Dear Parents,

I have truly missed being at school teaching your children this semester.  As many of you know, I have had to stay home and self-quarantine due to high risk of Covid. I am used to staying very busy so it has been a real challenge for me to stay home all these months. I have been teaching art at The Summit for six years and during that time I’ve enjoyed being a part of their education and watching them grow up through the years. I don’t have grandchildren of my own so I love teaching your children to engage in the creative process through artistic experiences. I truly miss seeing your children each and every day. I appreciate all of you that have reached out to me during this time. I don’t check my emails at home often but I would love to hear from you and your kids. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again when it is safe for me to return to teaching.

I want to thank Rachel Kowalczyk, the long term art sub, for teaching art classes this fall. I know the pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone and I’m so grateful that she was able to step in during my absence. Rachel asked me to reach out to you about the annual Art to Remember fundraising program. She worked with the students this fall to create their art and send it to the company. All of the proceeds go towards the purchase of art supplies for The Summit art program. If you haven’t already ordered your keepsakes with your child’s art printed on them you may still place an order. Late orders will be accepted until the end of December. Just go to arttoremember.com and click on the Keepsake Shop. You will have to enter your child’s personal code. If you can’t locate it, please email us and we will try to assist you. Late orders will be shipped directly to your home.

I also wanted to share some good news with our Summit families. In March, I sent several pieces of Summit student artwork to the CASA organization of SW Missouri. Each spring, students have the opportunity to participate in area service projects through art contests. The proceeds from the CASA Greeting Cards helps this non-profit organization lend support to abused and neglected children in Southwest Missouri. I am proud to announce that two of our students, Emily C. and Sydney W., were winners of the 2020 Holiday Greeting Cards Contest. Their artwork will be printed on greeting cards and made available on the CASA organization’s online gift shop. If you would like to support this worthy cause you can purchase holiday greeting cards at: casaswmo.org.  Click on SHOP to see Emily’s and Sydney’s artwork and purchase your cards.

As many of you know, my daughters live in D.C. and San Francisco. With one daughter on each coast, we don’t see them very often even under normal circumstances. That is why I have loved the opportunity of having your children in my life and being part of The Summit community. The Summit has been my extended family and I can’t wait to see all of you again. I miss all of you so much so please keep in touch! Stay safe and my best to you and your families!!!

Sincerely,

Lisa Murphy