Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Welcome to another school year! I am looking forward to a year full of fun and learning in the Art room!

 

Art is a universal language and is the most fundamental means of communication. Art has been, and continues to be an integral part of every individual’s life. Throughout history, Art has reflected the idea that thinking and visualization are related to, and supportive of each other. To engage students actively in Art gives relevance and meaning to the dimensions of our changing world.

 

The Centennial School District’s Art curriculum is based on the Elements and Principles of Design. It is designed to incorporate all of the National Art Standards. These standards include working with various media and techniques and understanding the functions of both; exploring symbols, meaning and ideas in art; looking at art throughout history; self-reflection and assessing the characteristics of the student’s personal work and making connections with art to other content areas. When projects come home, please be aware that a lot of time and learning has taken place in order to reach the end result of a “pretty picture”. Be sure to ask your child what he/she has learned, and what steps were taken to get to the finished product. Please understand that your child’s artwork might not come home until after our Fine Arts Festival in May.

 

Frame your child’s artwork! Take them to museums! We are lucky to live in such a cultural area! Really look at the things around you: nature, architecture, people, and the beauty of Bucks County. Don’t be afraid to get dirty and create art together!

 

Your child will have the opportunity to explore his/her creative side and have fun each week! Please assume when your child enters the Art room that he/she will be involved in a messy project. I recommend that your child not wear their “Sunday best” on Art day! Plan outfits accordingly. We do have smocks in the Art room for your child to wear but with us all more conscious about staying healthy and preventing the spreading of illness, it is a good ideas to provide your child with one and have them keep it in their school bags. This does not have to be a bought smock an old shirt “recycled” from an older family member works great.

 

Each child in first through fifth grade was given a sketchbook the first day of art. These sketchbooks will be used as an Art journal, for sketches, planning, and note taking. It will become a great record of your child’s year in Art class! They will remain in the art room through out the year and be sent home in June with your child. A sketchbook at home is also a wonderful idea as well! They are relatively inexpensive to buy at the local craft stores or there are websites that give directions on making one. (a nice rainy day project!)

 

Let’s get "Art Smart" together!

Mrs. Paula Foran

forapa@centennialsd.org

215.441.6000 ext 11362