Middle School Student Expectations and Syllabus

Course Description

Students in grades 5-8 will complete a combination of teacher led and student led projects in a variety of media, including digital art. Students will explore art history and art careers. There will be an emphasis on creative thinking and problem solving. Students will learn to observe carefully, to stretch their imaginations and explore ideas and media, to develop their craft, to engage and persist until a project is complete or a technique has been mastered. They will learn to express their ideas and emotions, to envision the next step of a project, to reflect on their progress, and to understand the art world around them.

Fine Arts SOL Link http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/fine_arts/

Student Expectations:

In order to maintain a classroom

environment that is conducive to

learning and safety, I expect my art

students to make good choices in class.

Students should:

· Have fun , but not play

· Respect others

· Follow directions

· Use materials safely

· Use their time wisely

Consequences:

· a warning

· a teacher/student conference

· A behavior mark

· silent lunch

· A visit with the principal (severe cases only)

Rewards:

· a safe and enjoyable art studio

· awesome student artwork

· Good notes home

· Class rewards

Parents as Partners:

Parental involvement is greatly appreciated. I encourage you to consistently ask your children what they are doing in art class. Visit art museums and galleries. Talk about art that you see in books, in magazines, and in the community. Check the art website regularly. You can access it from the school website or at https://sites.google.com/a/surryschools.net/art-with-mrs-thames/. I will post local art events and exhibits as well as interesting art links.

Artsonia.com, Our Online Art Gallery: During the first few weeks of art, I will send home a permission slip for an online art gallery, Artsonia.com. If you set up an account with Artsonia, it allows me to post their art in an online art portfolio. Their art will be identified by their first name followed by a number. As soon as I upload their art, you will get an email so that you can view their artwork online. You can invite family members to be fans and they too will be able to view the art. This site also allows you to purchase items such as mugs and mousepads with your child’s artwork on them. LPJMS gets 20% of all money made, which will go toward buying art supplies for the students to use.

Homework Policy:

I will provide ample time to complete assignments in art class. Work that is not completed in class will become homework. Students are responsible for completing and turning in assigned work for a grade.

Assessment and Grading:

Students will be graded on class participation, art projects, portfolio reviews, participation in art history critiques, drawing tests, and artists reflections.

Contact Information:

I am at LPJMS on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. I am at SES on Mondays and Wednesdays. The school telephone number is 757-267-2810. Please leave a message if I am not available. I will return your call as soon as possible. You can also reach me via e-mail at susan_thames@surryschools.net.