computer graphic arts

Welcome to COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2024-2025!

Welcome to Computer Graphic Arts! This is a yearlong class where, students examine the world of graphic design through the following components: design elements & principles, color theory, typography, illustration, print publishing, logo design, animation, and branding. Students will work in both raster and vector interfaces and develop a digital portfolio site. Our exploration will emphasize creative solutions so your work will be unique, we will learn about current and historical design movements, and we will develop the skill of interpreting your ideas into visual media. We will work with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign & Animate (you will have access to all Adobe software at home and in school). This class is articulated with DVC, which means you can apply and earn college credit for CGA (it's free!) ! I will go over the process to do so and strongly encourage it!

Communication is key in my classroom. If you are lost or 'in the weeds', trying to make sense of the software or an assignment, check in with me and we will get you caught up! If you need more challenges say so (I have plenty!). I do not work 'top down'; I will negotiate and help you along, but that is a two-way street, speak up! Being on time, prepared and participating/willing to try and fail shows me that you care about this class.

We use the content standards of the California State Board of Education to meet A/G requirements: Artistic Perception, Creative Expression, Historical & Cultural Context, Aesthetic Valuing, Connections/Relationships/Application.

About Me

Hi! I'm Mrs. McElhattan (mac-el-hat-an), kids call me Mrs. Mac. This is my ninth year at MVHS, but I have been teaching art in the Bay area for 20 years! I am a Mom, artist, traveler, home renovator and (slow) runner. I am teaching Art One-Ap Art and Computer Graphics/Adv Computer Graphics this year and look forward to working with you!

"I’m always experimenting with new materials, new ways to do what I already know how to do. I’m always looking to fail in new ways in order to learn."

Ryan McGinness

Consider joining MVHS Art Club! We also participate in the National Art Honor Society which you can join!

And visit the Intersection Gallery, Located in the middle of the Arts rooms (above the Commoins) we exhibit art all year. Open at lunch.

MISSION: Monte Vista believes that providing an excellent education is a shared responsibility involving the entire school community. We provide our students with learning opportunities that help them develop intellectually, emotionally, and physically in order to reach their full potential. Monte Vista provides a safe, equitable environment that fosters resilience and promotes ethical and emotional growth, lifelong learning, and informed citizenship. We provide a comprehensive support system that helps our students thrive.

Student Learning Outcomes

MVHS STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO’S)

Critical Thinkers who apply their knowledge, skills and experiences to solve problems and actively seek out and listen to a variety of perspectives to draw informed conclusions.
Creative Contributors who engage in problem-solving, inquiry and innovative solutions to improve societal outcomes, demonstrate originality and imaginative ideas, and generate new and meaningful solutions.
Intentional Collaborators who demonstrate the ability to work within a group to achieve common goals, integrate diverse perspectives and ideas, and enrich the learning of both self and others.
Adaptable Learners who demonstrate the ability to adjust to new situations, respond productively to feedback, and to empathize with diverse views.
Effective Communicators who articulate ideas clearly in a variety of forms and contexts, listen with empathy to decipher meaning and intentions, and demonstrate the ability to give presentations for a range of purposes and audiences.
Ethical, Respectful, and Responsible Citizens who demonstrate compassion, empathy and respect to others and take responsibility for their actions.

[NOTE] Monte Vista is a No Place for Hate School. You may want to share how you will establish and reinforce a respectful and empathetic classroom community so that students from all identities, abilities, and perspectives feel seen and heard. Student safety is critical for effective learning and for feeling connected to school, adults, and peers. Embracing and celebrating diversity of lived experiences in the classroom environment can be viewed as an opportunity to enrich, and as a resource that can benefit everyone.

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