FCAG Activities
Upcoming Events
See below for previous events.
Past Events
Selecting a Major on College Applications
Event Date: March, 2024
Honors Colleges of Virginia: What & Where Are They?
Event Date: Feb 20, 2024
Event Presenter: Amy Estherson
FCAG Presents... Meet the Author!
Event Date: December 2, 2023
Event Presenter: Ms. Holyoke is the author of The Neptune Project, The Neptune Challenge, The Neptune Promise, Skyriders, and The Sky King.
She will share writing tips to kids and parents about incorporating world-building techniques in writing science fiction and fantasy.
She will also read an excerpt from her latest book. Already have her book(s)? Bring them along; she'd be happy to sign them for you.
The University of California college application process
Event Date: September 26, 2023
Event Presenter: GE College Prep
Event Presenter: Dale Sorg, Licensed School Psychologist at InStep PC in Fairfax
FCPS's AAP Program
Event Date: November 1, 2023
In-person talk with Polly Holyoke
FCAG Spring Picnic - Free & Open to the Public
College Essay Guy VIP access (Members-Only)
Event Date: August 2023
Event Date: Saturday, May 20, 2 to 4pm
Join us and meet other families interested in supporting gifted children through their learning adventures. FCAG will provide light refreshments and great company.
All families, friends, and community members are welcome.
Mentoring Your Teenager through High school, College Admissions, and Beyond
Event Date: Tuesday, April 18, 7:30pm
Event Presenter: Nancy Levonian from Lives Under Construction
Join long-time FCAG member and supporter Dr. Nancy Levonian, a college consultant for the intelligent, curious, and adventurous.
This session will focus on how to stay connected with your teenager during the progression from dependence to autonomy.
Aspects of the college admission process and the transition into young adulthood after college will be touched upon.
Nancy Levonian
All of Biology in 60 Minutes or Less
Event Date: March 2023
Event Presenter: Dr. Samuel Scheiner, Program Director for the National Science Foundation
This talk is an overview of the fundamental principles of biology.
Dr. Scheiner's work includes research on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity, natural selection, plant community structure and diversity, and general theories of ecology and biology.
Dr. Samuel Scheiner
Find Your Passion: Think you're too young (or old) to know what you should do with your life? Think again!
Join us for an evening where you will find your passion in high school, college, and beyond.
Event Date:Tuesday, February 23
Event Presenter: FCAG
Muse Paintbar: Painting fun for the whole family
Event Date: Saturday, January 21
Event Presenter: FCAG
Promoting Success in High Ability Students: A Holistic Perspective
Event Date: Tuesday, December 13
Event Presenter: Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
What does it take for high ability students to be successful?
In this session, Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) staff will discuss the students’ academic, social, and emotional needs, which if left unaddressed, can create new challenges and issues for them and exacerbate their stress.
Tips will be presented for what school counselors, teachers, and parents can do to support high ability students in actualizing their potential and achieving success. Both parents and educators are invited to join.
Johns Hopkins CTY
Helping families in preparing for the financial aid process at schools across the country
Event Date: Tuesday, November 29
Topics covered will include:
- Cost of Attendance versus tuition
- Get to know the forms: FAFSA / CSS Profile
- Types of aid available (grants, loans, work-study and scholarships)
- Need-based aid vs. merit aid
- Understanding Award letters
- Financial aid deadlines
- Professional Judgments
- Tips to maximize free money
Event Presenter: Jimmy Mauger, Financial Aid Manager for the Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College
Reach your Highest Speak! Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Event Date: Tuesday, September 13 @ 7:00 p.m
Stand-up comic, patent attorney, and founder of Highest Speak, Sumedha Bahri, will lead us in a high-energy crash course on effective public speaking in an academic or social environment.
We will discuss the importance of public speaking skills, learn some key tips and tricks, and will even get a chance to practice our skills in a fun way!
Event Presenter: Sumedha Bahri, Patent Attorney, stand-up comic, and founder of Highest Speak
In the workshop, Sumedha will cover how to:
- PERFORM our speeches
- COMBAT NERVOUSNESS in public speaking
- PRACTICE your speaking skills
- STRUCTURE your material, no matter what the topic may be
- Use simple TIPS AND TRICKS that you can use in ANY public speaking situation!
This will be an informative and enjoyable workshop for students (and even parents, if they like)
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Pandemic Effects on Academic Achievement
Event Date: Tuesday, August 30 @ 7:30 p.m
Recent research from the Harvard Center for Educational Policy Research shows that remote learning during the pandemic has led to massive learning loss for an entire generation. Some students lost up to 61% percent of their expected learning over the course of the pandemic, leading to significantly decreased scores on math and reading tests. Mental and emotional health struggles are also on the rise for students, which can exacerbate an already deep-seated issue. What do the experts say about how to help students recover from this setback and become successful college students?
