Meet Our New Teachers

niche.com

This fall we welcome four new faculty members to the only arts-focused, tuition-free K-8 public school in Douglas County. Meet them here.

Sabrina Sugden, 6th & 7th Grade Science

A headshot of Parker Performing Arts School teacher Alicia Black

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

B.S., Elementary Education

What are you most looking forward to achieving this year?

"I am looking forward to engaging students in hands-on experiences to help immerse them into their learning and make those strong connections."

Did anything funny happen during your first week here?

“I was mistaken for Ms. Kolar multiple times. As I walked downstairs all of a sudden, a small pair of arms wrapped around my legs and I heard a voice say, "Hi Ms Kolar!! I missed you so much!!" I made sure to introduce myself and point them in Ms. Kolar’s direction.”

What’s an initial take-away??

“I love the creativity that PPA allows not only for students, but for teachers and staff. I have never felt more able to be myself and know that it will be embraced!”

---------------------------------

Alicia Black, Middle School Special Education

A headshot of Parker Performing Arts School teacher Alicia Black

Colorado State University, Western Governors University

M.A., Educational Leadership

M.A., Special Education

B.S., Education

What’s attracted you to PPA?

"The whole child approach and the integration of inherent strengths and interests in performance, creation, ingenuity, and creative expression."

What has been surprising about teaching at PPA?

“The ability of the students to manage daily schedules that vary day-to-day.”

What is your favorite thing about PPA so far?

“Arts integrated into core subjects and core subjects integrated into arts.”

---------------------------------

Sarah Convissar, Elementary Reading Interventionist

A headshot of Parker Performing Arts School teacher Alicia Black

Colorado State University and Colorado University, Denver

B.S., Early Childhood Education

M.A., Responsive Literacy

What are your goals for this year?

"I am looking forward to engaging students in hands-on experiences to help immerse them into their learning, and make those strong connections!"

What has happened so far this year to confirm you're in the right place at the right time?

“I feel extremely supported by our administration and the special service/elementary team who took time during the first few days to share with me different resources and help me get set up. This was so kind of them as I knew they had other things they could have been doing.”

Any memorable experiences with your students so far?

“I already had a student tell me she loves me. She chose to skip extra recess with her class to work with me in reading group.”

---------------------------------

Colleen McEnearney, 8th Grade Math/Math Instructional Coach

A headshot of Parker Performing Arts School teacher Colleen McEnearney

University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins University

B.A., Arts

M.A., Public Policy

M.A., Teaching

What are you enjoying during your first few weeks here?

"Hearing singing, dancing, and performing in the hallways."

What makes PPA feel like home?

“The community is so strong here. Faculty, parents, and students have been so welcoming to me as a new teacher at the school.”

What’s a fun fact about you?

“I went to the high school from the movie, Remember the Titans.”

---------------------------------

About Parker Performing Arts School

Parker Performing Arts School (PPA) is a public, tuition free performing arts school serving elementary and middle school students, chartered by the Douglas County School District. We deliver the art of education combining a rigorous academic curriculum and daily training in performing and visual arts We accept all K-8 students interested in pursuing their artistic passion. Enroll now.