Exploratory
Tabs
6th Grade
Beginning Band (All Year): This is a class for beginning students wishing to learn to play an instrument in a traditional band setting. In most cases, students provide their own instruments and supplies. One or two evening concerts will be required. Regular home practice is necessary for success.
Beginning Orchestra 1 (All Year): This is a class for beginning students wishing to learn to play an instrument in a traditional orchestra setting. In most cases, students provide their own instruments and supplies. Two evening concerts will be required. Regular home practice is necessary for success.
Choir 1 (1 Semester): Students in this course will learn the basic elements of music and vocal performance. Students will develop vocal music skills centered on performance in the choral setting. School concerts, evening concerts, or other public performances may be required. Students may also be asked to purchase a choir outfit.
Current Events: In this class, we will be discussing the things going on in the world that affect us all, like politics, immigration, and environmentalism. You'll learn how to have healthy, respectful discussions with people who may not always agree with you.
Exploration in Technology: Students will learn to keyboard by touch, increasing speed, accuracy and efficiency. Students will operate and use computers and iPads as tools for productivity, problem-solving, and learning.
Introduction to Spanish: This course introduces students to the Spanish language and culture. Students will create and act out stories, read authentic news articles, learn about celebrities in Spanish-speaking countries, and more. They will prepare to use Spanish within and beyond the school setting. Does not apply to PIB students.
Physical Education 1 (One Semester): The Physical Focus Curriculum involves units from the following Focus Areas: healthy heart, Team Power and Life Adventures. Hellison's model of social responsibility, team building and problem solving are emphasized throughout the year.
Theater Appreciation: We'll dive into the exciting world of theater! From the ancient stages of Greece to the dazzling lights of Broadway, we'll explore the rich history of theater. Along the way, we'll discover what makes a great drama and even become our own theater critics!
Visual Arts 6: Students will complete activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities will help students refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities. Visual Arts experiences may include drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, ceramics and sculpture.
7th Grade
Band 2 (All Year; Prerequisite Band 1): The course is for students who have taken one or more years of band. Students will continue developing tone and technique on their instruments to prepare for the demands of eighth grade and high school band performance. Required performances usually include evening concerts, school assemblies, and festivals, including district solo/ensemble and large group festivals.
Choir 2 (All Year): Students will learn the basic elements of music and vocal performance. School concerts, evening concerts, or other public performances may be required. Students may also be asked to purchase a choir outfit.
Cultural Studies (1 Semester): Students will explore various cultures from around the world and engage in activities that are developed around art, food, games, and discussion. If you love learning about holidays, traditions, and like creating then this is the class for you.
Current Events: In this class, we will be discussing the things going on in the world that affect us all, like politics, immigration, and environmentalism. You'll learn how to have healthy, respectful discussions with people who may not always agree with you.
Explorations in Technology 2 (1 Semester): In this class students will be introduced to engineering concepts and will use these concepts to create hands-on projects. Projects may include a foot orthosis, isometric and orthographic drawings, measurement, 3D models of objects made on the computer, well as many other projects.
Introduction to Coding (1 Semester): In this class, students will get a basic introduction to the principles of programming, including algorithms and logic. Students engage in hands-on programming tasks through code.org, as they write and test their own code using the approaches real programmers use in the field. Students will program with variables, functions and arguments, and lists and loops, providing a solid foundation for more advanced study as well as practical skills they can use immediately.
Orchestra 2 (All Year; Prerequisite Orchestra 1): This course is for students who have taken one or more years of orchestra. Students will continue developing tone and technique on their instruments to prepare for the demands of eighth grade and high school orchestra performance. Required performances usually include evening concerts, school assemblies, and festivals, including district solo/ensemble and large group festivals.
Physical Education 2 (All Year of 1 Semester): This course builds on the 6th grade Physical Focus curriculum. Outcomes for students include developing self-directed and responsible learners who can be team players interacting positively and cooperatively with others.
Spanish 1A (All Year): This course introduces students to the Spanish language and culture. Students will create and act out stories, read authentic news articles, learn about celebrities in Spanish-speaking countries, and more. They will prepare to use Spanish within and beyond the school setting. Does not apply to PIB students.
