Hello!  I am Barb Santucci, the art teacher at St. Rita School. I have a degree in elementary school education from Loyola University, and a MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. I have studied art at Rockford College and NIU and continue to take art classes and writing workshops because I love both art forms so much.
 
I have taught at a Catholics school in both Chicago and in Iron Mountain Michigan for several years. While my children were young, I taught preschool part time and also worked as a librarian at the Ida Public Library in Belvidere.
 
I am so happy to be at St. Rita School. I taught writing to grades Pre K through 8th for two years before becoming the art teacher. Teaching art is a privilege for me because I enjoy encouraging the children to explore all the many art mediums available. It is so important to foster self expression and confidence and art is an excellent vehicle for providing this opportunity.
 
My husband Michael and our two cats, Penny and Patrick, live in Belvidere. I have two grown daughters and three grandchildren. I love to read, bike, canoe, hike, paint and write. But I especially love being with my family and teaching at St. Rita School!
 
If you would like to see my art work or my picture books, my website is: www.barbarasantucci.com.

Email address: bsantucci.strita@gmail.com