JRA: Enrichments: Katina Shanahan

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year at Julie Rohr Academy.  My name is Katina Shanahan and I look forward to my second year as your child's art teacher, as well as my second year as a Floridian.  I moved here from New York with my husband, Ken, and my two sons; Tyler is in 7th grade, and Parker is in 5th.  I also have two more sons; Stephen is 19 and attends McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and Joseph is 21 and lives and works in New York.

While in New York, I graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications.  I studied literature and writing at Manhattanviile College where I earned a Master of Arts in Writing degree.  My teaching certificate is in Language Arts, and I am presently completing the requirements to have Art added to my certificate.

My goal for the art class is to provide a fun and safe environment where students will feel good about themselves and their artwork.  All ideas are respected in my classroom and creativity is fostered.  The significance of proper technique and elements of art will be stressed, but more emphasis will be on the process each individual child uses in creating original works of art.  Students will also become familiar with the works of several famous artists this year.

Besides teaching art and language arts at JRA last year, my most memorable experience was working with the students on the JRA 2008-2009 yearbook.  I look forward to doing this again and I ask you to please feel free to drop off copies of any good quality photos you may take at school events this year that may be yearbook-worthy.

Please stop by the art room and introduce yourself.  Your children's artwork will be displayed at different times throughout the year.  As a teacher and as a parent, I know how important it is for us to communicate.  If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please come talk to me.  You can usually find me in the art room between 8:00 and 4:00, or feel free to e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  I look forward to a fun and creative school year.

Sincerely,

Katina Shanahan