Summer will soon be over, and with many schools beginning in early August, now is an excellent time to help your gifted or twice-exceptional (2E) child prepare for the next school year.
Getting ready for school is about much more than buying school supplies. It also means helping your child strengthen communication, self-regulation, executive functioning, and healthy habits. One of the best ways to prepare is to reflect on last year and set goals for the year ahead.
This is especially important for gifted and 2E students. Many are capable of much more than their school performance may show. Before setting goals, ask your child to reflect on last year. What went well? What did they enjoy? What got in the way of their success? What could their teachers, classmates, or school have done to make the year better? Most importantly, ask them what they believe would make this school year a better experience.
Take time to really listen. Schools change, teachers change, and children change. Your child's answers will help you understand what support they need and will encourage them to think about what they can do differently this year.
(Be sure to read the Teen Talk and Kids' Page, where our Junior Reporters share their own school experiences and ideas for making school more successful.)
After reflecting, help your child set goals for the new school year. Encourage them to choose goals that are important to them rather than goals you choose for them. Children are much more motivated when they have ownership of their goals.
Research shows that effective goals are SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Help your child set at least two academic goals and two physical or health goals. Good health supports learning, so goals related to sleep, nutrition, exercise, or participating in a sport or other physical activity can make a real difference in school success.
As they set goals, continue asking questions. What do they want this school year to look like? What do they want to accomplish? What will help them reach those goals? What might get in the way, and how can they prepare for those challenges?
These conversations help children ease back into the idea of school while building confidence, self-awareness, and executive functioning skills. They also remind children that success is not just about grades but about growing, learning, and reaching their potential.
For parents of historically underserved gifted and 2E children, these conversations are also an opportunity to become your child's strongest advocate. If your child is not being challenged, has not been identified for gifted services, or needs support because of a disability, begin the conversation with the school early. Ask questions, document your concerns, and work with teachers to ensure your child's strengths are recognized and their needs are met.
Every community has gifted children. With support, opportunity, and strong family advocacy, every child has the potential to flourish.
Happenings: Community Events
For more than four decades, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and artistic director Lula Washington has dedicated her life to bringing dance, culture, and opportunity to the children of South Central Los Angeles. While her choreography has been performed around the world and featured in major films, her greatest legacy is the thousands of young people whose lives she has transformed through the arts.
Growing up in South Los Angeles, Lula Washington experienced firsthand the barriers Black dancers faced in pursuing professional ballet and concert dance. Opportunities were limited, and young Black artists rarely saw themselves represented on stage. Rather than accepting those limitations, she made it her life's mission to create opportunities where none existed.
In 1980, Lula and her husband, Erwin Washington, founded the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, creating a professional company where Black artists could perform and tell stories rooted in African American history, culture, and community. Their work has since been presented in more than 150 cities throughout the United States and internationally, earning the company worldwide recognition while remaining firmly rooted in South Los Angeles.
Determined to make professional dance training available in the Black community, Lula and Erwin established a dance center in the West Adams community during the 1980s, at a time when few Black-led dance companies owned their own facilities. Although the building was destroyed in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Washingtons persevered and built a second, permanent home on Crenshaw Boulevard. Located in the heart of the Black and Brown community, the center includes multiple dance studios, rehearsal and instructional spaces, administrative offices, and performance areas that serve both the professional company and the surrounding community. The center continues to provide affordable dance instruction for children and youth while offering pathways to professional performance.
Lula Washington's work extended far beyond the walls of her dance studio. Through affordable classes, community outreach, and school performances, she removed barriers that had prevented many Black and Brown children from accessing high-quality dance education. Thousands of young people have studied ballet, modern, jazz, African, and other dance forms while developing discipline, confidence, teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.
Believing that children should not only watch professional dancers but also see performers who looked like them, Lula brought her dance company into local schools, where she shared her personal story of overcoming barriers as a Black woman pursuing a career in dance. Through these performances, students experienced professional dance firsthand, learned about the history and struggles of Black dancers, and began to imagine themselves on stage and in careers they may never have thought possible.