Theater & Communication I (1 Semester): Get ready to express yourself on stage! In this class, we'll learn how to use our voices, bodies, and minds to create amazing theater and communicate effectively. From performing to giving speeches and designing our own shows, we'll develop important skills. Don't worry if you're nervous about speaking in public; we'll help you overcome stage fright and anxiety.
Visual Arts 7/8 (All Year or 1 Semester): Students will complete activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities will help students refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities. Visual Arts experiences may include drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, ceramics and sculpture.
8th Grade
Band 3 (All Year; Prerequisite Band 2): This course is for students who have taken two or more years of band. Students will continue developing tone and technique on their instruments to prepare for the demands of high school band performance. Required performances usually include evening concerts, school assemblies, and festivals, including district solo/ensemble and large group festivals.
Choir 3 (All Year): This choir is a performance-based class. Students will develop vocal music skills centered on performance in the choral setting. School concerts, evening concerts, or other public performances may be required. Students may also be asked to purchase a choir outfit.
Cultural Studies (1 Semester): Students will explore various cultures from around the world and engage in activities that are developed around art, food, games, and discussion. If you love learning about holidays, traditions, and like creating then this is the class for you.
Current Events: In this class, we will be discussing the things going on in the world that affect us all, like politics, immigration, and environmentalism. You'll learn how to have healthy, respectful discussions with people who may not always agree with you.
Intro to Engineering (1 Semester): In this class students will be introduced to engineering concepts to create hands-on projects. Main topics are electricity, automation, and robotics. Students will create projects such as a working nightlight, a robot, gear activities, and more. Students will also learn to solder and learn programming/coding.
Orchestra 3 (All Year; Prerequisite Orchestra 2): Students will continue developing tone and technique on their instruments to prepare for the demands of eighth grade and high school orchestra performance. Required performances usually include evening concerts, school assemblies, and festivals, include district solo/ensemble and large group festivals.
Repertory Theater (1 Semester): ***This class will require prior approval.
Are you passionate about theater? Then this class is for you! With special approval, we'll delve into the world of repertory theater. You'll have the chance to be part of two performances each term, showcasing your talents to a special audience. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience with technical theater and design for school productions. It's a chance to take your love of theater to the next level!
Physical Education 3 (1 Semester or All Year): This course is the final tier of the Physical Focus curriculum. At this level, the curriculum framework is completed, giving students the knowledge and skills to enjoy a physically active, healthy lifestyle. Students are taught to be efficient and effective movers who are respectful of others and confident of their own performance. Critical thinking skills are developed throughout each of the Focus Areas. Sample units in the 8th grade curriculum include Aerobics, Cross Training, Lacrosse, Soccer, Floor Pong and Fencing.
Spanish 1B (All Year; Prerequisite: Spanish 1A): This course expands what students know and have learned about the Spanish language and culture. Students will create and act out stories, read authentic news articles, learn about celebrities in Spanish-speaking countries, and more. They will prepare to use Spanish within and beyond the school setting. Students passing this course will enter Spanish 2 in high school.
Theater & Communication II (1 Semester): Welcome back to the world of theater! In 8th grade, we'll continue to explore the art of theater and communication. Whether you're new to the stage or a seasoned performer, there's something for everyone. We'll dive deeper into performing, speeches, and designing theatrical presentations. And don't worry, we'll still help you conquer stage fright and become a confident public speaker!
Visual Arts 7/8 (1 Semester or All Year): Students will complete activities that foster creative expression, communication through artistic endeavor, and appreciation of culture and heritage. Activities will help students refine their technique, increase their artistic vocabulary, express themselves and their world view, make connections to other content areas, develop their own aesthetic, and strengthen their critical abilities. Visual Arts experiences may include drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, ceramics and sculpture.
Yearbook: ***This class will require prior approval.
Students will develop the photojournalism skills needed to successfully create, market, advertise, and sell a school yearbook. They will explore photography, layout design, headline and lead story writing, how to get quotes and tag photos, the yearbook computer program, and more all while incorporating Google Classroom as their collaborative online resource. Students will understand the importance of leadership and professionalism as they work outside the classroom and are responsible for photography equipment. They will develop teambuilding skills as they work to develop spreads and meet deadlines.