Kountze High School Art I Course Introduction
Kountze High School: Art I 2017 – 2018 Teacher: Ms. Meagan Allen Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.kountzeisd.org/page/56494_3 School Phone: 409-246-3474
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“You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” – Mark Twain Art 1 is an introduction into the world of visual literacy where students will explore and begin to understand the past, present, and future through visual arts. This course will provide a strong foundation in design, drawing techniques, and vocabulary by examining various genres of art and art media. It is my goal that through encouragement, support, and productive fun, my art class will successfully educate and inspire young artists and designers to explore and apply their artistic and creative talents.
Classroom Rules Remember, we are ARTISTS. As an artist you will: A.lways come to class prepared to do your own work. R.espect the materials, classroom, teacher, yourself, and other artists. T.ry your best at all times (no “I can’t”s). I.magine and create using your own ideas. S.afely use all tools and materials. T.alk quietly and take turns with the materials and the teacher’s attention. S.tay focused on the task at hand.
Discipline Plan If a student breaks a school or classroom rule, the following consequences will occur: 1) Verbal reminder 2) Revocation of classroom privileges 3) Conference with Ms. Allen and/or “Stepping Out” Assignments 4) Referral and contact guardian 5) Student meets with teacher(s), parents, and/or administrator(s) for mediation
Materials and Supplies Student MUST bring their Chromebook, a pen, pencil AND eraser to class EVERY DAY beginning Tuesday, September 12th! The following supplies are required for ALL students by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH: One 2-pocket folder with metal prongs for holding paper (any color, NOT a binder) Notebook paper to put in folder (1/2 package should be adequate for the entire year) ***If you were affected by Hurricane Harvey and are unable to get these required supplies for art class, let me know ASAP. You will not be punished in any way, but I want to work with you to get what you need to be successful in my class. On the other hand, if you want to donate supplies for this or any class, please contact me or the KHS front office staff.***
Materials and Supplies (cont.) REQUESTED DONATIONS: Fortunately, KISD allocates funds to the art department that enable me to provide most of the art materials your child will need. However, there are a few items I ask students to bring that will help us with organization, keeping the art room clean and ensuring art supplies are accessible. To keep costs low for everyone and to allow me to spend KISD art department funds on more expensive/specialized art materials, the items I ask you to donate will be shared among all art students. You may send these items at any point during the school year. Donations are rewarded with daily grade extra credit points. Facial tissue / Kleenex Clorox wipes Paper or Styrofoam plates Aluminum foil Nurse’s gloves (latex, nitrile, or vinyl) Ziploc bags (snack, sandwich & gallon) Painter’s or masking tape Q-tips Double sided foam tape Sponges (Cellulose only, NOT foam. #2 pencils (not mechanical) With or without a scrubby side.) Below are free/trash items you probably already have lying around. Whatever we don’t use we’ll recycle or give to other classrooms in need.
Plastic/cardboard shoe boxes Cloth rags or old T-shirts Clean cans/jars/cups Small plastic containers (with or without lids) Newspapers
Plastic and paper grocery bags Old calendars, postcards, greeting cards Cardboard (sheets or boxes) Tag board / poster board Styrofoam packing materials (larger chunks are better)
If you have other items you might want to donate, please contact me.
Grading Policy Each student is graded on an individual basis. No cross-class comparisons will be made. I grade each student’s work per my expectations of their abilities and their growth as an individual based on my observations of them in class. I always grade with the following criteria in mind: Elements & Principles / Design / Composition – How well have you organized and thought out the use and placement of items in your artwork? Creativity / Originality / Complexity – Have you developed your own ideas and not copied someone else? Is it engaging or is it cliché? Effort / Perseverance / Problem Solving – Are you always striving for your personal best? Do you give up or “play it safe” when you hit a challenge? Craftsmanship / Skill / Consistency – Have you taken your time and done a careful job? Is it neat? Is it at the level of quality that I’m used to seeing from you? Cooperation / Attitude / Completion – Have you met all the criteria outlined for the assignment? Did you have a good attitude while working? Were you on task? A (90-100) – Excellent work, exceeds expectations, shows mastery of concepts and techniques B (80-89) – Strong work, very good, demonstrates an understanding of concepts and techniques C (70-79) – Fair quality work, appears finished, could be improved with more time and/or effort D (60-69) – Work does not demonstrate mastery, must be resubmitted for passing grade F (0-59) – Work falls far below level of what is expected, fails to show any understanding or effort
Grading Categories
Tests / Major Projects = 60% (minimum 2 per six weeks) o This category includes the final draft art project(s) the students create over the course of several days/weeks. There is also sometimes one vocabulary test per six weeks. Daily / In Class Assignments = 20% (minimum 2 per six weeks) o This category includes assignments such as warm-ups, worksheets, notes, short drawing activities, or participation assignments the students complete during the school day. Homework/Sketches = 20% (minimum 2 per six weeks) o This category includes any mandatory preparation work for each major project. We are able to complete most assignments during class. However, if students are asked to do something at home, it is usually “thinking” homework, idea research, or project planning sketches since ideas for artworks don’t always come to students in the 45 minutes I have them each day for class. I encourage students to work on ideas and sketches anytime they get an idea for a project so we can maximize class time by working on final products instead of coming up with ideas of what to draw.
