Educator Testimonials:
“As a school administrator, one of my top priorities is creating a welcoming environment. Families should want their children in a building upon entry. Teri Kutsko works tirelessly with students to keep their space beautiful, creative, and engaging. Colorful work appropriate to every grade rotates regularly. Multimedia materials are utilized. Students take evident pride throughout each stage of project creation, devoting extensive time and effort to the work. Even on Friday afternoons when hallways are bare, a loyal group of students work with Mrs. Kutsko to keep displays current. Her love of art is a seed she germinates in children and tends to carefully to ensure robust growth.”
— Kelly Teitelbaum, Assistant Principal; Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Leroy Drive Elementary
“Over the years Ms. Teri has impacted so many student's creative abilities at our K-5 elementary school. She has the ability to make students fall in love with art and find their ability to express themselves and make the world a more beautiful place through their artistic abilities.
— Tracie Stauffer, Principal; Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Leroy Drive Elementary
”I have known Teri for four years, as a co-worker and as the art teacher of my own child, currently a third grader. The art work displayed in our school hallways created a culture of beauty and respect for creativity. The brightly colored pieces ranging from the abstract to 3-dimensional, spoke of planning and forethought and boasted pride on the parts of the students who got to see their work consistently on display. Teri is incredibly creative and loving and has worked with a range of student abilities and personalities. Your children will experience lots of fun in the hands of Teri.”
— Denise Blair, Affective Needs; Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Leroy Drive Elementary
“Our family has had the privilege and delight to know Teri Kutsko as a teacher and friend for more than 15 years. As an art teacher at Leroy Elementary, Teri brought life and meaning to learning art and the creative process, not only for my kids but all her students. It was wonderful to watch my kids grow in their knowledge of art history while exploring artistic techniques and mediums. Teri's ability to inspire a love for art and nurture each individual's unique abilities are values and skills that live on in my kids. Teri loves art! Teri loves teaching kids! Teri loves life! What a joyful combination that has enriched not only my kid's lives but our entire family!”
— Susie Rice, Assistant Kindergarten teacher;Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Leroy Drive Elementary
“I taught with Teri Kutsko for several years at Leroy Drive Elementary. During that time I found her to be an outstanding art teacher. She was very creative with my kindergarteners and often coordinated her instruction with the classroom curriculum. My students loved going to “Miss Teri’s” for art class. Teri spent countless hours after school matting, displaying art projects in the halls of our school. Never in my twenty-five years that I taught at Leroy did I see a more dedicated and creative art teacher. The children loved seeing their work displayed, and our school always had a vibrant, happy look due to the wonderful art seen everywhere. Parents and visitors often commented on how nice it was to see so much of the children’s art displayed. Teri also did many after school projects with the students, including art club. She even did several parent / child projects at night that were a big hit with both the children and their parents. I was happy to teach with Teri. She is a gifted and giving teacher, and we are fortunate to have her at Leroy Drive.”
— Barb Barworth, Retired Kindergarten Teacher; Leroy Drive Elementary School
I had the privilege of teaching with Teri Kutsko for 12 years in an elementary school. The art projects her students produced were phenomenal! The creativity she unleashed, the projects she brought to life, and the dedication she displayed toward all students was inspirational. She has such passion for children and for art and spent thousands of unpaid hours making sure every student succeeded and had something special to display. She was and is a stellar art professional who brings out the best in her students.
— Connie Higgins, Music Dept; Leroy Drive Elementary
I recently received a letter from the Buster Safety Team who talked about their visit to your school. They said the art exhibits made a big impression on them and that you have transformed the children’s art into something inspiring.
Their comments were very consistent with opinions I formed as I’ve walked the halls when I visited Leroy. The halls were filled with creative, colorful work that creates a very inviting environment- it made me wish I was back there again!
— Chris Gdowski, Superintendent; Adams 12
Volunteer Testimonials
“I have been a volunteer at Leroy Elementary for a long time.I have worked with Teri for 13 years. I have seen how hard she worked with the children. She has taught the children how to draw and enjoy art. She encouraged everyone to do their best. All art was displayed thru out the school for all to enjoy. She is a patient and kind person who over the years has become a good friend of mine. I am so glad that I walked into her room and helped her and all the Leroy children. Being a volunteer here has been a blessing.”
Sue Keefe, Senior Volunteer
Teri,
“I want you to know how very much I appreciated your friendship over the passed five years that I volunteered in your art classroom. I was amazed at your art ability and knowledge and willingness to share your creativity with your students and with me. I was inspired by the students response to you, and then the creativity you helped to develop in each students work. Your compassion for teaching art was so evident and your love for the students. You showed empathy when needed and was always encouraging them even when they weren't being responsive to you. Personally, I enjoyed your many different types of art projects, for all ages, even tried a few when I would get home. I hadn't painted in a number or years but after spending time in your classroom I was so inspire I wanted to start painting and crafting once again. So Teri, I know that whomever has the privilege to study under you may not become a great artist, but will learn to love and enjoy art and crafts as much as you do.”
Lois Limmel ,Senior Volunteer
“It has been my privilege to experience first hand a teacher whose passion for art matches my own. This passion was on to many of her students, especially those that became artists even thought they didn’t know it at the time.A teachers ability to impart knowledge to their students is what makes a great teacher. Being able to do that in different mediums is a sign of an excellent teacher. Teachers rarely get the praise they deserve but Teri was one of the best! It will continue to be an honor and privilege to work with her in the future.”
