CMES Says Goodbye to a Retiring Art Teacher

When you walk into Crofton Meadows Elementary, one of the first things you notice is the abundance of artwork displayed in the school. Some is displayed in the entryway; there are ceramic tiles made by students that line the hallways, and the ceiling tiles in the media center all have a special theme that were created by students.

All of this creativity was steered by the art teacher Linda Poteet.

Poteet came to Crofton Meadows when it opened its doors back in 1989.

Poteet has helped hundreds of students find a true love for art. She is passionate about art and instills that same passion into her students.

She shared one of her fondest memories with me. She encourages her students to enter the “Flags Across America” contest every year. On two separate occasions, her students won the contest, representing the entire state of Maryland. In 2008, she was able to accompany one of her students to New York City to accept his award.

“The minute I walked into Crofton Meadows in 2000, I noticed the children’s art.  It made me happy and every day since I have felt that way.  I will often stop to really enjoy something that a child created and I think, How can Linda inspire this creation,” shared CMES Guidance Counselor Gretchen Ostrom.

“Whenever I need to decorate for a breakfast or create a bulletin board, Linda has an idea that improves upon mine significantly.  When I get a glimpse of her creative process, I am in awe,” commented Ostrom.

Mrs. Poteet shared that she is now teaching the children of some of the first kids she ever taught! She felt it was good to leave on a high note before she became one of those teachers that people think needs to retire! She was laughing when she shared that comment.

First order of business to start her retirement is to help with her daughter’s wedding this summer. After that, she joked and said, “I’m going to do what I want, when I want, and with whom I want.” She hopes to do a lot of traveling and just relax.

Former CMES music teacher Donna Gathright worked with Poteet for many years.

“Her ability to make something out of nothing never ceased to amaze me. She could take a huge cardboard box and make it a dwelling; blank CDs could be wheels on a taxi; and a plain brown paper on a roll yielded a wonderful backdrop for a musical. Linda is very creative,” shared Donna Gathright, retired music teacher from Crofton Meadows.

Poteet is currently making eclectic birdhouses made from gourds.

Crofton Meadows is sad to see Mrs. Poteet go, but they wish her well in the next chapter of her life.