To give students face-to-face time with each other and educators, Westerville City Schools’ Gifted Education department launched “Gifted Gatherings” for elementary students during their remote learning weeks this year.
In the fall, students in grades 3 to 5 across 14 elementaries attended virtual gatherings on various topics such as Book Clubs, Math Madness, Baffling Befuddlement and Community Service.
As part of her gathering, fifth-grader Holly S. made a blanket and donated it to My Very Own Blanket, a Westerville-based nonprofit charity dedicated to providing handmade blankets to children in foster care.
“It felt good that it was going to a good cause,” she said.
Students committed to attending Gifted Gatherings online sessions during their remote learning weeks. The first round of Gifted Gatherings was held this fall with additional winter and spring sessions planned for the second half of the school year.
“We don’t get to see people very often now. I liked having the opportunity to talk to other people,” said Adelynn D., who attended the gatherings.
Parents have appreciated the additional time spent with their children.
The Gifted Education department has found that any type of opportunity to reach out and directly check in with students has been extremely beneficial during these unprecedented learning times.
“I’m so sad that it had to come to an end,” said Noah S., who was then encouraged to sign up for next month’s Gifted Gathering.