A Word is Worth a Thousand Pictures..Art!

"I am a first-year middle school art teacher in northeast Florida who has taken over an outdated graphic arts program, and I'm adding into the mix printmaking, paper-making and photography!

We are a mix of 7th and 8th grade students-- Our student body is a diverse mix of both upper-income and low-in..." more»

"I am a first-year middle school art teacher in northeast Florida who has taken over an outdated graphic arts program, and I'm adding into the mix printmaking, paper-making and photography!

We are a mix of 7th and 8th grade students-- Our student body is a diverse mix of both upper-income and low-income families; this year it has been harder than most to get students to bring their 10$ per student project fee from everyone (the fee is a donation, not compulsory). We have started making paper, which they love making, and are going to print on soon.

My students have many great ideas- from original cartoons and characters, to fantastical scenes, both natural and man-made.

They have an industrious nature, and love to get their hands wet or dirty making art! I need to keep their momentum going (soon at my own expense)!

In spite of our lack of materials, I want to give my children the opportunity to realize their potential, and I am anxious to see what they can do with linoleum, paper, and ink if given the chance.

They learn new things so quickly, and incorporate those new skills and problem-solving skills into other aspects of their schoolwork. Recently, statistics have proved that the explorations they do in art directly affect the quality of their academic courses (Florida's Senator Wise on The Impact of the Arts in Education), and I want to maximize this advantage that the arts possess.

With your generous help, we will greatly stabilize the foundation our children grow upon, and help equip our future citizens with a well-rounded and grounded education. hide»