(This is the first of seven articles featuring new teachers at DMS for the 2020-21 school year. Other teachers will be featured in the coming weeks.)
DMS last had an art class during the 2018-19 school year. But when Melissa Mayo changed school districts, the art program left with her.
But this year is marked with the return of art to the middle school.
Shelly Farrar is one of seven new teachers at Duncan Middle School this year. Farrar, who is also the only new elective teacher, brings her experience and enthusiasm to teach art at DMS.
“The start of the school year has been wonderful,” she said. “I think it’s going to be my favorite year teaching.”
Before coming to DMS, Farrar taught a year at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lawton. She’s also taught art at summer camps, where she was able to work with kids ranging from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. Ferrar also worked as the executive director of the Lawton Community Theatre.
Farrar said she’s excited for the school year. Students in her class have already been working on an art project, where they design an outline of their hand.
She said she think Duncan Middle School is going to be different from other schools, but she is looking forward to a great school year.
“I think it’s going to be exciting and fun, but I think it will go by very fast,” Farrar said.
With the impact of the global pandemic, Farrar said there are some uncertainties about the school year. However, she is getting prepared for the worst case scenario, which would lead to the closure of the school and a move to virtual learning. Although she hopes to keep teaching in person, she said there is a strong possibility things will move virtually.
This school year at DMS is already shaping up to be different than any other year students and teachers have ever experienced. But Farrar said she has already worked to set up her Google Classroom and Infinite Campus just in case things go virtual.
But when it comes to art, she would prefer to teach art in person at school. She’s just prepared to go virtual if needed.
Farrar said she the school year is going to be different, but she thinks it’s going to be a good year.
