North Texas Giving Day was a SAGE Success

11/1/2026 12:00 am

THANK YOU!

Together, our community raised $3,360 during this year’s North Texas Giving Day, and we thank each donor for being part of this annual opportunity to support GC-SAGE. These funds enable our non-profit to continue offering programs for our member families and to support our amazing educators through grants and appreciation efforts.

If you were unable to give on NTGD, there are always additional chances to give back to SAGE via upcoming fundraisers and also by providing the gift of time by offering to help with an event, voting on awards we present throughout the year, or by tossing your name in the hat to be on the SAGE Board or by representing your campus.

Reach out to SAGE via info@gc-sage.org for more information on how to connect.

N TX Giving Day 2026

The Gifted Guru Parent Presentation

10/21/2026 1:14 pm

Supporting Your Gifted Learner at Home

On October 20, GC-SAGE welcomed Lisa Van Gemert, M.Ed., the Gifted Guru, to the GCISD PDEC for a parent program on executive functioning. Lisa shared ways families can help gifted learners plan, manage their time and materials, decide what to do first, and follow through.

Throughout the evening, Lisa returned to an example many families recognized: a completed assignment that never made it out of the backpack. She encouraged parents to ask, “What are the executive functioning skills this situation is demanding?” A student who forgets the assignment is in the backpack needs different support from a student who is unsure where to turn it in. Lisa suggested focusing on one recurring frustration at home and asking the child’s teacher whether they see a similar pattern at school.

Lisa showed parents an assignment plan that guides students through estimating how long the work will take, gathering materials, checking their work, and turning it in. She also suggested showing children a picture of what a finished task looks like. A photo of a backpack packed for the next day, for example, gives a child something to check on their own.

The presentation also covered how parents can gradually hand over a routine. Lisa walked through four steps. First, the parent models the task. Then the parent and child do it together. Next, the child takes the lead while the parent watches. When the child is ready, they do it independently. Lisa suggested practicing with a familiar task so the child can focus on the routine. If frustration builds, families can talk through what happened once everyone has had time to settle down.

Resources for parents

Support and activities for gifted families. Lisa’s guide includes parent webinars from SENG and activities children can do at home from Mensa for Kids. Resources for Parents
Talking about giftedness and working with your child’s school. Lisa’s articles offer ideas for talking with children about being gifted and for approaching the school when their needs aren’t being met. Parenting articles
Helping children manage perfectionism. Lisa shares strategies for children who get stuck redoing their work or hesitate to try something they might get wrong. Overcoming Perfectionism

Lisa Van Gemert speaking at the October 20 GC-SAGE program

Slide asking what executive functioning skills a situation demands

Slide listing seven executive functioning skills

Dr. Adams Meet & Greet

10/3/2026 3:04 pm

On September 29, GC-SAGE had the opportunity to meet Dr. Adams and hear about the experiences that shaped his approach to education. We appreciated the chance to share what gifted education looks like in GCISD from a family perspective, including what’s working well and where gifted learners could use more support.

Thank you, Dr. Adams, for taking the time to listen and get to know our GC-SAGE community. We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together to help gifted learners across GCISD stay challenged and engaged.

2026-27 Executive Board, Welcome to our new leadership

6/19/2026 10:19 am

New officers announced! SAGE is excited to share our new officers with you, and will be updating more as additional roles are filled.

Elected 2026-2027 Executive Board

Role	Nominee
President	Kimberly Phoenix
Treasurer	Ali Stiles
Secretary	Scott Bulmahn
VP Programs	Rachell Burris
VP Membership	Lacey Hammonds Orlikowski

Immediate Past President Carrie Mamantov*

Nominating Committee Shares Slate for 2026-27 SAGE Board

4/25/2026 3:13 pm

Your voice matters! We invite all members to join us for an upcoming Zoom meeting to officially vote on this new board. Our Nominating Committee has selected a group of dedicated individuals ready to serve our gifted and talented community.

Proposed 2026-2027 Executive Board Slate

Role	Nominee
President	Becca Garrett
Treasurer	Ali Stiles
Secretary	Scott Bulmahn
VP Programs	Rachell Burris
VP Membership	Lacey Hammonds Orlikowski
President Elect	Vacant

Immediate Past President Carrie Mamantov*

Join Our Upcoming Zoom Election

Your voice matters! We invite all members to join us for an upcoming Zoom meeting to officially vote on this new board. This meeting provides the opportunity for our membership to approve the leadership that will guide our organization through the next year.

Meeting Details:

Date: June 1, 2026
Time: 7PM
Location: Google Meeting / Zoom (Link to follow in a separate calendar invite)

🚀 GCISD DECATS 2026: REGISTRATION IS LIVE!

3/16/2026 11:00 am

Unlock a Summer of Innovation at Glenhope Elementary

Registration is officially open for Year 2 of DECATS! This program is designed specifically for current GCISD GT students (Grades 2-6) to explore everything from Lego Robotics and Hogwarts to Coding and Culinary Kids.

Tue March 31: GC-SAGE Conversation with the Candidates

2/10/2026 9:20 am

Why Your Attendance Matters

Decisions made by the Board of Trustees directly impact the funding, staffing, and structure of the programs your children rely on. SAGE advocates to maintain quality and resilient Advanced Academics programs—your voice and your vote are always important to ensure District leadership understands the variety of lived experiences coming directly from the community.

When: March 31

Where: Cross Timbers Middle School (CTMS)

Time: 6PM-8PM

Baylor TIP Summer 2026 Class Opportunity

2/7/2026 10:32 am

GHS's Hunter Corb will be teaching two classes this summer through Baylor Tip:

Looking for fun and challenging learning opportunities this summer for your 8th-12th grader?

Sign up now to save a spot for the overnight camp at Baylor in Waco.

Celebrating 15 Years of SAGE!

2/1/2026 8:42 pm

Show your love for SAGE celebrating 15 years of Supporting and Advocating for Gifted Education in GCISD.

Join SAGE at Talking Animals Books Tuesday, Feb 10, between 6:00-7:30.

Giving feedback in the Math Curriculum Selection, Jan 2026

1/19/2026 3:06 pm

This adoption is not just about choosing a textbook; it is about selecting an instructional ecosystem. This is a great opportunity for families to review and give input.

How to Give Feedback to District

Download & Review: Use the Instructional Materials Links to review each of the vendor programs.
Attend: Review the guide before attending one of the TWO Open Sessions
Submit: Complete the Official Feedback Rubric. Your comments are the only way to create an official record that our community demands more than just "meeting the standard."