Susan Thames- Art
Monet's bridge in Giverny, France
My name is Susan Thames. This is my 20th year teaching art and my 4th here at OLMC. My husband and I have a six year old daughter, a fourteen year old son, a dog, and a cat. I am very thankful to be living in beautiful southeast Virginia and to have the opportunity to teach your wonderful children.
I am looking forward to teaching your children how to problem solve, think imaginatively, and express their ideas and feelings through art. I can’t wait to tell them about famous artists throughout history like da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Picasso, and so many more. We will be creating with paper, markers, crayons, paint, clay, recycled materials, yarn, paper mache, and any other materials that I can get my hands on. Needless to say, we will be very busy!
When you look at your child’s artwork, appreciate the lines, shapes, patterns, textures, and colors. Try not to judge, but to encourage. Your child will be showing the world through their eyes as only their eyes can see it. They will be demonstrating their knowledge in their own visual terms from the unique point of view that God has given to them. You won’t always know what the artwork is about. Some of their projects will be things that you recognize. Others will be chances for students to experiment with things like color mixing, where they concentrate not on what they are painting but how many colors they can make. If your child brings home a picture that you do not understand, ask him or her to explain it. Ask how it was made. After you have heard what they have learned, you will better appreciate the artistic value of the work.
Jennifer Garcia- Band and strings
My name is Jenn Garcia and I am excited to be teaching instrumental music at OLMC! This is my sixth year here and my 13th year teaching music. I also teach in 4 other local schools. I have taught in Charleston, WV and in Chelmsford, MA. I have a Music Education and Church Music degree from Alderson-Broaddus College and a Masters in Music Education from Gordon College. I love to spend time outdoors with my husband and dog, Sandy. I also like to watch sports, especially football- Go Pats!
Our instrumental program strives to develop every student’s God-given musical capabilities and expression of praise to God through music. It also provides a means of self expression that everyone needs to have, fosters cooperative learning and self-discipline, increases multicultural appreciation, and aids in transmitting our own musical heritage to succeeding generations- all while having FUN! These are all skills and experiences that can be useful in many aspects of students’ lives. It is my hope that each student takes advantage of this great opportunity to learn and grow this year!
Our instrumental program strives to develop every student’s God-given musical capabilities and expression of praise to God through music. It also provides a means of self expression that everyone needs to have, fosters cooperative learning and self-discipline, increases multicultural appreciation, and aids in transmitting our own musical heritage to succeeding generations- all while having FUN! These are all skills and experiences that can be useful in many aspects of students’ lives. It is my hope that each student takes advantage of this great opportunity to learn and grow this year!
Kate George- Music and Chorus
Nunes Farm in Middletown, RI
I am excited to start my third year here at OLMC and my 9th year teaching music. I have two children David (3) and John Paul (6) who are both currently attending OLMC. My husband and I firmly believe in Catholic education. I went to OLMC as a child and it had a profound affect on my faith and education.
My general music curriculum is based on the consensus curriculum for music created by the diocese. I use many methods of music education and am certified in the Orff approach which combines movement, singing, creating, composing, listening, and instrument playing. This method uses speech and language as a basis for rhythm. It is a multi-dimensional approach which I am able to integrate all other academic areas.
It is my goal to foster a love of music in each child and find their gift in music, whether a singer, instrumentalist, historian, or critic I hope to inspire participation in music for a lifetime.
My general music curriculum is based on the consensus curriculum for music created by the diocese. I use many methods of music education and am certified in the Orff approach which combines movement, singing, creating, composing, listening, and instrument playing. This method uses speech and language as a basis for rhythm. It is a multi-dimensional approach which I am able to integrate all other academic areas.
It is my goal to foster a love of music in each child and find their gift in music, whether a singer, instrumentalist, historian, or critic I hope to inspire participation in music for a lifetime.