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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ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
Arrivals
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Bus students and car riders will enter the building through the South Entrance on 9th Street through the gymnasium. Gifted teachers will be there on duty from 8:50-9:00 am to greet the students and walk them to their classrooms. Car riders enter through the same entrance when the door opens.
Late Arrivals and/or Pick Up/Drop Off During School Day
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All students arriving or departing after 9:00 am or any time prior to 2:00 pm dismissal must enter or exit through the West doors. Parents must enter with their child upon arrival and check in with MEC’s receptionist. The secretary will page the gifted classroom to alert the teacher of the student’s arrival or need for departure.
Dismissals
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At 2:00 pm bus riders will be walked to their buses through the gymnasium entrance/exit where they were dropped off that morning. Parents picking up their children should come to West Pearl entrance at 2:00 as well. A note is needed if someone different is picking up your child.
*Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work together to provide the safest environment possible for your child. Thank you for your consideration!
