December 2016 Teacher/Staff Spotlight

Olivia Blackmon

Name?  

Olivia Blackmon

Birthday? 

November 11

Hometown? 

Little Elm, Tx 

Current Denton Classical position?  

3rd and 4th Grade English Teacher

Where did you attend College and what is your degree(s)?  

I attended the University of North Texas (go Eagles!) and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language arts with a teaching certification. I am currently working on my Master's in Educational Leadership at UNT and will graduate in May!

Do you have children?

No, just me!  

Do you have pets?  

No but if I could I would have two dogs named Antony and Cleopatra.

Do you have a favorite Quote or Saying?  

"Certainly it won't be easy. Do you know anything worth doing that is?" Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road. 

Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled? 

Germany! It is beautiful.

  

Favorite food?  

Pizza is most definitely a passion of mine. 

Hobbies or Activities/organizations you are active in?  

I am an avid reader and enjoying writing. Right now, working on my Master's degree is taking up a lot of my free time.

What is the weirdest job you have ever had? 

I was a barista for 5 years and definitely had my fair share of weird customers! The job was really fun, though.

Favorite Book? 

I am the Messenger, Markus Zusak

11-03-16 Budget Report

11-03-16 Budget Report

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3lcMahsaVqDbWhxWnR6bkpHVnc/view?usp=sharing

11-3-16 PTO Meeting Minutes

               Denton Classical Academy

General PTO Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: 11-3-16

Meeting Location: Denton Classical Academy

1. Call to Order- Cheryl called meeting to order at 6:01 pm.

2. Minutes: Reviewed last meetings minutes.  Shantel made a motion to accept previous minutes.  Motion granted.

The teacher’s present during this meeting are as follows:

Jones, Sherrod, Leech, Underwood, Blackmon, and Thomas.

3. Update Previous Business-

- Glow Fun, Sat. Nov 12^th at South Lakes Park at 5:30.  This will be a largest fundraiser for the year and things are going great.  However, we still need more volunteers to help keep everyone safe.  The glow sticks, swag bags, and glow paint have been ordered.  Swag bag assembly is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10^th.

-Nov. 17^th School-wide Thanksgiving Lunch.  Lunch times will be staggered.  Dickie’s Bar-B-Q is catering the meal.  Kindergarten parents will be selling desserts by the slice to raise money for Kinder Graduation Cap and Gowns.

4. New Business

-PTO bylaws- vote on PTO bylaws.  Heather Spencer made a motion to accept bylaws as stated.  Motion granted.

-Cane’s Family Night need a date in Dec Mon-Wed only.  Angie made a motion for Dec 6^th, motion granted.  This event will not need any volunteers.  We only need to mention we are with Denton Classical Academy at check-out and a portion of the proceeds goes to our school.

- Coffee in the Carline – Shantel made a motion for December.  Dec. 16^th, motion passed.  This event will be lead by Tami Wagner.

-Free Dress Fundraiser on Jan. 6^th for $5.  Parents send $5 with their child that day and they can wear free dress.

-Family Bingo Night- possibly Jan. 27^th at Argyle UMC or Lifeline church.  Justin Hicks will check with Argyle UMC.  Someone to facilitate this event is still needed.

- World’s Finest Chocolates Fundraiser will be in February for 1^st and 2^nd graders.  Cheryl will be leading this event.

-Spring Book Fair will be April 3^rd-7th.  Stephanie Hoskins will be leading this event.

Last Book Fair $350.41 scholastic dollars left from last Book Fair.   $1937.63 scholastic dollars were made this past book fair.

5.   Officers’ Reports:

President’s Report- nothing to add.

Vice President’s Report- nothing to add.

Treasurer’s Report- see attachment for November’s Budget report

6.  Director’s Report- Drama Club may not be returning in the Spring.  However, Lifeline Church may be able to provide a drama club for free.  More information to come.  Contact name is Larry Dooley.

7. Announcements – The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2^nd.

8. Adjournment – Shantel made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:04 pm.  Motion granted.

Denton Classical Academy
ART & MUSIC NEWSLETTER

Modern Meets Classic

Braiden (K), Dallas (1st), Kevin (2nd), Jack (3rd), and Marlee (4th) show off their Georgia O’Keeffe flowers.

