Vanguard Gifted Academy August 2025 Newsletter
Newsletter Contents
Joining the Vanguard: My Commitment to Our Community
Our Community Spotlight: The Spirit of the Fox River Valley
The Academic Horizon: What We're Exploring This Year
Window on the World: Drawings from Angola
Understanding Giftedness: Smart but Scattered
Become a Vanguard Ambassador
Joining the Vanguard: My Commitment to Our Community
My journey in gifted education began over a decade ago with a true trial-by-fire. I was hired for a classroom full of gifted and high-achieving students on a Friday and was set to begin teaching that Monday. By Sunday evening, I had been contacted by at least one grown-up of each student in that class, each wanting to know exactly how I would meet their child's unique needs. It was overwhelming, and they were understandably unsure of me at first. But by focusing on the needs of not only the students but also their families, we built a community of trust that year. I am proud to say I am still in contact with some of those very first families.
Since then, I have coached teachers, designed gifted education plans, conducted screenings, and worked with students on their individual goals. My work extended to running a state gifted organization, helping organize a national conference, and showcasing gifted students at local, national, and international events.
The heart of my work has always been with the students themselves. Sometimes that means meeting a student at a coffee shop because their parents need a different voice to get through. Sometimes it's a late-night Zoom to help with a passion project, and sometimes, it's as simple as helping a student clean out their backpack to clear their mind. Before moving here, I had an "Office of Zen," a sanctuary with fidgets and zen gardens (including a farm-themed one!), where students and adults could visit, vent, and work through things together.
I am no stranger to the world of giftedness, and I hold one truth above all: if you have met one gifted individual, you have met one gifted individual. My goal is to apply everything I’ve learned to the wonderful setting of Vanguard Gifted Academy by leading with what author George Couros calls an "Innovator's Mindset." For our community, this means actively empowering learning by giving students agency and choice, unleashing talent by creating authentic opportunities for their unique gifts to flourish, and leading a culture of creativity where curiosity and new ideas are our most valued assets. I cannot wait to begin this journey with all of you.
Our Community Spotlight: The Spirit of the Fox River Valley
At Vanguard, we believe "community" is a series of expanding circles. It begins with our students and families, extends to the vibrant neighborhoods and cities we call home in the Fox River Valley, and ultimately connects us to our role as global citizens. This year, we are passionately committed to strengthening those connections and throwing our doors open wider than ever before.
One way we are doing this is by inviting the public to explore the world of STREAM alongside us. We are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting the Fox River Valley Math Circle, open to the community. A Math Circle is not a typical class; it's a lively, collaborative gathering where students and families can grapple with fascinating mathematical puzzles and problems, guided by an experienced mentor. The focus is on creative problem-solving, teamwork, and experiencing the pure joy of discovery.
In addition, our students will host Quarterly Showcases, where they will present to the community what they have been learning and exploring each quarter. We also have other exciting events planned for the year, including art contests and math festivals, so please stay tuned!
On a personal level, I have been thoroughly enjoying exploring our local towns and businesses. To formalize our commitment to the local economy, we are proud to be a member of the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. I have loved visiting the incredible libraries, the bustling farmers' markets, and unique cultural events like the recent Frida Kahlo festival. We are here to be a resource and support system for the needs of gifted students, their grown-ups, and their families throughout our area.
We are also incredibly proud to announce a new partnership that will directly benefit our students and our outreach efforts. We were just approved for a Jewel-Osco grant, which will provide significant funding for new technology in our school and help cover the costs of our new community outreach events. This wonderful partnership is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.
The Academic Horizon: What We're Exploring This Year
At Vanguard Gifted Academy, our curriculum is more than a list of subjects; it is a carefully designed journey guided by our mission to foster discovery, empowerment, and innovation. We believe that true learning happens when students see the connections between ideas, people, and events. Here is a look at the blueprint for our academic year and the incredible topics our students will explore.
The Vanguard Blueprint: How We Learn
Our educational model is built on a dynamic and integrated framework designed to meet the unique needs of gifted learners. We blend foundational skill-building in core subjects with the hands-on application of STREAM (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Students move between small group instruction, peer activities, and personalized practice, allowing them to investigate questions, solve problems, and create projects using a real-world design process. We are more than a school; we are a community. Dedicated time for whole-group activities, or Community Time, fosters collaboration, leadership, problem-solving, and a shared sense of responsibility. Our entire three-year curriculum cycle is woven together by four Big Ideas: Community, Systems, Change, and Power. These powerful concepts exist across all academic and social domains, helping students make valuable connections and understand the broader context of their learning—whether they are studying the power of a river in an ancient civilization or the systems that govern our modern world. We guide our students toward these deep insights with thought-provoking Essential Questions that fuel their curiosity.
Our Journey This Year: Exploring Through Time
This year, our students will travel through history, exploring the development of civilizations, ideas, and technologies.
