Friends of PAGE –

This is an exciting year to be a parent, teacher, or gifted learner in Pennsylvania! From November 13–16, the NAGC Annual Convention comes to Pittsburgh—a rare and special opportunity for our community to gather, learn, and be inspired. With more than 200 speakers, presentations, roundtables, and dynamic keynotes, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling both empowered and energized. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the NAGC Convention website for details.

As we head back to school, I want to pause and reflect on PAGE’s core mission: empowering parents and educators to support the needs of gifted learners. I often return to this mission because it reminds me that our work is about all stakeholders. Real progress in gifted education happens when we choose to listen, collaborate, and work together for the benefit of our kids. We may not always agree, but every conversation builds understanding—and every bit of understanding helps us accomplish more.

This spirit of collaboration is reflected in our Board of Directors, which includes parents, teachers at every level, psychologists, and administrators from districts, counties, and the state. With such a dedicated group spanning so many areas of expertise, PAGE is committed to supporting every single member of our community.

Looking ahead, I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources PAGE offers. Beyond the NAGC Convention, we host monthly Parent-to-Parent and Teacher-to-Teacher webinars, a Professional Leadership course, and upcoming regional events. And don’t forget—our Helpdesk is always here if you have questions!

Finally, a reminder: Gifted Education in Pennsylvania remains an unfunded mandate. Research suggests as many as 10% of students across the state may be gifted or highly capable, yet without adequate resources and funding, we can’t be certain. That’s why PAGE continues to advocate for $73 million in state support to ensure gifted learners are both identified and served.

I’m excited for the months ahead and look forward to connecting with you along the way!

With gratitude,
Dave

Dave Mendell, PAGE President