“Keeping the Light in Their Eyes” is the goal of a presentation to be made by Robin Schader, Ph.D., an expert from the Neag Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at the University of Connecticut, on Monday June 20, 2005 starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Garden City Library, lower level. Offered by Garden City AGATE as a service to the community. This event is open to all parents and teachers who are interested in the special issues and challenges in parenting bright children.

Dr. Schader is currently affiliated with the Neag Center for gifted Education and Talent Development at the University of Connecticut, a nationally recognized leader in the field of gifted education and advocacy, and she received her doctoral degree there as well. Her work and research focuses on talent development, especially with respect to the parents’ roles. Dr. Schader also serves as the parent resource specialist for the National Association for Gifted Children. She has additionally had the opportunity to put her education into practice as the mother of three, now grown, gifted children.

Among the topics Dr. Schader will discuss on June 20 are encouraging interest areas to motivate your children; providing children with a firm foundation for success as lifelong learners, based on what research has shown; and how parents, teachers and the community can educate and encourage high ability students.

This morning session is a unique opportunity for parents in the community to meet with an expert in the field, obtain information, ask questions and find additional ways to nurture the talents of their children. Garden City AGATE encourages all interested parents to attend this event.

Garden City AGATE is a non-profit organization that is a chapter of the statewide AGATE organization. AGATE members will be able to renew their memberships for the 2005-2006 school year at the meeting and applications for new members will be available. Membership dues are $15. Applications will also be available for membership in the statewide organization, which includes a subscription to the official quarterly publication “Gems of AGATE”. Any inquiries about membership in AGATE or about the upcoming meeting can be directed to Laura Bauer at 746-7115.