In Prealgebra, students extend their foundational math skills and learn to formalize their algebraic thinking with the use of variables, expressions, equations and inequalities. There is also a continued emphasis on strengthening computational fluency with rational number operations using positive and negative numbers. Other topics include proportional relationships, slope, circles and angles. Throughout the year, students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and learn to communicate their mathematical reasoning.

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

In this class, students will survey a variety of films from different genres, learn about the basic techniques of film, and create a few meaningful film-based projects, related to areas of personal interest. Students will learn to identify basic camera angles, film techniques, and genres, to understand the cinematic experience and its impact on the audience. Students will have the opportunity to view and compare samples of film, and create a set of movie posters, a project presentation, and write and present a short film done with partners on their iPad.

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Estimated hours of homework per class period: None
Prerequisites: None

This course will cover fundamental skills necessary to create sculptural and functional ceramic objects. The course will be divided into hand building and wheel throwing units. Hand building units will include: mold making/press forming, coiling, pinching, slab rolling, and extruding. We will make cups, plates, and vessels during our wheel throwing units.

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Estimated hours of homework per class period: None
Prerequisites: MS Ceramics 1

MS Ceramics 2 will build on the skills learned in MS Ceramics 1. Projects will be more complex and detailed but will involve all the aspects of hand-building and wheel throwing previously practiced.

MS Coding focuses on the foundational concepts of computer science with an emphasis on making a custom mobile-friendly game. The flavor of the course would be to teach javascript, using block-based coding as well as text-based coding, on the code.org platform.

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

In this class, students will refine their creative writing skills and discover the hidden writer in themselves. By using a variety of short writing prompts in class, we will develop our ideas into a set of completed pieces by the end of class. The main units of study include the use of descriptive language, short story, and poetry. We will read works by published authors, discuss them, and then try our hand at creating some meaningful, varied forms of creative writing. Students will focus on elements of creative writing: point of view, voice, character, setting, plot, conflict, narrative structure, along with the use of figurative language in their writing. We will share ideas and techniques, and develop our craft in a workshop approach. Their journal responses, writing prompts, poetry, and short stories in class will be completed in class, but there are expected due dates for the main projects. Writing outlines and revision guidelines will be passed out in class and posted on our site.

Course Length: Quarter
Open to grades: 7, 8
Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15 minutes or less

This quarter-long class will serve players at the beginning level on the guitar.  These players will be working on skills appropriate and challenging material for a strong and enjoyable experience.  Students will learn guitar technique, picking, strumming, note reading, tablature, and music literacy.

This class will serve players in developing their musical skills on a chosen string, woodwind, or brass instrument. They will be working on the art of practice, technique, and playing with other instrument players. The hope is that a love of playing music will be gained through the course of the class. This elective will prepare students to move into one of the instrumental ensembles; Orchestra or Jazz Ensemble.

This ensemble consists of students playing at all levels on strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. You will play with students who are equally interested in having a good time growing their skills and making great music. In this class, you will learn a variety of musical styles and genres and will learn to become more proficient on your instrument.

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None
Estimated hours of homework per class period: 15 minutes

MS Percussion is a beginning class open for students brand new to music. Students will play a variety of drums and many other percussion instruments. Students will be working on the art of practice, technique, and playing with other players. This is an exciting class, an opportunity for students to express themselves, and allows students to transition into the larger music ensembles if they wish.

Course Length: Quarter
Open to Grades: 6, 7, 8
Prerequisites: None

Students will learn about and play various racket sports, such as tennis, pickleball, badminton, squash, and paddle tennis. Racket sports are famous worldwide and enjoyed by people of all skill levels. These games offer many benefits, including improved coordination, strength, agility, and higher cardiovascular fitness.