Electives Course Descriptions

Art I- 7th & 8th grade

An introductory course which allows students the opportunity to explore their artistic abilities in the areas of color theory, design, and fine art drawing techniques as well as art history and standards-based vocabulary. Students will work in a variety of media such as: pencil, colored pencil, crayon, marker, watercolor, and acrylic paints.

Art II- 8th grade

An intermediate course in which students further develop the skills and concepts learn in Art I. Students will use previously learned techniques to enhance their exploration into the fine art areas of color theory, design, still life and facial drawings with the continued use of previously learned media.

AVID

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is for “middle to upper middle” academic students. These students have the potential for honors/AP work in school, but need academic and emotional support paired with rigor. AVID combines rigor with support that includes each student’s own individual determination and the support of teachers, other AVID students, family members, the AVID teachers and college tutors. Students in AVID must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher throughout the school year.

Introduction to Computer Science

The purpose of this course is to develop personal proficiency in computer applications. Students will learn the basics of programming (Scratch; code.org; EV3, Finch), Microsoft Office, i-Works using word processors, databases and spreadsheet and present to the class using graphic presentation programs. They will research topics using Internet resources and cite references appropriately.

The study of MyCS will introduce students to the field of computer science through an exploration of the study of human computer interaction, problem solving, and programming (gaming) with an inquiry-based approach. Students create and use gaming applications. Students will develop their computational thinking skills, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today’s students. The computer languages that will be introduced are SCRATCH, AppInventor, Arduino and Python whereas they learn to program.

Video Production

This course consists of two parts whereas it focuses on website, multimedia presentation programs and review and amplifying of the skills learned in Introduction to Microcomputers with focus on personal proficiency in computer applications. Students will learn to use: iPhoto, iMovie, and review PowerPoint. Using Microsoft Office, Scratch, Code.org, HTML, and i-Works students will increase proficiency in word processing, databases, spreadsheets, graphic presentation, website and multimedia programs.

Beginning Band

This course is for students who have never played a band instrument, or students who want to explore instruments other than the one they learned in elementary school. The first semester is structured as a survey of instrument families. All students will learn percussion (drum pad) for six weeks, woodwinds (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon) for six weeks and brass (trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba) for six weeks. At the end of the semester, students will select the instrument they feel will allow them to be most successful in the second semester. Instruments are provided by the school, but students may bring their own from home as well. This class will have two evening performances during the second semester.

Advanced Band

This course is for students who have at least one year of experience playing a band instrument. Students will develop techniques in breathing, tone production, note and rhythm reading and accuracy, expression and ensemble sound. Students will be expected to practice individually outside of class in addition to the ensemble rehearsals during class. Some instruments may be borrowed from the school. Performances will be in December, March and May, with solo/small ensemble opportunities in February and April.

String Orchestra

This course is for students who play an orchestral string instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass) or who wish to learn one of these instruments. In this course, students will develop techniques in bowing, note and rhythm reading and accuracy, tone production, expressing and ensemble sound. Students will be expected to practice individually outside of class in addition to the ensemble rehearsals during class. Some instruments may be borrowed from the school. Performances will be in December, March and May, with solo/small ensemble opportunities in February and April.

Chorus

This course is for students who wish to learn to sing, or to continue their singing experience. Students will develop techniques in breathing, tone production, note and rhythm reading and accuracy, expression, harmony singing and ensemble sound. Students will be expected to practice individually outside of class in addition to the ensemble rehearsals during class. The main evening performances will be in December and May, with several opportunities for additional performances and competitions throughout the year.

Jazz Band Club

This club is open to any student who plays a musical instrument and is interested in performing and learning about the rich, uniquely American aft form of Jazz music. Jazz Club meets on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 7:00-7:50 am. Attendance is mandatory to be considered for performance opportunities. We are looking particularly for guitarists and set drummers, but are open to all instruments.

Robotics

Students will design, build, and program robots to complete a wide range of tasks and challenges. We will be designing robots primarily using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 system, although other robotics systems may be introduced. Students will design robots that perform multiple tasks while using multiple sensory inputs to navigate the environment or solve problems. Students will explore and practice basic engineering principles, with an emphasis in the engineering design process, in this STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) class. Students will research and learn about the developing role of technology in our day to day life.

Students will complete projects in both a collaborative (team based) and competitive (team based) work environment.

Yearbook

Students will be introduced to journalism skills include copyediting, design and layout, interviewing, photography and reporting. Over the school year, students with the guidance of the advisor will create a yearbook, social media posts and promote sales and events. Students must be willing to work collaboratively with a team and communicate well with others. In order to be successful, students will also need to flexible and be comfortable with making corrections. This class is run similarly to a journalism newsroom.