Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Is art a full year or just a semster class?
Art is an elective class at WJHS and only one semester long. You can take art in both seventh and eighth grade.Back to Top
Is the art program based on State objectives?
Yes, the class is a multicultural-based program integrated with the core subjects and based on an organized curriculum that utilizes the state objectives and TEKS. The purpose of all I teach is to impress upon students that art has the potential to enrich their life. Art training can help build skills that will last a lifetime. Skills that go beyond the boundaries of the art room such as preliminary planning, imaging, organization, pride in quality work, exhibition, and understanding that there are many ways to look at a problem and solve it in a creative way. Like anything else in this world, the more you understand Art, the more Art can be appreciated. The core of my teaching revolves around the Elements and Principles of Design. The Elements are the tools, and the Principles are the rules. Elements of Design such as line, value, color, texture, shape, size and direction are focused upon when building the objectives of my lesson plans. Every year, lessons are designed to add to this basic knowledge by repeating the Elements, but also incorporating the Principles of Design, which include unity, contrast, dominance, rhythm, pattern, balance, harmony and gradation. By understanding these fifteen bricks of knowledge, students can learn to build pictures. Students can learn to think, plan, build, organize, express themselves and communicate. They will have a way to unlock the language that artists have used for thousands of years to communicate to them. Successful art students will have the vocabulary to be articulate about the visual world. If you look closely at the Principles of Design, the terms reflect ways of understanding dance, poetry, music, song, theatre and life itself.Back to Top
Are students required to do written work in art?
Yes, students will be required to take notes, do vocabulary assignments, quizzes, tests, and major projects.Back to Top
Describe the class atmosphere.
The classroom atmosphere is relaxed and student-centered, however, it is not to be taken as a fluff or play class. Class rules are displayed and enforced.Back to Top
How is safety addressed in the art lab?
Not backpacks, sports bags, heavy coats or food is allowed in the art classroom. Each student is given a classroom/lab safety list to sign on the first day of school. Every student must sign the safety list and return it to Mrs. Penney.Back to Top
Yes 1 Box of Kleenex 1 Box of Gallon Size Baggies 9 X 12 Spiral Sketchbook (50-100 pages) In addition: Each visual arts student will be required to pay a $5.00 art fee to cover the cost of miscellaneous supplies and contest fees. The art fee is due on or before the 7th day of school and is payable by check or cash. Please make checks out to Art Activity Fund.Back to Top
How do you grade the art projects?
All projects are graded according to an art rubric (specific to each project). Extra effort and creativity is rewarded with bonus points. Class participation, leadership, teamwork, and cooperation are considered in final grades.Back to Top
Homework will be very limited in art and very rare. Major projects and final assignments must be completed under the teacher's supervision. Due dates are assigned for all major projects and strictly enforced.Back to Top