Mississippi Association for Gifted Children

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Mississippi Association for Gifted Children

MAGC advocates for appropriate educational opportunities that address the unique needs of Mississippi's gifted children.

The purposes of this organization shall be to:
- Serve as a public advocate concerning the needs of the gifted.
- Serve the State of Mississippi in the development and improvement of programs for the gifted by keeping parents, teachers, institutions of higher learning, and the general public aware of the need to provide appropriate experiences for these students.
- Disseminate ideas on programs, p

rojects, and research on the gifted.
- Encourage local chapter organizations throughout the state to develop and provide support for gifted education in their communities.
- Serve as a catalyst in educational growth and stimulation of the membership.
- Work for improvement in all areas of education and for better educational opportunities for all children.

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Mississippi has a mandate to serve intellectually gifted students in grades 2-6. In addition, school districts are permitted to serve intellectually gifted students in 7th and 8th grades and in other areas of gifted eligibility (creatively gifted, artistically gifted, and academically) in “permissive programming” at the discretion of the school districts. Gifted education funding falls under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP). Currently it is lumped in with the funding for special education and vocational education to be used at the discretion of the school districts. For additional information about gifted education in Mississippi, visit the Mississippi Department of Education website at www.mde.k12.ms.us. For more information about advocating for gifted education in Mississippi, visit the website of the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children at www.magcweb.org

06/13/2026

MAGC Summer Teacher Life Spotlight: Meet Michelle White!

Are you soaking up some pool time, enjoying slower mornings, and already thinking ahead to next year's gifted lessons? As we recharge this summer, we're excited to kick off a special series featuring members of the MAGC Board and some of their favorite gifted units and classroom experiences!

This week, we're spotlighting Michelle White, MAGC's Recording Secretary. Michelle brings nearly three decades of teaching experience in both regular and gifted education. Her passion for teaching was shaped by her childhood in Malawi, Africa, where she attended a European school system before returning to the United States. That experience inspired her dream of creating meaningful learning environments where every student can thrive. Today, she teaches gifted 2nd and 3rd graders and stays busy with a large, joyful family that she lovingly describes as "crazy chaos, but so much fun!"

🐞 Favorite Gifted Lesson: "What's Buggin' You?🐞

One of Michelle's favorite gifted units combines research, creativity, collaboration, and a little bit of sweetness! Students dive into insect research, uncovering fascinating facts and "zingers" about their chosen bugs while creating detailed scientific illustrations. After sharing their discoveries through presentations and partner discussions, students take their learning to the next level by designing edible insects using treats like mini donuts, pretzels, marshmallows, popcorn, candy, and frosting. The lesson culminates in a fun, hands-on experience inspired by a field trip to the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans.

🌞 Whether you're at the pool, on vacation, or curled up with a good book, stay tuned all summer long as we highlight gifted educators, favorite lessons, and classroom ideas that you can tuck away for the upcoming school year. We can't wait to share more inspiration from our MAGC Board members! 📚✨

04/21/2026

The deadline is quickly approaching for the Elisabeth Mosley Memorial Scholarship through the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children!

This scholarship helps gifted students in grades 2–8 attend summer programs in Mississippi, especially those with financial need.

🗓 Deadline: April 30, 2026
📌 Applications must be complete and submitted by a teacher or MAGC member (with scanned documents).

Eligibility includes:
• Enrolled in a gifted program (2025–2026)
• Grades 2–8
• Teacher/MAGC recommendation
• Agreement to attend if selected

Links to apply and view scholarship partners are below—don’t miss this opportunity for your students!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqxHp0oHLzrIZD5YW2dk21Vd-Zmo8AnviEXYwa7-TyzToV1Q/viewform

04/14/2026

✨ Meet the MAGC Board: Rebekah Johnson, Legislative Chair✨

We’re excited to spotlight Rebekah Johnson, a dedicated, gifted educator and passionate advocate for Mississippi’s gifted learners! Rebekah teaches 2nd–6th-grade gifted students at Southeast Lauderdale Elementary and Middle Schools, where she brings creativity and critical thinking to life every day. As MAGC’s Legislative Chair, she works to support policies that benefit gifted education across our state.