Join us for this seminar, where we will present a variety of options and resources for different age groups on how to avoid the summer slide while still finding time to decompress and recharge. Different types of schedules and activities will be presented so that you find one that fits your lifestyle and family's needs. The presentation will be primarily geared toward parents of gifted 2nd - 10th graders, but all grades are welcome.
Dr. Yuhsien Wu has often been a keynote and guest speaker for Harvard, MIT, and TJHSST (Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology) communities, as well as other globally impactful enterprises, including Deutsche Bank, Fannie Mae, and American International Group (AIG). Dr. Wu currently serves as a board director of the Harvard Asian American Alumni Alliance. Along with Dr. Wu will be the Veritas Education team. Together, they will talk about what parents need to know and how we can help our children.
Event Presenter: Dr. Yuhsien Wu and the Veritas Education team
Veritas Educational team
FCAG 2022 Summer Camp Center
Helping your Gifted Child Avoid the Summer Slide
Event Date: Tuesday, May 24th at 7-8:30 pm
Summertime is a great time to relax and recharge. Some people use the time to play, others use the time for getting ahead or exploring something new, and some do a little of both. With the past two years behind us, this summer may be different than what you're used to and what worked in the past may not work with your kids.
Join us for this seminar where we will present a variety of options and resources for different age groups on how to avoid the summer slide while still finding time to decompress and recharge. Different types of schedules and activities will be presented so that you find one that fits your lifestyle and family's needs. The presentation will be primarily geared for parents of gifted 2nd - 10th graders, but all grades are welcome.
Event Presenter: Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics and Science
Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics & Science
Understanding the National Merit Competition
Event Date: Tuesday, April 19th at 7-8:30 pm
Event Presenter: Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics and Science
PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/NMSQT... What are all of these acronyms about?
Where do I take them? What do they mean?
Tuesday, April 19th at 7-8:30 pm, Juliana Heitz from Ideaventions will talk about the PSAT suite of tests and focus on the National Merit Scholarship.
We will learn how students qualify, what is the process, and what it means in terms of scholarships awarded.
We will also discuss whether preparation makes sense and how to think of it in relation to the actual SAT or ACT.
Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics & Science
Identifying and Serving Profoundly Gifted Students
Event Date: Tuesday, March 15th at 7-8:30 pm
Event Presenter: Davidson Academy (University of Nevada at Reno)
The Davidson Institute and Davidson Academy will focus on the unique needs of Profoundly Gifted (PG) students. Davidson is the leader in supporting families of Profoundly Gifted children who score in the 99.9th percentile on IQ and achievement tests.
Presentation Slides -
FCAG Davidson Webinar Mar 2022
Davidson Institute Presentation
What Does a Foundation in Computer Science and Engineering Look Like for the Gifted?
Event Date: Tuesday, February 8th at 7-8:30 pm
Why are computer science and engineering so important for gifted students? How can you differentiate between STEM programs for your child? How can you prepare your high-schooler to persist in an engineering program in college? What is the difference between AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles?
Join us for a FREE 90-minute webinar led by Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics and Science co-founder, Juliana Heitz, and fellow FCAG member. Ideaventions Academy was the first STEM Certified school by Cognia in the Washington Metro area and in Virginia.
If you're the parent of a little one who likes LEGOs or the parent of an older student who likes to create apps, computing and engineering naturally draw in many of our gifted children. Come learn how to introduce computer science and engineering to school-aged children, whether he or she is in elementary school or high school, and learn the skills that children can develop in elementary, middle, and high school to prepare them to tackle each next level of challenge. Finally, you will get tips on what you can do to nurture that curiosity in your elementary-aged child, as well as how to support your high-schooler who may be interested in pursuing an engineering or computer science degree in college.
Event Presenter: Ideaventions Academy for Mathematics and Science
A High School Roadmap
Tuesday, January 11th, 7:00pm - 8:30pm EST
Owner/Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Wondering what colleges expect of you over the next four years? Unsure which classes to take, which extracurricular activities to pursue, or how standardized testing factors into the current test-optional landscape?
Join us for a FREE 90-minute webinar led by Great Expectations College Prep founder Jen Kaifesh, who will break down the key elements of a college application and share how to best set yourself up for success. Learn how to stand out from other applicants by creating an application that is both authentic and unique. Armed with an understanding of what lies ahead, you will come away feeling confident and prepared to maximize your time in high school.
Whether you are an incoming freshman unsure where to start or a current high school student looking to make the most of your remaining time, discover concrete steps that you can take now to strengthen your future application and make the entire process less overwhelming. Parents and students are both welcome and encouraged to attend!