For more than forty years, Lula Washington has done far more than direct a dance company. She has fought for Black artists to be seen, created spaces where children could receive professional training, brought dance and cultural history into public schools, and demonstrated that South Los Angeles deserves institutions of artistic excellence. Her work has inspired generations of young people to see themselves not only as dancers, but as artists, leaders, and creators.
On June 28th, 2026, the Central Cities Association for Gifted & Talented Children (CCAGTC) proudly inducted Lula Washington into its Hall of Fame – Champions of the Future and presented her with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a lifetime devoted to expanding opportunities, nurturing talent, and ensuring that future generations of children can see themselves reflected on the stage—and believe they belong there.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this year's Virtual Symposium: Envisioning Excellence. Your presence, insight, and commitment to supporting gifted and talented children made the event truly meaningful.
Hall of Fame — Champions of the Future Inductees: see the Roots column above for details.
Summer Enrichment Scholar Awardees: Congratulations to all of our exceptional student recipients — Aaliyah Kirkendoll, Andre Rice, Bailey Massey, Brooklyn Massey, Dylun Koonce, Gabreilla Amerson, Justin Wright, Kelis Washington, Maliah Spencer, Mia Spencer, and Samiya Carson.
CCAGTC Junior Reporters — Kids' Page Reporters: AyiKwei Kimathi Jr. (editor), Andre Rice, Aniya Parker, Corey Thomas, Dylun Koonce, Elijah Jenkins, JJ Wilkins, Justin Wright, Hailey Hill, Kelis Washington, Mia Spencer, Noelle Seymour, Victoria Harris, and Zoriya Thomas.
Teen Talk Reporters: Aaliyah Kirkendoll (Teen Talk editor), Bailey Massey, Brooklyn Massey, Jadyn Burnett, Samiyah Carson, Shaniya Robert, and our Social Media Intern.
Thank you once again for your continued support in envisioning excellence for all children. Together, we are creating brighter futures.
Email info@ccagtc.org or call 323-750-6559 for additional information. CCAGTC is a non-profit 501(c)(3). · ccagtc.org/events
National Action Network, NAACP, National Urban League — March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote. Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C. The march commemorates the 63rd anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech while bringing together families, educators, students, and community leaders to advocate for voting rights and civic engagement. Parents of gifted children can use this event to discuss leadership, constitutional rights, public service, and the continuing role young people play in shaping democracy. Contact: National Action Network · Phone: (877) 626-4651 · Website: nationalactionnetwork.net · Email: info@nationalactionnetwork.net
Mothers In Action, Inc. — 4401 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 315, Los Angeles, CA 90043. Annual Back-to-School Health Fair and School Supply Distribution during August, providing backpacks, school supplies, health resources, and family services for South Los Angeles children. Parents of gifted and talented students can also learn about youth enrichment programs, community partnerships, volunteer opportunities, and family support services. Contact: Phone (323) 290-0456 · Website: mothersinactioninc.org · Email: info@mothersinactioninc.org
SoLa Technology & Entrepreneurship Center — 961 E. 61st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90001. A state-of-the-art technology hub designed to prepare South Los Angeles youth for careers in technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and digital media. In August, register for Fall 2026 after-school programs and workshops in computer engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), coding, game design, esports, graphic design, music production, digital media, entrepreneurship, leadership, and career readiness. All programs are designed to help bridge the digital divide and are offered free to eligible South Los Angeles youth. Contact: Phone: (323) 306-4645 · Website: thesolafoundation.org/tech-center · Email: info@thesolafoundation.org
Griffith Observatory — 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027. "All Space Considered" on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 7:00–8:30 p.m., in person and online, featuring the latest discoveries in astronomy and space exploration. Public Star Party on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2:00–9:45 p.m., where local astronomy clubs provide telescopes and guidance for observing the night sky. Contact: Phone: (213) 473-0800 · Website: griffithobservatory.org · Email: information@griffithobservatory.org
Aquarium of the Pacific — 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. Families can participate in Ocean Investigators on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 a.m., a hands-on marine science program for children, and enroll in the Ocean Conservation and Community Science Course, beginning Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 6:00–8:30 p.m. The Aquarium also hosts science camps that encourage young people to explore careers in marine biology, environmental science, and conservation. Contact: Phone: (562) 590-3100 · Website: aquariumofpacific.org · Email: guestsupport@aquariumofpacific.org
