<head><style>body{font-size:10pt;font-family:arial,sans-serif;background-color:#ffffff;color:black;}p{margin:0px;}</style></head><body><font color="#000000"><font size="2"><font face="arial,sans-serif">Dear Families,<br> This winter’s SENG group is in danger of being cancelled. This has not yet happened, but we need more participants! YOU can help! Join us! Even if you are slightly interested, please take a look at your schedule, and sign up! We’ll be meeting for 10 weeks beginning Thursday, January 10th. Two of our sessions will be on Wednesdays (February 6 and 13) due to a contractual obligation and a holiday. Pre-registration is important because we will be talking about chapters one and two of the book, Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children during the first session, and I want you to have time to read them.<br><br> The benefits of these groups are immeasurable! From an interview of SENG Parent Group Facilitators, “I have witnessed a quiet father, initially reporting he was there because his wife wanted him to support her, share with us that this was the single most important life-changing event he has ever had. Participants learn as much about themselves, or more, than they learn about their children. The group becomes a peer group for the participants. They leave invigorated, supported, and validated.” I believe strongly in the power of these groups! The community and bonds created between participants often lasts beyond the ten weeks.<br><br> I realize that SENG Parent Groups are not as well known. They are discussion based and participants really do participate! Below are some answers to questions you may have to help you with your decision. Remember that to help our children be at their best, we must also take the time to cultivate ourselves. I hope you will choose to join us!<br><br>Sincerely,<br>Heather Cachat<br>Director, Central Ohio Gifted Support<br>Certified SENG Facilitator<br><br><b>What is a SENG Parent Group?</b><br> The SENG Parent Group is a guided discussion group. Each week we will focus our discussions around one or two chapters in the book Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children. The sessions are 1½ hours in length and last 8-10 weeks. Fall and Winter sessions will last for 10 weeks, and Summer sessions will last 8 weeks.<br>Some facilitators have described the groups as book club-like, but I think the discussion groups have a far greater reach. Here’s what some past participants have said of SENG groups:<br></font></font></font><ul><li><font color="#000000"><font size="2"><font face="arial,sans-serif">“The class and book has been a life saver! I can’t say enough good things about them and feel that every parent should have the opportunity to be in a gifted parent discussion group!”</font></font></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><font size="2"><font face="arial,sans-serif">“I do not feel as alone now.”</font></font></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><font size="2"><font face="arial,sans-serif">“I came into this class a little nervous and wondering what I would learn, just like everyone else. I'm leaving it knowing that I have made some good friendships and have gained a lot of knowledge about myself, my child, and how he perceives the world."</font></font></font></li><li><font color="#000000"><font size="2"><font face="arial,sans-serif">“My child’s a happier child, my family a healthier family, and I’m a better person as a result of the group. Thank you!”</font></font></font></li></ul><font color="#000000"><font size="2"><font face="arial,sans-serif"><b>How many families make up a group?</b><br> An ideal size group is 5-9 couples. We encourage two adults in a child’s life to attend each session. This will allow each person to hear the same conversations, bounce ideas off each other, and support each other. The two adults can include aunts, uncles, or grandparents. We understand that having two adults present isn’t always possible. Support comes in all numbers, so please feel welcome if only one family member can attend.<br><br><b>Is there a fee?</b><br> Yes. The philosophy of the program is that participants are more invested in the activity if they have paid for it. In 2013, the winter and fall sessions, which each last for ten weeks, will cost $110, and the eight week summer sessions will cost $90. Breaking down the cost – minus the cost of the book, each session costs around $9. Not a lot for such a powerful experience!<br> A portion of the fee will also go back to SENG to support their valuable work helping to raise awareness of the emotional needs of gifted people.<br><br><b>Could I pay and only come to certain sessions?</b><br> Part of what makes SENG Model Parent Groups so powerful is the bonding that happens between participants. Therefore, we encourage parents to attend every session. We know that life can be busy! If you know ahead of time that there are one or two sessions you can’t make, please contact us.<br><br><b>Could I purchase the book on my own?</b><br> Absolutely! Some people want to buy on Amazon.com or check out the book at the library. The fee is adjusted accordingly with 10 weeks without the book costing $90, and the summer 8 weeks without the book costing $70. I’m still learning how to operate the website to provide the different pricing options, so if you want this option, please contact me directly at cohgs@earthlink.net.<br><br><b>Can we join even if we cannot afford the fee?</b><br> My co-facilitator and I do not want to turn anyone away. We will work with you to come up with the fee that will allow you to participate.<br></font></font></font></body>