Marilee Ragland taught Elementary School for 35 years in all grades from K-8, and concentrated mostly on 2nd Grade.  She has a Masters Degree in Creative Dramatics and Education.  She squeezed in Art Lessons and plays with her classes over and above their regular curriculum.  Now, in retirement, Marilee continues to teach Children's Art Classes at the Fallbrook School of the Arts.  Go to the website for more details. www.FallbrookSchooloftheArts.org.  Look up "Youth Programs" to see what classes Marilee is currently offering.

Dear Mrs Ragland,
I am sure you had so many students that you wouldnt remember one from so long ago (would have been the early 90's?) , but your influence just made such an impact on my life! You encouraged me so much in the arts, and you even bought the first painting I ever sold, at the Brooke Thom memorial show. It was an eye with a butterfly on it.

Thank you for being a kind and loving teacher, that sparked a passion for creativity in me.

Today, I'm a successful Car Designer! I went to Art Center College of Design, and also teach there now as an Adjunct Instructor. I get to draw everyday, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life. Thank you so much. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Laura Jonason

 Hello. I was a student of Mrs.Ragland at Maie Ellis Elementary School when I was in 2nd grade.(best memories) I'm 34 now and I'm an artist. My only art class was from her and who I am today is because of Mrs.Ragland. I became a fashion designer and I love watercolor. I remember drawing upside down,making paper mache hats,Paintimg with acrylic. My family lives in fallbrook away well. I have a daughter with physical disability and our hand therapy is to paint. I would love to fill this void and feel the warmth of art through her eyes again. Show her who I have become and let her know if it wasn't for her i wouldn't be where i am at today.
M. A.