Gifted and Talented teachers and students shared their thoughts about the program. 

Gifted and Talented is a program for students who are passionate about learning and art. For middle schoolers there are programs such as; Enrichment, Music, Visual Arts, and Creative Writing/Theater Arts. 

In GNT students work on different disciplines involving their specific category they are in. 

Gifted and Talented Music student, Esoola Akomolafe, said in GNT they start with their warmups and then greet each other, “Then we start to go into our music.” 

While Enrichment student, Olivia Sawicka, explained that they work on various projects. 

Like Enrichment, in Visual Arts they work on projects and learn how to “think outside the box”. 

Students in Gifted and Talented are able to express themselves better because they are with others who are passionate about similar things. 

“I love how we are able to talk freely, without us having to raise our hand,” says Esoola. 

Not only students being able to express themselves, but also enjoy learning along with their peers is what makes the Gifted and Talented program important. 

Mrs. Sweeney, a GNT Enrichment teacher, said she believes the importance of GNT is having kids being surrounded by “like minded people”, and allowing the students to have an opportunity to “challenge themselves.”

Regular school classes compared to GNT classes differ because of multiple reasons. Olivia Sawicka said in GNT there is more “hands on work.”

Esoola Akomolafe compared Music GNT to music class. She said, “Music class is just the general understanding of music. GNT though, you get to know what you’re going to do, and they kind of focus individually.” 

The benefits of GNT are different for everyone. Mrs. Sweeney said she thinks that not feeling “intimidated by your excitement for learning” because you’re surrounded by other students who share the same excitement, is a key benefit. She said she thinks the curriculum also stands out, “our curriculum allows for self discovery and research on topics that individual students are excited to pursue.”

“Better experiences” is what Esoola Akomolafe said is a benefit of being in GNT. 

Though Gifted and Talented is a liked program, there is always room for improvement. Olivia Sawicka feels like her class is “really small.” It would be beneficial for more students to be accepted into the program. Esoola would like to see Gifted and Talented Arts in high school. 

Gifted and Talented is a great program for gifted students looking to express themselves with others. Being involved in the program is a great chance to challenge your creativity, and desire for learning.