September 2, 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Auxiliary Department which includes Music, Art, Physical Education, Technology, and
Library/Media are pleased to welcome your student(s) to Carter G. Woodson Elementary School for
the 2014-15 school year. We are fortunate enough to offer these extra programs, besides their
academic core subjects, to enhance their learning, physical, and social developments. We look
forward to serving you and your student(s) this school year and hope it will be a pleasant and
enjoyable time. We encourage you to view the expectations of each area below so that you and your
child may be on one accord. If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact
us by phone or email. Thanks for all you do in making your childs education a success!
The Carter G. Woodson Auxiliary Team
(773) 535-1280

Library
Ms. Adams Library/Media Class 2014-2015
Greetings! My name is Mrs. Adams and I am the Woodson South librarian for the 2014-2015 school
year. As a veteran CPS teacher of 15 years, I have high expectations in my class and I am asking for
your support to make sure that together, we give your child the best education possible. During the
school year your child will participate in a variety of library projects that will enhance their literacy
skills and support what is being taught in their general classroom. Your child will be required to have
a library notebook folder which he/she will bring to each library class. In addition, please remind your
child on library days to return their books in order to check-out a new collection. Keep in mind, lost
or destroyed library books will incur a fee. Feel free to stop by the library and check out books for
your home collection. I look forward to introducing you and your child to a variety of new books!.



Music
Ms. Steinbrakers Music Class 2014-2015
Each student will be receiving an hour of music instruction weekly. The music classes will engage the
students in singing, dancing, listening, playing and developing music performance skills. There will
be 3 school wide concerts showcasing class dance and song selections. All students are expected
and selected to participate in at least one of the performances: Winter Concert, African American
History Concert or Spring Pop Concert.
Music class is a participation/performance grade based class. Every student is expected to
participate in all classroom instruction and activities and will be evaluated on their effort and ability
to improve their skill based instructional outcomes. Parents will be invited to the assembly
performance that their student is selected to perform in and are highly encouraged to come.
All music students in grades 3-8 will have an opportunity to audition for the All-City Choir. The All-City
Choir is a great time for your student to sing with students from all over Chicago and is a great way
to enhance their social and musical skills.
We have been selected by the Vh1 Save the Music Foundation to start a Band program with
trumpets, flutes, clarinets, saxophone, trombones and more
This opportunity is available for 4
th
-8
th
grade students. Band will take place during recess time on
Monday and Friday and students need to be available to practice before school at 8 a.m.
Instrumental user fee is $25.00 a year.
All interested families need to contact Ms. Steinbraker right away to be a part of this amazing
opportunity. There are only 32 slots available and parents and students need to take part in a
selection process and interview. Please email csteinbraker@cps.edu for all inquiries.
Please feel free to contact Ms. Steinbraker if you have any questions concerns or ideas for the fine
arts programs at any time throughout the year.
Physical Education
Ms. McNairs Physical Education Class 2014-15
All students should listen and follow directions
Students should respect self and each other
Use equipment properly
Participation is required
No outside equipment or food/drink may be brought to class (basketballs, footballs, etc)
Wear athletic sneakers for safety reasons (No boots, hard bottom, or open toed shoes on PE
days)
2 Whistles and hand signal means freeze
Note: We will be planning a field day toward the end of the school year; any volunteer help will be
encouraged. We will send out more details later in the year about field day t-shirts and final dates.
Also, participation is required for PE; however, if your child is ill or unable to participate for any
reason, a note must be signed by you and is valid for that day. Any extended time will require a
doctors note. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email if you have additional questions or
concerns or would just like to say Hi at vmcnair@cps.edu. Thanks for all you do.
Art
Mr. Pesas Art Class 2014-2015
Welcome to the fine arts program. My name is Nicholas Pesa and I am the visual arts teacher at
Woodson Elementary. Students will be expected to maintain a respectful atmosphere and will also
be expected to be engaged learners.
Expectations for the class will include: motivation by the student to learn and participate in the
activities of the class, students using materials in an appropriate manner, students respecting each
other, the teacher, and themselves.
Students will begin the year learning and reviewing the principles of art. This includes but is not
limited to shading, shape/ form, perspective, color, texture, line, and 2D/3D principles. We will then
be studying the concept of identity. Students will be making art that is representative of them and
learning what identity is through the practice of making art. We will finish the year off painting as
long as the class has demonstrated a willingness to follow the classroom rules.
Rules for the class will include but are not limited to: staying in your seat until directed by the teacher
to move. No cell phones, food, drinks, foul language, or talking out of turn. Respect the materials,
other students, staff, teachers, and rules of the class. Follow the CHAMPS expectations.
Students will be graded on their willingness to work on their projects to their fullest capabilities. The
harder you work the higher you grade will be. The more you goof around, disrupt class, disrespect
rules, or not put in your fullest effort the lower your grade will be. Your grade will be based on your
willingness and dedication to make honest art not your ability to create beautiful things.
If you follow the rules and try your best you will get an A in my class. If you disrupt class and do not
try on the projects you can fail my class. IT IS THAT EASY!!!
Technology
Mr. Keiths Technology Class 2014-2015
Students will sign a technology acceptance and usage form for the entire school which will suffice in
technology class. Students will adhere to all rules and regulations as well as participate in class as
technology is an important part of learning in todays society; and steadily advancing every day. I
look forward to working with your child; and if you should have any questions, please feel free to
contact me at lrkeith1@cps.edu
Go Woodson Cougars!!!