Ramon Cortines
Superintendent of Schools
Los Angeles Unified School District
William Howard Taft High School
5461 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, California 91364
Telephone: (818) 227-3600 Fax: (818) 592-0877
Linda Del Cueto
District 1 Superintendent
Sharon Thomas
Principal
CERAMICS 1 AB
Student Contract & Letter to Parents/Guardians
Welcome to this LAB. Please take a moment to review this letter and the attached
Expectations and Course Description.
The major emphasis of this course is to provide knowledge of ceramics through many activities and to
gain an understanding of the technical, intellectual and expressive qualities of clay.
It is also important to be able to talk about art, to make informed judgments about art and to
understand art in the historical and cultural context in which it was made.
Working with clay is a wonderful and involving medium and just about everyone
who creates a ceramics piece enjoys the experience. Students must be patient in learning the necessary techniques
and processes required to convert clay into Pottery. This LAB emphasizes SAFETY and CONSERVATION,
therefore students and parents must understand that there are important class rules and equipment regulations
that must be followed at ALL TIMES. At the end of the year, I hope all students leave the Lab with a love for clay, a
curiosity to further learn about the history and the people who express themselves through clay, an armful of
projects and the desire to continue enjoying CERAMICS at any level.
Your ACADEMIC GRADE is based upon the completion of the following areas:
ART PRODUCTION  Follow Directions All projects are expected to follow the basic guidelines. Points are given
based on the level of accomplishment of the specific requirements for each project. Please
always do more than I expect! And check with me before you make your own changes! Progress of
work will be graded once a week to accumulate points. Cleanup assignments are part of your grade
and will be added as accumulated points as well.
Craftsmanship Each piece produced demonstrates an understanding of the possibilities and
limitations of clay, as well as the correct techniques. Neatness and focus are the goals. Skills gained
through the progressive involvement with hand-building construction methods using coils, slabs, and
other forms will give you dexterity and control of the medium.
Creativity & Design Each three-dimensional project follows the principles and elements of art and
displays a variety of hand-building and decorating techniques. Each piece is decorated using the
techniques learned such as stamping, inlaying, incising, carving, and glazing and applies the principles
of design. (Be curious and find new methods of handling clay objects; share your findings.)
ART HISTORY
 Tests comprehensive exam after the 15th week of each portion A & B.
Oral Reports & Work Critique All students are required to present their work and/or research
during the set time for each class. There is a required power point research presentation.
ART JOURNAL
 Booklet ALL notes, handouts, quizzes, drawings, cut outs, etc. should be included in
a creative and orderly manner for part of your grade.
WORK HABITS
 Working Area Clean-up There are points assigned for certain duties at a daily basis. You must have
all to earn an E. Please do so in consideration to your peers, the teacher, and the next class session.
More importantly, everyone’s health, the proper handling of clay and its disposal, and our resource
conservation are a main concern in my instruction. Grade is based on your self-motivation and
discipline to work the ENTIRE PERIOD on your projects. Due to health concerns there is
ABSOLUTELLY NO FOOD in this lab.
COOPERATION
 Safety & Efficiency rules must be followed AT ALL TIMES. Please be responsible and act
efficiently with all materials and equipment. Unnecessary Behavior Please show a mature and
considerate attitude towards the class environment. No cell phones or calls received during class
time. A “U” will follow and school procedures will be respected.
Points are added and divided by the highest number of
possible grades times four, which equals A.
A = 4.0-3.5
100-90%
B = 3.4-2.8
C = 2.7-2.0
90-80%
80-70%
D= 1.9-1.0
70-60%
A = 4 pts. All your work is completed (even if it broke) and some so great that I want to keep it, you
followed the goals and beyond; notebook is neat and has ALL required paper work; all the
quizzes and tests are taken successfully; your attendance is impeccable; your behavior is
pristine; your work habits are immaculate.
B = 3 pts. Good to outstanding work, I may want to keep it, you got the goals; notebook has most of the
requirements and it has a good presentation; some quizzes and/or tests were missed and
never retaken (final mandatory); your absences count vs. time invested.
C = 2 pts. A satisfactory work, it could make a good gift! But some weakness in achieving the goals;
notebook is not really up-to-date and it is kind of messy; quizzes and/or tests missed; what
can I do to ask you to come to class, it affects your grade; believe in yourself, work harder;
be helpful and follow procedures.
D = 1 pt. Inadequate, incomplete, you did not follow the goals, but you can try again & again…practice
and patience are the key; notebook is practically non-existent; many quizzes and tests not
taken; what’s up! Why give up?
F = 0 pts. No work was done. No goals were achieved! C’mon! Nobody should fail Ceramics.
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State Visual Arts Standards covered in this course throughout the semester:
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
ARTISITC PERCEPTION - Students perceive and respond to works of art, objects in nature, events, and
the environment. They also use the vocabulary of the visual arts to express their observations.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION - Students apply artistic processes and skills, using a variety of media to
communicate meaning and intent in original works of art.
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT- Students analyze the role and development of the visual arts in
the past and present cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to the visual arts
and artists.
AESTHETIC VALUING- Students analyze, assess and derive meaning from works of art, including their
own, according to the elements of art, the principles of design, and aesthetic qualities.
STUDENT/PARENT/GUARDIAN
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE LEARNING OF ART INVOLVES THE INVESTIGATION AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE HUMAN AND
ANIMAL FIGURE. WE WILL BE ANALYZING AND INTERPRETING KNOWN PIECES OF ART WHERE THE NUDE MIGHT BE
DEPICTED AND THAT IT IS OF RELEVANCE FOR THE UNDERSTANDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECTS. STUDENTS
ARE EXPECTED TO MAINTAIN A COURTEOUS BEHAVIOR AND MUST REFRAIN FROM MAKING RUDE COMMENTS.
IMPORTANT HANDLING RULES for MATERIALS

DO NOT toss, throw or smear any clay of any size or shape in any direction at any time. It is a privilege to
work with clay.

DO NOT touch or handle other student’s work in any of the areas of the LAB. Handle yours ONLY.

DO NOT TAKE ANY MATERIALS HOME. Ask for them, they can be loaned!

You are EXPECTED to clean up after yourself and help clean and organize the materials you use in this Lab.
CONFERENCE
I will be happy to discuss any issues regarding your son or daughter before or after school. If you have any
questions, please contact Mrs. Lara’s email at lcl1508@lausd.net. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THE PAPER
GIVEN TO YOUR STUDENT. THIS INDICATES THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO THE
EXPECTATIONS OF THIS COURSE.
09-10