Classes unite to teach respect, tolerance

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
May 11, 2004
Gifted art classes at Northeast Elementary School have been integrated with the multi-handicapped class to teach students respect and tolerance for others.
Mandy Goldman, who teaches artistically gifted students at Northeast, said the artistically gifted class must do community service projects to keep its funding. She said fourth-grade students teach art to the multi-handicapped classes twice a week.
Goldman said her other gifted art classes volunteer at LOVE's Kitchen and the local hospice centers. Rachel Broussard, a fourth-grader in Goldman's gifted class, said she enjoys working with the disabled students.
Karli Swearingen said that by working with the students in the multi-handicapped class she has learned "that other people are different from us, but it's fun to have a friend that is different."
Karen Pace, who teaches the multi-handicapped class, said she has seen an improvement in her students in social skills, communication skills and fine motor skills.
Pace said in addition to blossoming friendships, she also has seen the gifted students learn to appreciate the capabilities of the disabled students.