Definition of giftedness: Children who are gifted possess abilities, talents and potential which are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational needs. Gifted students are capable of accelerated learning, high performance, and exceptional production. Students who are gifted need to be challenged with a rigorous, differentiated and challenging curriculum suitable to their special advanced learning needs.
GALACTIC’s Vision: GALACTIC will be a premier learning community of problem-solvers characterized by excellence, equity and high expectations.
GALACTIC’s Mission: GALACTIC will advocate for gifted children and provide challenges appropriate to their academic, social and emotional needs.
GALACTIC is Hazelwood’s gifted program that provides special services to students living in the Hazelwood School District at the Learning Center. Services are provided on the following schedule:
Monday |
Grade 5 |
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Tuesday |
Grade 4 |
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Wednesday |
Grade 3 |
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Thursday |
Grade 2 |
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Thursday |
Grade 1 |
9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Screening & Identification Process:
Broad early screening for potential gifted students will occur in every Hazelwood elementary school. Referrals from any parochial/private/home schools can be made throughout the year by contacting the GALACTIC office at (314) 953-4954.The following timeline is used to complete the screening/identification process each year:
| September - December |
1st grade screening with ALL Hazelwood students.
Deadline = December 21 |
| January - April |
All 2nd - 5th grade students
Deadline = March 14
All Kindergarten screened after Spring Break
Deadline = May 13 |
GALACTIC functions with a board-approved curriculum. The courses we offer change each semester and are posted with a brief explanation on our website.
GALACTIC PTA will once again sponsor the annual GALACTIC Trivia Night on Friday February 22, 2013. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. here at the Hazelwood Learning Center and play begins at 6:30 p.m. Each table must have two children to compete. Popcorn, snacks and drinks will be sold at the event or you can bring your own. More details with registration info to come in January.
Characteristics of Gifted Children
The following is a list of characteristics typical of gifted children. A child may exhibit both the positive and negative behaviors of a characteristic depending on the environment. The listing is not exhaustive, but is intended to represent some significant cognitive and affective characteristics of students which, taken collectively, represent strengths, needs and tendencies observed in students with high intellectual ability.
While it is rare for a gifted child to exhibit all characteristics, it is common for a gifted child to manifest many of these behaviors.
Characteristic Positive Behavior Negative Behavior
Learns rapidly/easily, retains information |
masters information quickly, ready recall and response |
gets bored easily, resists drill, disturbs others |
Demonstrates higher level thinking |
analyzes synthesizes and evaluates data |
is frustrated with routine tasks |
Reads intensively |
reads many books and uses library on own |
neglects other responsibilities |
Has advanced vocabulary/verbal facility |
communicates ideas well |
monopolizes discussions, antagonizes peers |
Achieves at high academics level |
receives high grades and/or standardized test scores |
brags is egotistical, is impatient with others |
Possesses long attention span |
sticks with a task or project |
resists class routine, dislikes interruptions |
Has a variety of interests, highly curious |
asks questions, gets excited about ideas |
takes on too many activities, is spread too thin |
Processes ideas in diverse ways |
solves complex problems, enjoys intellectual challenge |
goes on tangents, exhibits no follow-through |
Works independently |
creates and invents beyond assigned tasks |
refuses to work with others |
Has a well developed sense of humor |
exhibits an ability to laugh at oneself |
plays cruel jokes or tricks on others |
Demonstrates individualism |
asserts self and ideas, has sense of own uniqueness |
has few friends, is stubborn in beliefs |
Is self motivated, self-sufficient |
requires minimum teacher direction or help |
is overly aggressive, challenges authority |
Assumes leadership roles |
leads peer in positive ways, positive role model |
leads others into negative behaviors |
Exhibits unusual sensitivity |
shows empathy toward needs of others, introspective |
interferes in the affairs of others |
Is idealistic, has strong sense of justice |
displays advanced levels of moral judgment |
impolitely corrects adults, unwilling to compromise |
Is a risk-taker |
experiments and takes intellectual risks |
does not use common sense |
Displays great intensity |
has passionate interests, high energy level |
is unwilling to vary interests |
Strives for perfection |
Performs beyond expectations |
Is reluctant to accept constructive criticism |