
sponsored by ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center)
sections include Parents, "Gifted 101," reading lists, "kids and teens", gifted on-line communities, and lists of products and apps popular with gifted children and teenagers.
Davidson Institute for Talent Development for Profoundly Gifted Children
Davidson Academy:
School for Profoundly Gifted Students – Attend the day school in Reno, Nevada or attend online from anywhere in the U.S. Offering advanced educational opportunities designed to serve the needs, interests and goals of profoundly gifted students.
The website also includes a database of articles about giftedness and gifted education.
Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children
SENG’s mission is to empower families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals: intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
SENG offers on-line groups aimed at supporting the needs of gifted individuals and families, webinars to educate teachers, counselors and parents about the needs of gifted children, and an on-line SENG Store offers a variety of resources.
Includes 2e: Twice-Exceptional Newsletter, a bi-monthly print and electronic publication focusing on those who have both high abilities and are learning disabled in some way; written for parents, educators, etc.
National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT)
University of Connecticut (sponsored by US Dept. of Education) 362 Fairfield Road, U-7, Storrs, CT 06269 www.gifted.uconn.edu
The Gifted Development Center www.gifteddevelopment.com
GT World, an on-line support community www.gtworld.org
AEGUS: Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving Students www.aegus1.org (contact person lives in Burlington, MA)
The Gifted Kids’ Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook by Judy Galbraith and Jim Delisle: “Written with help from hundreds of gifted teenagers, this is the ultimate guide to surviving and thriving in a world that doesn’t always value, support or understand high-ability.” (copy in the Ottoson A.C.E. room)
The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids by Sally Yahnke Walker: “How to understand, live with, and stick up for your gifted child.” (copy in the Ottoson A.C.E. room)
Bright, Talented & Black: A Guide for Families of African American Gifted Learners by Joy Lawson Davis:
"provides essential information about the parenting and education of Black gifted children." (copy available in the Ottoson A.C.E. room)
See Jane Win for Girls: A Smart Girl’s Guide to Success by Sylvia Rimm: advice for young women based on surveys of over 1000 successful women. (copy available in the Ottoson A.C.E. room)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted a SENG organization e-book that is composed of 30 of the most popular essays from their website (which focuses on the social and emotional needs of the gifted). Available now from Amazon (Kindle) and coming to Barnes and Nobles (Nook).
Some of My Best Friends are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers from Preschool to High School by Judith W. Halsted (copy available in the Ottoson Library) “The author describes how to use books as bibliotherapy to provide support, guidance, intellectual and emotional growth, and insight for bright children. Sections include characteristics of gifted learners, reading needs of gifted children, summaries of nearly 300 books for children K-12, etc.”
Great Books for Boys by K. Odean : compilation of books that cover “a range of emotions and experiences, from adventure to peaceful daydreaming.”
Great Books for Girls by K. Odean; reveiws of books that emphasize strong female characters
“Outstanding Books for the College-Bound” and other reading lists compiled by the American Library Association:. www.ala.org
American Association for the Advancement of Science: www.sbfonline.com
St. John’s College List of Program Readings: www.sjca.edu/college/readlist.phtml
"Parenting for High Potential," National Association for Gifted Children www.nacg.org
" Gifted Child Quarterly" National Association for Gifted Children www.nagc.org
Make
Web page, newsletter, and on-line workshops devoted to inventions and innovative construction projects, with a section for kids www.makezine.com
Science News
Weekly newsmagazine covering current issues and breakthroughs in all areas of science www.sciencenews.org
Cricket Media
print or digital subscriptions for ages 9-14. Order any of these through Cricket, https://shop.cricketmedia.com
Muse: variety of topics in science, history and the arts
Cobblestone: American history
Faces: multiculturalism/the world today
Dig: history and archeology
Cricket: poetry, stories, art
Prufrock Press
includes parenting resources, children's and YA fiction, toys with a gifted/talented focus
Hoagies Gifted Education Page, sponsored by ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) www.hoagiesgifted.org
includes lists of products and apps popular with gifted children and teenagers.
Massachusetts Association for Gifted Education
Annual Conference for parents and teachers held in late March or April of each year,
BU Academy, Boston
more information will be posted in the coming months
www. mass.gifted.org