QUEST Information
PTSA Quest, a support group for advanced learners
All are welcome to join us at our upcoming Quest meetings! We are looking forward to seeing you.
Our Next meeting will be:
Monday, 2/3/2025 7:00-8:30pm
Agenda:
Advocacy Discussion
Did you know that PCSD is facing potentially large funding gaps due to a lack of complete NYS Foundation Aid? In addition, TWO of our amazing Instructional Challenge teachers will be retiring at the end of the school year.
This is a critical point in the budget planning process at both the district and state levels. Come and learn what's at stake and what we can all do to ensure advanced learners have the support and resources they need to be successful in school and beyond.
If you missed our last meeting with High School Counselor Dawn Howe regarding courses that could be interesting for advanced learners, we will be reviewing her amazing information because course selection starts very soon for High School! We are happy to answer any questions as your student navigates course selection.
Our April Meeting will be Wednesday, 4/30/2025 7:00-8:30pm
Overview & Purpose
Learn. Guest speakers present to the group and facilitate discussions on topics in advanced learning (formally known as gifted education). Note: Questions for our guest speakers are welcomed and encouraged, but this is NOT the forum to discuss individual student needs. Please use your child's situation as an example as it pertains to the group discussion, but make an appointment with you child's teacher or the speaker to discuss individual needs.
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Network. Come with an open mind and be ready to learn from each other. There are many exciting learning opportunities for gifted students, both within the district and outside of school. Exchange ideas and network with other parents at QUEST meetings.
Advocate. Advocacy, change and improvement to gifted education in our district is one of QUEST's goals. The best way for our group to accomplish change is to stay positive, ask thought-provoking questions, listen and offer constructive feedback to the district.
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Committees
QUEST has three subcommittees aligned with the above: Education, Networking, and Advocacy. View the related files below to see what the three committees have accomplished over the past few years. The QUEST committee chair and sub-committee chairs meet with district leadership on a quarterly basis to discuss topics of importance to the group. View the committee documents below to learn more about QUEST's commitees.
Resources
​QUEST maintains a resources page including helpful links on topics such as:
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Definitions of "Gifted and Talented" or the new terminology of "advanced learners"
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PCSD contacts and district documents
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Helpful books on giftedness, including the books PCSD used in developing their approach to gifted education
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Links to resources and academic opportunities outside of the district (camps, weekend programs, testing, specialized counselors and advisers, and conferences)
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List of tutors that work well with gifted students
​Visit the Resource page​
Communication
Meetings are announced on the QUEST webpage, in the District PTSA eNews and through the QUEST email distribution list. To subscribe to QUEST's distribution list, please fill out THIS FORM.
QUEST “Quality Education: Support It Today” is a forum for educating parents and discussing the academic and social-emotional needs of high-ability learners in the Pittsford district. QUEST will feature speakers and presentations throughout the year, focused on gifted and talented education. All parents in the Pittsford district are invited and encouraged to attend meetings and events. Meetings are held quarterly throughout the school year. Summaries of past meetings can be found below in the Related Files section.
Related Files
Dawn Howe, School Counselor and Department Head Sutherland High School- Advanced Learner opportunities presentation 11/14/2024
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Dr. Meghan Fox - Presentation at our 9/25/24 meeting
​Other resources that Dr. Fox shared:
Institute for Educational Advancement
Monroe County Gifted Community
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Dr. Jonathan Plucker-- Parent/caregiver presentation April 17, 2024
Dr. Jonathan Plucker—Teacher professional development session April 17, 2024
Dr. Jonathan Plucker—Guest on WXXI’s “Connections with Evan Dawson, April 17, 2024
UR Math 165 for Advanced HS Math Students
Strategies to Address the Main Challenges Faced by Gifted Children 11/14/2023
Committee Updates (from old PTSA website)
Meeting Notes (from old PTSA website)
Nancy Campbell Presentation - Emotional Intensity - 1/24/18
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Thanks to all who attended the amazing presentation by Dr. Jonathan Plucker from
Johns Hopkins University! Over 110 parents/caregivers from various districts were in
the audience.
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