For our Band 1 students, the theme is Foundations of Civilization and Community. They will dive into essential questions about how societies form and function, exploring units on The Cradle of Civilization where they'll journey to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to investigate the development of government, language, and the critical impact of the Nile River. They’ll even take a virtual reality tour of an archaeological dig! Another unit, The World Around Us, includes the age of dinosaurs and paleontology, the diverse lives and customs of Native American peoples across North America, and the symbols and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. Across these units, students will learn measurement strategies, graphing, and data analysis; they’ll write fractured fairy tales and develop characters through playwriting; and they’ll explore theme music, stringed instruments, and the art of ancient cultures.
For our Band 2 students, the theme is The Evolution of Ideas and Empires. They will tackle more complex systems and concepts, analyzing how power shifts and change occurs through units on The Dawn of Humanity and The Middle Ages, which covers archaeology, early human evolution, and the scientific processes of carbon dating, and then moves into Europe in the Middle Ages and the rise of Islamic ideas. Another unit on Eastern Dynasties and Empires will have students explore the vast history of Chinese dynasties, the economic power of the Silk Road, and the sweeping changes in Tsarist Russia under Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, integrating robotics and artificial intelligence. Finally, a unit on The American Experience will examine the War of 1812, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, and Reconstruction, where students will analyze literature for bias, study the science of chemical changes, and explore the power of famous speeches and Civil War-era photography. Advanced communication skills will be developed through the creation of blogs and podcasts.
This is just a snapshot of the rich, interconnected learning experiences planned for the year. We are incredibly excited to embark on this journey of discovery with our students, especially with the Jewel-Osco partnership supporting our journey!
Window on the World: Drawings from Angola
Did you know that mathematics can be found woven into the art and storytelling traditions of cultures around the world? In Angola, a fascinating example of this connection exists within the rich cultural heritage of the Cokwe people, who reside in the northeastern part of the country.
The Cokwe are renowned for their artistic expression, and one remarkable art form is known as sona (singular: lusona). These are not just any drawings; they are intricate geometric figures traditionally drawn in the sand as a form of visual storytelling, often illustrating tales, proverbs, and legends. In essence, sona served as a unique form of writing for the Cokwe people.
The creation of a lusona is a captivating process. After carefully smoothing the ground, the storyteller uses their fingertips to mark a grid of points in the sand. Typically employing the index and ring fingers of the right hand, they create rows and columns of these guide points. The magic then happens as the storyteller, with remarkable dexterity and memory, draws a continuous line that elegantly weaves through and around these points, creating symmetrical and often surprisingly complex designs.
You can begin to explore this beautiful tradition yourself! Just like the Cokwe storytellers use their fingers and sand, you can recreate these figures using graph paper and colored pencils. Try marking out a grid of points and then challenging yourself to connect them with a single, unbroken line to form a recognizable shape or pattern.
To see the creation of sona in action and learn more about their cultural significance, check out this video on YouTube.
The sona of Angola beautifully illustrate that mathematics is not confined to textbooks and classrooms. It is a universal language found in patterns, structures, and the creative expressions of people across the globe, connecting art, culture, and the power of logical thinking. We hope this glimpse into the mathematical art of the Cokwe people inspires you to see the world around you with a new appreciation for the inherent connections between seemingly disparate subjects.
Understanding Giftedness: Smart but Scattered
For families of bright children who struggle with organization, focus, or follow-through, I highly recommend the book "Smart but Scattered" by Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare. It's an invaluable guide to understanding and strengthening Executive Functioning Skills—the brain's management system for planning, time management, and self-control. This book is about children aged 4 to 13 years old. There is also a book for the teenage years, if you are interested.
The book's most powerful feature is a set of checklists for both parents and children that help you pinpoint specific strengths and challenges. Based on the checklist results, "Smart but Scattered" offers practical, age-appropriate strategies to help your student build these crucial life skills, reducing household stress, and empowering them to manage their own success. It is an essential tool for any family navigating the "smart but scattered" paradox.
Become a Vanguard Ambassador
Our community's greatest strength is its voice. As grown-ups and partners, you have a firsthand perspective on the unique, empowering environment at Vanguard, and sharing your experience is the most powerful way to help other families find a place where their children can thrive. Here are two simple ways you can be a Vanguard Advocate today.
1. Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected with the day-to-day journey of discovery at our school. Following, liking, and sharing our posts helps extend our reach and showcase the incredible work our students are doing. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
2. Share Your Story with a Review
Your personal testimonial is an invaluable resource for families searching for the right educational fit. With Google phasing out its review feature for schools, your feedback on other platforms is more important than ever. Please consider taking a few moments to share your Vanguard experience on Facebook or Yelp.
Thank you for being such a vital part of our community and for helping us amplify the Vanguard voice.