Students' drawing and painting class will meet 2 times a rotation for a Trimester. In this class, there is exploration of a variety of mediums with a focus on drawing and painting. While using imagination within these art mediums, there will be an emphasis on the elements and principles of design, as well as color families.  Students will also practice color mixing and value throughout most lessons. Students will be able to explore the mediums of oil pastel, watercolor, colored pencil, and acrylic paint. Various artists will be introduced and discussed throughout all the lessons.

Students will be assessed using the following descriptors: creating, performing, responding, and connecting.  These will be woven through all in-class art projects.  Assessments will be both project-based, sketch assignments, and tests.  Each student will receive a sketch folder for the duration of the trimester.  The sketch folder will remain in class.  It will contain all of the sketches, plans, handouts, and sketch assignments.  

This program is connected to the Portsmouth High School Career and Technical Education program:  The Academy for Visual Arts and Design.

Photography class meets 2 days out of the 5-day rotation for one trimester. Students will concentrate on the art of photography through the introduction of various photographers, techniques, and equipment.  Photograph topics include pattern, texture, proportion, color, value, line, and others. Digital cameras and Chromebooks will be used.

Students will learn about the history of photography and some of its most famous photographers. They will be introduced to various photography techniques and a variety of equipment.  Students will design projects using school-issued technology.  Students will learn and apply methods for composing and arranging visual elements.  Students will apply problem-solving skills to convey meaning in original works.  Finally, students will respond, connect, and interpret works of art to deepen their understanding of art photography.  National Core Art Standards

This program is connected to the Portsmouth High School Career and Technical Education program:  The Academy for Media Communications and Digital Video Productions.

Band is a beginning ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities on wind and percussion instruments.  The primary focus is the development and expansion of basic skills necessary for effective instrumental music performance.  In addition to homogeneous group instruction, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in adjudicated solo and ensemble contests, solo and small ensemble performances, and private lessons. Students will show skilled application in personal and ensemble performances.  Students will perform with appropriate interpretation and technical accuracy.  Students will use critical thinking skills to make connections. Finally, students will make connections between musical works and society.  Students in fifth grade band perform in at least two concerts a year.  

This program is connected to the Portsmouth High School Career and Technical Education program:  The Academy for Music Production.  Initial eligibility for this program requires a student to have participated in band or chorus at the high school level.

Exploratory music class meets for the full year. Students will primarily play recorder and various percussion instruments. We will explore folk songs and some history of early American Folk Music. Students will develop performance skills relating to individual and ensemble performances. Students will also learn about the families of instruments.  Students will create music through composition and improvisation.  Students will perform through movement, instruments and/or singing.  Students will respond to music by listening, analyzing and describing what they hear and feel.  

This program is connected to the Portsmouth High School Career and Technical Education program:  The Academy for Music Production. Initial eligibility for this program requires a student to have participated in band or chorus at the high school level.