Parent Resources

• Opportunities to Become Involved in Your Child's Education!

• Badger Precollege classes offer extensions for your students online and in the summer in person enrollment is open for 1-4 graders through January 23rd. Class sizes are small and fill quickly https://precollege.wisc.edu/classes/?topics=Badger+Summer+Scholars+Junior 

• Parent University - Advanced Learning 101 is offered to allow parents of gifted students to network with other parents. The next meeting is November 9th, 2022 from 6:30-7:30 at Eagle School, 5454 Gunflint Trl., Madison 

The Portage Community School District (PCSD) Advanced Learner program is always looking for parents or adults that would like to become more involved in students' learning. Portage would like to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to critically think, problem solve and collaborate.  Listed below are a few of the projects we would like to offer students, but an adult coach (or coaches) are needed.   Interested, or know someone who is?    Contact  Erika Sween at Muir Elementary.

1. Building and programming LEGO robots!  Students learn about simple machines, building a story, and programming to make their "bots" move and accomplish tasks

2. Odyssey of the Mind,  Destination Imagination, & Problem Solving Club.  These opportunities have a team of students choosing a problem to solve which may involve building or performing  in a regional competition.

3. The Wisconsin Association for Gifted and Talented holds an excellent conference every year for parents and educators.  This event is normally held at the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  Their next conference will be held at the Wilderness Resort October 9 & 10, 2023. There is a special session for parents on October 8. You can register by clicking on the link.

4. There are always groups of Advanced Learners who would love an opportunity to get together and work on a Special Project.  The possibilities are endless.  Looking to volunteer a bit of time?  Materials and kids provided!  

• • • All volunteers must fill out an Application Form every year.  It can take up to a week to process so be sure to complete it ahead of when you plan to start.  Thank you! 

KUDOS and THANKS to this year's Volunteers!

• Most of our events and projects  need adult volunteers to lead, assist, and chaperone. The students certainly  appreciate all the guidance and coordination that goes into making these events happen!  

MANY Thanks to:

• Kathryn Essex, Stephanie Clements, Kevin Brown, Joy Zajda,  Rich Jacobson, Joan Jacobson, Kathy Tofson, Jen Martens, Emily Janes, Ciera Adams, Mary Kaluzny, Amy Eppinger, Nikki Schoenborn, Teresa Paulson, Terri Amend, Karissa Jahn, Fritz Hammer, Megan Altmann, Cindi Edwards, Susan Gorsuch, Genny Petrulis, Elizabeth Martens, Jenny Karpelenia, Kaitlyn Maratek, Tyler Carl, Megan Pilecky, Amanda Semrad, Ruth Kopecky, Fred Ferch, & Dave Ferch.