Classroom Pages

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Learn more about our non-classroom staff here!  

ARTS TEAM

Arts Team

Melissa MacKay, Jil Duralde, Ryan Kieft, and Carissa Barnum

Arts Team Biographies 

Mission Statement

Our mission is to create a positive learning environment to expose all CES students to the arts in order to develop an appreciation and understanding of the arts in the hope of inspiring a lifelong passion for one of our disciplines.  

Program Information 

The art, music, and physical education teachers of Clarksburg Elementary School are a supportive, talented, and creative team of individuals. We are committed to encouraging our students to develop a love and interest in the subject areas that we teach. We will work collaboratively to create a challenging learning environment that promotes good character, success, and a respect for each others creative and physical talents. We will achieve our goals by setting high expectations, maintaining a positive attitude, and encouraging one another.


General Music

Ms. Jil Duralde, including Chorus

The General Music classes at Clarksburg Elementary meet once each week and provide an opportunity for students at each grade level to apply critical and creative thinking to new situations. The MCPS General Music Curriculum is based on national and state frameworks. It is committed to exposing student to many kinds of knowledge and many ways to express individual ideas and feelings while providing the opportunity to experience the music, dances and traditions of world cultures. Decades of research shows that music is one of the few subjects that activates both sides of the brain simultaneously. Music has also been shown to support student engagement, creativity, autonomy and increased mood.

Clarksburg Elementary also offers a voluntary chorus for students in Grades 4 and 5. The chorus meets once a week and provides performance opportunities for chorus members each semester. Participation in chorus has been linked to better student engagement and can support students’ abilities to have both better collaborative and social skills. The Clarksburg Elementary Chorus performs a balanced repertoire of children’s choral octavos which will prepare students for their choral experiences in both middle and high school.


Instrumental Music

Mr. Ryan Kieft

Instrumental music classes are available to fourth and fifth grade students at Clarksburg Elementary School! At the beginning of the year, students may choose to play the flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, violin, viola, cello, or bass, and participate in group lessons on like instruments. Participating in instrumental music is an opportunity to develop motor skills and cooperative thinking in an ensemble, in addition to the many benefits of a fully realized music education; there are also many opportunities to continue your instrument in middle and high school!


Visual Art

Ms. Carissa Barnum

The students at Clarksburg Elementary meet once a week for art instruction. Students are given the opportunity to create original art work as they explore a variety of art materials and subject matters. Starting in kindergarten, the art curriculum builds on the use and understanding of art elements and design principles to construct meaningful art work. Students are also introduced to art from other cultures, styles of art from realistic to abstract and the art work and history of famous artists. The art program interrelates with the curriculum at each grade level to support the concepts and skills being taught in the classroom.


Physical Education

Mrs. Melissa MacKay 

Students at Clarksburg Elementary School have physical education class once a week. Students learn a variety of movement concepts and skill themes throughout the school year. They learn about the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and incorporating exercise into their daily lives. The students are involved in many special activities such as Winter Wonderland, Scooter City, Jump Rope for Heart, and a miniature Golf Course. Students are expected to display PACE qualities in Physical Education class: Persistent, Accountable, Courteous and Empowered. Most importantly, students will Be Lifelong Learners of Health and Exercise.