Mrs. Lowe
Art
Contact Information:
It is best to reach me via e-mail. In an effort to control spam, staff e-mail addresses are not published on our websites, but it is listed in the the school directory you should have received, and is available on request if you don't already have it.
I can also be reached via phone voicemail. My extension is #45 when you get into the answering system. Travelling between schools makes it difficult to check voice mails frequently. Please be patient and I will do my best to call you back as soon as possible!
Art Curriculum Information
Each grade level has a theme or "big idea" under which we will be studying various art forms, styles and media as well as cultures from around the world and throughout time. All grade levels will be working in paint, clay, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, collage, watercolor and color mediums.
KINDERGARTEN: Art is All Around Us
Kindergartners will examine art as they explore the world around them. They will see that artists make art about all kinds of things including dreams, toys, food, families, pets and nature.
FIRST GRADE: Art Tells a Story
First graders will discover that art, like books, can tell a story. Students will study pictures
and see the narrative and cast of "characters" in each artwork.
SECOND GRADE: Art Around the World
Second graders will "take a trip" around the world and study cultures and artforms from all over the world.
THIRD GRADE: Art Brings Communities Together
Third graders will be studying the genres or subjects of art including: landscape, seascape, portrait, still life, animals, and buildings. We will explore the Art of local artists and the architecture of our city. Third graders will be considering the impact that art has on communities and what it means to be a part of a group.
FOURTH GRADE: Art is a Visual Language
Fourth graders will be exploring art of the Rocky Mountain region. We will spend time on realistic drawing skills and drawing from observation as well as using symbols to convey ideas.
FIFTH GRADE: Art Reflects Influence
Fifth graders will be focusing on American art and will be taken through a chronological study of the art styles and movements in America. We will explore the influences that artists drew from to develop these art styles and forms.
SIXTH GRADE: Art Reflects Our Common Humanity Throughout Time
Sixth graders will be studying an in depth survey of Art History throughout time. We will learn that all people from all cultures and all times have created and used art as some form of expression. Though it may not look the same or be made the same way, all human beings have the need to make art, in some form or another.
Classroom Management
High Fives: At the end of each art class, students self rate the class on a 1-5 scale, with 5 being the highest. The class that receives the highest points at semester earns a special prize.
Creative Cats: Some days there are students who go above and beyond and are extra helpful, ardowking or creative. These efforts will be rewarded and recognized with a Creative Cat sticker to wear as well as an entry into a drawing for a special prize.
The X Box: This is my method of keeping table teams accountable for their behavior. They have three chances to improve their behavior (or 3 x's). If they improve before 3 xs, nothing happens. If they receive 3 x's, then the entire table loses a recess. Table members may tell me if individual students do not deserve to lose recess and that student will not receive the consequence.
The Penalty Box: This is for individual students who are disrupting the learning of the group. They get their name on the board and have 2 more chances to improve their behavior. If they do not, they will lose a recess and receive a call home.
No tolerance policy: I have zero tolerance for certain behaviors: violence or injuring another student, foul language, defiance, name calling, and destroying school property or the work of others. These actions will result in an immediate visit with the principal. This is to ensure a safe and secure environment for all children to learn and create!
Grades and Report Cards
My grading philosophy is based on the participation and effort of the individual child. Art is a personal journey and we all perform at different levels and abilities. Quality craftsmanship and best effort will earn high grades. I grade the student at his or her level. I will be keeping a portfolio of student work to show an overall progress of learning (and of course the work will eventually get home to you at the end of each school year!).
On the report cards, I will give out mostly 2s which means the students are meeting my expectations. I will give a few 3s to those who are really excelling and 1s to those who need to improve. I feel that if everyone gets a 3 on a report card, then my expectations are to low. Meeting the expectations of the class and earning a 2 means students are working hard and doing well!
2008/2000 Art Shows
District Art Show Award Ceremony: TBA, 6:30 @ CMHS Auditorium
25 Student works will be selected for the annual District Art Show. A congratulations letter will be sent home the week before the awards ceremony. The selection will be based strictly on the quality and craftsmanship of the work. I understand that every student wishes to have work selected for the show. It is a difficult decision to select 25 works out of nearly thousands, and I will do my best to be equitable. EVERY student will have an opportunity to show their work in the School Art Show.
Gold Camp Elementary Art Show: TBA, 6:30 @ Gold Camp.
Every student will select an art work to be displayed at the Gold Camp Art Show. This is an exciting opportunity for your child to shine as an artist. Besides enjoying the talents of your artistic children, face painting, treats and art activities are more reasons to come! I am always looking for volunteers to help with art shows. Please contact me if you are interested!
Third Grade Self Portrait Show: Date, Place and Time TBA
This is a show in a public setting to get our talented students' art out in the community.
Sixth Grade Art Show: TBA
This is a special opportunity for our talented 6th graders to get their work shown in a public setting.
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