Welcome to the Arts Department of Carlinville CUSD#1
At Carlinville CUSD#1, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and enrich the lives of our students. Our Arts Department is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and vibrant arts education program that nurtures artistic talent, celebrates cultural diversity, and cultivates a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Visual Arts
Our visual arts program offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic techniques and mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and digital media. Through hands-on projects and guided instruction, students learn foundational art skills, develop their personal artistic style, and gain an appreciation for art history and culture.
Performing Arts
Our performing arts program encompasses a variety of disciplines, including music, and theatre. Students have the opportunity to participate in choir, band, and drama productions, where they can showcase their talents, collaborate with their peers, and experience the joy of live performance.
Arts Integration
We believe in the power of arts integration to enhance learning across the curriculum. Our arts educators collaborate with classroom teachers to incorporate arts-based activities and projects into core subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies, providing students with opportunities to make interdisciplinary connections and deepen their understanding of academic concepts.
Extracurricular Opportunities
In addition to our regular arts education program, we offer a variety of extracurricular opportunities for students to further explore their artistic passions and interests. These may include art clubs,and theatre productions, music ensembles providing students with opportunities for creative expression and collaboration outside of the classroom.
Contact Us
We are dedicated to providing a rich and rewarding arts education experience for all students. If you have any questions about our arts programs or would like to learn more about how you can get involved, please don't hesitate to contact one of us. We look forward to inspiring creativity and fostering a lifelong love of the arts in our students.
Welcome to the Arts Department of Carlinville CUSD#1, where creativity knows no bounds, and every student is an artist.
Meet the Team
Dustin White
Dustin began teaching music, K-8, in 2013 with the Carlinville School District. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Blackburn College and a Master's Degree in Education from Greenville College. In addition to teaching music, Dustin is also the vocal director and accompanist for Carlinville High School's annual All-School Musical. He plays multiple instruments and performs regularly throughout the community.
Melissa Suits
K-5
Melissa Suits, bringing color and creativity to young minds as an Elementary Art Teacher. With a passion for nurturing imagination and fostering artistic expression, She strives to create a vibrant learning environment where every child feels empowered to explore their creativity. With a background in fine arts and education, she integrates hands-on projects, art history, and cultural influences to inspire her students to see the world through an artistic lens. Students discover the joy of self-expression and the beauty of creating something from the heart.