Have there been a plethora of large flowers drawn in your house? How about Monsters? Maybe you’ve witnessed an intricate pumpkin being washed with warm or cool colors?

Or perhaps you have caught your child humming a patriotic tune?  Or discussing Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter”? Or maybe drumming a catchy rhythm?

If you have witnessed any of these moments, then I am one proud teacher.

What exactly *HAVE* we been doing in Art & Music classes?  A whole lot!

We have had a lot of fun in Art this semester. After studying “The Mother of American Modernism”, your children have spent the past month perfecting  their own Georgia O’Keeffe style flowers. We coupled our artist spotlight with instruction on color theory - primary & secondary colors, hues, shades, and tints-. So these aren’t just *any* flowers. These are the result of much time and study. To make their masterpieces, the children experimented with a new medium: oil pastels. This allowed them to shade and tint each petal, bringing depth to the flower as a whole. So much effort has gone into their work, and I am so very proud of the result. I think they’re pretty proud of themselves, too.

Music has been wonderful as well. Besides learning the 3 most classic patriotic songs (My Country Tis of Thee, The Star Spangled Banner, and America the Beautiful), the lower and upper grades have been studying Music Theory and Music Appreciation, respectively. Kindergarten, First and Second Grades have spent their class time learning about and practicing Dynamics, Pitch, Tempo, Rhythm, and Articulation.  Third and Fourth Grades have been listening to and critiquing the series of movements by Composer Gustav Holst entitled, “The Planets”.

Though this is only a quick snapshot of our current Fine Arts study, you can rest assured that your children are soaking in the works of the very best artists and composers. What a privilege to be able to bring them the finest things on a daily basis!

One quick note-- I have had several questions about when students will be bringing their artwork home. Because we plan to host a Fine Arts Show in the spring, all student artwork will remain at school until the show’s conclusion. It is important to keep their work in pristine condition so that Parents and Grandparents can be wowed by their artistry!

BUT, should you wish to view your child’s artwork, feel free to come and visit our school gallery! There will be a regular display of student work in our commons area.

As always, it is truly a delight to be a part of your child’s Fine Arts studies.  I look forward to the coming months, as we have some *really* exciting projects ahead!

Blessings,

Alicia Underwood
Art & Music Instructor

November Teacher/Staff Spotlight

November 2016

Teacher/Staff Spotlight

Ashley Couthern

I am enjoying my second year on staff at DCA with the SpEd department, where I work as a paraprofessional. It is great to be back and a joy to see the progress and growth the kids continue to make.

I enjoy a variety of things and activities, but primarily I like: solitude, the deep sea, space, music, any form of well-executed story, and crocheting.

My brother also attends DCA, and is in the third grade.

I also work in the evening as the after school care director, and have a great time working with the kids there as well.

October Teacher/Staff Spotlight

             October Teacher/Staff Spotlight

                                                       

                                Julia Whitener

 I am currently in my 2nd year at DCA, but I have been teaching in the elementary schools for 17 years. I graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1997. I have taught grades 2-6 but my most exciting position has been that of a special education teacher. I am married to my loving husband Jon and have an amazing 10 year old son named Weston. I am blessed to be serving as a special education teacher at DCA.

September '16 Teacher/Staff Spotlight

September 2016

Teacher/Staff Spotlight

Megan Kenline

I am so excited to watch the kids learn and grow this year!  We are going to have so much fun and I cannot wait to get started!

I grew up in Lewisville.  I went to Midwestern State and that is where I met my Husband.  We moved to Boston and lived there for 5 years.  I have an amazing little boy named Max and another one on the way.  I LOVE teaching and this is my 3^rd year at DCA!!!

Her Favorites:  For the classroom- cool pens/markers

Post its

Games for centers

Food and Drink-

MEXICAN FOOD!!!

Sonic ½ & ½ iced tea and grilled cheese

Snack foods

Restaurants-

On the Border

Whataburger

Favorite Stores-

Target

Hobby Lobby

Walmart