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:
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Wendee Hughes - 2nd/3rd
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Miranda Hembree - 4th/5th
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Kasey Pliler - Director
Supply List:
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Upcoming Events:
*Elementary Read-a-thon!/TBA
Lunch Menu:
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Miranda Hembree
Interests
I love being outside and being active. Whether it's taking my dog, Lucy, for a walk or going for a run, being outside is my happy zone. Hiking and biking are also weekend favorites. My weekends and summers are usually full of projects. Whether it's a DIY, Pinterest, or a home improvement project, I'm usually working on something.
Likes
Books are another passion; I read mostly fiction for pleasure. I also like my morning coffee, traveling with family, a little bit of chocolate every day, cooking (especially desserts), snow, deep sea fishing, and tiny houses. HGTV is definitely a favorite channel!
Family
My daughter is currently in vet school. She's completed 3 semesters at Ross University. I've been blessed to have a family that loves learning and my daughter does too! I'm one proud mom!
Fur Babes
We have three: Lucy, Bolt and Rory. Lucy, my hound dog, is a little naughty and keeps me on my toes. We adopted her from the Humane Society here in Joplin. Lucy needed a companion so we welcomed Bolt. Then, a year later Rory found us and hasn't left. She's the spiciest of all my critters.
