Mrs. Sovereign

Hello! I have been teaching at JA for 20 years, primarily in 2nd Grade, and I am thrilled to be teaching Primary Art to Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Graders this year! Although this is my first 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 25 and 24 , and 1 daughter, 19, 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 this year 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

Hello!  This will be my 9th year here at Jefferson Academy.  I have been in education for a total of 20 years so far.  I started my career in a Fourth Grade classroom, then moved to Fifth Grade, then Third Grade.  I appreciate that all my experiences in the classroom have led me to this wonderful position at JA that I love.  Being the Educational Assistant in the Primary Art and Primary Music rooms is truly a blessing to work with the littlest people in the building and see their fearless creativity.  I especially love when a student gets to see a new skill being mastered when they first think that they “can’t.”  

My husband Brent and I have been married for 36 years, and we have two amazing children.  Our daughter Shelby is married and has three children.  Our son Corey is finishing up his degree in Mechanical Engineering from CU Boulder.  I love spending time with my family; especially with my grandchildren.  I love gardening, crafting (especially wreaths and door hangers), being outdoors, cooking and baking are a few things I enjoy when I am not at work.