Gifted Visual Arts Program

Students identified as gifted in the Visual Arts will adopt Virginia Beach Middle School as their home school. The Gifted Visual Arts Program will be embedded in the students’ daily schedule at Virginia Beach Middle School. During zero bell (a course that happens prior to the official start of the school day) 6th and 7th graders will participate in health and physical education while 8th graders take an art seminar course. This creates time for the Visual Arts Program student to schedule a bell dedicated to their Gifted Visual Arts class as well as time to take another elective bell such as a foreign language.

No, students will have to choose which of their personal “middle school options” is the best fit for them. This could be their neighborhood middle school, Kemps Landing School, Plaza Middle Years Program or to remain in the Gifted Visual Arts Program and attend Virginia Beach Middle School.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools will provide transportation. Students may also ride the activity buses from Virginia Beach Middle School if they elect to stay after school for extra-curricular activities.

No, students already identified as gifted in the Visual Arts do not need to reapply. Once identified for gifted services, students hold that identification through graduation. Students need only to complete an intent form (distributed the spring of their 5th grade year) to secure a place in the Gifted Visual Arts Program at Virginia Beach Middle School.

• One spiral-bound unlined sketchbook either 9x12 or 11x14 size. Must be at least 50lb weight paper and have at least 50 sheets. This will be used in class and will stay in your assigned art bin. Optional: Second, personal sketchbook that can be taken home.
• One pencil set that includes drawing pencils with an eraser and a sharpener.
• One fine tip or bold tip black sharpie
• Two pieces of standard size (22 x 28) poster board in any color. Optional: duct tape to use in creating portfolio.
• One over-sized t-shirt or apron to protect clothing during messy art projects.
• One circle paint palette

Notes:

• All supplies will be kept in your assigned art bin. Portfolios will be kept in the assigned portfolio drawer in the art room.
• Supplies from last school year that are in good condition can still be used. For example, if you have a sketchbook with just a few pages used, feel free to continue using it this year!