To Whom It May Concern,
I have known Abby DeLuca since 2003, when I started working at Rafael Cordero Bilingual Academy (JHS 45) in East Harlem. During the four years we worked together Abby demonstrated a passion for art and a love of teaching that enthralled her students.
In 2004, the school made a shift to interdisciplinary curriculum and I was the lead teacher of our planning team. The English, history and art teachers met weekly to discuss how we could incorporate the same themes and topics across content areas. Abby enthusiastically embraced this approach and it took it one step further to include science and math. Some of her work with the students that year includes decorated, canvas teepees; volcanic paintings; cave paintings; and oil pastel portraits of famous noteworthy African American women with a brief biography. It was evident in the students’ energy and work that they enjoyed the experience.
Abby uses patience, a great sense of humor, and the clasroom discipline that can only come from years of experience working with students. She consistently looks for ways to use art as a form of expression and as a medium to educate her students be it about different techniques, art history, music, etc.
As a staff member, she was always glad to lend a hand. She would spend hours creating sets for school activities and graduation. Her professional displays of student work always received praise from the school community and instilled pride and confidence in her students. In addition, she formed an after school art club where she mentored eighth graders in creating their portfolios used to apply to art high schools. Without fail, the majority of this club would be accepted each year.
Abby DeLuca will make an excellent addition to any school community, working with children of all ages from all backgrounds.
Sincerely,
Afsaneh Moradian