California Science Center — 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Museum Priority Festival on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 7:00–11:00 p.m. Contact: Phone: (323) 724-3623 · Website: californiasciencecenter.org · Email: info@californiasciencecenter.org
GRID Alternatives — 1662 Long Beach Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021. Throughout August, families can learn about Solar Futures, youth workforce development opportunities, hands-on solar installation training, and the SolarCorps Fellowship, which encourages participation by students from historically underrepresented communities interested in engineering, renewable energy, and environmental careers. Contact: Phone: (310) 735-9762 · Website: gridalternatives.org · Email: infogla@gridalternatives.org
California African American Museum (CAAM) — 600 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037; admission free. KCRW Summer Nights on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 7:00–11:00 p.m., featuring music, family activities, gallery access, and community engagement. On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m., attend the Gordon Parks Curatorial Walkthrough, exploring the work of one of America's most influential photographers and storytellers. Contact: Phone (213) 744-7432 · Website: caamuseum.org · Email: info@caamuseum.org
Malik Books — Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 245, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Throughout August, Malik Books hosts author talks, book signings, children's literacy programs, and community discussions that introduce young readers to diverse authors, history, STEM, entrepreneurship, and African American literature. Contact: Phone (323) 389-8040 · Website: malikbooks.com · Email: info@malikbooks.com
Natural History Museum — Barbara Carrasco Mural — The Natural History Museum presents the full mural by Chicana artist Barbara Carrasco: her landmark 1981 work, L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, portrays the city's history through a series of vignettes woven into the flowing hair of La Reina de Los Angeles (the Queen of Los Angeles). The mural is a microcosm of L.A.'s story and highlights the city's diverse cultural history. Several scenes depict the first Angelenos, Native Americans including the Gabrieleño/Tongva, Spanish explorers, Mexican rancheros, and Chinese railroad workers. The Community Redevelopment Agency commissioned Carrasco to create the mural for the city's 1981 bicentennial, then halted the project when the artist refused to remove 14 depictions of historical moments the agency deemed too controversial — including scenes referencing the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the Zoot Suit Riots of 1943, and, ironically, David Alfaro Siqueiros's outdoor mural América Tropical (1932), which overlooks Olvera Street.
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — Teen Council — A paid, one-year youth program for Los Angeles teens ages 14–18. Application deadline: September 3, 2026. Program starts October 2026, with in-person meetings on Friday afternoons. Contact: museumeducation@oscars.org
GRAMMY Museum — 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015. Step into Sonic Playground — the GRAMMY Museum's immersive new experience where visitors can mix beats, perform live, learn from industry legends like H.E.R. and Jimmy Jam, and explore music through hands-on tech. Admission is free for kids and teens 17 and under. Contact: Phone (213) 725-5700 · Email: guestservices@grammymuseum.org
William Grant Still Arts Center — 2520 West View Street, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 12 noon–5 p.m. Current exhibit features artist Floyd Bell, and the Netflix documentary Black Barbie includes contributions from the William Grant Still Arts Center. The Center is currently selecting artists for its 44th annual Black Doll Show. Contact: (323) 734-1165 or wgsac.wordpress.com
National Holidays: National Black Business Month · National Black Women's Equal Pay Day (8/3)
by Maliyah Spencer
As a healthcare student, I worry about several issues, including the mental health of teenagers, bullying in schools, and the challenges faced by young people as they live their lives. Mental health is a major concern of mine because it is a growing issue for young people. Young people may feel hurt by what others say to them. Parents, students, and adults should be aware of how they speak to and treat others. Words can have a powerful impact on a person's mental health. Negative comments, whether in person or online, can cause young people to overthink, feel isolated, and develop harmful thoughts. The number of young people and adults struggling with mental health challenges, including suicide, continues to rise.
