I am Jenkins' and one of Viewmont's ("Art a la Cart") teachers.  Having had the opportunity to work in each Hickory elementary school I am proud to say I have loved working with the students and staff of all my schools.  I get so sad when my kids grow and leave my schools, for some reason they don't want to stay behind and miss sixth grade!

I attended Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Fla., graduated from the University of South Carolina, BA in Art Education.  I taught art to grades one through nine, high school alternate school, and adults for six and a half years in Columbia, South Carolina.  

After moving to Marietta, Ga. in 1979 I was able to work on the other side of the fence as a volunteer mom in my children's school system in Cobb county.  Eighteen years of volunteer work for PTA, Boy Scouts of America, and the Lassiter Band Parent's Association in my son's schools kept me busy and involved with their schools and lives!

In 1997 I moved to my mother's hometown, Claremont, NC, a place I called home since my mother's family always lived there and I loved it so much.  It had been fun to visit from Aiken, SC, where I grew up.  Living in the 120+ year old house I always admired as a child in "downtown" Claremont has been a pleasure for me.  I enjoy rocking on the huge porch while watching the trains and world go by.  I feel like "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" as I watch my garden grow since the dirt here makes everthing grow and grow. 

I have always believed that using art to teach the other subject areas is a "painless" way for the kids to learn.  Art uses all of the  areas at one time or another.  I did not realize I would be teaching math, science, reading, geography and more; but it all works together to make a neat package.  

Art is hard work, but it is fun also, especially when they see their efforts come together.  I have had many principals, teachers, and parents say they wish they had had art as a child.

I have so much that I want to teach my students!  I love teaching them and seeing the light shine in their eyes as they grasp the lesson information.  I especially get excited when I see them use the things I have taught them in their future work!

Having a room at Jenkins again this year is a blessing, I have been thinking all summer about what neat things we will be able to do this year!  Instead of "Art a la Cart" I'll have to be "Art in One Spot"!

 

Sincerely,