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One of the drawbacks to Ohio’s transition to online learning last March was the fact that testing to identify gifted and talented students was also canceled. As the district catches up on identification this year, it hasn’t stopped providing opportunities for enrichment for some of our highest achievers. Taking advantage of recent changes in gifted education standards, London has revamped its elementary gifted program in order to meet the challenges presented by COVID19 and to expand opportunities to more students in 2020-2021. 

Fourth and fifth-grade students, already identified as gifted, will again participate in in-depth, problem-based learning activities each week. However, this year, the district will focus on offering additional learning opportunities to elementary students and professional development in gifted education for all elementary staff. 

Leading the revamped program will be Mr. Joe Jude. Mr. Jude, who is new to London, previously served as an administrator at Graham Local Schools, where he helped lead Graham Elementary to receiving Ohio’s STEM designation. Mr. Jude holds an elementary teaching license with a reading endorsement and concentrations in English language arts and science. Besides leading weekly PBL lessons for gifted students, he will also help teachers facilitate similar activities for all elementary grade levels.

Consistent with district goals of expanding opportunities for all students, London continues to explore ways to integrate active, hands-on learning across the curriculum.