Educational Options Newsletter
November, 2006

The mission of this newsletter is to bring you information about educational and social opportunities, links to useful websites, and timely research and articles for and about gifted individuals. Educational Options is always happy to hear from you about new opportunities and information.

In this issue:

1. Family Events
2. Contest Opportunities
3. Books on Misdiagnoses
4. THINK Summer Institute 2007
5. Keeping up with Dr. Ruf

We want to take a moment to THANK YOU!

To all our clients who have recommended Dr. Ruf to their friends and neighbors for assessments, we thank you.
The core of our business is based on referrals, and we appreciate your confidence.

Family Events

We just discovered that Target Corporation is sponsoring family events across the nation. In Minnesota, for instance, they are sponsoring a number of free family events on Sundays with the Minnesota Orchestra. These include A Spirit for the Holidays on December 3, American Salute on January 28, and Peter and the Wolf on March 11. Besides orchestral events, there are opportunities to see plays, touring exhibitions, concerts in the park or family outings at museums. With Target sponsorships, these events are either free or reduced in price. Go to Target, click on “Ongoing Happenings” or “View All Happenings,” then enter the name of your state.

In addition, some Barnes & Noble bookstores are sponsoring special events that are open to the community. Besides readings, some stores have game nights that could feature chess, Scrabble or other games. For instance, the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble offers “Friday Night Chess.” Check out your local store to see what they offer, or visit Barnes & Noble, click on “Find an Event,” and enter your city, state or zip code, for a list of all events in your area.

Contest Opportunities

In celebrating its 25th year of meeting the needs of gifted students, their parents and educators, the Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University is inviting students across the nation to help educate others about the needs of children who are gifted and talented.

There will be four divisions: grades 4-6; middle school; high school; and college. Contestants may enter both the video and illustrated slogan categories. First, second, and third place winners in each division will receive a savings bond for $250, $100, and $50, respectively, for individuals. If prize winners are part of a team, the team will receive, in lieu of a savings bond, a cash award to be divided among team members.

All entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2007. For more information about the contest and to download the complete rules and entry form, visit WKU, click on “What’s New” in the left column, then click on “Think Out Loud/public relations contest.” You may also telephone The Center for Gifted Studies at 270-745-6323.

Books on Misdiagnoses

A book about misdiagnosing children has recently come to our attention, The Mislabeled Child: How Understanding Your Child's Unique Learning Style Can Open the Door to Success by Brock Eide and Fernette Eide. Although we have not had a chance to read this yet ourselves, it is getting some national attention. In-depth case histories may connect with parents who have lived through the same things. The book is aimed at parents, teachers and child-care professionals, although a number of reviewers are calling the book “academic.” This is available by clicking here, or at Amazon.

Because many of our clients come to us after their children have been diagnosed with learning disabilities (ADD/ADHD being the classic example), we also often recommend the book Misdiagnosis And Dual Diagnoses Of Gifted Children And Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger's, Depression, And Other Disorders, by James T. Webb, et al., available at Great Potential Press or at Amazon.

THINK Summer Institute 2007

The Davidson Institute for Talent Development is seeking profoundly gifted students, ages 12 through 15, who are interested in attending the 2007 THINK Summer Institute, a three-week residential summer program on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno where students can earn up to seven college credits. The 2007 THINK Summer Institute will run from July 14 through August 4. Tuition is $2,700 and covers course credits, room and board, and the cost of planned programs and activities. Financial assistance is available based on need.

To qualify, students must be 12 to 15 years old during THINK, and must meet or exceed designated SAT or ACT scores. The deadline for early acceptance is January 16, 2007.

Download Application...

Keeping up with Deborah Ruf

In the news . . . Star Tribune, Minneapolis

Appearances - Littleton, Colorado, 11/27/06

Newsletter Archives

Sign up to Receive Email Newsletters

Deborah Ruf’s book, “Losing Our Minds: Gifted Children Left Behind,”
is available through Great Potential Press or Amazon.com.

To subscribe to this newsletter, fill out the form at Contact Us