Mr. Mills Blog

The year is underway…hard to believe. I know it is easy to say that the summer went by fast, so that is why I am not going to say that. This was the first summer since I started teaching that I did not work, so I got to do what I wanted to do, and I enjoyed every minute of it!

On to this year, I was very glad to see so many returning students. In terms of the fine arts program, it makes a big difference to me to see students through 3rd grade to 6th grade. We build on what they have learned in previous years so they get the benefit of what they have learned in previous years at Murray. By the time they reach the 5th and 6th grade, I really push them to do work that I think would be a challenge for older students. So, once again, welcome back to returning students and welcome to new students.

This week we have just re acclimated ourselves to fine arts and out together our sketchbooks. The big difference this year is that students 4th through 6th grade will receive a letter grade. Please read the parent letter for more information. As I told the students this week, they will not be graded on their artistic ability. The rubric on the parent letter details how they will be graded. I also told the students that many of them do not have to change anything in how they approach fine arts. I expect that most of my students will receive an A or a B considering how they have done in the past.

For the classes I had twice this week, we read a picture book called Ish that is a good primer for what I expect out of the students this year in fine arts. Please ask your child about it…it is a great story.

Next week, each grade will begin their first project…always one of my favorite parts of the year.

The technology program will continue later this month. The switch over to IMPACT has caused some administrative problems, but it should not impact what we do in the computer lab.

A restful weekend is needed…