Mrs. Hughes | Joplin Gifted Center

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.

Biomedical Engineering at WashU	Taylor and Prince Charles	Me and Peach at a game	I luv her
Mr. Hughes	Mr. Hughes	Escape room . . .	Zumba
Puppies	Holly & Logan	Bentley	Charles
Holly	Bubs	StL Baseball	Holly Kristen Hughes Competitive Cheerleading
Washington University	Shopping with Bubs	Brian "Taylor" Hughes	WashU a'capella concert
JHS Junior Prom	Biomedical Engineering Researcher at Dr. Stephen George Lab	Lainey the Poodle Alpha female out of all of the dogs.	St. Louis Zoo
Siblings Pose for a picture . . .	Taylor & Holly Alike, yet so different . . .	Best Friends	JHS Graduation 2015
Senior Picture	JHS Senior Prom	Senior Model	Zumba Instructor
Senior Picture	Shopping w/Peach	Senior Picture	JHS Senior 2015 'merica football game
St.Louis Cardinals	Senior Model	Halloween	Senior Model
Home from College He was missed!	First Car	Mr. Hughes	Bathtime
JHS Graduation 2015	Fam	Mr. Hughes	Cardinal Baseball
Ballgame	Cosmo	Northwest MO State U Masters in Teacher Leadership	Holly the Chimpanzee
Gifted Center at Cardinal's Game	IMG_8415	Best team ever	The Herd Waiting for a treat.
Golden Apple	WashU Goodbyes are tough!	Hijacked my phone	Birthday Ballgame Cardinals #1