Enrichment Teacher Feature:

Meet Mrs. Johannsen, our TPES Art Teacher!

We are thrilled to introduce our amazing Art Teacher, Mrs. Kaity Johannsen!! With the generous donations of TPES families, the TPES Foundation was able to fund this Art position and deliver consistent art curriculum and instruction every other week to all students UTK through 5th grade. Mrs. Johannsen brings great expertise, enthusiasm, and creativity to Torrey Pines and we're excited to introduce her to our families! Check out her note to families below, and please find her on Instagram @mrs.js.art.room to see cool projects and lessons that the students are working on in class!

A note from Mrs. Johannsen:

Hello! I’m Kaity Johannsen, the art teacher at TPES, and I’m thrilled to be teaching such an amazing group of students! I work at TPES one week, then travel to Bird Rock Elementary the next, following a rotating schedule (alternating with music class). My program is based on California state standards, and students are diving into both art techniques and art history while having fun along the way.

With a B.A. in Three-Dimensional Design from San Diego State University, I bring a rich background in everything from drawing and painting to metalsmithing, textiles, and ceramics. I hold credentials in art, multiple subjects, and special education. This is my 18th year in education, and I truly feel like I have my dream job—teaching art is so much fun!

When I'm not in the art room, I’m with my husband of 14 years and our two boys, ages 11 and 9. I’m so grateful for the warm community support, and I can’t wait to share all our students’ creations! You can follow along on Instagram at @mrs.js.art.room to see what we're making next!

Enrichment Teacher Feature: Meet Miss Solis, our TPES Music Teacher!

We are so excited to introduce our incredible Music Teacher, Miss Lisa Solis!! With the generous donations of TPES families, the TPES Foundation was able to fund this Music position and deliver consistent music curriculum and instruction every other week to all students UTK through 5th grade. Miss Solis brings great experience, musical talent and passion, and creativity to Torrey Pines and we're excited to introduce her to our families! Check out her note to families below, and we hope you have enjoyed (or will enjoy in the next month and a half) a visit to your child's music class to get a peak into their musical experiences!

All About Miss Solis!

Miss Solis began her Musical career as a vocalist, touring around the world and singing in many languages. Upon settling in San Diego, she continued her career as a vocalist and completed her degrees at San Diego State University. She achieved her Multiple Subject Elementary Teaching Credential in 2003 and she also holds Credentials to teach Music and High School English. Inspired by the birth of her daughter Gabriela, Lisa studied Early Childhood Music and Movement with the world-renowned Lynn Kleiner and for the last 15 years has offered her “Music with Miss Lisa” classes for babies and toddlers to hundreds of children in her beloved community of Coronado. In addition, Miss Solis has taught elementary music for 10 years in San Diego Unified School District. She is a member of the American Orff association and active in the San Diego Chapter. Miss Solis is Level 2 Orff Pedagogy certified, and eagerly awaits her 3rd and final Level of Orff certification.

Miss Solis’ favorite Quote by The Composer Carl Orff is: “Tell Me I forget, Show me I remember, Involve me I understand.” In the Music room you will find Miss Solis full of energy and purpose, involving the students in every aspect of their musical education through imitation, exploration, improvisation, and composition. Her years of experience as a Music teacher have confirmed her belief that music has power to connect children and to enhance their sense of belonging and well-being. She strives to honor the soul of every child that enters her music room by facilitating experiences which inspire their sense of wonder and affirm their birthright to joy.

Outside of the music room, Miss Solis loves being a mom to her teenage daughter Gabi, and her 3 cats. Her favorite activity is attending concerts, favorite place to visit is Palma Mallorca, and her favorite music is Ibiza Chill. And of course, she loves shopping at Nordstrom!

Hope to see you soon in the music room at TPES!