The goal of the essentials arts program at F.N. Postlethwait is to enhance the lives of students by offering material in addition to the curriculum in core classes.  These courses are termed "essential arts" because they build upon the basic framework ("meat and potatoes") of core classes.  Realizing students' abilities may range dramatically, the intent of this program is to encourage student growth on an individual basis rather than in comparison with classmates.  To this end, all students are expected to fully participate in activities.  Attention should be focused upon any person designated to present information; this may include keeping notes concerning projects.  Because visual arts are considered "works in progress", students are also expected to save drafts of their work (not only their "final" piece) in a classroom portfolio.  Although students may not be entirely pleased with their original drafts, they should refrain from throwing such work away until a project's class life is complete.  Since space is allocated in the classroom for this purpose, students should refrain from removing their work until given approval.