ART

In Middle School Art, students will refine technical and critical skills that were introduced in the elementary grades. These skills include proficiency in the proper use, handling and storage of art materials and media, understanding effective use of the picture plane, color theory, and creating art both from objective observation and personal inspiration. They also explore a variety of art media, including colored pencils, ink, oil pastels, paint, collage and clay. Middle school art students practice formal analysis of art, in which they practice examining the elements (line, shape, color, texture, value, form, and space) and principles (pattern, rhythm, contrast, balance, emphasis, and unity) of design in their own artwork as well as the work of other artists. Finally, students will develop an appreciation for the importance of art history to understanding visual art as an academic discipline and as a part of their culture.

DRAMA

In Middle School Drama, students will be introduced to the basics of theatre arts.  Students will take part in various creative drama techniques to build confidence and trust, stimulate imagination, movement, and role-play.  Through theatre games and short plays, students will learn to lose inhibitions and will gain trust in themselves as well as others in their groups.  Students will learn and use drama and theatre vocabulary in class discussions and the activities will specifically address the promotion and reinforcement of students' literacy skills by learning lines, presenting small shows, and doing tech projects about classic musicals such as “West Side Story,”  “Fiddler on the Roof” or “The Sound of Music.”