Mrs. Ricks is loved by her students. She possesses an innate ability to foster creativity and artistic expression in them regardless of their initial skill level. As the only art teacher in the school, she is asked to wear many hats and excels at whatever challenge is given to her. She creates inspiring and challenging curriculum with limited resources.

Mrs. Ricks is one of the school’s most popular teachers and her classes are always at capacity. She creates an inclusive and encouraging environment in her classroom where every student feels valued and capable of artistic achievement. She takes the time to understand every students strengths, weaknesses, and individual goals.

Outside of the classroom, Melissa consistently goes above and beyond her teaching duties. She has been instrumental in organizing art exhibitions for her students each trimester where they can showcase their talents. She also organizes and teaches community art workshops to promote the arts in our area. These initiatives not only highlight the artistic achievements of our school but also promote a sense of pride and unity within the community. We are so grateful to have Mrs. Ricks in our school.