Mrs. Sovereign

Hello! I have been teaching at JA for 25 years, primarily in 2nd grade, and I am thrilled that this will be my 2nd year teaching Primary Art! I am excited to teach my students about the elements of art (line, color, shape, texture, value, form, space) famous artists, art history, and helping them explore their creativity to express what they are learning.

My husband and I have 2 sons, ages 26 and 25 , and 1 daughter, 20, a CSU Ram. Go Rams! They all attended JA Elementary way back in the day and still love to see how their elementary school has grown and changed. I have a cat named Greg who keeps us laughing all the time! I enjoy reading, decorating, crafting, and being outdoors.

The Core Knowledge Foundation says this about Visual Arts:

"Through attaining a basic knowledge of the arts, children are not only better prepared to understand and appreciate works of art, but also to communicate their ideas, feelings, and judgments to others. A good understanding of the arts grows out of at least three modes of knowledge: creative (i.e., directly making artworks), historical, and analytical. Early study of the arts should embrace all three modes with special emphasis on creativity and active participation."

My goal is to connect visual arts to what students are learning in their Core Knowledge units in their classrooms. And of course, have FUN with our learning and creations!

I'm looking forward to an exciting school year in the Art room!

Mrs. Smith

Welcome to Primary Art! This will be my 10th year here at Jefferson Academy, and my 21st school year. I have worked in Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade, then Third Grade classrooms prior to coming to JA.  I love my position as an Educational Assistant in the Primary Art and Music rooms, where I get to work with the littlest students in the building. I feel that all my experiences in the classroom have led me to this wonderful, and fulfilling position.  One of the best things I get to see is when a student shows fearless creativity; especially when a student masters a new skill when they first believe that they “can’t.”  

My husband Brent and I have been married for 37 years, and we have two amazing children.  Our daughter Shelby is married and has three children.  Our son Corey graduated this past May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from CU Boulder. Sko Buffs!  I love spending time with my family; especially with my grandchildren.  I enjoy gardening, crafting (especially wreaths and door hangers), working with clay, travelling, cooking and baking when I am not at work. 

I am excited for this new school year!