Greetings Middle School Parents of Visual Arts Students,
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we finalized plans for middle school visual arts instruction this school year. As many of you know, Mr. Couture needed to take an unexpected leave of absence due to a family emergency, which ultimately resulted in his resignation from the position for this school year. We have since been informed that Mr. Couture is planning to return to South Loop School for the 2026–2027 school year.
In the meantime, we are partnering with Urban Gateways to secure a qualified guest visual arts instructor who will provide art instruction to students from January through March 2026. A portion of this partnership will be funded by Friends & Family of South Loop. Following this program, we will review additional options to ensure students continue to receive meaningful visual arts experiences while we await Mr. Couture’s return.
At this time, we are not hiring a permanent visual arts teacher for the current school year. Under district guidelines, if we were to hire a temporary teacher now, that individual would receive priority rights to the position when it formally reopens next school year. To preserve the opportunity for Mr. Couture to return to his role, we are keeping the position open. Should the position remain vacant next school year, it will be posted, and all interested candidates will be welcome to apply.
Thank you again for your continued support, patience, and flexibility as we work to maintain a stable and enriching arts program for our students.