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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Apra Mainardi - 4th/5th
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Kasey Pliler - Director
Supply List:
Lunch Menu:
*Sack lunches available
at home schools
Upcoming Events:
*Click here for "Welcome Letter"
MO GLOS
Welcome!
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Welcome to an exciting new year at the Elementary Gifted Center!
Giftedness is more than developing skills faster or going through the developmental milestones earlier. Young gifted children are intensely curious, produce a constant stream of questions, learn quickly and remember easily, and think about the world differently than their age-mates. Their intense curiosity may get them into trouble, particularly when they try to figure out how something works. They may have a super-high energy level and yet be highly sensitive and perfectionistic. Recognizing giftedness is important because to persist, giftedness needs nurturing.
Part of our journey this year will be learning how to appreciate their intellectual “gifts” as well as the strengths that others possess. The students will have opportunities for their creativity to be cultivated and their logical thinking skills to be exercised. They will be participating in team building activities, researching facts and information around a unit of study and utilizing technology in a variety of ways.
Our frequent communication is vital to your child’s success! To contact us at MEC call 417-625-5200 (Hughes-ext. 2203 and Mainardi-ext. 2014). Please feel free to call before or after the students are at the Gifted Center (9am to 2pm) whenever there is a question or concern. Feel free to message us via ParentSquare as well. Checking email is also a regular part of our day. You are welcome to contact via a link on our classroom website or directly at wendeehughes.joplinschools.org/apraloomismainardi@joplinschools.org.
Each Gifted Center day is teeming with activities and learning opportunities. It is important that they do not miss a day if at all possible. One day together equals five days in a normal classroom environment. Encourage your child to recall and discuss the day’s events with you. You will be amazed at what we accomplish! Again, we are delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of your child’s educational experience this year. Thank you for sharing your child with us!
Sincerely,
Elementary Gifted Staff
