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Boise School District

Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow!

Secondary Art

Secondary Art

Welcome to the Arts Curriculum for Secondary Teachers!

This site is for Boise School District Secondary Arts teachers.  Here you will find performance tasks, unit overviews, learning intentions, success criteria, recommended scope and sequence, and other resources to guide student learning. 

Please click on the tabs to the right to access grade-level curriculum and other resources.  If you need any additional assistance, please reach out to Fine and Performing Arts Supervisor Benjamin Simmonds – benjamin.simmonds@boiseschools.org or 208-854-4100

 

A key tenet of our district's teaching philosophy is to build a comfortable environment where students can enjoy themselves while learning. Part of the goal of music instruction should be to learn how to learn. Through creative games in music theory and instrumental training, entertaining repertoire, and collaboration with teachers and peers, students capture a sense of enrichment and place more value on music study.

 

We believe that every child has a powerful need for creativity and a natural

understanding of rhythm and music.

If nurtured, this can develop into refined skill and craftsmanship.

 

 

    • You may change the view of the calendar by clicking Week/Month/Agenda at the top of each calendar.

    • You may enlarge the calendar by clicking the "Open" button in the upper right corner of the calendar (roll your mouse over the calendar for the Open button to appear).

    • If you have other school-specific shows or art-related events you'd like added to the calendar, please email Kate Miller (kate.miller@boiseschools.org), and she will add them.

    • Elementary Art Exhibit Schedules Calendar

      • Elementary

      • Exhibits go up on Mondays and come down on Fridays at the DSC.

      • Please make sure the artwork is marked with the student’s full name, grade, and teacher.

      • Please bring or send art for your school's exhibit to the Art Cottage through school mail or asset planner, or contact Kate to pick up your art.  Kate will hang the exhibit and then return the art to you once your exhibit is over.

      • Elementary Schedule 2025-2026 link

    • Secondary Art Exhibit Schedule Calendar

      • Secondary

      • Exhibits go up on Wednesdays and come down on Tuesdays at the DSC.

      • Please make sure the artwork is marked with the student’s full name, grade, and teacher.

      • Please bring your school's art to the DSC to hang on the day your exhibit starts - Kate is available to assist.

      • Kate will take the exhibits down, take them to the Dept of Education for two weeks after your DSC exhibit, and then return the art to your school.  Please plan to pick up any 3-D art from your display on the last day of your display, as only flatwork can be hung at the State.

      • Secondary Schedule 2025-2026 link

  • IAEA

    Fall Conference: Friday & Saturday, October 3 & 4, 2025

    You can watch their website for information and registration.

    Location: College of Western Idaho, Nampa, Idaho

    NAEA

    National Art Education Association 

    2026 NAEA National Convention: March 5-7 | Chicago, IL, USA

    Registration information, Call for Presentations/Submissions, and Keynote speakers can be found Art

    Boise Art Museum 

    Boise Art Museum In-Museum and Online Art Experiences

    These programs are FREE for Idaho teachers and students, thanks to generous grant support.

    Education Program for Public & Non-Profit School Group Visits during the academic year 

    • 2025/2026 Art Museum Experiences

    Interactive Stations with BAM Educators in the Museum | Student-Centered Discussions
    Art-Making Projects in BAM’s Studios | Aligns with State & National Standards | Connects with Curriculum across Subject Areas. Click here to schedule or for more information.

    Tuesday through Friday

    9:30 a.m.| 10:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m.

    Pre-K – 12th Grades

    90 Minutes

  • November 2025

    • Due November 7, 2025 - Winter Card Art Contest (elementary school only) in conjunction with the Festival of Trees.  All entries should be at the Art Cottage by the end of the day, November 7, 2025.  Entry forms and more details can be found here. 

    • Due November 7, 2025 - Secondary Schools winter Art Contest (Jr. High and High School only) - this contest is run in conjunction with the Festival of Trees.  More information and entry details can be found here.

    • Due November 2025 - State Dept. of Education Holiday Card Contest - The annual Holiday Card contest is an opportunity for Idaho students to showcase their creativity and for the state to recognize the importance of arts in education. The contest is open to all Idaho public school students in grades K-12. An overall winner will be chosen for each of two divisions, one for grades K-6 and one for grades 7-12. For more information and due dates, click Herehere. 

     

    February 2026

     

    • ISBA Photography Contest - The Student Photography Contest is open to K-12 students who are enrolled in a district/charter school that is a member of the Idaho School Boards Association.  This year's theme is "What does it mean to be American?" For more information and updated Submission deadlines, please click hHereere.


     

    March 2026

    • National Junior Duck Stamp Contest - Deadline is March 1, 2026. Check hHereere for more updated information. Idaho Contest Contact: Patricia Ortiz U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709 (208) 582-3539 / patricia_ortiz@fws.gov 

    • Emerging Artists show at Art Source Gallery - Please check Herehere for more information. Show dates are: March 2 - March 28, 2026, Reception: March 5, 2026, 5 pm-9 pm. More Information Coming soon. 

