Hundreds of the region’s brightest elementary and middle school students will gather at Northern Kentucky University for the 2019 DreamFest Conference. This is the 33rd year NKU has invited these talented students to campus for a day of knowledge and development.
DreamFest is a collaborative event hosted by the Northern Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (NKAGE), the Northern Kentucky Cooperative for Educational Services and NKU’s Institute for Talent Development and Gifted Studies.
Nearly 800 of students from grades 4-8 will take over NKU’s campus during spring break on March 14.
“Similar to the previous 33 years, we continue developing and empowering our talented community to be future leaders, innovators, and achievers,” said Dr. Kimberly Clayton-Code, director of NKU’s Institute for Talent Development and Gifted Studies. “DreamFest is a top event for our gifted and talented students here in Northern Kentucky and across the state.”
DreamFest features keynote speaker Wendy Rice, Fiona’s Caretaker and Africa Head Zookeeper at the Cincinnati Zoo. Rice will share stories that give a behind the scenes look at the phenomenon that is Fiona. Students will also participate in breakout sessions aligned to their area of giftedness: from language arts and mathematics to performing arts and leadership.
“In a time when Gifted and Talented Education monies are slated to be cut out from the state education budget, it’s very inspiring to witness how these very diverse school districts work together to plan and manage such a powerful event for our region’s students. This event really highlights the collaborative spirit that exists amongst our public school districts here in northern Kentucky,” said Matt Engel, the supervisor of instruction for the Erlanger-Elsmere Independent School district and the co-president of NKAGE.
· What: 2019 DreamFest Conference
· When: March 14, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
· Where: NKU’s Campus, Highland Heights
DreamFest features more than 55 breakout sessions offered in 10 areas of giftedness. Local professionals and teachers volunteer their time to lead the breakout sessions.
