Visual and Performing Arts Syllabus

Mrs. McWilson· lmcwilson@aadusd.k12.ca.us

Room 333

Fall 2024

Class Description: Introduction to Visual and Performing Arts

Course Objectives:

The objectives of this course are to provide students with foundational knowledge and experience in various arts disciplines. This course aims to provide students with basic literacy, skills, and understanding, allowing them to create, perform, present, respond, and connect to music, drama, and the visual arts. In addition to addressing the state and national standards, the goal of this course is to provide students with tools to express themselves creatively, process the world that they live in, and connect more deeply with both the local and global communities.

Behavior Expectations:

Respect other students and adults in the classroom.
Respect the music and art materials and the classroom space.
Always give it your best effort.
Be creative and have fun!

Grading Policy:

Elective classes are graded on participation, class assignments, and projects. To receive full marks for participation each day and in each assignment, students must:

Meet all behavior expectations (listed above)
Follow instructions to the best of their ability
Put in the work, even when it feels silly/strange

Weeks 1 & 2: Meet the Teachers/Students (Classroom Community Building)

Classroom Procedures & Expectations

Weeks 3-10: Visual Art & Music - Experiential Research and Multi-Media Overview

Week 11: Presentation of Research

Week 12-19: Visual Arts & Music/Dance/Theater - Experiential Research and Multimedia Overview

Week 20: Wrap Up and Final Presentation of VAPA Creative Projects

Tuesdays and Fridays will be split between Visual Art and Music. On Wednesdays, students will be able to research and work on unfinished art and music assignments/projects.

Parents can reach both Mrs. McWilson and Miss Emma at lmcwilson@aadusd.k12.ca.us and

ebenatar@aadusd.k12.ca.us. Office hours for parents are between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm every weekday. We will respond within 24 hours of receiving your email, but will not reply after 3:00pm on weekdays, on weekends or holidays, and cannot guarantee that we will reply the same day we receive your message. If you would like to speak by phone or by text, please start with an email.

We will communicate with students through Google Classroom and email, and students can reach us through the same means. Jr High is a great time for students to practice advocating for themselves, communicating their needs, and asking for help. We empower our students to be independent problem-solvers and to not be shy about reaching out to us.

Please sign below acknowledging that you have read and understand the policies outlined in the syllabus. Also, please keep in mind that policies on this syllabus are subject to change.

Student (Print) ______________________________

Student (Signature)________________________________

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