    • Human Rights Art Contest (K-12): Sponsored by the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. Submissions due March 12, 2026. To participate in The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights invites Idaho students to create artwork should respond to one or more of the following questions:

    -What does equality mean in your community?

    -How do we challenge discrimination when we see it?

    -What does inclusion look like in action? 

    Art and writing submissions should explore one or more of these questions - find Hereinfo here.

    • Aviation Art Contest - This Year's Theme: Around the World in a Plane 

    Due Date: March 31, 2026. Sponsored by the Idaho Department of Transportation. Idaho students ages 5-18 are encouraged to participate. Rules, prize list, and entry guidelines/forms will be linked herehere as soon as contest information is announced. Original art will be submitted and must be two-dimensional watercolor, acrylic or oil, colored pencil, felt-tip marker, ballpoint pen, pen and ink, and/or crayon on 11x17" paper. 


     

    April 2026

    • Western Governors’ Association Celebrates the West Art Contest - Due Date: April 24, 2026. Open to high school students in the 16 Western states and three U.S. territories whose Governors participate in the bipartisan Western Governors’ Association (Idaho DOES participate).  Check herehere for more updated information and to see the 2025 winners.

     

    May 2026

    • Due May 1, 2026 - Elementary - Bob Wand Memorial Art Contest entries due to the Art Cottage - click here for more information 

    • Due May 5, 2026 - Elementary - School Calendar Contest entries due to the Art Cottage - click here for more information 

    • ACHD Art Contest (The contest is open to Ada County residents in grades 6-12) - Check back for 2026 Submission details and more information herehere.

     

    June 2026

    • University of Idaho Summer Design Days - Checkhere here for more information. Registration Deadline: June 10, 2026.

     

    August 2026

    • Due August 15, 2026 - Art By The River - Join us for the Annual Art by the River Festival in STAR, IDAHO on September 19th and 20th! This festival is a community event on the banks of the Boise River centered around an inspirational Artist. This contest is for 6-12 Graders. Please find the entry form here.

  • Access the District Arts curriculum by topic at the links below:

    • Art 1, 2, 3
    • Arts and Crafts
    • Ceramics
    • Painting
    • Photography

    • Junior High School
    • High School
      • Art 7-9
      • Ceramics
      • Drawing
      • Painting
      • Photography

  • Ancillary (Textbook) Budget

    • Orders need to be placed through the Art Cottage

    • Orders are due before January 31, 2026

    • Department Heads will be sent budget balance info at the beginning of the school year

    • Jr. High starting budget = $450 (subject to change each yr.)

    • Sr. High starting budget = $600 (subject to change each yr.)

    • All budget needs must be handled through and approved by the department. Heads

    • Please use the Purchase Request form (see below) to list orders and send to Kate at the Art Cottage (via school mail or email) - keep a copy for your records

    • Things that may be purchased through this account include:

      • Printed materials

      • Software & software subscriptions (ie, Padlet Pro, etc.)

      • Magazines, books, prints, visuals

    • Things that may NOT be purchased through this account include:

      • Equipment

      • Technology hardware

      • Transportation

      • Supplies such as paper, art tools, etc.

     

    Minor Equipment Purchases

    Email requests for equipment purchases to Kate Miller (contact info at the bottom of the page).  Please include:

    • What equipment do you need (specifically)

    • Why you need it - how it helps your program

    • Complete ordering information - website, cost, etc.

     

    Repairs & Maintenance

    Contact Kate Miller (by phone or email below) at the Art Cottage to arrange for repair and maintenance requests on equipment.

    Kiln Service - Please fill out this form

     

    Schedule & Personal Update Form

    Please send Kate any updates or changes at the beginning of each school year, and if your personal contact information changes at any point in the year. We use this information for a variety of purposes, including expense reimbursement, and this helps ensure we have correct and current information for you. 

     

    Clay & Ceramics Supply Deliveries

    Please contact Kate at the Art Cottage to schedule deliveries of clay and ceramic supply orders from the Potters Center via the District warehouse moving staff. 

     

    Purchase Requests

    • Use a separate Purchase Request form for each vendor.  You can expand the form to the right, make a copy, and then fill out/send it to Kate.

    • Please fill out the Purchase Request fully and include a blank copy of the order sheet from the catalog (if appropriate), website link, or any other detailed information on the purchase.

    • Purchase Request MUST be signed by the Department Head.

    • Total your order and add any applicable shipping costs.

    • All orders for one vendor should be on the same Purchase Request.

    • In-town pick-up orders should be picked up within 3 days.  Please forward the receipt to Kate Miller ASAP.

    • Please keep reimbursements to a minimum.  We are tax-exempt, and by using a Purchase Order, we don’t pay tax.  Receipts for reimbursement must not exceed $250 per receipt (per vendor/per day).

    • If you order from an online vendor and will be requesting reimbursement from the District, you MUST have it shipped to your school address.

    • Textbook Account - See above for the list of items that can or cannot be purchased with these funds.

    • Budgets cannot be carried over from one year to the next. Any monies left over will automatically go into the General Fund Account.

