Our Program

The Laraway School Fine Arts Department provides all students will rich and varied learning opportunities as we strive to nurture lifelong musicians and artists. We are passionate about helping her students realize their potential and connect with the people and world around them.

Core Curriculum – All students receive thirteen weeks of instruction
in both General Art and General Music.
Curricular Ensembles – Students may choose to participate in curricular ensembles beginning in 5th Grade.
Clubs – Students continue learning and exploring the arts after the bell in a variety of art and music clubs.

Our Directors

Ms. Negrusz
General Music Teacher
Choir / Drama / Music Makers / Piano
cnegrusz@laraway70c.org		Ms. Thelen
Director of Bands
Drama
kthelen@laraway70c.org
Ms. Negrusz graduated from North Central College with a B.A. in Music Education. She has been teaching music at Laraway for 10 years. Outside of teaching, Ms. Negrusz enjoys playing piano, exploring local trails, and spending time with her family.Ms. Thelen graduated from Elmhurst University with a B.A. in Music Education. She is on the Women Band Directors International Mentorship Committee and is a frequent clinician and adjudicator at the Western Jamaican Music Festival. Ms. Thelen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting, traveling, and playing trivia.
Mrs. McDonald
General Art Teacher
Art Club / National Junior Art Honor Society
emcdonald@laraway70c.org		Ms. Marino
Librarian
Choir / Drama / Music Makers
jmarino@laraway70c.org
Mrs. McDonald graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education as well as a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from the University of St. Francis. Mrs. McDonald enjoys cooking, drawing and spending time with her loved ones. Ms. Marino has been in education for 20 years as an aide, 4th grade teacher, and currently Library Information Specialist. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and having adventures with her family and friends.
Ms. Kempiak
Reading Specialist
Drama
kkempiak@laraway70c.org
Miss Kempiak graduated from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Elementary Education.  She earned her master’s degrees from Lewis University in Reading and Literacy and English as a Second Language.  Miss Kempiak has been in education for 16 years, four years teaching 5th grade in Plainfield and 15 years as the Reading Specialist at Laraway.  Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, gardening and dancing.