When you consider that your house was designed by an artist (architect), your clothes were designed by artists (fashion designers), your china was designed by artists (ceramicists), your car was designed by an artist (industrial designers), all your appliances were designed by artists (industrial designers), and that these artists all studies art extensively for their careers, you should realize Art is important!

Middle School Art is designed to help the student become more aware of how art is in almost every aspect of our everyday lives, as well as to learn to better “see”, appreciate, and evaluate real artworks. Students will be introduced to the Elements of Art (the “vocabulary” that an artist works with to create) and the Principles of Design (the “grammar” that an artist uses to arrange the elements of design into effective art communication). The student will be introduced to the use of different media to create and produce different artworks. The student will be introduced to drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and clay. The projects will depend on availability of materials and the maturity and cooperation level of the students. Each student has different creative abilities, but I expect well-executed, well-planned, quality art projects. Do not expect good grades on poorly planned and poorly made projects which reflect little time and effort. I expect each of you to always strive to do more than “just your best”.

Students are responsible for turning their work in to receive a grade – the teacher does not turn in work for the student. Work not turned in could result in a zero – 5 points will be taken for everyday an assignment is late. Students may improve grades by working on previously completed or uncompleted assignments when the finish early on a current project, or they may make arrangements with the art teach (and parents) to work on the project after school on prearranged days. Unfinished work due to absences may also be made up in this way. Any work may be improved and turned in again, up to the last few days before the end of the nine weeks.

Grading:

Class Projects 90%

o Final Projects

o Sketchbook Assignments (about 9)

o Daily Assignments

Tests 10%

o Quizzes

o Midterm

o Final Exam

A: 100-90

B: 89-80

C: 79-71

D: 70

F: 69 and under

Major Assignments:

Every project will have a rubric that I use to grade the project. You can find the rubrics online if you have misplaced the copy I have given you.

**All assignment dates will be posted throughout the semester for the students at least one week in advance.

Participation:

Participation is part of your final project grades. I will deduct 2 points for everyday you decide not to participate in class.

Supplies: 3 prong notebook with pockets, pencils and erasers, and a sketchbook (which we will make in class)

Optional Supplies Donated to the Art Room:

Hand Sanitizer, Lotion (for when we use clay – your hands will dry out!), Tissues, 2B Pencils with Erasers, Erasers, Masking Tape, Mini bags of Popcorn – I allow students to earn or bring popcorn on the few days we watch a movie or have a critique

Sketchbook: Each student will be required to keep a sketchbook in which the student will draw in for weekly homework assignments. The list of assignments and their due dates for each group will be given to each student. I expect these drawings to reflect time and effort! FILL THE PAGE!!! Sketchbook assignments count as project grades so it is very important that you do a VERY good job on them!

Disciple Plan: Expected Behaviors

1- Come to class prepared and on time. Be in ASSIGNED seat with art notebook and a pencil ready by the tardy bell.

2- Follow directions the first time they are given.

3- Be respectful of yourself, others, and art room property. No name calling or use of cut down words such as “stupid” or “shut-up”.

4- If it does not belong to you, do not touch it.

5- Follow all school rules.

6- Always bring at least one #2 pencil to class.

7- Always put your work away and clean everything you use.

8- Always bring your art notebook to class. (2 prong notebook with pockets to keep notes, tests, sketchbook assignments, class drawing assignments, ect.)

CONSEQUENCES:

1- Warning

2- Points docked on participation grade (which is apart of every major project), lunch detention, and change of seating if necessary. Possible parent contact if minor behavior infractions appear to become a pattern.

3- Parent contact to help student develop an “action place” to correct the problem and/or a referral.

If a student damages or abuses art supplies or furniture, they are expected to make an effort to “fix” the problem. Example: If a table is purposely written on, more than one table will be scrubbed. If something is purposefully broken or made unusable, the student will take responsibility for his/her action and replace the item.