Beyond the classroom, Rebekah is a proud wife and mom of three boys and understands the gifted journey both professionally and personally. Whether she’s traveling, enjoying live music, or reading a great book, her enthusiasm for learning and exploration shines through in everything she does.

Featured Lesson: The Wild World of Walter Anderson

In this engaging 5th–6th grade lesson, students dive into the life and work of Walter Anderson, exploring how his connection to nature inspired his art. Students analyze his 7 motifs, study key locations like Horn Island, and examine how geography influenced his creative process.

They then apply their learning by creating their own Anderson-inspired artwork, using his motifs as a foundation while developing original ideas.

To deepen the experience, students take a hands-on field trip to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the USM Marine Education Center, connecting art, science, and place-based learning.

This lesson beautifully blends critical thinking, creativity, and real-world exploration, helping students see the powerful connection between Mississippi’s natural environment and its artistic heritage.

We love how Rebekah’s lesson encourages students to think like artists, explore like scientists, and create like innovators. Stay tuned for more MAGC board member features and classroom inspiration!

04/07/2026

We are excited to spotlight one of our own MAGC board members, Liz Prince, and her engaging approach to Socratic Seminars!

Liz shares a powerful strategy for encouraging meaningful student discussion by using art as the entry point. By incorporating well-known works such as Starry Night, Sunflowers, and The Scream, she invites students into the conversation with a simple but impactful question:
"What do you notice?”

From there, the magic happens.

Students begin to lead the discussion, ask each other questions, and uncover insights that go far beyond surface-level observations. This approach not only builds critical thinking skills but also empowers gifted learners to take ownership of their thinking and communication.

Liz reflects that students often notice details and perspectives she had never considered, reinforcing the value of student-driven dialogue in the classroom.

If you are looking for a way to deepen discussions and increase engagement, this strategy is a great place to start. Sometimes, all it takes is a piece of art and an open-ended question.

Stay tuned as we continue to share more lesson ideas and resources from our MAGC board members to support gifted educators across Mississippi.

04/02/2026

Exciting News from MAGC!

We are thrilled to share that something new is coming soon to our page! As part of our continued commitment to supporting gifted educators across Mississippi, we will soon launch a new feature that regularly shares lesson plans, classroom resources, and enrichment ideas designed specifically for gifted learners.

These lesson plans and resources will be thoughtfully curated and shared by members of our MAGC Board, bringing you tried-and-true strategies, creative ideas, and meaningful learning experiences from educators passionate about gifted education.

Our goal is to grow this page into a hub of high-quality resources for gifted teachers across the state—so stay tuned!

03/30/2026

Now Accepting Applications: 2026 Elisabeth Mosley Memorial Gifted Scholarship

The Mississippi Association for Gifted Children (MAGC) is excited to offer the 2026 Elisabeth Mosley Memorial Student Scholarship (EMMS) to support gifted learners across Mississippi.

What is it?
Each year, MAGC awards at least one scholarship to help a gifted student attend a Mississippi summer program hosted by one of our MAGC Summer Program Partners. This opportunity is designed for students who may not otherwise be able to participate due to financial need.

Important Details:

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Click here to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqxHp0oHLzrIZD5YW2dk21Vd-Zmo8AnviEXYwa7-TyzToV1Q/viewform

Who can apply? Students must be nominated by a teacher and/or a current MAGC member who is familiar with the student’s interests and needs

This is a wonderful opportunity to open doors for gifted students and provide them with enriching summer experiences that spark creativity, curiosity, and growth.

Teachers and MAGC members—be sure to nominate deserving students before the deadline!

03/18/2026

🚨 Gifted Education Advocacy – Time to Act! 🚨

We’re in the final weeks of the legislative session, and decisions are being made right now that impact gifted programs across Mississippi.

MAGC is advocating for:
✔️ $7 million in gifted funding
✔️ Restoration of a 40:1 student-to-teacher ratio

There is support—but lawmakers need to hear from YOU!