Policies Concerning Failed, Missing, or Late Work and Extra Credit - Any work that is turned in on time but in an unacceptable state (i.e. incomplete, subpar quality, evidencing little effort, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade. Students may choose to redo or correct any assignment and return it within 5 school days from the date the graded assignment is returned to the student. - Students cannot work on corrections or make up work during regular class time. - If a student is allowed to redo/correct the assignment and satisfactorily does so, that grade will increase to a maximum of 70. Failed late assignments are ineligible for corrections. Anything more than 1 day late is unlikely to earn a passing grade. - Late work will incur the following penalties for every day the assignment is past due: 1 day late Maximum grade = 79 2 - 4 days late Maximum grade = 69 5 or more days late Teacher’s discretion to accept. If accepted, max grade = 50 - Assignments not turned in (missing) by the end of the grading cycle will receive a zero. - Extra credit opportunities are NOT available to anyone who has a missing assignment or zero. All required assignments must be attempted before I will offer the opportunity for extra credit. - Students may donate supplies for a maximum of 20 extra credit points per six weeks added to daily grades. They may turn in unused restroom passes for 2 points each added to their lowest test grade. - In addition to updates on Google Classroom, students will receive an official reminder from me notifying them of any failed, missing, or late assignments. They will see and sign a paper copy of this reminder a minimum of two times before the six weeks grading cycle ends. Parents/Guardians can join the Google Classroom mailing list and/or check txConnect Parent Portal at any time.
Attendance Policy - IT IS ULTIMATELY THE GUARDIAN’S AND STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN THE WORK MISSED DURING ANY TYPE OF ABSENCE. - Whenever possible, I will try to ensure work is available to students who are or have been absent. In the case of any absence lasting 3 days or longer, whether for illness, suspension or ISS, guardians should contact the front office and/or their student’s individual teachers to arrange for work to be collected and given to the student. - I personally visit ISS at least once per week, but will send work daily if I know a student is assigned there. If a student is assigned ISS you cannot assume they will receive their work, so please contact me if you think they are falling behind. - I will extend a deadline only if a student has an excused absence within the three days leading up to when an assignment is due. That student is allowed an extended deadline equal to the number of days the student was absent in order to make up and turn in any missed work (i.e. one missed day = one extended day, for a max. of 3 days). - If a student is involved in extracurricular activities or other courses that will cause them to be absent from class, the student MUST notify Ms. Allen of their planned absence as soon as possible. I do not want to punish the student for taking advantage of all of the great opportunities KHS offers, but students must understand that their involvement in multiple activities will require a superior level of attention and personal dedication to their responsibilities so they do not fall behind in the classes they are missing while out for some other activity. - I ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ME TO COME INTO THE ART ROOM AFTER/BEFORE SCHOOL IF THEY NEED HELP FINISHING THEIR PROJECTS AND ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME.
Parent(s), Guardian(s) and student: Thank you so much for taking the time to read this introduction to my course. I hope that it has provided sufficient information regarding curriculum, expectations and procedures. The keys to success in the art program are regular attendance, a positive attitude and good work habits. You may also visit my KISD website or join our Google Classroom for a more comprehensive look at what we will be doing in art this year. There are due date calendars, updates to Art Department events, and more. On my website I also address Frequently Asked Questions such as:
How do I know how I/my child is performing in class? How do I know what homework, class assignments, or tests are due? I’m worried I will not do well because I’m not an “artist”. How can I ensure my success?
Parents: Please fill out the Parent/Guardian Survey here on or before Wednesday, September 20th. You may request a paper copy of the survey by contacting Ms. Allen via phone, email, or have your student request one in class. Students: You will use this document to help you complete the “Create Your Own Adventure” assignment in class.
