My Schedule

How to contact me

email: todd.gonzales@leanderisd.org

VRHS Phone: 512-570-1800 Extension: 41823

Conference Periods: 2nd and 8th

Tutorials: Ranger time

What's your Google Classroom code?

Codes will be  Given on the 3rd class period and will be sent to students through Gradebook by email.

Art Enables Us to Find Ourselves and 

                  Lose Ourselves at the Same Time.   -Thomas Merton 

Visual Art is an important part of a student’s education

Art exercises the imagination and challenges students to think creatively and find unique solutions to various visual problems. The practice of these creative problem solving skills foster higher level thinking skills and also offers students the opportunity to work cooperatively, to be responsible, and to appreciate other cultures and the world around them.

Overview of the Courses I Teach

• Welcome to Art I

Art I is an introductory course designed to teach students to apply the elements and principles of design to the creative process. Art I students will use a variety of media, techniques, processes, and tools to demonstrate understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, awareness of aesthetic concerns, and the ability to communicate ideas through artwork. Students will critique and reflect on their artwork and the art of others. Students will be required to keep a sketchbook demonstrating their creative leaning experiences. Objectives will be based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for art and include perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage and critical evaluation.

• Welcome to Ceramics

Ceramics II, III, and IV are three-dimensional design courses that provides an exploration of the properties of clay and an introduction to hand-building and wheel throwing techniques, as well as ceramics history and appreciation. They will learn the basic hand-building techniques of pinch, coil, and slab. A variety of surface treatments will be used to decorate their ceramic work, including paint, textures, colored slips and glazes, and stains. Students will be encouraged to explore and express their creative style.

• Welcome to Sculpture

Sculpture II, III and IV will introduce the student to the concepts, vocabulary, techniques, and media of 3-Dimensional Design. The student will develop skills and a greater understanding of the materials and conceptual possibilities of sculpture. We will focus on idea development, using both traditional and nontraditional sculptural materials. Field trips, videos, and lectures pertaining to the history of sculpture will be part of the course experience. For students of Sculpture III and IV projects will be progressively more open ended in terms of student’s choice of concepts and materials. Critiques will be used to allow students to reflect on their work and present an artist’s statement and receive feedback from their peers. This course requires a high commitment to the safe and responsible use of materials, tools, and equipment.

• Welcome to AP Studio 3D Design

This AP Studio Art Course is designed to guide students who wish to submit to the College Board a 3-D Design Portfolio that meets the requirements set forth by the College Board for 3-Dimensional Design. This portfolio is intended to address sculptural issues through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision-making. Students will assemble a body of work that demonstrates a high level of quality and shows growth over time. Students are asked to demonstrate mastery of 3-D design through any three-dimensional approach, including, but not limited to, figurative or nonfigurative sculpture, architectural models, metal work, ceramics, glass work, installation, assemblage as well as 3D fabric/fiber arts.

VRHS Art Department's Grading Policy

Art Department grading policy for all Levels of discipline

grading will focus on 

• Craftsmanship

• Creativity

• Character

• Participation and being on task

• Following all school rules and polices 

Grade Policy: 

Major Projects: 40% - These will be finished art works that demonstrate the main focus of the creative problem/ Artistic topic we are exploring.  How we 

spend most of our time in class, these are usually detailed and demonstrate various skills.. The requirements vary for each project but will be posted in 

the classroom.

Process 30%- This grade will show how you work in class or the progress you show on a daily basis and will be given at certain checkpoints throughout 

the working process.

Supported Assignments: 30%- This grade is for sketchbook, written, and other supported (shorter) assignments that foster creativity, relate to a topic

 of discussion and/or technique we are learning.

Late Work:

• Work will be graded as is when it is due. If you are not happy with your grade, you have until the end of the grading period to improve it! If a project isn’t turned in on time, it is not eligible to redo. 10 points will be taken off for late work PER CLASS PERIOD. The maximum amount deducted for late work is 30 points.

• Redo Policy: All assignments are eligible for redo or make-up for up to a grade of 80. Process grades are taken at the time of completion and generally marks your understanding of techniques, media and vocabulary.

• Absence Policy:  Students will have a reasonable and fair opportunity for make-up and redo of a class assignment/examination for which the student received a failing grade. 

• Students will have a reasonable and fair opportunity for make-up and redo of a class assignment/examination for which the student received a failing grade. The original content of the assignment will be assigned but the teacher has the right to provide alternative methods for student mastery.

Click here to see the new statewide Cell Phone Policy:

No Cell Phones in the Classroom 

Safety Rules and Pledge Form 

All Classes - This form will be  given out in in your Google Classroom on the 2nd day of Class- Please read and sign the form