Dear Parents/Guardians,
My name is Ms. Amaku, and I am thrilled to be your child’s 7th-grade art teacher this year! I have a passion for the arts and a background in teaching various mediums, including drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. This year, your child will explore their creativity through hands-on projects and learn about art history, techniques, and critique.
Classroom Procedures
To ensure a smooth and productive classroom environment, I have established some key procedures:
Entering the Classroom & Do Now: Students are expected to enter quietly (level 0), find their sketchbooks, and begin working on the “Do Now” assignment right away. This helps everyone get focused and ready to learn.
Participation and Movement: During class, students are to remain seated unless given permission. If they need to sharpen a pencil, use the restroom, or ask for help, they should signal appropriately (holding up the item or a hand signal). This minimizes disruptions and maximizes learning time.
Clean-Up: The last 10 minutes of class are dedicated to cleaning up. Students are responsible for ensuring their workspace is tidy, and supplies are returned to their designated spots. This teaches responsibility and respect for shared materials.
Grading and Homework Policies
Grading will be based on three key areas:
Work Habits (20%): This includes daily preparation, respect, and participation.
Creative Process (30%): Sketchbook assignments and exploration of design elements.
Major Projects & Critiques (50%): Your child will create several major art projects graded on effort, creativity, and craftsmanship. Class critiques will also play an important role in developing their analytical skills.
If a student misses a due date, they will have the opportunity to complete or redo the work for a loss of 10 points per day. I believe in giving students the chance to improve and learn from their mistakes.
Contact & Office Hours
I welcome communication from both students and parents! If your child needs extra help or if you have any questions, feel free to email me at Mary.Amaku@houstonisd.org. I am available to meet after school or by appointment, and I encourage students to reach out whenever they need assistance.
Thank you for your support. I am excited to see what your child will accomplish this year in art class!
Warm regards, Ms. Amaku