Preparing GT Learners for Growth and Resilience: An intro to gifted onboarding (for parents)

10/1/2025 12:00 am

As parents and educators of gifted learners, we know their unique way of thinking requires specialized support. But what exactly should that support look like? It may start with something as simple as setting clear expectations for students, and their families, about what their GT services will be and why they are designed to serve their learning needs with depth and complexity—not through just more work or higher test scores.

This December, SAGE has invited Andi McNair, the host of The A Meaningful Messpodcast, to expand our knowledge as parents so we can better understand the full meaning of being identified for gifted and talented services. Andi will be talking to us about Gifted Onboarding from the parent perspective.

The core of this idea is recognizing that since “They think so differently therefore they need to be served differently,” the services our kids receive need to be intentional. This framework isn’t necessarily about demanding more from the school; it’s about giving our children the tools they need to thrive long after graduation.

The podcast episode 101, “Why Gifted Onboarding Matters,” dives into the concept of Gifted Onboarding—an intentional process designed to equip our children with the clarity and resilience they need to thrive as they transition into high school and adulthood. (And gives us tools as parents to support them).

Here are a few key points to summarize this important topic and why SAGE encourages you to give the episode a listen:

Q&A: Understanding How Gifted Onboarding Gives Our Children Better Outcomes

1. What is “Gifted Onboarding” and why is it necessary?

Gifted Onboarding is an intentional and structured process designed to provide clarity to gifted learners and their families at the beginning of their specialized services. It’s necessary because many gifted students start programs with damaging misconceptions—believing giftedness means guaranteed success or perfection. Onboarding clarifies expectations and sets a foundation for growth and emotional health.

2. What are the “Three Rs” introduced in the episode, and what do they represent?

The Three Rs are the essential, long-term outcomes of effective gifted service:

• Reality: Helping learners understand the true nature of their giftedness, dispelling the myth that they should never struggle.
• Retention: Ensuring learners stay engaged and committed to the gifted program over time, which happens when the program’s purpose is clear.
• Resilience: Developing the student’s ability to cope with setbacks, recognizing that struggle and challenge are part of growth.

3. What are the four pillars of the “Gifted Onboarding Framework” for educators?

The framework is a guide for intentionally structuring gifted services, built upon four pillars:

1. Clarity: Helping learners and families understand what giftedness is, what it isn’t, and how it will be served.
2. Community: Creating a sense of belonging so learners feel seen and supported by peers and mentors.
3. Content: Being transparent about whatcontent will be offered, and explaining the “why” behind the meaningful learning experiences.
4. Challenge: Ensuring that learners experience productive struggle and are appropriately challenged—a key pillar for building resilience.

Listen Here: A Meaningful Mess: Episode 101: Why Gifted Onboarding Matters

4. What is the key misconception gifted learners often carry, and what is the classroom strategy to address it?

The key misconception is the belief that giftedness equals “A” honor roll and therefore they should never have to try hard.

The episode suggests that educators can host small-group discussions early in the year where gifted learners share their existing definitions of “gifted.” This allows educators to gently correct the misconception, introducing the idea that being gifted is not about being perfect, but about growth, challenge, and using unique strengths meaningfully.

5. How does the concept of challenge in gifted services differ from traditional coursework?

Gifted services should offer meaningful challenges—not just more work (busywork). The focus should be on creating opportunities for productive struggle that leads to genuine depth of understanding. This intentional challenge prepares learners with essential life-ready and social-emotional skills, fostering resilience, instead of just accelerating them through content faster.  

6. Should Gifted Onboarding be a one-time event, and why is community crucial?

No, Onboarding should be intentional and ongoing, not a one-time event. The needs and identity of gifted learners evolve throughout their school career. Community connections are crucial because they help students see their value beyond the classroom and remind them that they aren’t alone in their unique experiences and struggles. Creating a supportive environment is essential for allowing gifted learners to thrive.  

Want to dive deeper into this topic?

Tune in now to Episode 101 of A Meaningful Mess to hear more about this valuable concept.

The Gifted Onboarding Framework – can be found on Andi’s Blog

GT Identification Meeting for K-4 Parents

11/8/2025 4:00 pm

Open Info Session hosted by GCISD Advanced Academics team for any parents with questions. 

SAGE hosts Andi McNair for Parent Education Session, Dec 2, Lunch Included

11/8/2025 2:46 pm

Through a specialized framework, families gain practical insight into how to support gifted learners in building balance, purpose, and confidence—transforming potential into progress.

