WELCOME BACK TO BENTON ART STUDENTS!
​2022-23 School Year

Welcome to our site!  It is an honor to be a part of the Visual and Performing Arts Magnet staff at Benton.  On this web site you will find information about the classes I teach at Benton, art supply lists, contest and exhibit dates, photos of student work, tutorials and more information about me.  I encourage you to attend community events, shows and exhibits throughout the year! 
Contact
Phone: (562) 943-1553
Email: Jhodge@nlmusd.org
Benton Visual Arts Teaching Philosophy:
Did you know that visual arts have their own set of National standards?  The visual art teachers at Benton Middle Magnet School work diligently to create curriculum that follows the standards set by the California Department of Education, which are currently being revised to follow National State Standards for Visual and Performing Arts. The art teachers at Benton are keenly aware of our role in enhancing student achievement in academics as well. All of our visual arts teachers are highly qualified to teach the arts and have additional credentials to teach multiple academic subjects. Our students are constantly immersed in artistic vocabulary and given opportunities to practice applying it in listening and speaking activities daily. We hold our students accountable for the application of grade level writing skills. Benton visual arts teachers give students the opportunity to use critical thinking and problem solving skills through every part of the production process in studio, photography and media arts.  At Benton we value the arts and support a strong belief that children thrive in a rich setting of visual and performing arts.  This philosophy has allowed students the opportunity to participate in a great experience.
Photo used under Creative Commons from opassande