ART w/ Ms. Kieffer

6th Grade | The start of a new quarter is always exciting, although it’s hard to say goodbye to my friends from the last quarter. Sixth graders have completed their Personalized Digital Art Galleries, which will showcase their artwork throughout the quarter. Now, we’re headed into our first drawing unit, which will be a sketchbook cover. Students will learn about the Elements of Art (LINE, SHAPE, COLOR, and VALUE) as well an important Principle of Art, PATTERN.

7th grade | We’re off to a great start in 7th grade with completed Digital Galleries, and I have to say they are awesome. I love seeing the unique settings students create. Now, 7th graders will also begin their first drawing unit, which will involve the Element of Value. Value is key to creating the illusion of form or making something look realistic. Students will take what they learn in this project and apply it to our next project, which will be self-portraits.

8th grade | Last, but not least, our fabulous 8th graders have also completed Galleries as well as Flipgrids and About Me slides. It’s always so fun to learn about what students like to do, like to eat, and of course their goals for the future. Next, we’re on to the first drawing of the semester, which will be Graffiti Lettering. Some students use this drawing as a sketchbook cover or just an awesome drawing to hang. This unit is jam-packed with lettering strategies, layout, designs, symbols, and, of course, color!!

CHORUS w/ Ms. Gambrell

6th and 7th Grade | Welcome to chorus to our new 2nd semester students. We have had a great time getting to know each other and attendance has been great! Our first unit was on rhythm. My! My! My! This new group of chorus members are super talented. I can’t wait to see what they produce vocally.

7th & 8th grade Honors Chorus | Have you ever wondered what some of the “perks” of virtual learning are (from a middle schooler's point of view)? Well our honors chorus wrote lyrics to describe it! Our honors chorus just produced a parody entitled “Virtual School Tales” to the tune of “Jingle Bells.” If you would like to view it, the video is on our school Facebook page.

DANCE w / Ms. Adams

The dancers in each grade have begun learning and practicing Jazz technique. They have been doing a wonderful job working together and it has been a joy to see everyone dancing on the screen in unison. All of the dancers will continue to develop their technical skills in class and move towards adding their own choreography to the movements from class.

DRAMA w/ Ms. Costello

Welcome to our Virtual Drama performing arts class. I am excited about starting a new semester and teaching theater skills to our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.

6th Grade | There is a lot of energy in our classes and it’s a fun way to end the school day with our 6th graders. I will introduce the history of theater and move to performance. Students are enthusiastic about learning how to act, how to use new digital recording techniques and are excited about participating in class. Once the kids learn how to record they will develop pantomime acting skills using movement with their body (without using voice) to show stories or ideas. They are encouraged to include family members and pets in their scenes.

7th Grade | Students will develop physical acting skills by using non-verbal communication. They will use facial expressions, body language and movement to communicate thoughts, ideas and stories. They are learning how to record and upload videos into Canvas, Flipgrid, Google and other recording platforms. Students will use their Chromebooks, laptops, desktops, cell phones, tablets and any other recording device to submit assignments. Students will record physical acting performance scenes, share them with classmates and develop supportive peer feedback skills. Drama students will learn theater vocabulary, how to read and write scenes and will add voice to their second quarter performances. I encourage families to support their drama student by participating in scene work. It has been a pleasure watching whole families perform.

8th Grade | It’s all about connections for 8th grade. Students want to talk to and see their friends. I try to cultivate an online environment where kids can develop performance skills while they work on friendship skills. Students may work with a partner on their pantomime unit. They are encouraged to add the elements of technical theater such as props, costumes, and scenery. We will also begin reading and analyzing short play scripts to reinforce ELA skills.

FINE ARTS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to our Fine Arts Students of the Month for December!

6th Grade - Emerson O. | Emerson has been working incredibly hard this year in orchestra and has become an amazing young musician! She is currently working on her Purple Belt in our orchestra karate, and is the one of the first students to get started on this level in orchestra! She is always ready to demonstrate what we are working on in class and is always prepared for every lesson. We are incredibly proud of her work and how far she has pushed herself. We cannot wait to see what the next semester brings and to see how far she goes!

7th Grade - Jaelynn M. | Have you ever had a student who pays attention during every lesson? ...a student that gives 110%? ...a student who volunteers for any challenge given? ...a student who donates anything she can to make the assignment easier for everyone else? ...a student who gives their all on every single big project? Well if you haven't, you should have Jaelynn in your class! She is such a cheerful and motivated virtual learner. I feel so lucky to be able to teach her in chorus. She participates in every single class and is a leader in our virtual videos.

8th Grade- Megan E. | Megan is a band student who ALWAYS asks for clarification if needed and always tries her very best. She turns in her work on time and never hesitates to resubmit assignments if she knows she can do better. She is doing a great job of always working to improve and challenging herself. She is a very cheerful student who just wants to be the best percussionist she can be. She may not notice it, but I have noticed her improvement to getting better, which is a major goal for each student! I am very proud of her hard work!