Barry Sites

Marti Stevens Learning Center RSU 54/MSAD 54

196 West Front Street
Skowhegan, ME 04976
207-474-7175
Cell 207-431-3388

Dear Sir/Madam:
I am writing this letter of recommendation for Renee Choiniere, who is seeking admission to the
Masters of Fine Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies program at your institution.
I am the Director of the program in which Mrs. Choiniere was a student teacher for the spring semester
this year. I have known Mrs. Choiniere for four years. During this time I had the pleasure of guiding her
student observations in Art as well as her student teaching in English. She has been an absolute joy to
work with. She has a style of working that is out of the box and an approach that is both direct and clear.
The program we have created is to accommodate at risk youth grades 9 12, in the experience of
balancing their lives with the demands of necessary academics. This is often trying and calls for
compassion balanced with a firm sense of direction. Renee has afforded her students both admirably.
Soon after she began student teaching in May, there arose a need for a full time classroom teacher in
both art and English. Renee created a curriculum to accommodate two classes 5 days a week and with
minimal supervision followed it through to the end of the year. Renee has a very creative and open
approach to life. Often she was able to come up with spontaneous alternatives to the needs of the
students and the staff that made our mission much easier to accomplish. She pushed the students
gently into a position of willingness that is often difficult for them to reach on their own. Her creative
writing skills brought out talents the students had no idea they held. Her artistic ability brought an array
of technical skill and expression to our student body. When combined, as they often were, it was a gift
to see the students work. It was immediately evident when watching her teach that she is an ambitious
and highly motivated person. She shared that with her students in an inspirational way.
Having shared with her the plan she has created, for a classroom on wheels for students that are not
able to be in a conventional classroom, I realize this is something she was meant to do. I have convinced
her (I believe) to leave room in her schedule to drop by and stay connected with us at Marty Stevens for
the sake of both students and staff. She will most certainly find success in whatever she undertakes. She
would in my opinion be an asset to the Masters Program at your University and will take full advantage
of any learning opportunity she is offered.
Sincerely,
Barry Sites, Program Director
Marti Stevens Learning Center