Visual art is an integral part of the student experience, fostering creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in art, while offering opportunities to explore specialized media and techniques as they progress through middle school.

Exploratory Art 6

All 6th graders participate in one quarter of Exploratory Art, where they receive foundational instruction in visual arts. Students focus on basic techniques, creative thinking, and personal expression, developing essential skills that will support their growth in higher-level art courses.  This early exposure fosters a love of visual arts and ensures that students enter middle school with the skills and curiosity needed to explore a variety of artistic disciplines.

Scope & Sequence

Art 7

All 7th-grade students take Art 7, which builds upon the foundational skills introduced in 6th grade. The course emphasizes advancing principles and elements of art, technique development, and creative exploration.  Art 7 ensures that students are prepared to make more informed choices about their artistic paths in Grade 8 while deepening their technical and conceptual understanding.

Scope & Sequence

In 8th grade, students choose from Digital Photography or Studio in Art, both of which offer opportunities to earn high school credit.

Digital Photography

Digital Photography emphasizes technical skill, creativity, and visual communication, allowing students to document and interpret the world around them.

Studio in Art - High School Credit Course

Studio in Art provides a comprehensive exploration of visual media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. Students focus on technical skill development, creative experimentation, critical thinking and reflection.

These Grade 8 courses prepare students for high school-level art programs, fostering confidence, technical proficiency, and a deeper understanding of artistic concepts and culture.

Scope & Sequence

Kathleen Mark, Director of the Arts kmark@rvcschools.org

Teachers

Danielle Cacioppo dcacioppo@rvcschools.org

Monica Daly mdaly@rvcschools.org

Cadence Elbroody celbroody@rvcschools.org

Paul Sementilli psementilli@rvcschools.org

• NYS Learning Standards for the Arts - Visual Art     

NYSED