VISION
April 2020
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Message from the Director: New Normal, Unchanged MissionMany who are reading this message will have finished their day as a first responder, an essential worker, or a dedicated teacher who is adjusting to online teaching while taking care of young children. Your commitment to the health and well-being of your communities inspires us and we are grateful. As we adjust to the new normal of life during a pandemic and alter our behaviors and attitudes to do our part to flatten the curve, we focus on what has not changed. More... |
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Summer 2020 Student Programs UpdateAfter considering guidelines for social distancing, whether families and staff would be able to safely travel and stay on campus, and the protection and wellbeing of minors on campus during a pandemic, we made the difficult decision to cancel much of our summer programming. More... |
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How Can We Help?In these unprecedented times, we want to hear from you about how we can best support the needs of your bright and twice-exceptional students. Let us know your thoughts with this brief survey. More... |
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A 19th-Century Idea Meets 21st-Century TechnologyFor several years, the Belin-Blank Chautauqua has mirrored the eponymous adult-education movement that was so popular in the late 1800s – early 1900s. Classes have brought teachers together for an accelerated learning experience, as well as time to interact with one another. More... |
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Social and Emotional Support for Gifted Learners During COVID-19Throughout the world, people are experiencing anxiety about the COVID-19 outbreak. Our thanks to Wendy Behrens, Gifted and Talented Education Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education, for sharing these resources for supporting gifted children. More... |
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Teachers: A Time for LearningProfessional learning opportunities are going to continue this summer, providing educators with more possibilities to understand the unique needs of gifted learners. More... |
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Suddenly Homeschooling: Resources for Parents of Gifted ChildrenSuddenly, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are navigating new territory–teaching their children at home while also trying to work from home and maintain some semblance of normal family life. Here are a few resources that might be helpful to your and your gifted child during this time. More... |
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Taking Care of Yourself While Reaching Out to OthersIn addition to having questions about supporting gifted students' needs during the challenges of the pandemic and recommendations for self isolation, teachers need an opportunity to strengthen their own commitment to personal routines for self care. This free webinar in partnership with ITAG can help. More... |
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2020 Iowa Junior Science and Humanities SymposiumThe Iowa Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), hosted by the Belin-Blank Center every March, is the premier high school science competition in Iowa. We are proud to share this year's Iowa finalists. Head over to our photo album to see their impressive work! |
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We Have a (National) Winner!Speaking of JSHS, congratulations to Pooja Kasiviswanathan, from Ames High School, for winning first place at Nationals...twice! Pooja's win marks the fourth consecutive year that an Iowa JSHS student brought home a national prize. More... |
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Trying to Make Decisions about School Placement or Acceleration for Next Year?We might be able to help! Above-level testing is a useful tool for gathering data needed for decisions such as: Does my student need additional challenge in a particular subject? Is my child ready to skip a grade? More... |
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2020 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards CelebrationThe Belin-Blank Center is proud to serve as the Iowa and Midwest Region-at-Large Affiliate for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program. Last month, we celebrated the 2020 award winners in Iowa City. Check out the photos! |
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2020 Invent Iowa State Invention ConventionCongratulations to the inventors and finalists of the 2020 Invent Iowa State Invention Convention! This year's Invention Convention went virtual with the Invent Iowa 2020 Award Tour! Fly through the sky to each winning inventor's school with our Google Earth tour, and don't forget to stop at the keynote presentation! |
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The Henry Ford Presents Kid Inventor Quill OrthThe Henry Ford features a kid inventor who has made a particular impact. Last week, they featured a 2018 Invent Iowa winner! Check out Quill Orth (Lewis Central CSD), inventor of the Hot Spot Chicken Insulating Cream, which prevents frostbite on chickens’ combs. Quill went on to compete at the 2018 National Invention Convention, where he won the 3M Innovative Materials Award for his invention. More... |
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Want to Support a Student?We know that times are hard for many students and their families right now. We are grateful that the Iowa way is to support each other. If you are able and would like to help gifted and twice-exceptional students have their unique needs met, please consider donating here. More... |
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preference. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, (319) 335-0705 (voice) and (319) 335-0697 (text), 202 Jessup Hall, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316.