Welcome Back To Art SEPTEMBER 2008

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all students to another great year in art at Bristow Run. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our parents and the community, and thank you for your continued support for the arts. I am Mrs. White, your child’s art teacher. I have been at Bristow Run 11 years and have taught in Prince William County Public Schools 21 years. I can be reached at Bristow Run at (703) 753-7741 and my e-mail is whitekj@pwcs.edu

WHATS NEW?

Again, this year art classes are 45 minutes long. Classes are back-to-back so time for set-up and put-away has to be included. Students have art every 7 days. I have 6 different grade level blocks per day. Art classes must focus strongly on time-management and listening skills in order to maximize accomplishments.

DONATIONS HELP

Donations really help out in the art room. This year I am asking for parents to again be willing to donate at least one of following items: unscented baby wipes, box of tissues, egg cartons, newspapers, squirt soap, paper towels, and multiple same-sized / same kind containers of SEVEN or more in a set. Individual one-of-a-kind containers generally don’t help as much as the same kind in sets of seven of more.

PROMOTING THE ARTS!

The Art Program at Bristow Run focuses on creating an understanding and appreciation of the contribution of art to our world. Students are provided the opportunity to enhance talents and learn new skills. Finding an audience for one’s artwork encourages confidence and instills pride. I would encourage all parents to find a special place in your home to display your child’s artwork. At Bristow Run all student artwork is displayed in a variety of locations throughout the building. Samples of student artwork can also be viewed on our school website at http://www.pwcs.edu/BristowRun/. Also, there are a variety of opportunities for student artwork to displayed through the County Arts

Department. In March, the All-County Arts Festival is held at Woodbridge High School where lots of student artwork from across the county will be on display all day. More details on that to follow later.

In The Classroom

Classes are busy working on art projects already. Kindergarten classes are starting off the year learning how to identify and create lines. First grade classes are also learning about line through creating a seasonal project. Second grade is learning about famous artist Vincent Van Gogh and will be painting a sunflower still life. Third grade is starting off the year learning about Radial Design and showing 3-D on a flat 2-D surface.

Fourth grades will begin learning about the role and importance of arts and crafts in Colonial Virginia and will be making several projects based on a Colonial theme. Fifth grades will start off learning about famous artist M.C. Escher and his mathematical genius, the tessellation. They will be creating their own tessellation project.

WHAT’S AHEAD

At Back-To-School Night be sure to stop in a say hello in the Art Room.