Coordinator of Fine Arts MCPS Fine Arts Debbie Perry Candidate for Coordinator of Fine Arts

Mrs. Debbie Perry

Position Description The position is Coordinator of Fine Arts for Montgomery County Public Schools. In this position I will supervise curriculum and instruction for all visual and performing arts teachers and programs. I will oversee and manage budget and schedules. I will work with other administrators to meet county objectives and provide a top-notch fine arts program. I will report to and be part of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Additional Information about MCPS Montgomery County, Virginia Twelve elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools and one secondary school. The Mission of Montgomery County Public Schools is to be a community of excellence that develops each student's potential to be a life-long learner and a productive global citizen.

MCPS Fine Arts, current program offerings: Montgomery County Fine Arts provides students with a variety of ways to develop their creative skills.  Fine Arts opportunities are available for students throughout their school experience at each level of instruction.  At the elementary level students have the opportunity to enjoy weekly instruction in both art and music.  Additional opportunities are provided in middle and high school as students can choose from various band and choral classes and a wider range of art electives.

Strength of Candidacy Debbie Perry’s strengths are: Multiple teaching certifications and experience teaching in more than one arts field. Experienced in overseeing programs throughout a county and in multiple schools. Excellent communication and personnel management skills.

Personal vision statement I believe that every person possess great potential. To guide that potential towards fulfillment, educators and parents must provide opportunities for children to know themselves. People come to know themselves through participation in activities such as athletics, band, choirs, dance, theater, visual arts, graphic arts, competitions, workshops, etc.

Program Plan As your Coordinator of Fine Arts, I believe we must offer a wide variety of experiences. Therefore, this means educators must have a interdisciplinary approach to the fine arts. The following slides represent what I believe are essential elements to consider for a strong Fine Arts Program. This is what I will do . . . . .

I will Initiate and Support An Interdisciplinary Art & Music Program I will Initiate and Support An Interdisciplinary Art & Music Program. HOW? I will: 1. Promote ideas 2. Organize investigations 3. Direct development 4. Guide implementation 5. Communicate and Facilitate

1. Promote the idea Simmer Sell Create a buzz on the idea with staff, parents, and community How? With good PR from me as your Supervisor Sell Promote what is already being done in MCPS How? Sell by doing: start with the easy

Sample activities Sell! Simmer I will guide the department to: Seek out and promote what is already being done in regular classroom and by fine arts faculty Create brochures Write articles Create booth displays for performances/exhibitions Create slide shows and music loops for integration by schools Simmer Hiring me and promoting the hiring with regard to my interdisciplinary expertise As Supervisor, I will visit schools to instigate visibility and interest As Supervisor, I will make community contacts As Supervisor, I will create Fine Arts Advisory Board (FAAB)

2. Organize investigation Collaborative approach Wide to narrow Research based Variety of methods Focus groups Staff meetings Surveys Questionnaires

3. Direct the Development of the Program Curriculum Align with K-12 SOL’s Create a Curriculum Guide Activities Present and future Needs Assessment Policy, protocol, equipment and funding

Sample approaches Look for commonalities within the arts such as: Disciplines, methodologies Curriculum issues e.g., color, rhythm, line Activities Instructional Festivals Competitions Community Involvement Shows Look for fit into the bigger picture of school, county and community that are: Reflections of cultures around the world – seek to create a fit with our diverse community Reflections and enhancements of social studies and history curriculum

4. Guide Implementation Establish phases Establish policy Establish protocol Develop and deliver staff development Do formative & summative evaluations Re-direct and revise program based on assessments

5. Communicate and Facilitate Newsletters and PR Staff meetings Supporting documents and events assistance Handbook detailing policy and protocol Maintain website(s) Being available Establishing routine Facilitate Through Curriculum Guide and Handbook Maintaining department inventory and managing funds Setting high standards and expectations Leading staff development Problem solving

Key Characteristics I believe help Communicate and Facilitate: Communicating: Have documents that are helpful e.g. calendar of events Have an advisory board that is proactive Have an open door policy Keep a positive attitude Be a good listener Be observant yet authoritative Problem solving: Have an empathetic understanding Be able to brainstorm Be able to take risks and to learn from failure in a positive manner Be able to juggle; to multi-task Know good instruction and how to train teachers

What kinds of activities will reflect this interdisciplinary approach? Activity Type Within one class Between teachers Between subjects Between grade levels Whole school Between schools Whole strain County, district or state Community Activity Attribute During school day After school activity Evening activity Weekend activity Community placement Field trip Multi-day Ongoing

Examples of activities that reflect this interdisciplinary approach. Fine Arts exhibits Music performances Arts festivals Arts workshops Guest Artists Artist-in-Residencies Musical & Opera performances Projects Juried Events Purchased arts performances/exhibits Field trips Competitions Clubs (Art Club, Music Club, Graphics Club Combined classes University collaboration

How would this look in schools? High School Guest artists like Robert Chafin, formerly of CHS Community arts project like display or design Departments collaborate on events – combine Dual Enrolment DC portfolio conference Mentor program Career exploration Elementary Combination festivals Curricular alignment with social studies Community connections and events Middle School Family workshops Arts carnival and juried show Collaborative events Artists-in-residences Clubs (Graphics Club)

In Summary Debbie Perry Debbie Perry The BEST candidate for the position of Coordinator of Fine Arts! Debbie Perry Supports an interdisciplinary approach to program development and implementation.

Steps to initiate and support: 1. Promote ideas 2. Organize investigations 3. Direct development 4. Guide implementation 5. Communicate and Facilitate [What to watch for: equity between strains; a balance between programs taking place during and after the school day; and a balance between instruction & curriculum and events/activities.]

Thanks for this opportunity to share my vision for the fine arts in MCPS!