Frequently Asked Questions

What is Art One?

Art One is an introduction to art and art concepts. 

We explore different types of art such as painting, drawing, sculpture, clay work, fiber arts, etc. 

While working on building new art skills we also practice some life skills such as perseverance, problem solving, patience, and time management!

How does art in middle school differ from art in elementary school?

In elementary school your student would typically only see their art teacher once a week. In middle school, they see me every day! They repeat the same schedule every day.

This is great for a couple of reasons. 

A.) We can accomplish a greater yield of projects, as well as a higher caliber of projects. Students will really get to flex their artistic abilities! 

B.) Seeing students every day leads to a better art community. They will get to be surrounded by peers who they are familiar with and can  collaborate with.

What is Partners in Art?

Partners in Art is an incredible program where Mentors/Partners (students who applied and were approved) assist students with mental or physical disabilities during art class. 

We have two sets of goals in Partners Art. 

• Goals for our Mentors/Partners include: collaboration and compassion, participation and engagement, helpful and hardworking. Mentor Students typically have already completed Art One and are not seeking a year of building art skills, but rather a year of building people/life skills. They will be my helpful hands, ears, and eyes. 

• Goals for our Students in Partner Art include: Building fine motor skills, creating as independently as possible, socializing with peers, and displaying appropriate peer interactions.

Both Mentors and Students main goal is to have fun!

(Cheek Middle School is also proud to offer Partner P.E.!)

Why is there an Art Fee?

The art fee allows us to resupply consumable materials that we use up quickly. This refers to markers, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, etc. While we use our budget to supply everything else including these consumable materials, a lot of times students use these consumable materials faster and at a greater quantity than we are able to provide with our budget alone. 

This leaves the art department in a tricky situation, we could either have a supply list where students would be expected to have their own supplies (very expensive for caregivers!) or we charge a small art fee and we are able to provide everything hassle free!

We decided it would be easier on both sides to charge an art fee.

(Pg. 54 of the Denton ISD parent and student handbook talks about fees!)

What happens after Art One?

This is the question I get most asked at the end of the school year. 

After completing Art One students have a couple of different options.

1.) They can continue on to Art Two and Art Three (I do not teach these!)

2.) They can apply for Partners in Art (If I and the school counselors believe they are mature enough and a good fit!)

3.) They can choose other electives! (Theater, band, choir, orchestra, AVID, etc.)

4.) If 8th grade, they can take Art One again in high school!