If you have questions this document does not address, please ask. I read email daily and do my best to respond promptly.
Scan this QR code to import my contact info.
“You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” – Mark Twain Art 1 is an introduction into the world of visual literacy where students will explore and begin to understand the past, present, and future through visual arts. This course will provide a strong foundation in design, drawing techniques, and vocabulary by examining various genres of art and art media. It is my goal that through encouragement, support, and productive fun, my art class will successfully educate and inspire young artists and designers to explore and apply their artistic and creative talents.
Classroom Rules Remember, we are ARTISTS. As an artist you will: A.lways come to class prepared to do your own work. R.espect the materials, classroom, teacher, yourself, and other artists. T.ry your best at all times (no “I can’t”s). I.magine and create using your own ideas. S.afely use all tools and materials. T.alk quietly and take turns with the materials and the teacher’s attention. S.tay focused on the task at hand.
Discipline Plan If a student breaks a school or classroom rule, the following consequences will occur: 1) Verbal reminder 2) Revocation of classroom privileges 3) Conference with Ms. Allen and/or “Stepping Out” Assignments 4) Referral and contact guardian 5) Student meets with teacher(s), parents, and/or administrator(s) for mediation
Materials and Supplies Student MUST bring their Chromebook, a pen, pencil AND eraser to class EVERY DAY beginning Tuesday, September 12th! The following supplies are required for ALL students by WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH: One 2-pocket folder with metal prongs for holding paper (any color, NOT a binder) Notebook paper to put in folder (1/2 package should be adequate for the entire year) ***If you were affected by Hurricane Harvey and are unable to get these required supplies for art class, let me know ASAP. You will not be punished in any way, but I want to work with you to get what you need to be successful in my class. On the other hand, if you want to donate supplies for this or any class, please contact me or the KHS front office staff.***
Materials and Supplies (cont.) REQUESTED DONATIONS: Fortunately, KISD allocates funds to the art department that enable me to provide most of the art materials your child will need. However, there are a few items I ask students to bring that will help us with organization, keeping the art room clean and ensuring art supplies are accessible. To keep costs low for everyone and to allow me to spend KISD art department funds on more expensive/specialized art materials, the items I ask you to donate will be shared among all art students. You may send these items at any point during the school year. Donations are rewarded with daily grade extra credit points. Facial tissue / Kleenex Clorox wipes Paper or Styrofoam plates Aluminum foil Nurse’s gloves (latex, nitrile, or vinyl) Ziploc bags (snack, sandwich & gallon) Painter’s or masking tape Q-tips Double sided foam tape Sponges (Cellulose only, NOT foam. #2 pencils (not mechanical) With or without a scrubby side.) Below are free/trash items you probably already have lying around. Whatever we don’t use we’ll recycle or give to other classrooms in need.
Plastic/cardboard shoe boxes Cloth rags or old T-shirts Clean cans/jars/cups Small plastic containers (with or without lids) Newspapers
Plastic and paper grocery bags Old calendars, postcards, greeting cards Cardboard (sheets or boxes) Tag board / poster board Styrofoam packing materials (larger chunks are better)
If you have other items you might want to donate, please contact me.
Grading Policy Each student is graded on an individual basis. No cross-class comparisons will be made. I grade each student’s work per my expectations of their abilities and their growth as an individual based on my observations of them in class. I always grade with the following criteria in mind: Elements & Principles / Design / Composition – How well have you organized and thought out the use and placement of items in your artwork? Creativity / Originality / Complexity – Have you developed your own ideas and not copied someone else? Is it engaging or is it cliché? Effort / Perseverance / Problem Solving – Are you always striving for your personal best? Do you give up or “play it safe” when you hit a challenge? Craftsmanship / Skill / Consistency – Have you taken your time and done a careful job? Is it neat? Is it at the level of quality that I’m used to seeing from you? Cooperation / Attitude / Completion – Have you met all the criteria outlined for the assignment? Did you have a good attitude while working? Were you on task? A (90-100) – Excellent work, exceeds expectations, shows mastery of concepts and techniques B (80-89) – Strong work, very good, demonstrates an understanding of concepts and techniques C (70-79) – Fair quality work, appears finished, could be improved with more time and/or effort D (60-69) – Work does not demonstrate mastery, must be resubmitted for passing grade F (0-59) – Work falls far below level of what is expected, fails to show any understanding or effort
Grading Categories
Tests / Major Projects = 60% (minimum 2 per six weeks) o This category includes the final draft art project(s) the students create over the course of several days/weeks. There is also sometimes one vocabulary test per six weeks. Daily / In Class Assignments = 20% (minimum 2 per six weeks) o This category includes assignments such as warm-ups, worksheets, notes, short drawing activities, or participation assignments the students complete during the school day. Homework/Sketches = 20% (minimum 2 per six weeks) o This category includes any mandatory preparation work for each major project. We are able to complete most assignments during class. However, if students are asked to do something at home, it is usually “thinking” homework, idea research, or project planning sketches since ideas for artworks don’t always come to students in the 45 minutes I have them each day for class. I encourage students to work on ideas and sketches anytime they get an idea for a project so we can maximize class time by working on final products instead of coming up with ideas of what to draw.
