Instructional Administrator for Art
• Grade K-12: Sheila Elario
Elementary level
Students follow a curriculum that is aligned with the New York State Learning Standards in Art and 21’st Century Learning. At this level, emphasis is placed on the introduction and reinforcement of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Throughout a child’s elementary art experience, they are exposed to a wide array of materials and techniques that develop their aesthetic and visual surroundings through the exploration of various civilizations and cultures both past and present. A sequential curriculum of learning involving vertical teaming is in place to consistently foster and promote the development of the 21st Century Learning Skills such as: Creativity, Innovation, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Visual and Digital Literacy’s, Critical Thinking and Global Awareness. Art teachers regularly collaborate with the classroom teacher to reinforce concepts and ideas taught in other disciplines. All students receive 40 minutes of art instruction per week.
Middle School level
Students follow a curriculum that is aligned with the New
York State Learning Standards in Art and 21’st Century Learning. At the
middle level, students further explore and reinforce the Elements of Art and
Principles of Design. A sequential continuum of learning through vertical
teaming is designed to develop skill, technique and aesthetic awareness.
Further exploration of materials and concepts are reinforced through the
exploration of various artists and cultures. Continued development and
promotion on the 21’st Century Skills is an integral part of the six – eight
art curriculum. These include; Creativity, Innovation, Collaboration,
Problem Solving, Visual and Digital Literacy’s, Critical Thinking, Global
Awareness, Accountability, Responsibility, Initiative and Productivity. Art
teachers regularly integrate Literacy as part of their curriculum delivery.
At each grade level students take art for 10 weeks. In the sixth grade, art
is delivered every day for 40 minutes. In the seventh and eighth grade, art
is delivered on a block schedule. These students are engaged in art every
other day for 80 minutes. Additional art is available for students through
Art Enrichment. Interested students seeking to advance their study in art at
the secondary level may participate in the Accelerated Studio in Art class.
High School level
Visit the GHS art department home page
The art department provides a variety of courses which
allow students to appreciate, investigate and produce art through various
media and techniques for self-expression. Each course follows the New York
State Learning Standards in Art and is aligned with 21st Century Learning
Skills. At this level the continuum of learning for students emphasizes the
development of skill in the two and three-dimensional arts along with the
electronic arts. The courses are designed to; amplify students' interest,
creativity and ability to become independent and self-directed learners,
increase their awareness and impact that the role art may have on their
lives, transcribe and communicate with the visual language.
With a wide array of courses to choose from, students are able to further
develop their interests and talents in a specialized area. Each of the
projects and assignments presented in these diverse courses, afford students
the opportunity to question and explore the real and invisible world through
21’st Century learning. The following 21’st Century Learning skills are
reinforced and assessed throughout all of the foundational and advanced
level courses: Creativity, Innovation, Collaboration, Problem Solving,
Visual and Digital Literacy’s, Critical Thinking, Global Awareness,
Accountability, Responsibility, Initiative, Productivity and Leadership.
Students wishing to pursue Advanced Placement credit may do so through the
submission of an electronic portfolio in either the two dimensional, three
dimensional or electronic arts. Students are encouraged and allowed to
actively participate in real world art experiences such as student art
shows, exhibitions, contests and community-wide events.
Students enrolling in Studio in Art or Arts Exploration fulfill their fine
Arts requirement for the New York State Diploma.