Course Outline


            WELCOME TO ART…2008-2009!!
Art 5th and 6th Grade
Course Descriptions

Teacher: Ms. Dickinson, Art Teacher, email: 
Dickinson.marley@nottowayschools.org

Program Emphasis: Art 5th and 6th are hands-on courses using a wide variety 
of art media and projects emphasizing the state Visual Arts Standards of 
Learning. All classes are approximately 60 minutes long and are designed to 
develop skills, encourage creativity, individual expression, and appreciation 
of all forms of the arts.

Course Content: All classes will explore the areas of design, composition, 
drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and art history.

Supplies: Each student must have a pencil and eraser in class every day.

Evaluation: Students earn an S (satisfactory), N (needs improvement), or U 
(unsatisfactory) in Art Class. I teach each art class once a week, if our 
schedule allows. Holidays, assemblies, early releases, inclement weather, 
etc. cancels or replaces art. To earn an S, I encourage my students to 
perform to the best of their abilities and to become creative problem 
solvers. I encourage individuality and originality; reminding students not to 
be “cameras.” I encourage the student to discover things for him/herself and 
to be resourceful. I allow my students to experiment and make mistakes. To 
earn an N, the student is not paying attention, is constantly off task, and 
usually has not finished most of the projects on time. He also might have 
excessive absences from the class. If the student fails to follow 
school/classroom directions, intentionally wastes time and/or materials, will 
not accept my help, and does not complete projects on time, they will earn a 
U. 

Expectations and Classroom rules:

1.	Seating Arrangement. I use a seating chart throughout the school 
year, requesting that students sit in the same worktable every class. This 
helps me take roll very quickly, saving more time for the art lesson.  
2.	Stay in your assigned seat or area unless given permission to do 
otherwise and be ready when it is time for class to begin. A student 
wandering around the room while instructions are being given or during 
cleanup is a distraction. Students are free to move around the classroom as 
needed during work periods. Students must get along with each other in class 
and share materials.
3.	 Students and teacher must treat all with civility and respect! 
Students handling others artwork without permission is not allowed. 
4.	Restroom privileges. Art class is not a bathroom break. Students 
should use the restroom during their appointed times. Emergency situations 
will be dealt with on a case by case basis.  
5.	Remember that ALL school rules apply within the classroom.
6.	Throwing paper in the trash can. It is tempting for students to throw 
paper at the trash cans to see if they can make it in, or just because 
they’re too lazy to get up. Students need to place their trash in the trash 
can.
7.	Student discipline. I try to resolve discipline problems in the 
classroom. If a student acts out, we will have a conference regarding the 
inappropriate behavior right away and I will inform his/her homeroom teacher. 
I will contact the student’s parent/guardian if the conference is 
unsuccessful. If the parental contact fails to resolve the problem, the 
student will be sent to the office. Sometimes the student will be sent 
directly to the office. This will occur if the student uses profanity, 
hits/fights another student, or if the student disrupts the classroom to the 
point that I am unable to teach the other students.
8.	Work QUITELY on projects and STAY ON TASK!
9.	Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
10.	Always clean up after yourself and share clean-up responsibility at 
your table. I allow 5 to 10 minutes cleanup time. Chairs stay under the 
tables and need to be pushed in.
11.	Put all personal belongings under your table and out of the way. Art 
can be messy! 
12.	Fire Drill. Students must immediately stop working and get in a 
single file line without talking. The last person will turn off the lights 
and close the door. Exit the building by way of the back upstairs stairwell 
and out of the door behind the first floor stairwell. Continue walking toward 
the Nottoway Middle School library, facing away from our school building. 
Once the clear signal is given, I will ask you to turn around and we will re-
enter the building. 

I have art on ___________________________ at: ______________________________. 
Homeroom: ______________________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________________



Be Creative Everyday!
“BELIEVE”
I Believe in YOU!
Let’s explore, experiment, create!