OFF TOPIC - for a teacher or three

Are you talking about the one affiliated with Johns Hopkins? Something is triggering a memory but for the life of me I can't think of who told me about it. I'll keep trying.

That's it...

Now mind you, I am in a TIZZY. Can't even knit I'm so wound up. Making some calming herbal tea to see if that helps.

I hope the tea helped and you're feeling calmer.

I think I remember that the Center was one of the many programs my neice participated in when she was in school. All I can say about it is that she grew up to be one of the two highest scoring kids in the state of New Jersey when she graduated high school, got a full scholarship to the Physics Program at MIT, graduated with honors and now lives happily in Colorado Springs with a computer geek husband, a son and two stunning dogs.

She would definitely be a good role model for any kid.

Lucille

Now I'm just really really tired.

I think tomorrow I'll call the guidance office at her school and get the scoop. She seems a tad young for what I see on the website.

Try or

It's a well respected program, but whether it's worth it really depends on your situation. Is she in need of extra academic opportunities or enrichment activities? In general, a child who would end up being recognized by this program will also end up with other academic achievements such that I don't think CYT participation is necessarily a knockout on a college application, but if the programs interest her, it may be worth the effort. It hasn't risen to that level for us--too many other things going on, and the kids have been plenty challenged with more local opportunities.

Best wishes, Ericka

I remember some years ago GS Mike took the SAT in 7th grade, as part of a JHU study. DD Marcella got her Masters from them, so the alumni get called on for various studies. Years back the entire family, myself included, were part of a study on OCD, and was it hereditary. I got a long letter from them telling me I was "normal"...and just last week got some type of final report from them.

Gill

I'm well aware of it, being both a Baltimore resident and a JHU alum. Some of my friends have sent their kids, even from far away. One good friend (classmate) whose kid participated in many of these did eventually go to Hopkins, as both her parents did, but I don't think she fared any better than any other bright Hopkins kid who hadn't had that particular "advantage."

My take on it: It's awfully expensive, and while it may give a kid a "leg up" in some things, I suspect it all comes out in the wash eventually, unless a kid is *SO* bright and *SO* out-of-step with peers that it's basically essential to their well being. As Ericka said, if you're in the middle of nowhere with no other enrichment opportunities, then it really would have value.

For your run-of-the-mill, well-adjusted bright kid, it's more bragging rights than much else. Yes, it's enrichment, but so is art camp/hockey camp/music camp! Unless you child just *loves, loves, loves* advanced academics, spend the money on something *fun*.

Just my two cents.

Sue

Well, at this point, I'm still wondering why they have her name. Yes, like all Mom's, I think she's brilliant. But reality is that while she is a A/B+ student, I don't think last year's teacher would have nominated her for any honors. ( DD was bored and the teacher didn't seem to care.) If it just test score (Iowa/NECAP) driven, my attitude is that those are normed too low to be truly useful for "gifted and talented" identification.

Thanks for the input Erika. Yes, I think school is too easy for her but I don't want to be mom and teacher more than I am already. I'd be curious what they could actually be offering a 10 year old/fifth grader other than a dot for the prep schools to look at in a few years.

Oh, I don't think it's *that* big a deal for them to have her name. They send the stuff home with all the GT kids here, and anyone can apply.

They do have some cool programs and camps. Of course, that involves money and time ;-) It is a well respected and well run program.

Best wishes, Ericka

Gill, you didn't finish! *Is* OCD hereditary???

Cheryl,

Erick was a nominee and went to 3 different sessions. Call me and I can give you first hand experience. Bobbie V.

(who let he take logic when he was 13 yrs old at Skidmore College at age

1. Like who needs a teenage that can argue!!!!! LOL)

Cheryl,

Erick was a nominee and went to 3 different sessions. Call me and I can give you first hand experience. Bobbie V.

(who let he take logic when he was 13 yrs old at Skidmore College at age

1. Like who needs a teenage that can argue!!!!! LOL)

Yes - but Erick was 13 and DD is 10.

I am seriously considering asking if she wants to take the test. Don't think the away courses would be an option for a few years.

Cheryl

Sounds great for a teenager, but a 10 year old???

Cheryl

Good Morning,

I was out to dinner with some teacher friends last night and asked them. One friend's granddaughter, who is going on 13, does a couple of courses with them on the computer.

Lucille

Do consider that they have away programs as close as South Hadley, MA.

Elizabeth

Yep. They have stuff starting significantly younger than that.

Best wishes, Ericka

That was my next thought. I was sure that she was not old enough yet. The Program had a lot of scholarships available for girls interested in math and the sciences. The program for pre middle schoolers is only several years old. I personally would tell you to encourage Elise to enjoy being a child and consider waiting. If the potential is there, she'll be asked again.

Want to go to Van Otis for lunch today. I have a few coupons. Bobbie V.