What is Gifted Education?
It's part of human nature to want to learn, to be in that place where we can grow intellectually, emotionally and creatively. We want to feel challenged, to move beyond where we are and toward our innate potential, to test our limits. Abraham Maslow, the well-known humanistic psychologist, called this the tendency toward self-actualization, and viewed it as an essential human drive.
Children need to feel challenged. In order to stay engaged, interested and excited about learning, they need the opportunity to explore, create, grow and go off in their own directions. Gifted programs exist to support students who need a different kind of learning experience - where they can work at an accelerated pace, on an advanced level academically, and to be around others with similar needs.
Giftedness has to do with how you approach things, how you learn, and your potential for learning. Giftedness means you are biologically wired to view the world in a certain way. Giftedness is about potential and attributes - "just viewing the world through a different lens". Therefore, a person's giftedness influences how they interact with the world.
Being identified as gifted is neither a good thing or a bad thing. It simply is. The label doesn't define you - the characteristics you display everyday do. The key is to learn how to manage those things - especially hard things such as emotional intensity, peer interactions, expectations - yours and from the people around you. Gifted education exists to provide students the tools they need for a successful journey.
Supplies, Events, Permission Forms:
The Joplin Elementary Gifted Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Memorial Education Center at 8th and Pearl. It services grades 2nd - 5th. When visiting, please come in the West entrance.
Faculty:
-
Wendee Hughes - 2nd/3rd
-
Apra Mainardi - 4th/5th
-
Kasey Pliler - Director
Supply List:
Lunch Menu:
*Sack lunches available
at home schools
Upcoming Events:
*Click here for "Welcome Letter"
MO GLOS
Apra Mainardi
Education
I graduated from BVU in 2007 with a B.A. in elementary education and my M.A in School Library Studies from UNI in 2010. I received my K-12 gifted endorsement in 2012. This is my 14th year in education (12 years in IA and 1 year in IL). I have 13 years of experience as a teacher- librarian in all grade levels.
Likes
I love to read picture books, graphic novels and YA literature. I enjoy going hiking with my family and spending time outside. I also love to bake cookies and bread.
Family
I have been married to my husband (Jose) for 11 years. We moved from Iowa to Joplin last year for my husband's job. We have a 9 year old daughter (Eleonora) and a 5 year old son (Mateo) that keep us busy with all their activities.
Pets
We adopted two cats (Sumi & Mako) 12 years ago. They are brothers. They love napping in the sun and chasing each other around our house.
