Here at EMS there are some problems that don’t affect many, but those they affect make them feel discouraged. One of these issues is the fact that the Gifted Classes don’t have a classroom to work in. They have been using the space behind the stage, even though that barely even counts as a room.

The Gifted Advanced Classes are classes for those that are not being “academically challenged” in the classroom. There are a very select few amount of students in these classes, but they need to be nurtured, because that is the point of the class. I am going to give some ideas of solutions, and reasons on why this class deserves a room, just like all the other classes.

If we are technically speaking, the Gifted classes are considered Special Education, which means they should automatically get rights to a classroom. Obviously, this hasn’t happened. There are a very select few students in these classes, resulting in there being few class periods. This means that one simple solution could be simply, sharing a classroom. There are many teachers already sharing classrooms, I don’t see why classrooms only used some blocks need to be left unused all the others. I understand that this will take some very precise scheduling, but at least they get a nicer place to work.

Finally, I interviewed some people here at EMS that are experiencing this first-hand. First, I interviewed the teacher of this class herself, Mrs. Albertson, and she said “I think we should [have a classroom] but there’s just no space. So you know in a perfect world that would be the best but having this space is better than being in the hallway. I’ve taught gifted where we have had to be in the hall with nothing. So it’s better than that”. Mrs. Albertson also said, “I’ve met with the principles and we have brainstormed different ways but there are pros and cons to every solution. And this is of what’s available the best option that we could come up with. We need a bigger building and we need space, were not the only ones that aren’t in the best situation. It would be great if the public could support us in expanding the building”. I also talked to Jillian Neely, a student in the Gifted classes, who told me, “Definitely! I think that especially with how much Mrs. Albertson helps the school she deserves a room, and that every class needs a legitimate room. Because having it on the stage is something you need to get used to over time. It’s not as comfy as it used to be”.

The Gifted classes are currently operating behind the stage in a makeshift room. This is a room, that is not an actual classroom. I think that they deserve a real room, but I am also not sure if there is the space available. It would amazing if the building could get an expansion with support from the public. I hope this made you more aware of the issue of the Gifted classes not getting a real classroom.