VISUAL ART CLASS 2013-2014

Teacher: Ms. Turner Room 1.194

Dear Parents and Students, I would like to personally welcome you to Richards Middle School and my Visual Art class. The purpose of this class is to introduce students to a variety of art via artists, art projects and art history. All students will have an opportunity to create projects in both two and three dimensions. I have several projects planned, and I look forward to the fun that we will have as we venture together in each and every one of them. In the Visual Art class, we strive to create a learning environment thats fun, rewarding, and safe. In doing so, some of the projects that we do will require that items are brought from home. In the event that this occurs, you will be informed before the actual project is scheduled to begin. There will also be occasions where students will work with tools such as hammers, nails, x-acto knives, etc. All students will be given safety demonstrations, guidance, and rules prior to the use of these items. Grades in the Visual Art class will be based on the learned fundamentals of art: artist profiles, tests, class work, target exercises, participation, and the completion of a project. The grades are divided into three categories: Classroom Assessments Daily class work; project drafts, projects, book assignments, test review notes, Art Target Journal, totaling 40% of total grade; Summative Assessments 4 Biweekly tests totaling 50% of grade; Comprehensive Final Exam- An end of 9 weeks exam totaling 10% of the total grade. Any works not turned in during the 9 weeks grading period will negatively impact your overall grade average. Extra time on any particular project is always given when a request is made; no more than a week additional time will be granted. In the event that projects are not turned in due to lack of time in the classroom due to illnesses, death, or similar excusable reasons, another home constructed project of similar objectives will be accepted for grading. We will cover the following AKS for this school year: (all of these are more clearly defined in the AKS booklet provided to students on the first day of school.) 1. Creation and Performance
Create artwork from visual memories, imagination and/or emotions Utilize elements and principles of art to produce artwork using a variety of techniques and media Demonstrate proper technique, care, and use of art materials and tools

2. Perception and Analysis

Identify elements and principles of art in 2-D and 3-D artworks and in the environment Explore the process of critical analysis of art Apply artistic vocabulary in describing artworks Explore the relationship between elements and principles of design Explore unique styles of different cultures and time periods Explore artists of various historical periods Explore conceptual relationships between fine arts and other disciplines

3. Cultural and Historical Context

Class Rules and Expectations: Each student is expected to keep a class folder and journal. The folder should have pockets. Each student is required to be punctual for class with their folder, journal and a pencil in their possession daily. The Visual Art class follows the RMS school-wide discipline PBS G.R.I.P policies in enforcing our classroom rules. The results of not following the rules are as follows: 1st and/or 2nd Warning Verbal/Written Parent Contact (phone call and/or student written not home to parent) Cross Team Isolation #1- Parent notified Cross Team Isolation #2- Parent notified Teacher Detention - (Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 Parent(s) notified via call and/or note) Administrative Referral This information is also kept in a classroom behavior log in the event that a meeting on behaviors and/ or given consequences is requested or warranted.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions @ (770) 995-7133 or via email Felecia_Turner@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. You may also visit rmsvisualarts@weebly.com for additional information. I thank you in advance for the support that you will provide your child in all of his or her classes. Please sign the bottom portion and return it to Ms. Turner. Thank you. I have read and understand the syllabus for the Visual Art Class. Please sign and return by the following date: ___________________. Student Signature _______________________ Parent Signature ________________________ Date_____________ Date ____________

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