Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

My name is Kristen Caruana (pronounced Care-a-wanna), and I am so excited to be the new Manatee Elementary Art Teacher!  I have heard so many wonderful stories about your kiddos and this community, and I cannot wait to be a part of it. I would like to share with you some information to help you get to know me and what this year in art will be like for your child.

 

About the teacher

 

I relocated to Merritt Island from Colorado about a year ago, and I call Buffalo, New York my hometown. I earned a Master’s of Arts in Education from Concordia University in Montreal and have been teaching since 2007. I have always enjoyed seeing the wonder in a young child’s eyes when they discover something new. My favorite moments are when I get to sit with them one on one and hear about their ideas and watch them engaged in meaningful self-expression.  It is my goal that every student artist feels like they can be successful in art regardless of their skill level.  In my free time, I play silly games and make art projects with my sweet little four year old boy. I also enjoy painting, scuba diving, and yoga.  

 

What art class will look like this year

 

I am excited for a wonderful year with our little artists! The art room will be a safe space for creative problem solving, personal expression, and material exploration. Some things may look different this year (due to Covid-19) as our focus is shifting towards process rather than product. This means they will explore materials, plan out ideas, develop skills, and use studio thinking to solve artistic challenges. I encourage my artists to experience artistic inquiry with an attitude of discovering rather than producing. You will still have lots of masterpieces coming home; though unfortunately we must limit art materials to what they can use individually or wash efficiently.  You may see some smaller projects that were created with less group work and handling of shared materials.  Despite these adjustments I eagerly anticipate a colorful and joyful art experience for all.

 

What e-learning will look like this year

 

E-learners will follow the same learning standards and progression as brick-and-mortar students. Our goal is to create a smooth transition back to the classroom where they will arrive with all the skills and knowledge they need to join us in person. The materials you have at home may not directly reflect what we have in the classroom but the lessons I send home will build skills and artistic development that is in line with their classmates.

 

Unfortunately, we do not foresee any in person art shows this year. Instead, we will have an online District Art Show. You will be glad to know that we will continue with Artsonia so you can access your child’s art online. 

 

Thank you for placing importance in your student’s art education.

 

Sincerely,

​

Kristen Caruana