Bloomington Public Schools Parent Group ~ SENG
New Year News for Parents!
Two Bloomington Public Schools departments are teaming up to offer a guided discussion group
for families of bright/gifted/talented children. The Office of Educational Equity and the
Department of Gifted and Talented Services invite you to register for this 8-week
workshop.
Join us for guided discussion about the social and emotional needs of bright, gifted, and
talented children and how to parent to meet those needs. Learn why bright kids are
different. Understand how to best communicate with, motivate, discipline, etc., your talented
child. Share your successes and concerns in a safe and confidential environment.
February 5th– Identification and Characteristics of Gifted Children
February 12th– Communication
February 19th– Motivation and Underachievement
February 26th– Discipline and Self-Management
March 5th – Perfectionism and Idealism
March 12th – Stress and Depression
March 19th– Friends, Peers and Siblings
April 2nd – Challenging Customs and Parent Relationships
This is open to all families on a first-come basis until the group is full. Your child does not need
to be formally identified as gifted or enrolled in a gifted program.
Location: Oak Grove Middle School
Time: 6:30 to 8:00pm.
Discussion facilitators: Carol Malueg and Katherine Geary
Fee: $40 per family—covers all sessions. Scholarships are available upon request
Additional Services: Free child care, parenting books for loan, Spanish translation available
The topics and facilitated discussion format are based on the SENG (Supporting Emotional
Needs of the Gifted) model of parent support groups. For more information on the SENG
model, visit www.sengifted.org.
The weekly discussions will be based on chapters from A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, by
James Webb, et. al. This book is available for loan to each registered family through
the Office of Educational Equity.
Families may sign up at registration for free child care, offered by the Galaxy program at Oak
Grove Middle School.
Refreshments will be provided!
2012-2013 Bloomington Public Schools Parent Group
Please return this registration form, call, or send an email to:
Office of Educational Equity
1350 W 106th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431
Contact: Carol Malueg
Email: carol_malueg@yahoo.com
Phone: 612-801-3230
Registration Form for Parent Discussion Group
Name(s):____________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
Phone:__________________
Email Address:_______________________________________________________
(Fees are waived for families that qualify for free or reduced lunch, and for those requesting a
scholarship)
Are you requesting that we waive the fee? Yes___ No___
Total money enclosed: $________ Cash___ Check#_____ (Payment may be made at the first session)
Would you like to enroll your child(ren) in the free child-care offered by the Galaxy program?
Yes___ No___ (if yes, please complete and return bottom portion of page with your registration.)
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Registration for Child Care
Child(ren)’s Name(s)___________________________________________________
Ages______________________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian Name (s)______________________________________________
Food allergies (snacks will be provided) ______________________________________
I understand that my child will participate in the activities provided by the Galaxy staff, or may work on
homework, and will be offered a snack. Any allergies listed will be taken into account and discussed with
me, the parent/guardian. I understand that the Galaxy staff is here to provide these services because I
have signed my child(ren) up for childcare, and I will call 952-681-6420 at least 24 hours in advance if
these services will not be needed.
Parent/Guardian Signature_______________________________________________
Registration Checklist
2012-2013 Bloomington Public Schools Parent Group

Please provide names for all adults in your family (parents/guardians, grandparents,
aunts, uncles, etc.) who may attend. You may take turns, or come together for no
additional fee.

Send this email to a friend! This is a great time to learn together, and from each other!

No explanations are necessary for a waived fee.

If you have signed your child(ren) up for the free childcare, please be sure to bring them
along. Our wonderful Galaxy staff stays late just for us! Call 952-681-6420 as far in
advance as possible if you will not be bringing your child on one of the dates you signed
up for.

Please let your facilitator know if you will not be attending a session, so we don’t wait for
you.
FAQ

Q: What is a ‘guided discussion group?”
A: The facilitators guide the discussion so that everyone gets a chance to contribute, the
conversation stays on topic, and the meeting ends on time. This is not a lecture. The
participants share their questions, challenges, and experiences in an informal group
conversation about the challenges and joys of raising bright/gifted/talented children.

Q: Why is the Bloomington district offering this?
A: The Office of Educational Equity and the Department of Gifted Services understand
that it ‘takes a village’ to raise a child. This is a great way of helping families form a
support group based on similar parenting challenges and joys. Families can share ideas
and advice on a variety of issues.

Q: Why is this just for bright, gifted, or talented? Why not for everyone?
A: Bright, gifted, and/or talented children have unique characteristics and needs.
Families are not always comfortable sharing stories of a gifted child’s abilities or
achievement with people who may think the stories are far-fetched or bragging. This
parent discussion group provides a community of families who understand and share the
experience of raising a gifted child.

Q: How do I know my child is gifted and/or talented? Is this group for me?
A: Chances are that if you are reading this, your child has exhibited advanced ability or
achievement in one or more areas (this doesn’t have to be in academic areas—it can
mean leadership, creativity, or artistic talent.) If the topics listed for a Discussion Series
sound valuable to you, this group is for you!

Q: Is this about school?
A: No, not directly. This is about the social and emotional needs of gifted children and
their families, which does affect academic confidence and performance.