Requirments

Well, It is a General Art Ed. Class as described in our MHS curriculum. I base my teaching upon the elements of art and the principles of design. You need to know how to use them and how to recognize them. You will learn to speak or write or think about art as an expression of the heart, head and soul. Art does not always have to be creative or expressive. But it does have to project some kind of honesty, a sense of process and good composition.

There is history. Not just art history but your history, my history, and our history. Lets call it culture. You will learn that most artists are just working guys and gals. Some are approachable, some are jerks. I have met both. Example who was monet really or van gogh?

I want you to leave this class with the ability to go into a museum and not be scared of the work. I want you to have a way to find a crack in the work so that you might understand it but definitely not be afraid of it. I want you to be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about art and culture and how it relates to the world we live in. I want you also to see that there is a process involved that has inherent within it a method of creative problem solving that can be used anywhere.

**__CONTRACT__**

This is a contract proclaiming and explaining our responsibilities. Your parents, your guardian or someone you respect should read it. This is based on my observations of you in class, the results of your effort and participation, the completion of sketchbook and class assignments (on time) and of course grades. All you have to do is try and the results will speak for you.
 * My responsibility is to teach. Yours is to learn.
 * If you do not understand something, you must ask the question in order to fulfill your query.
 * Realize that this is a real class that deals with Fine Art and culture and thinking.
 * We have web sites that you are expected to use.
 * You will have to study.
 * I grade according to effort.

(Point- if you are getting C’s, C-‘s and you get an A- on an exam you will not get a B. If you have been goofing off, have not completed assignments on time or I have not observed effort or the results there of, you will lose. Anyone can cram for an exam but that does not mean you know the subject.)

* My grading is simple – everything carries the same weight because everything applies to the same result, you learning.

*I do not hover. You come to me when there is a problem. Therefore you will be responsible for your actions in my class and the way you use your time.

*You opinion is important as long as you have a reason. I do not ask that you agree with me but if you do not, have a good reason. Tolerating each other’s opinions is very important.
 * Appropriate humor is essential so learn some good jokes and have some good comebacks.

*This is not a social time or arts and crafts.

supplies/Materials needed

Materials or supplies you will need by the end of the first week of school. * A sketchbook, not of the news print quality and 9x12 __Class Work__ __Classroom Stuff__ __Classroom Rules__ Standard rules of respect, that we all know are in play at all times. *Be on time. *Get your work done on time. *Get your work and get busy. do not wait for me to tell or ask you. we know why we are here. *I take attendance as the bell rings so, if you are not present then you are marked absent and the rules of the school apply. I understand the passing time between classes but do not make a habit of being late. *If you do come in late you must sign in. * if you go on a field trip you must sign in. * do not rely on my memory. * you will have a space to store your work. Do not ask me where it is or that you can not find it.
 * HB pencils or an assorted pack of H to B, (I like Twist Ease 9mm and they come 2 to a pack with 2 extra erasers.)
 * A good eraser (I like magic rub or something equal),
 * A decent pencil sharpener
 * A pack of 12 color pencils.
 * All work has beginning time and an end time. If time is a problem for you as it is for many, the art room is open during the lunch period or with an appointment before or after school.
 * No phones, I pods or ear buds. Infact, no electrical devices will be tolerated unless I say so or you have a signed release from the office or the appropriate person in school with an example of it's use and result of learning.
 * Do not make a habit of going to the bathroom in my class *Respect is very important and it is demanded.
 * We clean up before we leave. I give the time. If you do not you or your table will be graded down. * if you have visitors or texts in my class you will face the consequences.

__Accessories__ Summary: My bar is high. This is high school and your work should reflect that. Effort always counts. Stand up to your responsibility. Learning in the end is YOUR responsibility.
 * If you need help, I know people that can help you if I cannot.
 * I am a real good listener.
 * I am here to teach you, not to fail you.
 * I believe deeply in effort over talent.
 * Learn to love those mistakes. Embrace them and let them teach. After I did, life ran much smoother.
 * I will listen if there is a problem. If you have been showing effort I will bend over backwards for you but the other is also true.

I can be reached by email. steven.mcpeters@morristown highschool.org. I will answer as quickly as possible. The phone is not reliable so if you must call (and they hate this) go through the office and leave a number.

* whinning will get you no place, you are responsible for you and no one else. parental participation is welcome but if you do not exhibit effort there effort for you will be wasted time. *I have taught all phases os public school. I believe in it and the opportunities it holds. this is not only and art class but we also have to instruct you in being responsible social citizens. So please respect your self and remember where you are. *everything is not fun. Work and challenge is important, better when they are fun but, even clowns at clown school have to work. " I believe in working hard. I believe that hard work is it's own reward.