FAQ's: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO I TURN IN MY WORK?

When in doubt, always submit your work as a photo of the completed product in the appropriate assignment space on Canvas. You must also have each physical piece of art in class as well. Quality photos of your piece in Canvas create a clear record of your work being completed and submitted on time. Photos should always be well-lit, clear (no blur), cropped (only showing the art itself, and no background or paper edges). Often you'll need to complete a slide presentation or written reflection along with final projects. Keep a close eye on Canvas for specifics. 

Canvas help is available here: https://www.mvla.net/Canvas/ and at the Tutorial Center: https://mvhs.mvla.net/Student-Services/Tutorial-Center/Tutorial-Center-Resources/index.html

You may also visit Ceramics during Tutorials for assistance submitting any work for credit. 

IS THERE HOMEWORK IN THIS CLASS? WHAT IF I'M ABSENT? 

In general, you should complete your classwork during class time for full credit if you are focused and following directions. Some students like to join tutorial or take non-clay work home because they want to keep working on a fun piece so it can truly represent their full time and effort. Students who miss class still need to complete the work that was assigned while they were out so that they don't miss out on essential concepts and so that grading is fair and represents the full course of content. Check Canvas and join a tutorial if you're absent for any reason. Time management is critical for your success in this class. 

HOW DOES TUTORIAL WORK?

This year there are some updates to MVHS's Tutorial policies.  Most importantly:

• Tutorial is a mandatory part of the academic day. Teachers do take attendance.

• Visit only one classroom during your tutorial period. (You can't leave half way through the period.)

• It's a great time to work on clay projects during the school day! (Especially if you were absent from class.)

CAN I DO EXTRA CREDIT?

Consider the jobs you might have after high school. Imagine your boss assigns your work, you do not do it, and then when you'd like to get your paycheck to pay your bills you ask your boss to make up a totally different assignment for you so you can get paid. Sounds pretty unusual, right? Extra credit in this class is extra, as in beyond the normal level. Very occasionally students who have completed all coursework with excellence may independently initiate an extra project to challenge themselves beyond the class assignments, bring it in during tutorial for discussion and grading. Extra credit is not a good way to make up points at the last minute. You should do the assignments in class. 

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED FOR THIS CLASS?

MVHS is a public school, which means we provide everything you need to complete coursework. You are most welcome to bring your own supplies. This helps you keep things in good condition and you never have to wait to use a tool or get a special art supply in stock. Donating to our art supply fund and buying your own supplies are 100% optional. Check the Optional Supplies List link above. 

WHAT'S THE PHONE POLICY IN ART CLASS?

No one should see or hear your phone in class. Ever.

Phones themselves are not the problem. Phone addiction, games, social media, recording in class, and a constant stream of alerts and texts *seriously* detract from our shared learning environment. There will be times where you will have explicit permission use headphones to listen to music while you concentrate on your artwork or take a photo to post in Canvas, but touching and looking at your phone should never distract you during academic time. Texting with family during class is not a valid excuse for having your phone out. Wait until a break or ask the teacher to excuse you from the room if you have an emergency that requires your phone to be out.

WHY CANVAS? WHY NOT GOOGLE CLASSROOM?

Increasingly and dominantly, colleges and universities are using Canvas. High School is a great time to get used to this LMS (Learning Management System) so you're prepared when you get to your college. Edutechnica is one source of data on this trend. 

IS THIS MUG/PLATE/BOWL FOOD-SAFE?

For our first semester of  2022 wares, we are using up old low fire glazes while working with midfire clay. If you're not into chemistry, the technical answer is: "No, the FDA would not stamp our first semester wares as food safe." While glazes are fully vitrified and may create a clean non-porous barrier (if done properly), the clay itself is not fully vitrified, which means it feels solid and durable, but it's still somewhat absorbant. This absorbant quality means any light washing should only be done by hand on the glassy surface. Wares should not be considered microwave safe or dishwasher safe. You may find that light use presents no visible issues. Still, it would be safest to consider first semester works as decorative only.

Second semester, substantial supply chain issues permitting, we will be making exclusively food safe wares on the wheel and sculptural pieces.