Mission Statement

We provide educational experiences, in cooperation with the home and community, that prepare students for lifelong learning and for ethical, productive participation in a democratic society and the global community.

Hillcrest Middle School

Visual Arts Syllabus

Mrs. Nimmons

Teacher’s Daily Schedule:

8:30   -   8:40                     Homeroom

8:45   -   9:43                     1^st period   7^th/8^th Grade

9:48   -  10:46                    2^nd period   7th/8th Grade

10:51 -  11:46                    3^rd period   7^th/8^th Grade

11:46 -  12:14                    Lunch

12:19 -    1:14                    Planning

1:19   -   2:14                     5^th period   6th Grade

2:19   -   3:15                     6^th period   6th Grade

This syllabus provides a description of the course of art study. Projects may be altered due to time restrictions and materials availability.

Course Description/Content/Standards and Objectives:

To provide every child with an equal opportunity for substantive and comprehensive art study in a sequential assignment format. Each assignment incorporates various aspects of the four curricular components outlined by the State of South Carolina:

Aesthetic perception - knowing about;
Creative expression - knowing how;
Historical and cultural heritage - knowing who, what, where and when;
Aesthetic valuing - knowing why.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND REQUIRED TEXTS:

ART COURSE MATERIALS PROVIDED BY STUDENT:

Colored pencils, Markers and Pencils.

ART COURSE MATERIALS PROVIDED BY SCHOOL

Colored Chalk, Acrylic paints, Prinking Block, Printing ink, Clay, Glazers, Paper and various craft materials.

MISCELLANEOUS: Scissors, Rulers, Exacto knives, Clay Sculting Tools

TEXTS:

Portfolios; Robyn M. Turner, Barrett Kendall Publishing Ltd 2001

Exploring Visual Design, the Elements and Principles: J. Gatto, A.W. Porter, J. Selleck, Davis Publications Inc. 2000

Art a Global Pursuit; E. Katter and M.G. Stewart, Davis Publications 2001


COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDANCE - Failure with 10 or more unexcused absences
TARDY- 3 tardies are equal to 1 unexcused absence

DISCIPLINE POLICY: As outlined in Agenda and Letter sent to parent at beginning of course.

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR RULES:

1.      Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

2.      Be respectful to your teacher, fellow classmates and property of the school.

3.      Arrive to class on time with materials.

4.      No talking unless otherwise instructed.

5.      Remain in your assigned seat.

Classroom Procedures:

Before Class:                                             During Class:

1.      Use the restroom                            1. Read the Essential Question

2.      Get water                                       2. Follow instructions

3.      Sharpen pencils                               3. Raise your hand to ask or   

                                                             answer a relevant question

At the end of class:

1.      Clean your work area

2.      Store work in proper area

3.      Remain seated until dismissed

GRADING SCALE
100 - 93 (A)
92 - 85 (B)
84 - 77 (C)
76 - 70 (D)
69 - (F)

METHODS OF STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

Students will receive grades for daily class work, self evaluations of projects using a rubric, text book assignments, student portfolio and participation in class.

 6^th Grade Course Outline:

7^th/8^th Grade Course Outline:

Weeks 1:           Personal Artist Profile

Weeks 2-4:        Anti-Drug Poster; PTA 'Reflections' entry

Week 5:            Elements and Principles of Design

Weeks 6-8:        Color Wheel Basics; Expressionist Painting
 
Weeks 9-10:       Color: Basics of Mixing, Expressing Ideas with Color

Weeks 11-12:     Line: Linear Perspective 

Weeks 13-15:     Optical Illusions

Weeks 16-18:     Texture and Form: Abstract Sculpture    

PROCEDURE FOR NON INSTRUCTIONAL ROUTINES:

As students sketch the Table Topic, I take attendance. While students work, I call students up to desk to discuss any matter(s). I review work by walking around, stopping, highlighting a student and their work or calling students up to my table.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS:

Each 18 week semester, I send an Introduction letter to parents outlining course rules etc. Letters are returned to me with a parent signature and kept on file in my office. I return all calls and e-mails within 48 hours or less. I send letters, notes and call to meet parents at their convenience.

Please contact Mrs. Nimmons at 355-6140 or tnimmons@greenville.k12.sc.us with questions or concerns.