The Super Saturday Program

Mission: Feeding the educational passions of intellectually gifted children and their parents;
              helping them realize their full potential.
Presented by Parent Association for Gifted Education, Inc. (PAGE) a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit corporation

Frequently Asked Questions


Enrollment Eligibility
  1. Is my child eligible?
  2. What documentation is needed to prove eligibility?
  3. How do I obtain a professional recommendation if my child isn't in school?
Registration
  1. How do I register my child?
  2. Can my child take a class intended for younger or older children?
  3. How do I know if my child can take an advanced class, such as Chess II?
  4. What if my child's preferred class doesn't run or is canceled?
  5. When will I hear back from you after registering?
Financial Considerations
  1. How must does it cost?
  2. Is financial aid available?
  3. What are lab fees?
Withdrawals and Refunds
  1. How do I withdraw my child's registration and receive a refund?
  2. Why do you require withdrawal notification to be submitted so early to receive a full refund?
Classes
  1. What if my child's teacher misses a week? What about make-ups?
  2. What if my child misses one or more weeks?
  3. How do you determine which classes you are going to offer?
  4. What if my child doesn't like the class he's in?
  5. Are there summer classes?
  6. Why don't you offer classes for children over 14 years old?
  7. What are the class times?
Campus Issues
  1. Can my child stay on campus between classes?
  2. Is lunch available between classes on or near campus?
  3. Where can we park?
Special Student Considerations
  1. How are disruptive students handled?
  2. What if my child has special needs?
Parental Matters
  1. May I bring my younger children to classes/campus?
  2. What does this program offer parents?
  3. Am I required to stay while my child is in class?
  4. Am I supposed to help in some way?
  5. Are parents allowed to observe or participate in the classes?
Teachers
  1. What should I do if I'm interested in teaching?
  2. What are your teacher qualifications?
Spirit Wear
  1. When and where do you sell it?
  2. Do you have spirit wear?
Closings
  1. Do you close during inclement weather or other emergencies?
Miscellaneous
  1. What if I have more questions?
  2. Are you affiliated with the University of Cincinnati?
  3. Do you recommend any gifted services providers, schools, testers, psychologists, etc.?
  4. Can we bring guests or visitors?
  5. Will there be other people on campus or in the classes?
Enrollment Eligibility
Is my child eligible?
There are many kinds and levels of intellectual giftedness. That's why The Super Saturday Program allows a student admission if he meets just one of the following criteria:
  • Mental ability (I.Q.) of a standard score on a cognitive ability measure equivalent to the 95th percentile.
  • Achievement test scores in Total Reading or Total Math at or above the 95th percentile.
  • If the aforementioned tests scores are not available or appropriate, evidence of outstanding achievement or potential.
What documentation is needed to prove eligibility?
Every new student needs a recommendation from a teacher, principal, psychologist, psychiatrist or similar professional to certify that the child meets admission criteria.   See Registration for complete information and Professional Recommendation Form to view and print the needed form.
How do I obtain a professional recommendation if my child isn't in school?

Ideally, the best alternative to a school professional is a psychologist or testing professional.  However, these services can be very costly and unnecessary.  If you home school your child, as your child's teacher, you may sign the form.  You may also ask your pediatrician for the recommendation.  If your child isn't yet in school, ask your pediatrician to recommend your child.

Registration
How do I register my child?
Registration is simple!  Go to Registration for complete instructions and forms.
Can my child take a class intended for younger or older children?

Children may take classes intended for younger children, but this should be carefully considered, particularly with the younger grades.  An older child may be frustrated in a class taught at a level intended for younger children.

Children may not enroll in classes intended for older children.  All of the students enrolled in The Super Saturday Program are gifted, and all classes are taught at an accelerated level, so it is not necessary or appropriate for a child to enroll in a more advanced class.

How do I know if my child can take an advanced class, such as Chess II?
Please Contact Us and ask for our Registrar to contact you.  Some teachers require the child to enroll in their beginner class, while others base their decision on the child's experiences in similar beginner classes.


What if my child's preferred class doesn't run or is canceled?
If your child's first choice is not available for any reason, the Registrar will place your child in his/her second or third choice.  If these classes are also unavailable, the Registrar will contact you to determine what other classes may interest your child.  If we are unable to place your child in an acceptable class, we will issue a refund to you within four to six weeks.
When will I hear back from you after registering?
We typically receive several hundred registrations each session, which cannot be completely processed until after the registration deadline.  This complex process can take our volunteers up to 2 weeks, so confirmation letters are mailed approximately 10-14 days before classes begin. We appreciate your patience.
Financial Considerations
How must does it cost?

