Welcome to the Ballantyne Elementary Specials Web Site! 

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                                            Art                Music                Media                     Physical Education       

Google Classroom Codes:             
                        Art:  jn7x3dm            P.E.:  fwcrntb                   

Welcome to the 2021 - 2022 School Year at Ballantyne Elementary

Our team is always hard at work with projects and programs to enrich the lives of all students and staff at Ballantyne Elementary!  We encourage you to come see us, ask questions and start conversations with your child about the memories made exploring the Arts!  

Mrs. Anne Sluder (Physical Education) Coming into the 2020-2021 school year, I will begin year 22 of teaching.  I love continuing to learn and grow in my teaching, competing athletically and parenting my own children.  I look forward to sharing with students all things movement, providing opportunities for self-development, and watching students grow into their potential.  Please take every opportunity to play, move and read with your child at home and in the community to build habits for a lifetime of health and love of learning.   anne.sluder@cms.k12.nc.us

Mrs. Rebecca Zelinski (Art) I am excited to begin my 11th year of teaching visual art here at BES. This will be my 21st year as an Art teacher (I began teaching 29 years ago).  Each year I am filled with renewed excitement in anticipation of working with our young artists. Art benefits our students in many ways. Art encourages critical thinking and creative problem solving, as well as the development of fine motor skills.  Students explore a variety of cultures, art movements and artists’ work in class. Many lessons integrate other disciplines, and help reinforce skills learned in math, science, or other areas. Art can challenge students of all learning abilities and give a real sense of accomplishment when work is complete.  I hope to instill a lifelong love of learning about art in my students, as well as foster the joy that comes with self expression!  rebeccaw.zelinski@cms.k12.nc.us  

Mr. Vincent Ferreri (Physical Education) Hello Ballantyne Families. I am entering my 13th year of teaching Physical Education. I am an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. I camp monthly and fish every weekend, usually in a competitive atmosphere. I am married for 11 years, and have an amazing 3rd grader here at BES. I am looking forward to watching your child grow over the 2020-2021 school year. My coworker and I have a ton of fun activities planned!  Any questions you have about PE, mind in motion, or myself feel free to reach out at vicent.ferreri@cms.k12.nc.us.                Welcome back to school!!!!

Ms. Anne Cooper (Media)  Hello, everyone!  I am Anne Cooper, the media specialist at BES.  This year will be my twelfth one at Ballantyne and my 23rd one at CMS.  I earned my BA in Education from Columbia College and my Masters in Educational Media from Winthrop University.  I am from South Carolina and worked there for four years before coming to Charlotte.  My favorite things include traveling, yoga, animal rescue and of course, reading. Last year the media center experienced many changes such as a redesign and the addition of MakerSpace.  I am so excited for this school year and am looking forward to working with the students.   anne.cooper@cms.k12.nc.us

Mrs. Belinda Derry (Music)  Hello Ballantyne Families and BES musicians!  I am looking forward to the beginning of my 13th year of teaching music at BES and my 19th year of teaching.  Charlotte has been my home since 2000, before that I spent much of my childhood in Fayetteville, NC where I found my love for marching band.  I continued in the band at Appalachian State University even though my primary instrument is the violin. Imagine marching with a violin! Just kidding, I twirled a flag.  After double majoring in music education and sacred music I took a year to travel with a performing group called Up With People. Today I enjoy teaching at BES, exploring the world of crafts (I learned how to make recorder cases last summer!) and spending time with family and friends.  I love having the opportunity to pass on my love of music to students at BES through music class, recorder playing, Orchestra club, Chorus club, concerts and performances, talent shows and any fun celebrations that involve music. It is such a joy watching your musicians learn, grow and have fun.  belinda.derry@cms.k12.nc.us

Ms. Christina Cobb  (Half time Art Teacher)