High School Roadmap
Missed the presentation?
Watch it now!
2021 Summer Camp and Enrichment Fair (Virtual)
Due to the pandemic, the 17th Annual Summer Camp and Enrichment Fair was held online. Thank you to our vendors who supported FCAG.
Pursing Math and Science Inside and Outside the Classroom
Panel Discussion: Science, math and computer science teachers from schools across Fairfax County.
Date:Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 7 0pm - 8:30pm
Place:Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church)
Cost:None! This is a free event. No registration required.
Join us for this panel discussion where we will discuss:
- How do kids find in school and out of school opportunities for student research and mentorship?
- How do students get involved with science fairs or find a good project?
- What sort of science clubs/activities can students do, and what can they expect if those clubs aren't available at their school?
- What opportunities exist outside of school and how do you find out about them?
- What's the etiquette for talking to teachers about projects beyond the classroom?
There will also be time allowed for audience questions for the panel.
2020 Summer Camp Fair
FCAG held our annual Summer Camp Fair on January 25, 2020 from 3pm to 5:30pm at McLean High School. Over 350 people attended to visit with approximately 45 camps.
College Knowledge Sooner
Presenter:Dr. Nancy Levonian, Lives Under Construction
Date:Thursday, November 7, 2019, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Place:Burke Center Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke)
Cost:None! This is a free event, but you must register and space is limited (details below).
On November 7th, FCAG is pleased to host Dr. Nancy Levonian of Lives Under Construction as she compares options for enriching the high school years in preparation for college. Join us as we discuss how to learn college-level material early by self-study, AP resources, college classes in high school, and early college.
This program is for middle and high school students and their parents to learn more about options for advanced study. Free and open to the public with advanced registration. Refreshments will be provided. To register send names of the adults and students who will attend to
fcagevents@gmail.com. This event is open to all, even if you're not a paid member of FCAG, however members get priority registration at FCAG events.
Join or find out more. Space is limited so
register now.
AMC 8 Math Fun Night
Presenter:Dr. Rebecca Goldin, Professor of Mathematical Sciences at George Mason University
Date:Thursday, October 24, 2019, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Place:Tysons-Pimmit Library (7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church)
Cost:None! This is a free event, but you must register and space is limited (details below).
Pizza provided for the kids!
Have some fun with out-of-the-box math as you practice for the AMC 8! Join Dr. Rebecca Goldin and her team of volunteer high school math students as they offer mathematical advice and insight at this free event.
Not familiar with the AMC 8? The AMC 8 is for kids in 8th grade, and for younger students capable of working problems at a middle school algebra and geometry level. The majority of students take it at their elementary or middle school and are in grades 6-8. You can read more about the AMC 8 at
AMC 8.
Please register by sending attendee's name(s), age and grade to
fcagevents@gmail.com. This event is open to all, even if you're not a paid member of FCAG, however members get priority registration at FCAG events.
Join or find out more. Space is limited so
register now.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About AAP but Didn't Know to Ask
Thank you to Kirsten Maloney, K-12 Coordinator of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) in Fairfax County Public Schools for a wonderful presentation at our FCAG meeting on Wednesday, September 18th, 2019.
2019 FCAG AAP Presentation
2019-2020 AAP Testing and Identification Timeline
Events prior to 2019-2020 School Year:
- Po-Shen Loh, Mathematics Professor at Carnegie Mellon and National Coach for the USA Math Olympiad Team
- Spring 2019 Board Game Geek Out
- FCAG Movie Night: National Geographic's Science Fair
- Your (Math) Teachers are Lying to You! An Interactive Math Night with George Mason University's Geometry Lab
- Chess 4 Charity Chess Tournament - Sponsored by FCAG
- 2019 Summer Camp and Enrichment Fair
- Panel Discussion: High School Success in Fairfax County
- Great Math Education: Cultivating Creativity, Joy, and Talent
- Strategy Game Night
- Math Event: The Mathemagician - Dr. Art Benjamin, Harvey Mudd College
- Panel Discussion: TJ Experiences with Panelists: TJ Students
- 2018 Summer Camp and Enrichment Fair
- AMC 8 Math Fun Night
- FCAG's Board Game Geek-Out
- FCAG Math NIGHT! "Really BIG numbers", for kids in 3rd-6th grade
- The Best and Worst of Middle School in FCPS
- Competition: Helpful or Harmful?
- Essential Life Skills For Twice Exceptional Learners: Tools For Social & Academic Success
- IB & AP Programs: What's best for Your Child?
- General Membership Meeting
- Meet and Greet with Dr. Garza
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Panel on Math Education, "Nurturing Depth in Learning
Mathematics: Beyond Checking the Box".
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Discussion with Intel ISEF Winners