There is a standard tuition for each class, payable when mailing in the Registration Form.  See Registration for the current tuition.

Most teachers charge a lab fee to cover consumable product expenses, payable to the teacher on the first day of classes. 

A late fee is assessed on all registrations that are postmarked after the registration deadline.  In the event of mailing in a late registration, please include a late fee with the Registration Form. 

See Registration for more details.

Is financial aid available?
A limited number of tuition and lab fee grants are available each session. For consideration, please include documentation (with your registration) that your child qualifies for a government assistance program (e.g. Medicaid, WIC, free/reduced price lunch at school).  If you qualify, tuition and lab fees will be covered by PAGE.  You must request assistance every session you need it, but documentation is only needed once a year.
What are lab fees?
Our teachers purchase consumable supplies for their students, and parents must reimburse their teachers for these expenses.  The lab fee amounts are indicated in the class descriptions for every class.  Lab fees must be paid directly to the child's teacher on the first day of class.  Please do not include lab fees with your Registration Form and tuition.

Withdrawals and Refunds
How do I withdraw my child's registration and receive a refund?
Please Contact Us to notify the Registrar in writing as soon as possible.  See Registration for complete details and Important Dates for cutoff dates to receive full or partial refunds. 
Why do you require withdrawal notification to be submitted so early to receive a full refund?
To keep tuition low, each class is run only if there are sufficient students enrolled to pay the teacher.  We must make this decision several weeks before the first week of class in order to mail confirmation letters and teacher packets by a reasonable date.
Classes
What if my child's teacher misses a week? What about make-ups?
Our teachers are required to arrange for substitute teachers in the event of their absences.  However, there have been occasions when a teacher's absence occurs on such short notice that it is impossible to arrange for the substitute.  In the past, make-ups were allowed.  This practice has been discontinued due to the strain it puts on parents, particularly those with younger children.  We reserve the right to cancel a single class on short notice if necessary without providing a refund for said class.  The teacher or a volunteer will call all parents if a class is cancelled.
What if my child misses one or more weeks?
It is not necessary to notify your teacher or our volunteers in the event of your child's absence.  Your child's teacher will do his/her best to bring your child up to speed the following week, and, depending on the class and your child's interests, the teacher may give your child supplies and instructions to do the missed activities at home.
How do you determine which classes you are going to offer?
We strive to find a balance between core academic areas, such as language arts, math and science, and more unique and creative classes, such as origami, acting and yoga.  Our goal is to match the varied interests of our students.
What if my child doesn't like the class he's in?
We want every child to be totally satisfied with their class choice.  If your child is unhappy for any reason, please contact the President immediately.  Class changes may be made based on availability and type of class.  Note that lab fees to the original teacher cannot be refunded as supplies are purchased prior to the first week of class.  If the child transfers to a new class, a lab fee must be paid to the new teacher for those supplies.
Are there summer classes?
Not at this time. The Super Saturday Program volunteers use the summer months to plan for the following year. Specifically, most of the summer is spent recruiting teachers, reviewing and improving upon procedures used the previous year and working on special projects.
Why don't you offer classes for children over 14 years old?
We have found that there is insufficient interest in classes from older children, most likely because of other interests and activities.
What are the class times?
Morning classes are 9:30 to 11:30.  Afternoon classes are 12:30 to 2:30.
Campus Issues
Can my child stay on campus between classes?
Your child may stay on campus between classes, but only with a supervising adult, such as a parent.  Our teachers and volunteers are not able to supervise children between 11:30 and 12:30.
Is lunch available between classes on or near campus?
There is no food service available on campus but there are numerous fast food restaurants within a few blocks of the Science buildings.  Families are welcome to bring lunch to campus.  There is a cafeteria area on the first floor of Science Administration where several families eat every Saturday.
Where can we park?
The parking lot off Cypress and behind the Science Building has ample parking and no permits are needed on Saturdays.  See Directions for additional information.
Special Student Considerations
How are disruptive students handled?
The teacher will work with the student and then talk with the parent.  The parent may be asked to stay in class to ensure the child's good behavior.  If the situation cannot be corrected, the President will speak with the parents. If corrections are not made, the student will be dismissed and no refund will be given.
What if my child has special needs?
Please Contact Us to ask the Registrar to call you if you have special concerns.  He/she may suggest that you speak with your teacher in advance to address specific concerns.  Please note the following accommodations for:

  •  Physical Handicaps - All classrooms are wheel-chair accessible.

  • Allergies - Snacks are discouraged to avoid allergy concerns.  However, some parents bring in snacks despite this, so please inform your teacher of any allergies your child may have.

