It is good to be back in the art room! I am so excited for this school year, and it was fun to see all the kids, both old and new.  For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jana Lucas and I am the art teacher at Sagebrush Elementary.  This is my 28th year in education and my 5th year in the art room.  Art has always been a passion of mine, and I feel so fortunate to be at Sagebrush.  I love working with kids and creating art together.

I consider myself a TAB art  teacher.  TAB stands for Teaching Artistic Behaviors.  At the elementary level, I fully believe that building skills and behaviors in the art room allow for students to create their own art.  The philosophy behind TAB is that the child is the artist and the art room is their studio.  Because of this, my classroom program is a little unconventional.  The art that students will bring home may not look as polished as a lesson where everyone is creating the same thing.  Choice is a big part of what I do, and the program reflects this.   Giving kids choice  helps develop a sense of identity, pride, and confidence around art and creativity.  If you have any questions about this program, please feel free to reach out.  

One goal I hope to emphasize in the art room this year is helping students understand that learning art can support not only academics, but so many endeavors that kids might have for the future.  I am hoping that I can get several individuals to come and talk to kids about what they do, and how art supports their career choice. I want students to start looking at the value of being creative and begin to take more pride in their work.  Loving art is not for everyone, but having an artistic mind can help in just about any passion a student might have.  

Many of you may have noticed the mural on the playground.  This project has been in the making since last year.  I want to thank all the parents, students, PTCO members and staff members that have helped to get this wall painted.   It has truly been a community effort. If you have not seen it, I hope you will stop by our playground to have a look.  

I am looking forward to this school year.  Feel free to reach to me if you have any questions about art at Sagebrush Elementary. 

Sincerely,

Jana Lucas

jlucas6@cherrycreekschools.org