Chapel Hill Middle School

							                             Chapel Hill Middle School
                          Visual Arts Syllabus
                                     Ms. Karen Kirk
                   770.651.5042        karen.marie.kirk@douglas.k12.ga.us

Course Description: Visual Arts
The student will be given a general introduction to the elements and principles of design
through the media of drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber arts, and whenever possible,
three-dimensional activities. Instruction will emphasize creative problem solving, strategies
for developing the creative right side of the brain, and hands-on performance tasks. Art
history, aesthetics, art criticism and careers in art are also explored.

Grading Policy: “How to EARN an A”
o   ArtCATS ……..      (Class Activities to Start – be on time or you will miss these!).......   20%
o   Art Quizzes…..    (observe, describe, analyze, and evaluate visual works of art)……..        15%
o   Participation.…   (being on task, active learning, listening, cleaning up)…………….            10%
o   Notebook……….      (keeping up with Sketchbook drawings, CATS, & handouts).….....            10%
o   Projects…………      (graded based on sincere effort, following instructions,
                      Craftsmanship, and the specific project criteria)……………...………..            45%

One Notebook System: Visual Arts Section
Students are expected to have an Art Section in their binder for Sketchbook drawings, class
notes, art history pages, and handouts. Students are held accountable for these in class!
Agenda books are out on the table each day, folded to the date – ready for grades and notes!

Suggested Supplies for Practice at Home: (if you’re serious about
being a better artist!)         Bring in completed artwork from home for extra credit points!
    o   Sketchbook (spiral bound, can be found at Walmart, Michael’s or Hobby Lobby)
    o   Ebony Drawing Pencils (these are wonderful, can be found @ Michael’s/Hobby Lobby)
    o   Erasers (white plastic type, white clickabe eraser, or wow! a kneaded eraser!)
    o   Blending Stump (also known as a tortillion, not a tortilla! @Michael’s/Hobby Lobby)
    o   Ruler (aluminum with a cork back is wonderful and lasts!)
    o   Colored pencils, colored markers, and oil pastels, if possible


General Behavior Expectations:
        All behavioral guidelines in the CHMS handbook will be followed in the classroom. A
QUICK & EASY guideline for whether something is “appropriate for school” is …. would you
say it, do it, or wear it, in front of an administrator?
        Students are expected to be on time, to participate fully, and to be respectful of the
feelings and artworks of their fellow classmates as well as Ms. Kirk. Students will care for
tools and materials and clean up at the end of each class period. A positive attitude and an
open mind are a must!                  (See the next page for Ms. Kirk’s Art Expectations)
                 Art Expectations in Ms. Kirk’s Class
(Keep these in the Art Section of your binder to refer to during this nine weeks)
Please make sure you:                     You should NEVER:
o are in your assigned seat (you          o put down or laugh AT others
  must ask permission to get out of         (laughing WITH others is great!)
  your seat – use our hand signals)       o talk at inappropriate times
o always participate (art takes focus,      (especially when I’m teaching!)
  practice, and positive action)          o use inappropriate language for
o have a positive attitude (believe in      school (no hurtful words either!)
  the right side of your brain)           o complain out loud (complain inside
o listen & follow teachers directions,      your mind or call me over privately)
  & watch demonstrations closely          o say can't ( just try your BEST !)
o work quietly – really focus!            o hurt someone else (including
  (talking is left brain activity)          physically or emotionally)
o respect others & their artwork          o give up trying! (try and try again!
  (absolutely no put-downs)                 You CAN do it!)

Consequences of Ignoring Expectations (when poor choices are made):
   o   Warnings (after 2 warnings… third strike you’re out! See the following)
   o   Arms folded, head down (this is a very short, personal time-out)
   o   Sit away from your group (for a period, a day, or possibly a week)
   o   Written or stamped note in Agenda book (I also like to give positive notes)
   o   Write an action plan about the specific problem (I keep these on file)
   o   At-Home Detention (30 mins. @ home, 2 days grace, Signed by a parent)
   o   Morning Detention (Tues, Wed, or Fri, with Coach Lougher @ 7:30 sharp!)
   o   O.R. Referral (working in OR - out of my class for a few days)
   o   I.S.S. (working in ISS - out of ALL classes for a few days)
   o   O.S.S. (not allowed to be at school – time to reconsider your life’s course)

Let’s have a wonderful and creative nine weeks with lots of learning, love, and
laughter. Thanks, Ms. Karen Kirk

   “I will follow all of your expectations, Ms. Kirk, and I
 understand the consequences if I choose not to follow them.”
   (Please sign that you have read these expectations and understand them.)

Student Signature X _______________________________________________________

Parent Signature X _________________________________________________________