  • Behavioral Issues - Our teachers are excited about serving gifted children and recognize that some children require special attention or different techniques for problem-resolution.  In order for your teacher to best serve your child, please notify us.  By including a note with your registration, the Registrar can inform your teacher well before classes begin and may speak with you if needed prior to or on the first day of class.

Parental Matters
May I bring my younger children to classes/campus?
Yes, this is a family program.  Parents and their young children are welcome in the Parent Hospitality Room or any other spot that suits their needs.  For the sake of all of our students, we ask that younger children only be allowed to observe, rather than participate in, their older sibling's class, and only if they can remain quiet
What does this program offer parents?
The Super Saturday Program is a rare haven for parents of gifted children.  Parents can talk with one another to compare notes about the joys and challenges of raising gifted children, learn what other schools are doing regarding gifted services and simply relate to one another in ways that other parents cannot.  The best place on campus for talking and networking is the Parent Hospitality Room, which is on the first floor of the Science building.  In addition, on several Saturday mornings each session, speakers provide presentations on issues that relate to raising gifted children.  These local experts are eager to come and share their knowledge with our parents at no cost to you.
Am I required to stay while my child is in class?
No. However, your entire family will benefit if you attend your child's class or you visit our Parent Hospitality Room to hear our speakers or network with other parents in the program.
Am I supposed to help in some way?

Every parent is expected to sign up to volunteer in their child's classroom at least one Saturday of each session. In addition, parents are asked to sign up to provide drinks one Saturday.  The Super Saturday Program is run by a small group of volunteers, so parental help is a necessity.



 If you are interested in volunteering with The Super Saturday Program beyond simply helping in the classroom, please Contact Us, and ask the Volunteer Coordinator to call you.   

Are parents allowed to observe or participate in the classes?
Absolutely! We urge all parents to make a commitment to their children by participating in the classrooms. Classes are hands-on and held on a public campus, making parental presence and assistance a priority for the children's success and safety.
Teachers
What should I do if I'm interested in teaching?
Contact Us and ask to speak with one of our Teacher Coordinators.  They are always searching for more teachers and different types of classes, and they will be happy to answer all of your questions.
What are your teacher qualifications?
Above all else, they must be excited about teaching their subject matter to gifted children.  Our teachers must have advanced degrees in teaching or have degrees/experience in their subject area.  Some of our teachers are gifted themselves; all are passionate about teaching gifted children.
Spirit Wear
When and where do you sell it?
We sell our spirit wear approximately 2 times each session, from the Parent Hospitality Room, which is on the first floor of the Science building.
Do you have spirit wear?
Yes, we do.  We have t-shirts and sweatshirts in adult and child sizes.  Wearing these shirts helps spread the word about The Super Saturday Program, so we hope that you will come to the Parent Hospitality Room to see what we have.
Closings
Do you close during inclement weather or other emergencies?
In case of severe weather or an unforeseen emergency, classes will be cancelled.  Emergency closings are reported on this website, our Message Center (513-786-6826) and on television channels 9 & 12.  We reserve the right to cancel classes in the event of an emergency or inclement weather without a make-up class or refund.
Miscellaneous
What if I have more questions?
If you still have more questions for us, Contact Us to send an email or obtain our phone number.  One of our volunteers will be in touch with you to answer all of your questions.
Are you affiliated with the University of Cincinnati?
No.  We pay rent for the rooms we use on campus, but we are not affiliated with UC/CAS. See About Us for information on our organization.
Do you recommend any gifted services providers, schools, testers, psychologists, etc.?
As an organization, we take no position on outside organizations or individual professionals.  However, our individual parents and volunteers are happy to share their experiences with other parents.  When your child is in classes, go to the Parent Hospitality Room and ask other parents for suggestions.
Can we bring guests or visitors?
Yes, to observe one Saturday.  We are excited about our program, and welcome parents' enthusiasm to show others what we offer gifted children.
Will there be other people on campus or in the classes?

There are occasional classes or events occurring on Saturdays.  These typically do not interfere with The Super Saturday Program.  The campus is open to the public, and a few students and staff members are present every Saturday.

We occasionally receive and approve requests by student teachers to observe and occasionally assist teachers.  Some teachers bring in guest speakers, actors and even animals as part of their curriculum.

Periodically members of the media visit classes to obtain information for stories about The Super Saturday Program.  All students enrolled in the program and their parents automatically grant their permission for the use of any record of student activity (i.e., photos, movies, audiotape and/or videotape) happening in the classroom and/or at the program site in general.

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