Arts Appreciation
A New 9th Grade Electives Rotation
Experience all Olney has to offer
The new Arts Appreciation rotation is the best way for incoming 9th graders to have a wide variety of experiences in the arts during their introduction to high school. During this course, all 9th grade students will be exposed to Music, Art, Drama, and Technology class for one marking period each. In this survey of classes, students will get a taste of what a more advanced class would be like without spending an entire year in a course they don't prefer.
90 Minute Blocks allow for Creativity and Growth
On our block schedule, the Arts Appreciation class will meet once a day for 90 minutes. Because the class is designed to offer an experience in all the arts classes, students will be enrolled in this course for the entire school year, but each marking period will switch to a new elective. The grade for the year will be an average of the students' grades each semester of the Arts Appreciation rotation.
Mr. Israel Gonzalez
Mr. Gonzalez studied Music Education at Millersville University and graduated in 2015. He teaches the Music rotation of the Arts Appreciation course, as well as methods classes in percussion and brass instruments. Mr. Gonzalez plays the trumpet and the clarinet, and has performed in many marching band ensembles.
Ms. Emily Guck
Ms. Guck graduated in 2010 from the University of Saint Louis with a Bachelor's in Theater and English. She then moved to Philadelphia where she obtained her Master's in Education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. Ms. Guck teaches the Drama rotation of the Arts Appreciation course, as well as theater performance classes, culminating in two main stage performances each school year.
Mr. Zach Sammons
Mr. Sammons studied Art Education at Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated in 2003. He has been teaching at Olney Charter High School for 9 years, and is currently teaching the Art rotation of the Arts Appreciation course as well as AP Sculpture.
Olney presents Rumors
1) Will I be able to graduate on time if I take this course?
Yes! Each rotation - Art, Drama, Music, and Technology lasts only one marking period. By taking all four of these courses throughout the year, students will earn 2 Arts and Humanities credits towards the 5 required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the end of high school.
2) What if I really like one class? Can I stay in it the rest of the year?
If a 9th grade student exhibits extraordinary talent in a particular arts elective, they may be moved directly into the 2nd Level of that course. For example, a piano or guitar player can be moved directly to Music 2, a singer to Choir, or a painter to Art 2. Otherwise, students will choose a Level 2 elective course for the following year.
3) How will I be graded in this course?
Each teacher has their own evaluation system depending on the tasks in the course. All courses at Olney Charter High School have the following course breakdown:
Classwork 35%
Assessments 30%
Participation 25%
Attendance 10%
Homework 10%
Yes! Each rotation - Art, Drama, Music, and Technology lasts only one marking period. By taking all four of these courses throughout the year, students will earn 2 Arts and Humanities credits towards the 5 required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the end of high school.
2) What if I really like one class? Can I stay in it the rest of the year?
If a 9th grade student exhibits extraordinary talent in a particular arts elective, they may be moved directly into the 2nd Level of that course. For example, a piano or guitar player can be moved directly to Music 2, a singer to Choir, or a painter to Art 2. Otherwise, students will choose a Level 2 elective course for the following year.
3) How will I be graded in this course?
Each teacher has their own evaluation system depending on the tasks in the course. All courses at Olney Charter High School have the following course breakdown:
Classwork 35%
Assessments 30%
Participation 25%
Attendance 10%
Homework 10%
Welcome to OCHS!
We are so excited for you to join our artistic and creative student body!
Email: epearlstein@olney.aspirapa.org
Website: http://www.aspirapa.org/olney-charter/
Location: 100 West Duncannon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Phone: 215-456-3014