Digital Wish - Profile: Wendy Verkuilen-Pitts


Mrs. Wendy Verkuilen-Pitts

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Johnston Elementary School
Hometown:
Appleton
*Class Information:*
Room Number: 113
Students per Class: 600
Class Description:
Students in all grade levels have music twice a week for 30 minutes. There are usually 2 or 3 classroom of each grade level, with a few splits. The building also contains a Montessori Charter School with 4 classes that contain 2 classes of 1-3 grades and 2 classes of 4-6 grades. The schools practice inclusion, differeniated instruction and also has Integrated Kindergarten, Autism, EEN and ELL classes. I also run a 4th-6th grade choir before school two days a week.
Position:
General Music Teacher
Needs:
An InterWrite Board and projector
My Philosophy:
To engage the heart, mind, and body of every child through the study and expressive performance of music.
*Personal Information:*
About Me:
I have been teaching for 19 years. I have always loved children and music, so going into music education was an easy decision. I am married and have two teenage boys. I love to play the piano, scrapbook, garden and play board games with my family.
College and Degrees:
I went to Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, where I earned my BA in Music Education. I hold two certifications; General Music K-12 and Choral 7-12. I also hold a MS in Education with a specialization in Educational leadership through Walden University.
Favorite Quotes:
"Sing as though no one can hear you! Dance as though no one is watching you! Love as if you have never been hurt!"
Employment History:
I have worked with the Appleton Area School District for almost 20 years.
Why Do I Teach?:
I believe that music is not only a wholesome rewarding activity, but a means to advance logistical and mathematical thinking. I am amazed by music's power to increase my students' self-esteem and self-expression as well as supporting continuous school improvement. Music provides a means through which students can reach their highest potential and plays a key role in developing social competencies among educationally or economically disadvantaged youth. Music prepares students for success in school, work and life. I am humbled that I can be a part of this process.
Percent of Students are:
At-risk: 36 %
Average: 41 %
High-achiever: 12 %
Special Needs: 11 %
Percent of Students are:
White/Caucasian : 73 %
Hispanic: 9 %
African American: 3 %
Native American: 1 %
Asian: 14 %
Free/Reduced Lunch Program Enrollment:: 43 %
ESL Enrollment:: 19 %
Average number of students in class:: 24 students
Number of students I teach:: 506 students