Welcome to ArT
at Pleasantdale Elementary School
with MrS. VeRvaCk
Mission Statement
Students of art will engage in art production, as well as a study of art heritage, art criticism and aesthetics. They will develop perceptual awareness, creativity, self-expression, aesthetic literacy, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Through the study of art, students will have enhanced self-esteem, self awareness, and an understanding of past and present world cultures.
Students will:
· explore a variety of media and methods
· practice and improve technical skills
· communicate with other people through visual images
· have confidence in their abilities as artists
· participate in critiques and develop confident aesthetic judgments
· experiment with divergent and original thinking and solutions to problems
· make connections between art and their everyday lives, other disciplines and other times and cultures
Cool Art Websites:
Picasso Head
A Note from your art teacher...
Dear Parents,
I would like to introduce myself to those of you who are new to our district, and greet those of you who are familiar with the art program from previous years. My name is Kristi Vervack, and I graduated from Florida State University with a degree in elementary education and an endorsement in art. This will be my fifth year in district 107; however, it is my fourth year as Pleasantdale Elementary’s art teacher. I am very excited to be a part of the Fine Arts Department, and I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child.
Every year with the students of Pleasantdale has been amazing. Each class has discussed the Art Class Expectations and the Eagle Way. We have also shared a bit about ourselves, and have used what we've learned in order to create beautiful artwork. As we embark on these tasks, I am reminded of what art education really is. It inspires children, promotes self-esteem, and teaches students that problems may have more than one solution. The students’ observations and creative products have certainly been delightful to watch!
The art program is based on the belief that each child has valuable creative potential. I hope to foster confidence and a life-long appreciation of art in each student. I believe my job is to equip students with the skills to capture various aspects of the world in a way that appeals to our various senses. I will guide students to think differently and express their imaginations in different shapes, textures, colors and sizes. The art classroom is a studio where we will all be artists, trying many approaches and media.
The curriculum combines experiences from four disciplines: Art History, Art Criticism, Aesthetic Awareness, and Production. The art curriculum also frequently integrates with other areas of study such as social studies, Spanish, language arts, science, and math. Each class meets for two weekly half-hour sessions.
I am looking forward to an exciting, creative year with your children. Please contact me any time you may have questions or concerns by email kvervack@d107.org or phone (708)-246-2716.
Sincerely,
Kristi Vervack, Art Teacher, K-4
Class Behavior
If a student has trouble following the Eagle Way in Art Class, he or she will receive a warning, a reminder, and then a flight plan. If the incident is serious, or if a pattern develops, I will contact you as well. Please feel free to contact me at any time with your questions or concerns. Below, you will find a copy of the Eagle Way in the art classroom. I look forward to a productive and inspiring year with the students. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
The Eagle Way in Art Class
Be Respectful
Of People, Artwork & Supplies
Listening Appropriately
Start and End of Class – Quiet and Ready
Be Responsible
Follow Directions
Best Effort when Working
Clean Up as a Team
Be Safe
Use Supplies Safely
Walk in the Art Room