Question 1

How is my Wildcat Graded?

Accepted Answer

Grades are based on a combination of project rubrics and weekly effort points.  Effort points were incorporated last year with the idea that not all students may excel in Art, as we all have different strengths, but they still may be putting in their very best effort and trying and I believe that should be taken into consideration.  Each week, when a Wildcat has Art, they can earn up to 5 Effort points for being on task and completing the day's prerogative. 
 
Project Rubrics typically have 5 criteria, 2 points each, for a total of 10 possible points.  The rubric is always available for students, discussed prior to starting and reviewed each class, with steps on the board.  Rubrics are easy to understand for students of all ages; for example, our Warm/Cool Pumpkin rubric was:
2 points for drawing a realistic pumpkin during our guided drawing time
2 points for using warm colors inside the pumpkin
2 points for using all cool colors outside the pumpkin
2 points for tracing the pumpkin and vines with glue to add the "3D wall" to assist with our wet on wet watercolor technique, & outlining that glue with Sharpie
2 points for craftsmanship (overall neatness, filling the page)

Question 2

Yoga in Art?

Accepted Answer

Yep!  Keystone provided teachers with an optional training of Yoga in the Classroom during a teacher work day in 2018 and a fellow teacher, Mrs. Bockmore, has been tracking and studying the positive effects.  I chose to incorporate yoga in the Art Room last year with all of my grade levels to start each class.  Participation is OPTIONAL.  No student is required to do the moves and there are no points associated with it. We perform 3-5 calming exercises, whether a stretch or specific type of breathing, to promote focus and prepare us to listen.  Students can choose to participate in some or all of the moves, or they can sit quietly and rest their heads on the table.  I consider creative time with each student to be very valuable so our moves typically take 3-4 minutes tops to complete.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me!

Question 3

Why is Art not always on the same day?

Accepted Answer

Here at Keystone we have an AWESOME rotation that ensures our kids aren't missing the same special anytime there's a 3 day weekend.  If a day "off" is scheduled, be it a holiday, teacher records day or professional development day, the rotation moves forward. So even though a class may have had Art on Mondays, it will now be on Tuesdays. If we have a snow day, however, students simply skip that special for that week.  Because the rotation only moves on scheduled days off, we know ahead of time which classes will be meeting each day of the year so feel free to call up or shoot an email to any specials teacher or the office, or even your child's homeroom teacher if you've lost track and would like to know the days your child has a particular special during the current week.  Typically parents want to know this information if their child brings an Art shirt or needs to return library books.

Question 4

Does my Wildcat need an Art Shirt?

Accepted Answer

Every student is welcome to bring a shirt to cover their clothes during Art class.  I would offer to keep them in the studio but with close to 700 students a week, there simply isn't enough space.  Wildcats are welcome to keep a shirt in their locker for Art days, however, and if they forget to bring it to class, I will absolutely allow them to run and grab it while we're doing our yoga.  
 
But do they NEED an Art shirt, you ask? So long as your Wildcat is using materials properly there is no NEED for an Art Shirt.  I intentionally use as many washable materials as possible.  In fact, the only supplies that don't wash out are Sharpies and oil pastels, and we review their permanence and the correct way to use them EVERY time they are brought out for use.

Question 5

Are you in need of donations?

Accepted Answer

We LOVE donations in the Art Studio!  Pencils are always needed and tissues always appreciated!  Dry erase markers, erasers, coloring books, we'll welcome it with open arms!

Question 6

Will there be an Art Show?

Accepted Answer

Actually, even better!  In May every year our district holds a Fine Arts Week!  Student work is displayed throughout the halls, Art and Music classes combine and we spend the week doing a chalk walk to brighten up our campus. Morning trivia has a daily prize winner and most years I've held an Art Show night with student hosts, face painting, stations (origami, air planes, etc)! Last year was the exception due to my being on maternity leave. At the conclusion of Fine Arts Week your Wildcat will bring home their portfolio with all of their work from the year!

KES Wildcat Art Studio

FAQ

Frequently asked questions