STEAM Principal Tapped for Gifted Program
In a sign of STEAM's growing influence, the Rockwood School District has announced Dr. Christine Ries as its new director for gifted and talented programs. Ries was the founding principal of the district's STEAM Academy Middle School, and her promotion is seen as a move to embed STEAM principles across different educational tracks.
The Rockwood School District's gifted program, which Dr. Christine Ries will now lead, identifies students based on cognitive ability, academic achievement, and creativity. Elementary services include a one-day-a-week pull-out program, while middle school offers challenge classes and high school provides consultation services from gifted specialists. Dr. Ries's previous role was as the founding principal of STEAM Academy Middle School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, a position she held since 2017. Under her guidance, the STEAM Academy was recognized as a Missouri Gold Star School in 2025. Her background includes numerous accolades, such as the St. Louis Association of Secondary School Principals Middle School Principal of the Year (2021-2022) and Ferguson-Florissant Principal of the Year (2023). Ries also holds both a Gifted Certification and a STEM Certification from Maryville University. The move to integrate STEAM into gifted education aligns with research suggesting it fosters deep thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills crucial for gifted learners. These approaches often utilize project-based, inquiry-driven learning to engage students. At the high school level, Rockwood's gifted specialists currently provide support and advisement on issues common to gifted students, such as perfectionism and anxiety, rather than dedicated classes. They also guide students toward external opportunities and resources. Ries's appointment is effective July 1, taking over from the retiring Dr. Dennis Rhodes. She has expressed excitement about leading the program and continuing her work as an innovative educator focused on student success.