We may never know a person's full story or understand why they behave the way they do. Some people may feel that they have no one to talk to or turn to for support. As a student in the Health Academy at my high school, I have spent a great deal of time studying the human body, but I have not received as much preparation and training in mental health. This worries me because I may not be able to fully help my patients if they are experiencing mental health challenges.
Sometimes, how a patient feels physically is connected to how they feel emotionally and mentally. A person's overall health is closely related to their mental health. For example, people experiencing mental health issues may stop eating healthy foods, exercising, or drinking enough water. Some may even begin smoking or drinking alcohol as a way to cope with their struggles.
My advice to other young people is to remember that this is your first time living life, so do not be too hard on yourself. If you think you are having difficulties, ask for help, even if you feel nervous, scared, or unsure of what to say. Talk to a school counselor, a teacher, or a trusted family member. If you need immediate support, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, or call a mental health hotline. The important thing is to reach out and talk to someone. You do not have to face your problems by yourself.
Junior Editor — AJ Kimathi
This month the Junior Reporters shared how they feel about last school year and what they are doing to prepare for next year. CCAGTC is accepting applications for Junior Reporters — apply now. Would you like to share your story? Send it to AJ at info@ccagtc.org.
To get ready for the next school year this summer, I have set goals to help me do better. This next school year I plan to study for 45 minutes using focused study techniques (such as taking notes and practicing test questions) at least 5 days a week to improve my understanding and complete my assignments efficiently.
I also plan to stay healthy and do one of my favorite things — go outside and ride my scooter around my neighborhood. It gives me a chance to get fresh air, stay active, and spend more time outdoors.
Since math is one of my favorite subjects, it is also the subject I do best in. At the same time, I would like to improve my grammar and writing because I know those skills will help me in school and in my future career as a storyboard artist for television shows. I enjoy being creative, and I hope to use my artistic ideas to help bring stories to life.
One way schools could do better is to focus on learning. I dislike that it sometimes feels like the focus is more on earning good grades than on truly understanding and learning the material. I believe learning should be about gaining knowledge and developing new skills, not just getting high scores and good grades.
I am currently entering the 8th grade. Some of my hobbies are writing, and basketball is my interest. The activity I enjoy most outside of school is playing basketball with my friends. My favorite subjects are math and science, and my least favorite subject is history. What I enjoy most about school is the learning environment because it helps me stay focused and ready for any challenges that come my way. In school I do really good at paying attention and math.
Last school year taught me that I can do well when I stay focused and try my best. I learned that putting things off can make school harder and that staying on top of my work helps me get better grades. Next school year, I want to be more organized, turn in all of my assignments on time, and participate more in class. I also want to make sure my grades do not go down by staying focused and working hard every day. My goal is to improve as a student and have an even better school year next year.
Sadly, summer is ending. I went to a STEM class and swim lessons during summer vacation. At STEM I learned how to 3D print a few things, built a Lego robot, and programmed it to move. At swim class I learned how to do things like flip turns, dolphin kicks, and other types of swimming. The best part of summer was that I was able to stay up and wake up late and have days where I worked on my goals on Roblox.
Summer isn't the only thing ending. This year I will be going to the sixth grade, which means the end of elementary school. There are some things I will definitely miss about being in elementary school. Last year I really liked my fifth grade teachers because they were more fun than the others. So far my favorite teacher is the science teacher — he made science fun and would always listen to my stories about anime. My favorite field trip was the planetarium.
Now, with the end of summer comes middle school, and I am excited about what the new grade is going to bring. When I start school again, I am going to try to get all my work done in one day. I will then have the rest of the week to do the things I like. I also wonder what my teachers will be like in the sixth grade — I've met them and they seem nice. Hopefully, it will be just as memorable and fun as elementary was. Thank you for reading.
Interested students should contact info@ccagtc.org to learn more about joining the Roots & Wings Advisory Board and Junior Staff for the 2026/2027 term.
Central Cities Association for Gifted & Talented Children 112 S. Market Street, Suite 398, Inglewood, CA 90301
Call: 323-750-6559 · Email: info@ccagtc.org
Website · Events · Awards · Support Us · Founder's Circle
CCAGTC is a non-profit 501(c)(3).