Comanche Springs Elementary Parent Night

Art Class In art, we will be learning about famous artists through history and applying their techniques to our own work. We will also be keeping a sketchbook journal so each student will have a record of their growth and improvement through the school year. The journals and folders will be kept in their homeroom teachers’ drawer (by the door in the fine arts room) until the end of the year, so Mrs. Porter can better log each student’s progress.

Music Class The music curriculum will be based on the teachings of Orff and Kodaly. In the Orff methodology, the students will learn to use various instruments such as drums, xylophones, and recorders to experience musical concepts through performance. The Kodaly methodology incorporates syllables (solfege) and hand signs which will enhance music literacy and aid in teaching basic musical concepts.

Grades Grades are based on participation. Each student will receive two or more grades per week for Fine Arts. The six week cycle break down for grades is as follows: Art Participation 30% Art Projects & assignments 20% Music Participation 30% Music Assignments 20%

Classroom Management: Nine Expectations For Living We will value one another as unique and special individuals. We will not laugh at or make fun of a person’s mistakes, nor use sarcasm or putdowns. We will use good manners, saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me,” and allow others to go first. We will cheer each other to success. We will help one another whenever possible. We will recognize every effort and applaud it. We will encourage each other to do our best. We will practice virtuous living, using the Life Principles. We will use the Magic Triad.

Classroom Management: What Mrs. Porter tells the kids… If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it. If you cannot solve the problem or choose not to, I will assist you. What I do will depend on the special person and the special situation. If you feel something is unfair, whisper to me, “I’m not sure that’s fair,” and we will talk. If you cause a severe disruption, you will be sent immediately to the principal.

Classroom Management: Pink Slips If you receive a pink slip from Mrs. Porter, please sign it and return it to your student’s homeroom teacher. They are merely for record keeping, and to allow you (the parents) to be involved with and “in the know” about our school-wide discipline plan. I do not take away points from the student’s weekly grade for behavior as long as it does NOT interfere with their participation.

Programs Each year at Comanche Springs, the first grade, third grade, and fifth grade classes will perform in a program or concert of sorts to fulfill the drama portion of the Fine Arts standards. Dates and times of these events will be posted on my website as well as the CSES calendar, and notes will be sent home prior to the performances.

Recorders – pg. 1 of 2 A yellow recorder note has been sent home with each 4 th and 5 th grade student about recorders. If your student needs to purchase one, they may return the yellow form and $5 CASH to me and I will make an order through the district. The deadline for ordering through Mrs. Porter is September 17 th. After the deadline for orders, I will gather the forms and order the supplies needed for each student. I will also send home a note to remind students who already have instruments to bring them on a certain date.

Recorders – pg. 2 of 2 You are more than welcome to get recorders from other vendors, however, please be cautious that you are purchasing a tuned instrument rather than a plastic toy. I can guarantee that Walmart and the Dollar Tree are NOT selling instruments. The following are suggested vendors: Mr.E’s Music Rhythm Band Instruments Music In Motion

Extra-curricular Groups: CSES Honor Choir – The Singin’ Spurs pg. 1 The Honor Choir is open to 4 th and 5 th grade students with musical talent, a passion for singing, and who are exemplary students both in conduct and grades. The Singin’ Spurs are an extracurricular performing group, and meet most Thursdays between October and May from 3:00-4:00PM Auditions are in progress and my goal is to post the results after everyone has had a chance to audition. That being said, my final audition date is September 23 rd, therefore, expect to find out the results AFTER that audition date.

Extra-curricular Groups: CSES Honor Choir – The Singin’ Spurs pg. 2 Upon acceptance into the choir, the student will receive an information letter as well as a contract that will need to be signed by the student, their parent, their teacher, and myself. This will ensure that all parties are aware of the expectations and responsibilities. The student will also be required to pay $15 for dues, which will cover the cost of their shirt, their folder, choir music & performance rights, as well as any other expense necessary for the choir (bus transportation, etc.).

Extra-curricular Groups: EM-S Youth Choir This is a SEPARATE choir from the CSES Singin’ Spurs. The auditions for this group are on Saturday, September 18 th and cost for joining is $100 per semester and rehearsals are on Tuesdays If you have questions about this choir, please contact Melissa Miller at :

As always… If you have questions or concerns about fine arts, please contact me at Or ext. 2154