Specials - AMP IT UP
What is Amped UP?
The Richardson ISD Elementary Visual Arts Program
The foundation of the RISD Visual Arts PK–12 program begins in elementary school, where all students receive weekly art instruction, approximately 45 minutes per week, delivered by a certified and highly qualified visual arts teacher. Our curriculum is vertically aligned and intentionally designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression across all grade levels.
Aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Art K–6, the elementary visual arts experience fosters comprehensive artmaking, exploration, and reflective thinking. Students engage in observing, questioning, and discussing artwork through structured routines like Artful Thinking and Visual Thinking Strategies. They learn to develop craftsmanship, envision new possibilities, and persist through creative challenges.
Before making art, students plan their ideas by sketching and problem-solving. During the creation process, they explore various tools, materials, and techniques while expressing personal meaning. Following the completion of artworks, students reflect on their creative choices and share their learning with peers and the broader school community.
Through this process, RISD elementary art students are empowered to observe the world more closely, envision new ideas, and understand art as a powerful form of communication, building a strong foundation in both studio habits of mind and lifelong artistic literacy.
Music
The Richardson ISD music program takes pre-k through 6th grade students through a sequential and developmental General Music curriculum taught by highly qualified Music Specialists for 45 minutes two times per week. All students in RISD are given the opportunity to expand their music education through real world performances from the Richardson Symphony Orchestra in 3rd grade, the symphony in 5th grade, and the Dallas Opera in 6th grade. A culminating opportunity to all students at the end of their 4th grade year is the ability to audition for our All-District Elementary Choir which is an honor choir for 5th grade students in RISD. The elementary curriculum is designed to develop a joy and appreciation of music; an understanding of culture from a variety of periods, peoples, and background; and skill and independence in singing, playing, listening, reading, writing and creating music.
Physical Education
A healthy, physically active student is more likely to be academically motivated, alert and successful. The program will enable students to develop individual knowledge and skills and attitudes to become healthy, physically active and productive members of society. To support the development of the whole child, all RISD campuses participate in the Coordinated School Health initiative. CSH advances student academic performance by helping students establish healthy behaviors designed to last their lifetime.