K- 6 Enrichment Program

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

-Albert Einstein

Geneseo’s Extended Studies Program is based on the research and design work of Dr. Joseph Renzulli of the University of Connecticut. Renzulli’s model is a multi-faceted approach to enrichment that is identified as a “school-wide enrichment model.”  The goal of this model is to provide rich learning opportunities for all children and to allow children to develop and show their potential.  The program is flexible to meet the needs of individual learners in the following ways:

Type 1: Schoolwide enrichment activities are typically offered to the entire school population as well as individual classrooms/grade levels.  Such activities might include assembly programs or guest artists who could work with a grade level or specific classrooms.  The extended studies teacher will also partner with classroom teachers to provide units of study that support and extend the curriculum.

Type 2: The “Inquiries” Program consists of small group instruction that exposes students to a specific area of study.  Groupings will be driven by student interest in expanding or investigating classroom topics as well as student aptitude. The extended studies teacher will work with students in their classroom, or in the extended studies classroom.  These groups are flexible and usually short-term. 

Type 3: “Light bulbs” Program- These student-centered and student-driven studies allow students to go into greater depth than other activities.  Individual and small groups of students research topics that are of interest. 

All three types of activities take place in many forms in and out of the classrooms.  Most activities involve a culminating project, performance or sharing of learning with peers and others.

The extended studies teacher serves as a resource for teachers, students and parents. 

I would be happy to chat with you if you have inquiries about our Extended Studies Program or specific questions about your child. 

Bettina DeBell

Extended Studies Teacher K-6

585-243-3450 Extension: 2227

bettinadebell@geneseocsd.org