Jeanine Wooldridge, Senior Volunteer
“Dear Students and Parents, If you are looking for an excellent " Art Teacher" I have one for you " Teri Kutsko" I volunteered in her art class for six years and saw how hard she worked, she taught how to draw a cake with a slice missing. I thought that was so neat. Also animals, that looked like animals, clay bowls and cups, coloring with water, crayons, & markers, she also taught a variety of other things. I would not hesitate to employ her as an Art Teacher she is A+”
Alice Pacheco
Parent and Student Testimonials
“You have always been so kind and willing. We will miss you and I will certainly miss all the art my boys bring home from school. They are all framed and hanging on our walls at home. Thank you again for being you.”
“Miss Teri, Thank you very much for showing Caden Kai and Senna the fun and interesting world of Art. Caden Kai, Senna And even Maya are big fans of Miss Teri! Senna and dad enjoy saying hi every morning! Thank you for all that you do. We appreciate you. ”
“Autumn and I would like to show our appreciation for Mrs Teri Kutsko she has always been so supportive of my daughter and encouraging. We very much enjoy here Enthusiasm and teaching methods. Because of Mrs Teri Autumn is wanting to endorse the arts. Thanks yMrs Teri For loving your job!”
“Hi Teri, You already know I think you’re the best! I am so glad Johnny and Danny both were able to participate in your art class. We have a lot of their artwork they created there on our walls at home. Thanks for all the extra things you do for them, too. ”
“Ms. Teri. Thank you for very much for being such an AWESOME art teacher. My granddaughter Aydah Blair and the other kids in your class are the future artists of the world. You bring out their artistic ability and I do know that Aydah really does enjoy being in your class. So I wish you give you a BIG THANK YOU for all you do for the kids. I appreciate it!”
“Hi Teri, Our family LOVES the art work you have the kids create. I so appreciate all the time and effort it takes, and I know a lot is on your own time. I also appreciate how you introduce the children to different artists and styles of art. I couldn’t have asked for a better art teacher for my grandsons, Johnny and Danny. ”
“Mrs. Terri Autumn and I want to thank you for being such an inspiration to the both of us. You are so very kind and energetic when it comes to what you do. With your strong spirit for the arts you have encouraged Autumn to pursue a love of art! Thank you again for being such a great teacher and beautiful person inside and out.”
“5 star teacher!! Thank you so much!!!”
“We are Adrienne King’s great grandparents and we enjoy Adrienne’s artwork so much, she is very talented and with your encouragement and skills have made a difference in her life. It is teachers like you who make a difference in a childs development. Thank you for your dedication.”
“Mrs. Teri I don’t have the words to thank you for all the hard work you dedicate in to all the Art work and the way your teach our kids to make them love it, I hope you never leave the Leroy Drive school and keep that enthusiasm high for the Art class. thank you!!!!!!!”
“Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Thank you so much for investing your time in teaching kids about creativity and how important it is.”
“Thank you for teaching me how to do art. I really had fun in your class. You are a very good artist and taught me how to do it. ”
“Teri, We love you and all that you do for Lydia and the other kiddos. Thank you for putting in all the extra effort to place her art on Artsonia, her grandparents in North Carolina love it! Thanks again for submitting her work to the art show, that was simply wonderful! Let us know how we can help next year!”
“Thank you for all the great art projects this year! You are a great art teacher!”
“Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication to enhancing my daughter Adriennes creativity!! She loves your class and loves you as her art teacher!!! Thanks again!!”
“Just want you to know that my son thinks you are amazing!”
“Thank you for helping my child find his creative side.”
“Ms. Teri, Thank you so much for all you do at Leroy and sharing the kids work on Artsonia so we can share with family near and far! The inspiration you bring to the kids is amazing! I love seeing their creative work from art. It filters through to other areas of their life. You have a great impact on the students of Leroy. We thank you for being such a great teacher! ”
“I want to thank you for spending the time to do this. Aside from all the great things about this, I appreciate this so much because I live 700 miles away from my little boy~Logan Yearous, 2nd grade, Mrs. Williams~and this makes it possible for me to enjoy his art. If you could see my place, it is filled with pictures of my kids~I also have a daughter that’s 17~and their art. I love it! I love art, but childrens art is so great. I was a teacher and I enjoyed art time so much. I am so jealous of you being able to do this all day, every day. You spending the time to do this makes it possible for family and friends everywhere to see what these kids are doing. I sent Logan to live with his Dad while I worked on relocating to Co. That has been much harder than expected and I miss Logan terribly. Thank You so much for making it possible for me to see what he is doing in Art, rather than just being told about it.”
“Thank you so much for inspiring Azrah to create unique pieces of art! It’s been amazing to see the growth in creative expression. She has developed techniques, and styles to enhance her projects. ”
“Teri, I want to thank you for all you’ve done with Kira this year, she is really getting good at her art. I’ve been impressed with her development lately. You taught Elise as well and she had now set her sights on animation for a career, she is getting very good at her drawings too. I think you may have had a hand in that decision process. Thank you so much for all you do! ”
“We just wanted to Thank you for all that you do in the art department. We enjoy seeing the art work when it comes out. You do a wonderful job keeping us in touch with art. Thank you again. ”
“Teri does a fabulous job of channeling the creativity in our students. Their work is focused and often times connects with classroom units of inquiry. I am always impressed and excited by my children’s work.”
“You made an artist out of Dhruv! He says art is not his forte and that he is not a good artist but he has been able to create amazing art thanks to you! We greatly appreciate love and care you have given him. Dhruv and other students are fortunate to have you. ”
“Thank you Ms. Teri for creating an environment that promotes creativity and confidence. Brooklyn is always excited to go to your art class because you encourage her with excitement and kindness. Thank you for all you do!”
“You have done an amazing job allowing students to express their creativity through different mediums.”