Policies Concerning Failed, Missing, or Late Work and Extra Credit - Any work that is turned in on time but in an unacceptable state (i.e. incomplete, subpar quality, evidencing little effort, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade. Students may choose to redo or correct any assignment and return it within 5 school days from the date the graded assignment is returned to the student. - Students cannot work on corrections or make up work during regular class time. - If a student is allowed to redo/correct the assignment and satisfactorily does so, that grade will increase to a maximum of 70. Failed late assignments are ineligible for corrections. Anything more than 1 day late is unlikely to earn a passing grade. - Late work will incur the following penalties for every day the assignment is past due: 1 day late Maximum grade = 79 2 - 4 days late Maximum grade = 69 5 or more days late Teacher’s discretion to accept. If accepted, max grade = 50 - Assignments not turned in (missing) by the end of the grading cycle will receive a zero. - Extra credit opportunities are NOT available to anyone who has a missing assignment or zero. All required assignments must be attempted before I will offer the opportunity for extra credit. - Students may donate supplies for a maximum of 20 extra credit points per six weeks added to daily grades. They may turn in unused restroom passes for 2 points each added to their lowest test grade. - In addition to updates on Google Classroom, students will receive an official reminder from me notifying them of any failed, missing, or late assignments. They will see and sign a paper copy of this reminder a minimum of two times before the six weeks grading cycle ends. Parents/Guardians can join the Google Classroom mailing list and/or check txConnect Parent Portal at any time.
Attendance Policy - IT IS ULTIMATELY THE GUARDIAN’S AND STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN THE WORK MISSED DURING ANY TYPE OF ABSENCE. - Whenever possible, I will try to ensure work is available to students who are or have been absent. In the case of any absence lasting 3 days or longer, whether for illness, suspension or ISS, guardians should contact the front office and/or their student’s individual teachers to arrange for work to be collected and given to the student. - I personally visit ISS at least once per week, but will send work daily if I know a student is assigned there. If a student is assigned ISS you cannot assume they will receive their work, so please contact me if you think they are falling behind. - I will extend a deadline only if a student has an excused absence within the three days leading up to when an assignment is due. That student is allowed an extended deadline equal to the number of days the student was absent in order to make up and turn in any missed work (i.e. one missed day = one extended day, for a max. of 3 days). - If a student is involved in extracurricular activities or other courses that will cause them to be absent from class, the student MUST notify Ms. Allen of their planned absence as soon as possible. I do not want to punish the student for taking advantage of all of the great opportunities KHS offers, but students must understand that their involvement in multiple activities will require a superior level of attention and personal dedication to their responsibilities so they do not fall behind in the classes they are missing while out for some other activity. - I ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ME TO COME INTO THE ART ROOM AFTER/BEFORE SCHOOL IF THEY NEED HELP FINISHING THEIR PROJECTS AND ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME.
Parent(s), Guardian(s) and student: Thank you so much for taking the time to read this introduction to my course. I hope that it has provided sufficient information regarding curriculum, expectations and procedures. The keys to success in the art program are regular attendance, a positive attitude and good work habits. You may also visit my KISD website or join our Google Classroom for a more comprehensive look at what we will be doing in art this year. There are due date calendars, updates to Art Department events, and more. On my website I also address Frequently Asked Questions such as:
How do I know how I/my child is performing in class? How do I know what homework, class assignments, or tests are due? I’m worried I will not do well because I’m not an “artist”. How can I ensure my success?
Parents: Please fill out the Parent/Guardian Survey here on or before Wednesday, September 20th. You may request a paper copy of the survey by contacting Ms. Allen via phone, email, or have your student request one in class. Students: You will use this document to help you complete the “Create Your Own Adventure” assignment in class.
If you have questions this document does not address, please ask. I read email daily and do my best to respond promptly.
