Liberty District highlights gifted, talented students

Liberty School District submitted this News by You article on a community event that helped raise awareness of the district's gifted and talented program.

Are you smarter then a GATER? Liberty District Gifted and Talented Program asked that question to the district's five principals who competed against the GATE students who attended an evening of food, fun and questions.

The event was designed to create a community for gifted students and their parents to meet together from all around district and hear about new programs and technologies being used to provide enrichment for their children.

A variety of gifted students ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade competed against the principals from their schools, answering 50 questions displayed on a Smart Board, using their wireless Student Response Systems.

While students and principals were hard at work, the audience was also invited to work with their families and neighbors to answer the questions. Although the principals won, edging out the students by 70 points, the evening was a great success. How could it not be as audience members marveled at a third-grader answering an algebraic question in less than two seconds.

"It is important we highlight and provide enrichment for all students including ELL, special needs and gifted and talented," said Patty Messer, the GATE teacher on assignment for the district. "Having the opportunity to work with the gifted students and find different ways that allow them to express themselves and their unique gifts is a great opportunity."

Messer has been tasked with revamping the gifted program including providing enrichment classes at all grade levels and having a self-contained gifted class at one campus.

Additional GATE nights will be hosted throughout the year, providing opportunities for the families and students to get together.