Celebrating Music and Art at Atlas

As March draws to a close, we're taking a moment to celebrate Youth Art Month (YAM) and Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) by shining a spotlight on the incredible educators who bring the magic of visual and performing arts into the lives of our students. Today, we honor Ms. Carolyn, who teaches Visual Arts, and Ms. Kristine, who shares her passion for Performing Arts. Let's learn a bit more about these inspiring educators.

Get to know Ms. Carolyn!

• Ms. Carolyn was born and raised in Kirkwood, MO. She holds a BFA in Painting from Webster University and a Masters in Secondary Education from UMSL. 
• Her experience in education spans several grade levels and subject areas. She has taught everything from preschool to ABA therapy to second grade and is now in her tenth year of teaching Visual Arts.
• When Ms. Carolyn is not teaching at Atlas, she loves spending time with her family and flexing her own creative muscles. She is an active board member of Hope Creates and is passionate about creating equity throughout the larger community through the healing power of art.

Get to know Ms. Kristine!

• Ms. Kristine was born and raised in Webster Groves, MO. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies from St. Louis University and a degree in Choral Music Education from Webster University.
• She taught middle and high school choirs at a performing arts school for two years and is now in her eighth year of teaching elementary music.
• Ms. Kristine used to sing a cappella semi-professionally and still stays involved through coaching high school and collegiate a cappella groups and judging state and national competitions (think real-life Pitch Perfect). Most of her time, however, is spent with her two young children, whom she and her husband can agree are the absolute greatest joys of their lives!

Why Art and Music Programs Matter

At Atlas, we are committed to ensuring the success of our students - academically, emotionally, and physically. Atlas students rotate through art, music, and physical education classes each week receiving instruction in one of these each day. Visual and Performing Arts are not merely extracurricular activities; they are an essential part of the elementary school experience. Here's why:

1. Cognitive Development: Engaging in artistic and musical endeavors enhances critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and spatial intelligence. It stimulates various regions of the brain, fostering holistic cognitive development.
2. Emotional Expression: Art and music provide a safe outlet for students to explore and express their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence and resilience. Through creative expression, students learn to communicate feelings and experiences in profound ways.
3. Cultural Appreciation: Art and music serve as windows into diverse cultures and traditions, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the rich tapestry of human experiences. They promote global awareness and cultural literacy.
4. Community Building: Participation in art and music programs cultivates a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. Collaborative projects and performances foster teamwork, communication skills, and a supportive community spirit.
5. Personal Growth: Art and music nurture self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-expression. They empower students to embrace their unique talents, take creative risks, and persevere in the face of challenges.

In essence, art and music education are not just about creating artists and musicians; they are about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the creativity, empathy, and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Want to learn more about Atlas' commitment to the arts? Visit our website here!

Interested in Joining Our Team?

Are you passionate about educating the whole child and dedicated to shaping young minds? If so, we invite you to consider joining our team! We’re growing with our students and are currently accepting applications for several positions at our school, where you'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented educators like Ms. Carolyn and Ms. Kristine. Apply today by clicking the button below!