Hello, my name is Molly Brown. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself, and share with you my enthusiasm about teaching your child.
I am an artist myself, and recently graduated from the University of Memphis, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. While teaching at Hickory Ridge Elementary, I have come to really love our school and the wonderful team of teachers we have. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet you and be able to get to know your child.
As an educator equipped with all of the most innovative and fresh teaching techniques, I strive to inspire my students with my commitment and positive attitude to fostering meaningful learning. This is achieved by implementing several effective teaching techniques like: whole brain learning, one-on-one and group discussions, and positive and negative reinforcement. I provide my students with a safe and nurturing learning environment by considering the diversity of student interests, working within my curriculum, and challenging my students to acknowledge interdisciplinary connections. By encouraging and appealing to every student by adapting to the needs of my diverse learners, my students are successful in their attempts to reach my high expectations.
My hope is to maintain communication during this coming school year, so we can enable your child to reach his/her full potential through art as a means of self-expression. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read this letter. I would also like to thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. I look forward to beginning this partnership with you in your child’s continued success.
Art Curriculum: Throughout the year many projects will be focusing on giving children experience with each of the Elements of Art. (Line, shape, color, form, texture, value, and space.) Upper grade levels will also focus on the Principles of Design. (Pattern, movement, balance, emphasis, and unity).
Art History: Art history is also a large part of our curriculum. Each grade level focuses on learning about the lives and work of historical and contemporary artists.
Inspiration from Literature and Art Careers: Many of our projects are inspired from picture books, especially with younger students. Also, all grades have projects that connect to art career choices such as: Graphic Design, Architecture, Fine Art, Art Education, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and many more.
Genres: I try to have each grade-level experience a variety of materials and genres. Some genres include: landscapes, portraits, cityscapes, architecture, cartoons, realism, abstraction, and figure drawing.
Questions: Your child will learn to ask questions. I believe an answer is only as good as the question that is asked.
Problem Solving: We will work in groups and as individuals to solve problems.
Creating: Of course we will be working with materials that may get messy. If students follow directions carefully, materials should not get on their clothes, but just to be safe please do not wear anything new on art day. We will be learning through doing. Clay, painting, drawing with a variety of materials, building, and mixed media are all a part of our process.
Making Connects: We will be creating art that connects with other cultures, art history, ourselves, and other disciplines.
Feel free to take a closer look at the SCS Visual Art Curriculum.
Classroom Guidelines:
Grading: Students will be graded based on the grading scales outline in the Student Handbook, issued during the beginning days of school. Students’ will receive classroom grades based on the E, S, N, and U scale and a conduct grade based on the E, G, S, N, or U scale.
Behavior: My classroom will emphasize a positive behavior plan that will allow your child to achieve the best possible education where he/she feels safe and is able to experience academic success. Our Discipline Policy is based on an understanding of mutual respect. If there are individual difficulties, I will work closely with you and your child to ensure that the learning environment continues to be a positive place for everyone.
I am an artist myself, and recently graduated from the University of Memphis, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. While teaching at Hickory Ridge Elementary, I have come to really love our school and the wonderful team of teachers we have. I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet you and be able to get to know your child.
As an educator equipped with all of the most innovative and fresh teaching techniques, I strive to inspire my students with my commitment and positive attitude to fostering meaningful learning. This is achieved by implementing several effective teaching techniques like: whole brain learning, one-on-one and group discussions, and positive and negative reinforcement. I provide my students with a safe and nurturing learning environment by considering the diversity of student interests, working within my curriculum, and challenging my students to acknowledge interdisciplinary connections. By encouraging and appealing to every student by adapting to the needs of my diverse learners, my students are successful in their attempts to reach my high expectations.
My hope is to maintain communication during this coming school year, so we can enable your child to reach his/her full potential through art as a means of self-expression. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read this letter. I would also like to thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. I look forward to beginning this partnership with you in your child’s continued success.
Art Curriculum: Throughout the year many projects will be focusing on giving children experience with each of the Elements of Art. (Line, shape, color, form, texture, value, and space.) Upper grade levels will also focus on the Principles of Design. (Pattern, movement, balance, emphasis, and unity).
Art History: Art history is also a large part of our curriculum. Each grade level focuses on learning about the lives and work of historical and contemporary artists.
Inspiration from Literature and Art Careers: Many of our projects are inspired from picture books, especially with younger students. Also, all grades have projects that connect to art career choices such as: Graphic Design, Architecture, Fine Art, Art Education, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and many more.
Genres: I try to have each grade-level experience a variety of materials and genres. Some genres include: landscapes, portraits, cityscapes, architecture, cartoons, realism, abstraction, and figure drawing.
Questions: Your child will learn to ask questions. I believe an answer is only as good as the question that is asked.
Problem Solving: We will work in groups and as individuals to solve problems.
Creating: Of course we will be working with materials that may get messy. If students follow directions carefully, materials should not get on their clothes, but just to be safe please do not wear anything new on art day. We will be learning through doing. Clay, painting, drawing with a variety of materials, building, and mixed media are all a part of our process.
Making Connects: We will be creating art that connects with other cultures, art history, ourselves, and other disciplines.
Feel free to take a closer look at the SCS Visual Art Curriculum.
Classroom Guidelines:
Grading: Students will be graded based on the grading scales outline in the Student Handbook, issued during the beginning days of school. Students’ will receive classroom grades based on the E, S, N, and U scale and a conduct grade based on the E, G, S, N, or U scale.
Behavior: My classroom will emphasize a positive behavior plan that will allow your child to achieve the best possible education where he/she feels safe and is able to experience academic success. Our Discipline Policy is based on an understanding of mutual respect. If there are individual difficulties, I will work closely with you and your child to ensure that the learning environment continues to be a positive place for everyone.
Our Class Rules:
A-Always Clean Up R- Respect T- Take Your Time & Try Your Best I- Imagine S- Stay Seated T-Talk Quietly, when permitted |
If a student makes poor choices, the following steps will be taken:
1st Offense: A warning will be given 2nd Offense: A 5-minute time out 3rd Offense: A 10-minute time out and a Behavior log will be completed by your child. In the behavior log your child must write a response to how they have misbehaved. This will be sent home for your review and signature, noting that you are aware of your child’s actions. 4th Offense: I will request a parent-conference, to dig deeper to the root of the problem. 5th Offense: Office referral- conference with the principal |
Ask your child about the Art Room Rules. You’ll be surprised at how well they remember them. If your child forgets, please help them practice.