Dear Parents,

I am looking forward to a fantastic twelve weeks teaching your child to enjoy, appreciate, and create art. Efforts will be made to correlate art lessons with the academic core curriculum. We will look at and talk about major works/styles of art, as well as create our own masterpieces using the elements and principles of design. We will study various artists, art styles and cultures from around the world. Student art is diplayed online at

(give school web address here)

In order to provide the best possible learning environment for your budding artist, we will be developing our guidelines for behavior the first day of class. This plan will give every student the opportunity to manage his or her own behavior and will be in effect at all times (in our Art Room Culture). Students will always be given an opportunity to tell “their side of the story.” They will record their infractions in a “Discipline Book.” This book will be used to keep a data base file to be submitted with the minor or major misconduct form. You may see the book at any time.

CLASSROOM GUIDELINES (from previous years):

1.    Follow directions the first time they are given.

2.    Take care of ALL art materials (and school facility). Use tools as demonstrated. Respect all property.

3.    Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. NO GUM ALLOWED.

4.    Be to class on time--AND PREPARED WITH PENCIL. Stay in assigned seat or area unless given permission to do otherwise

5.    Work QUIETLY on projects -- use time wisely (NO SOCIALIZING). Respect others at all times

6.    ALWAYS clean up after yourself.

I will be reinforcing appropriate behavior with positive notes, bonus points, special activities and art projects. Students who follow the rules, produce quality work. I will give most of my attention to students who are in my room to learn. Every student has the right to work in a positive learning environment. If a student chooses to break a rule, the following consequences will be imposed:

1st time- Student receives a warning and name is recorded in the Discipline book.

No further consequense (unless the infraction falls under the “major” category in the student hand book).

2nd time- Student receives a minor misconduct—Student is given a writing assignment.

Parents will be notified after the student receives the second minor misconduct (the student will be asked to make the call). Detentions after school will be assigned for repeat offenders (handbook procedure applies). After the accumulation of three minor misconducts, student will be referred to the office.

3rd time- (in one period) Student will be removed from the classroom (to the 95/45 room) and parents will be notified. Student's daily grade drops to zero points.

Students will be required to make up missed work. (After school detention is a possibility)

Severe disruption (harassment, fighting, causing harm to another student in any way, destruction of property, defiant behavior)-- student is immediately referred to the office (as per student handbook). All rules in student handbook apply.

All students will be learning about this plan in their first Art Class, and update (of guidelines they wrote) will be provided for them to sign the second day of class.

The only supplies your child will need for art will be a pencil and pen (blue or black ink only). Students may want to bring a paint shirt -- some are provided. It is the student's responsibility to put on a paint shirt when art materials are being used.

Artists are great scavengers and we are no different here at (name of school). Please check your cupboards for some extra household items. We will use all kinds of materials for our art projects! Not every child needs to donate, but if you could donate one of the items listed, we will certainly put it to good use. If you have something else you think we might be able to use -- give me a call (school phone number) or send a note (put school email address here ).

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS:

I thank you for anything you might want to send our way. A donation you might want to consider is one of time. I will need volunteers throughout the year to help put up or take down displays of student artwork. I will also need volunteers to help hang the (name of art show) in the spring. If you would like to help, please indicate the days you are available and time (a.m./p.m.). Perhaps you have a special talent you would like to share (i.e., sewing, woodworking, world traveler)? Let me know – guest speakers are always welcome.

I hope you enjoy your child's artwork. Remember to ask appropriate questions when viewing his/her work (i.e. "Why did you choose those colors? What did you learn from this? What does it mean?") Encourage your child to talk about his/her work.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can make this a terrific experience! Please sign the form below and return it with your son or daughter as soon as possible. Your child must return the form if you do not want his or her work on the (List school web site and address). Bonus points (Mona Bucks) will be given to those returning the slip. Never hesitate to call me if you have questions (give school phone number) or email (school email address) .

Sincerely,

(your name)

Middle School Art Teacher

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Child's name____________________________ section_______ homeroom____________

I have read your Classroom Discipline Plan and discussed it with my child.

Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________Date_______________

____/ Yes, I would like to be an "Art Volunteer." I am available:

___ any day, ___ Monday, ___ Tuesday, ____Wednesday, ___ Thursday, ___ Friday

Address _______________________________________ Phone Number______________________

(address needed for volunteers, only) Work Number____________________________________

I DO NOT want my child’s art work on the Internet_____________________________________

If your child has permission to use the Internet, the assumption will be made that he or she may have work displayed on line – unless you send in this form. Understand however, it is impossible for me to show-case every child’t work on the school site: (Give school address)