    • If you have not received your order within 2 months, please notify Kate Miller, who will check on its whereabouts.

    • Send all orders to Kate Miller at the Art Cottage via email or through school mail.

     

    Angel Donor Requests

    • Angel donor requests are generally made in September of each school year.

    • Updated information will be posted here when they open for 2025/2026

    • There is no set approval schedule.  You will be notified when Angel Donor awards are made.

    • The request form will be linked here when the request cycle is open again.

     

  • Benjamin Simmonds - Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts - DSC

    Kate Miller - Administrative Assistant - Art Cottage (located at Frank Church High School)

    • Office ~ (208) 854-6715

    • Email - kate.miller@boiseschools.org

    • Hours ~ Generally M-F from 10:00 am-2:00 pm (can deviate as teacher, display, and contest needs dictate)

     

    Junior High

    High School

     

    Hillside

    • Madeline Heer - Art 1-3, Arts & Crafts ~ Ext. 5167

     

    North

    • Johanna DeJong - Creative Crafts, Arts & Crafts, Photography ~ Ext. 5772

    • Cassandra Woodland - Art 1-3 ~ Ext. 7107

     

    South

    • Olivia Mares - Creative Crafts, Art 1 ~ Ext. 6146

    • Parker Ketring - Ext. 6134

     

    West

    • Kellie Drzayich - Media Tech, Arts and Crafts, Creative Crafts, Yearbook  ~ Ext. 6478

    • Molly Stoddard - Art 1-3 ~ Ext. 6483

     

    Fairmont

    • Amber Koberg - Art 1, Photography ~ Ext. 6483

    • Brooke Warner - Art 2-3, Creative Crafts & Arts and Crafts ~  Ext. 4817

     

    Riverglen

    • Annie Haines - Art 1-3, Crafts 1-2, Adaptive Art ~ Ext. 5968

    • Matt Laurence - Photography ~ Ext. 5965

     

    East

    • Jennifer Stefanakos - Art 1-3, Arts & Crafts, Creative Crafts ~ Ext. 4764

    • Paul Wardwell - Photography 1-2 ~ Ext. 5697

     

    Les Bois

    • Lindsey Waterman - Art 1-3, Creative Crafts ~ Ext. 5368

    • Sherilyn Paris - Creative Crafts ~ Ext. 6291

     

    Boise Online School

    • Jennifer Jarvis - Art 7/8 ~ Ext. 7248

    Boise

    • David Scott - AP Art History, Ceramics 1-3, AP 3D Art ~ Ext. 4343

    • Melissa Thompson - Drawing (all levels), Art for Wellbeing ~ Ext. 4320

    • Katy Shanafelt - Painting, AP Studio Art ~ Ext. 4244

    • Samuel Parry - Ceramics ~ Ext. 4270

    • Maxie Rogers - Photography ~ Ext. 4294

    • Sarah Sessions - Ceramics 1-2, Drawing 1-2 ~ Ext. 4775

     

    Borah

    • Patrick Rose - Ceramics 1-6 ~ Ext. 4433

    • Anneke Sakugawa - Digital Photography 1-6, Drawing 1 ~ Ext. 4471

    • Jen Compton - Drawing 1-4, Painting 1-4, AP Studio Art, AP Design, Art for Wellbeing ~ Ext. 4470

     

    Capital

    • Cathy Younger - AP Drawing & Design, Commercial Art 1-2, Painting 1-4 ~ Ext. 4694

    • Chad Ritzer - Ceramics 1-5, AP 3D Design

     ~ Ext. 4578

    • Renda Palmer - Drawing 1-4 ~ Ext. 6847

    • Ann Nipper - Painting & Art for Well Being 

    ~ Ext. 7091

     

    Frank Church

    • Dave Adams - Digital Photo, Ceramics, Video Broadcasting, Yearbook ~ Ext. 4870

    • Mercedes Huse - Painting, Multimedia Design 

    ~ Ext. 5671

     

    Timberline

    • Jerry Hendershot - Ceramics 1-4 ~ Ext. 6278

    • Trish Thorpe - Drawing, Photography, Art & Design ~ Ext. 6302

    • Jessica McCabe - Painting, AP Art History ~ Ext. 7018

     

    Dennis Technical Center

    • Tony Maurer - Graphic Design ~ Ext. 5842

    Boise Online School

    • Matt Laurance - High School Art and Photography ~ Ext. 5965

  • Kiln Repair & Service

    Boise Kiln Repair 

    Please fill out the form with Service+Repair needs. Any other questions, contact: kate.miller@boiseschools.org

     

    Pottery Repairs & Supplies

    The Potters Center - Pottery supplies

    110 Ellen St.

    Garden City, ID  83714

    208-378-1112

    HereWebsite

     

    BEMCO - electrical repairs for pottery wheels, etc.

    Boise Electric Motor Company, LLC

    109 E 38th St

    Garden City, ID 83714

    208 345 2300 

    HereWebsite

     

    Camera Repairs

    Idaho Photographic Repair

    John Rydman

    7471 W. Sundance Dr., Boise, ID  83709

    208-631-5248

    HereWebsite