SAGE President Public Comment at October School Board Meeting

10/27/2025 8:44 pm

PRESIDENT OF SAGE SPEAKS AT THE OCTOBER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING, HERE'S THE FULL STATEMENT, INCLUDING THE PART THAT DID NOT GET SPOKEN, BECAUSE OF THE TIME LIMIT OF 60 SECONDS.

Community Questions and Updates for September 2025

9/16/2025 4:46 pm

The pending district changes have many SAGE members asking questions. In August, the GCISD community learned about the Education Master Planning Committee. SAGE Board members and GT families have been working diligently to get answers to the varied questions coming in from the GT community. We will add updates here, to centralize and keep pushing out information as we have it.

Get the full summary on the EMPC activities here.

Parent to Parent Panel ‘Sharing Insights’: Sept 30

9/1/2025 10:48 am

Join us for a free parent info session hosted by GC-SAGE

President Carrie Mamantov will moderate a panel of experienced parents who will share stories, strategies, and practical tips for raising and supporting gifted learners.

Topics will include:

• Navigating the GT Journey K-12
• Advocating for Your Child in the Classroom and in the State
• Supporting our GT & ASPIRE teachers
• Managing Anxiety and Perfectionism
• And more!

Who should come?

• Families of GT students
• Parents curious about tips for parenting GT learners
• Anyone who wants to learn from parents with decades of lived experience

Date: Tuesday, September 30

Location: Cross Timbers Middle School, Lecture Hall

Time: 6:30 PM

The event is free, but let us know you are coming here: https://tinyurl.com/SAGEPanel930

A Message to Our Families About Recent District Policy Changes 📢

8/28/2025 2:44 pm

HERE'S A SUMMARY OF THE UPDATES THE GCISD SCHOOL BOARD PASSED AUGUST 25, 2025

This new policy now requires that class rank be included on the transcripts of every student, not just those in the top 10%. We understand you may have questions, and we're here to explain what this means and why it's a concern for many in our community.

This change will first affect the Class of 2030. Many believe it could affect a student’s future college opportunities, especially when it comes to admissions and scholarship applications. Previously, the district only disclosed a student's class rank if they were in the top 10%, as required by Texas law.

Now, every student will be ranked, regardless of their standing.

Several community members have expressed concern directly to District leadership and Trustees, and it sounds like there will be opportunities to review the difference between our policy’s wording with possible changes coming from the State legislature. 

Year in Review: 2024-25 Accomplishments

8/26/2025 5:00 pm

SAGE SCHOOL YEAR RECAP (2024-2025)

At SAGE, we believe it's important to share what we've been working on to support the GT community. The Grapevine-Colleyville SAGE (Supporting and Advocating for Gifted Education) group had a really busy and successful school year. We focused on bringing our community together, speaking up for gifted education, and giving a helping hand to our students and teachers. We accomplish all of this through dedicated volunteers and donors. Last year, we raised over $3,000 just during North Texas Giving Day.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM THE GT COMMUNITY

What do you feel are priorities and concerns for the GT Community this school year? You are welcome to email info@gc-sage.org or as a Member, you should have a survey in your Inbox that asks more specific questions about priorities and program ideas.

And of course, if you're connected to any of the SAGE Board members, we would love to hear from you. Check out the NEW 2025-26 SAGE Board here.

An Update for Parents: Gifted & Talented (GT) Education in GCISD

8/18/2025 8:45 am

We know summer is a time for family, and it's easy to disconnect from school-year conversations. If you're just catching up, a few things happened since May, especially regarding the GT community and how our district budgets for its programs. To help you get up to speed, we've put together some answers to the most common questions we're hearing from parents.

FOR REFERENCE, CHECK THESE PREVIOUS POSTS

• GCISD Post, May 2025
• Fort Worth Star-Telegram Covers June Board Meeting
• State Plan, State Board of Education

District Responses to GT Community Questions

6/4/2025 11:05 pm

SAGE is sharing the official response to GT Community questions about the change in the GT Specialist roles at four campuses. We invite families to view the original letter sent to the Board May 29, and help us in spreading the word for the updates we have received. We also encourage families to share additional questions to SAGE, or to send their own concerns and questions to the Board and Administration, either via email or by speaking at future School Board Meetings. Monday, June 16, 2025, is the next upcoming meeting.

Meeting Agendas: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1198

Watch Meetings Live and Previous: https://www.youtube.com/c/GCISDTV

Sign Up To Speak: Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School Districtgcisd.net

DISTRICT REPLY TO SAGE'S LETTER TO THE GCISD SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES AND ADMINISTRATION