📣 Take action today:
• Email your legislators (it still makes a difference!)
• Call or leave a voicemail:
☎️ Chairman DeBar: (601) 359-3221
☎️ Chairman Roberson: (662) 324-3810
• Ask them to support the gifted amendment in SB 2103 and HB 1395

💡 Share why gifted education matters to your students and community—and don’t forget to tag your legislators!

Let’s make sure Mississippi’s gifted students get the support they deserve. 💙

03/08/2026

Gifted Education Advocates – One Final Push!

While Senate Bill 2293, which would have increased the weight and multiplier for Gifted Education funding, did not advance in the House, there is still hope. The language from SB2293 could still be added to another bill that remains active during this final week of the legislative session. But for that to happen, legislators need to hear from us NOW.

Parents, teachers, administrators, and former gifted students—your voice matters. Mississippi’s gifted students deserve programs that are fully funded so they can continue to grow, innovate, and lead our state into the future.

📞 Contact legislative leadership today:
• Delbert Hosemann, Lt. Governor – 601-359-3200
• Jason White – 601-359-3300
• Capitol Switchboard (leave a message for any legislator) – 601-359-3770

If you need help finding your local legislators, reach out to us at [[email protected]]([email protected]).

💬 Another powerful way to help:
Share a post explaining why gifted education matters to you or your child and tag your local legislators so they can hear directly from the people they represent. Personal stories from parents, teachers, and former students can make a powerful impact.

Be sure to tag MAGC in your post and use the hashtag so we can help amplify your message.

📣 Join MAGC at the Capitol!
We will be at the Capitol Wednesday, March 11 from 9:30–11:00 AM for one final push to make our voices heard for Mississippi’s gifted students. We know many districts are on Spring Break, but if you are able to attend—even briefly—we invite teachers, parents, students, and former students to stand with us.

If you plan to attend, please take a moment to fill out the Google Form at the link below so we know who to expect.

Let’s make our voices loud and clear to Mississippi’s Senators and Representatives.

MAGC Capitol Visit RSVP – March 11
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUDDehl7p6aZtpWE5iOjHldvF53m5GZl1ufQgHsgePyT-66g/viewform

02/24/2026

Important Update on Gifted Funding in Mississippi

While the House Education Committee has indicated they do not plan to take up additional Senate bills this session — meaning SB2293 may not move forward as a standalone bill — this does not mean the effort is over.

There is still a strong pathway forward. The Senate has several education bills moving, and those bills can be amended to include the key language from SB2293 — specifically, the proposed increase in the gifted weight and multiplier within the Mississippi Student Funding Formula. House and Senate Education Committee leaders have agreed to work toward a workable solution, and conversations are ongoing.

MAGC representatives have already met with legislative leaders to advocate for gifted students, and momentum is still on our side.

Action Is Still Needed

Legislators need to hear that:
• Increasing the gifted weight in the funding formula matters.
• Gifted students deserve equitable funding.
• Districts rely on appropriate funding to provide high-quality gifted services.
• The language from SB2293 should be preserved through an amendment to another viable education bill.

Please consider contacting your local Representatives and Senators this week. A short, respectful email explaining why gifted funding impacts students in your district can make a real difference.

Now is the time to advocate. Our gifted learners are counting on us.

01/28/2026

Legislative Update & Call to Action for Gifted Education Advocates

We’re now in Week 3 of the 2026 legislative session, and there’s important momentum for gifted education in Mississippi.

The Senate Education Committee recently passed SB 2293, a bill that would increase gifted education funding by adjusting the Mississippi Student Funding Formula to more closely align with MAEP. Senators voiced strong support, and continued discussion following MAGC Gifted Day at the Capitol shows that our collective advocacy made a real impact.

What’s next:
SB 2293 now moves to the full Senate floor, with a deadline of February 12, 2026.

Call to Action:
Now is a critical time for educators, parents, and advocates to contact their senators—especially constituents of Sen. Hob Bryan and Sen. David Blount—to:

-Express support for SB 2293
-Share how gifted programs impact students and communities
-Advocate for sustainable, equitable funding for gifted education

Thank you to everyone who has shown up, spoken out, and supported gifted learners across the state. Your voices matter, and they are being heard.

Address

Jackson, MS
39207

Website

http://www.magcgifted.org/

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