Materials Cost
Valencia High School
Ceramics
Dear Parents and Students,
It is a pleasure to share this school year with you. A comprehensive Visual Art Curriculum involves
many projects created through the development of techniques, concepts and the use of a variety of
media. It will include graded class projects, some homework assignments, and tests on various elements
concerning the history and processes of the arts.
Students will be required to complete all assignments on time, have materials in class each day, and
attend class regularly. If a student misses class, he/she is responsible for making up any notes, videos,
missing class assignments and or work time missed. The listed courses move at a fast pace. It is easy to
fall behind due to missing assignments or absences.
There is a materials cost donation requested for each student due to the large amount of art materials
needed over the course of the year. This includes a variety of items depending on the particular class.
Lab Donations must be paid as soon as possible and a receipt must be presented to verify
participation. Any student who is unable to pay the materials cost donation can work out other
arrangements with VHS art department. Clay can be recycled so students unable to pay the materials
cost will have the opportunity to recycle used clay and use that.
The costs by class are as follows:
Recommended $20.00 per semester includes 100 pounds of clay, tools and consumable materials.
Alternatively a $5.00 donation will include 25 pounds of clay and further clay can be purchased on a
needs basis.
Any further donations are greatly appreciated
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ryan Reich at Valencia High School. Room 1374,
Phone: 714 996 4970 ext 10374 or at rreich@pylusd.org
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - I have read and understand the Lab donation agreement with the VHS Art Department.
Parent / Guardian name and signature:_______________________________________________
Student name and signature___________________________________________________________
Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics, AP studio/3D
Mr. Ryan Reich - email: rreich@pylusd.org - phone: 714-996-4970 ext: 10374
Course Description
This course is an introduction to Ceramic Art and Craft. You will be introduced to the techniques, traditions and
science of ceramics. This is a hands on, activities based, studio elective class. Most of the time that you spend in
this class is in an active state and you are expected to participate on a daily basis. Through daily practice, looking
at and understanding art and design, personal reflection and hard work, you will be amazed at the original pieces
of art work you will create this year. The more you put into this class the more you will get out of it.
The time spent in class not actively practicing and making artwork is spent in brief presentations, readings, videos
and critiques. These are just as, if not more important and should be taken seriously as this is when new material,
demonstrations, feedback, and important information will be given. A notebook will be required to keep track of
your projects, notes during demonstrations, a place remember ideas for future projects and other important stuff
you don’t want to forget, because you will…
We will also explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and how they relate to ceramics. Along with all
this, there will be an emphasis on craftsmanship and problem solving. It will be your responsibility to take this
information and produce artwork that has historical and cultural references, though we will explore this from a
contemporary and a personal perspective.
Grading Criteria
45%
Finished projects
45%
Daily class participation (including clean up)
10%
Notebook, Tests, quizzes and other written assignments
Grade Scale:
90-100%=A
80-89.9%=B
70-79.99%=C
60-69.9%=D 59.9% and below=F
Finished Projects
All project grades will be assigned on the basis of performance of specific objectives. Each of the following will
be taken into consideration when evaluating and grading projects.
 Meets project requirements
 Craftsmanship (neatness)
 Originality
 Completeness
 Project punctuality (turned in on time)
Daily class participation
Every day you come to class you earn points, participation includes:
 Working on your project, including glazing, designing, etc.
 Working in your notebook/sketchbook
 Paying attention or participating during lecture, presentation, discussion, etc
 Helping instructor or other students
 Studio maintenance
 Cleaning up
Consequently, not working during class or not cleaning up will result in a loss of points and will ultimately
hurt your grade.
If you miss a class you will not receive participation points for that day. You will always have the
opportunity to make up missing participation points at before school, lunch or after school.
Tests, quizzes and other written assignments
There will be tests, quizzes, reading and short writing assignments in your notebook
Notebook
You are required to have a one-subject notebook. You will use these to keep organized notes on ceramics
processes, techniques and your works of art and a place to keep handouts, sketches, etc. These will be collected
and reviewed periodically throughout the semester.
Be sure to keep up with class work in this course, you will learn that this is not a class that you can wait until the
last minute to finish a project as ceramics is a relatively slow process. See the instructor if make up time or extra
help is needed. Be aware of scheduled open labs and utilize them
Artistic Integrity
 No copy work is allowed. Work base on another artists work must be more than duplication. It must
move beyond copying and become your original statement
Safety
The ceramics classroom has materials and equipment that we must use with caution. As these become part of the
classroom operation we will discuss their potential. No one will be allowed to use either ceramic materials or
equipment without first having been trained in their safe and proper use.
Materials
 This is a materials heavy course, materials cost money. Therefore your suggested material cost donation
allows you to have the best experience possible. See “Materials Cost” handout for more info.
 Pay material cost donation in class with instructor or at the finance office and bring receipt to class.
Please pay by second week of instruction
 Most everything that you need for this course is supplied in the classroom. You may also be asked to
bring in things throughout the school year. This class can be messy, we have a few aprons but you may
choose to bring in your own apron, shirt, towels, shoes, overalls, etc.
YOU will need to bring in as soon as possible:
 A one subject notebook
 One COMBONATION lock for every 2 students
Classroom Rules and Expected behavior
Every student has the right to a healthy and positive learning environment, to assure this right, the following
expectations will be adhered to:
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School rules are always in effect, this includes regular attendance, arriving to class on time, courteous and
respectful behavior to the both the instructor and fellow students.
Earphones an music are acceptable during work times. If instructor is playing music, its ok for you to play your
own music (through headphones). During lecture, demonstrations, readings, critiques and other class activities your
music should be turned off and attention and respect given to presenter.
Do not make phone calls, text messages, tweets, selfies or other personal things related to smartphone use during
class time. Using smartphones for research related to this class is allowed and encouraged.
The laws of the state of California are in effect regarding stealing, vandalism, drugs and violence
Respect the rights and property of others.
Respect tools, materials, projects and working space
Clean up your own mess. Take pride in your work and work space.
Please use common sense at all times, put things back where you found them, clean up your own mess, ask how
something works if you don’t know what your doing.
Please take care of personal business outside of class, this includes work from other classes.
Please no food or drink in class except bottled water, clay and ceramic materials can be toxic if ingested.
Maintain a healthy and positive working atmosphere
The instructor reserves the right to dismantle or remove any ceramic wares deemed inappropriate