Special Studies

Special Studies: Art, Computers, Music, Physical Education
ART

Gina Caputo DeVeno, BS from DePaul University
Length of service to St. Barbara: 13 years

Why do I teach? I teach even when I am not in a classroom, it is part of who I am.  I love to see my knowledge transferred to a student - that light bulb moment when they understand.  I teach children, but I learn from them as well.  

What I love about teaching at St. Barbara School: I have taught at several schools, but St. Barbara is very special!  The building buzzes with vitality.  It is a nurturing environment to both students and faculty, inspiring us to be the best we can be.  I love it here! 


"Every child is an artist; the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."     
                  -Picasso
 
The study of art abounds with a natural curiosity of various cultures. Everything that happens to a people is recorded in their art. Visual history is often the only lasting element of a culture. By examining the art of a country or continent, you can understand their culture. Each civilization has special artistic works, treasures that are held as symbols of value and worth. My goal is to introduce your child to artwork from an array of different cultures; ancient and existing.
 
Art is an area of study where there are few absolutes: self-expression and creativity are vital elements. Nurturing the individual students and their natural abilities is the most important and most difficult challenge I face as their art teacher. My students are challenged to challenge themselves! I try to create an environment where an enthusiasm for art creation prevails.
 
What will your child be doing in Art class?
 
Art instruction will encompass the major aspects of Art: drawing, painting, printing, weaving, three-dimensional art, two-dimensional design. 
 
The students will be looking at art to learn about other cultures, places, artists, and works of art. They will be talking about art to discuss meanings, ideas, feelings, and mood. They will make art to create expressive visual images.
 
The students will learn that art isn't only on canvas. Quilts, cameras, and computers are other ways artists express themselves. They will learn that art is everywhere. They will learn about folk art, graphic design, illustration, and industrial design.
 
Among the artists studied: Georgia O'Keefe, Claude Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Klee, Cassatt, Bearden, Calder, Faith Ringgold, Van Gogh, Rousseau, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Chagall, and Wyeth.
 
When your child brings home an art project, ask questions!  For the complete art curriculum for every grade, click here. 
 
COMPUTER / TECHNOLOGY

Michelle Cvitanovich, BA in Fine Arts and Mass Communication from Southern Illinois University, MA in teaching with certification.
Length of service to St. Barbara: First year

Why do I teach? I teach because I am passionate about learning and sharing knowledge.  It is joyful seeing students engaged and excited to grasp new skills.  

What I love about teaching at St. Barbara School: I am excited about implementing new computer and keyboard skills for the students.  I also look forward to being a part of such a great team of teachers. 

 

Our goal in computer lab is for all students to experience and expand their knowledge of technology and utilizes multimedia to enhance their learning potential.

Our primary grade levels learned basic parts and keys on the computer.  Basic mouse navigation skills and keyboarding are constantly highlighted and practiced.  A variety of fun, educational safe websites are continually introduced.  The students are experiencing a natural comfort and sense of confidence while utilizing computer technology.

Our intermediate grade levels are expanding their knowledge of the “home keys” and basic keyboarding skills.  Some students have employed technology to support other subject areas for research papers and creative writing.  Our students have “explored” specific artistic sites, allowing the students to be creative and share with the class how to execute particular skills.  

Our middle school grade levels have also “explored “ various artistic sites.  Our students continue to enhance their keyboarding skills and utilize technology for research papers.  The students have been introduced to fun educational websites, which enhance logic building skills, geography and math.  

In the future, some of the intermediate and middle school levels will be introduced to a foreign language program, which will be taught via computer, in lab.

Our students will continue to enhance their usage of technology by learning new features and tools to expand their learning capabilities.  We are also excited about our fifteen gently used laptop computers, which are in the process of being secured for safety.  We have a lot of fun in computer lab, which goes hand in hand that: learning is fun!