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The purpose of Choir is to learn the fundamentals of music, history of music, and apply them through performance. This class is designed for the beginning to advanced level singer regardless of previous experience in choir. The class explores technique and fundamentals associated with the voice as well as develop music theory and music reading skills. Outside of class performance opportunities and obligations required.

The purpose of Beginning Band is to learn the fundamentals of music, history of music, and apply them through performance. This class is designed for the beginning to novice level woodwind, brass, or percussion student who has had at least one year of elementary school level instruction or is brand new to learning a band instrument. The class begins to develop technique and fundamentals on the instrument of choice as well as introduce music theory and music reading skills. Outside of class performance opportunities and obligations required.

The purpose of Beginning Orchestra is to learn the fundamentals of music, history of music, and apply them through performance. This class is designed for the beginning to novice level string student who has had at least one year of elementary school level instruction or is brand new to learning a string instrument. The class begins to develop technique and fundamentals on the instrument of choice as well as introduce music theory and music reading skills. Outside of class performance opportunities and obligations required.

The purpose of Advanced Band is to learn the fundamentals of music, history of music, and apply them through performance. This class is designed for the intermediate to advanced level woodwind, brass, or percussion student who has had at least one year of middle school level instruction on their primary band instrument. The class continues to advance technique and fundamentals on the instrument of choice as well as further develop music theory and music reading skills. Outside of class performance opportunities and obligations required.

The class is designed to introduce students to the world of art and art history. Students learn why artists create, artistic techniques, and how different artists influence our environment. Students engage in activities that encourage and require creative thinking and work to improve student craftmanship. Students also study art from the past to increase their understanding of history.

This course syllabus applies to both grades, 7-8, in the Inter. Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. Each year, as the students progress through the program, they will engage in new art experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of how the arts relate to a well-rounded

The aims of International Baccalaureate MYP arts are to encourage and enable students to:

• enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts

• explore the arts across time, cultures, and contexts

• understand the relationship between art and its contexts

• develop the skills necessary to create and to perform art

• express ideas creatively

• reflect on their own development as young artists.

Course Title: Introduction to Theater

Course Description: Introduction to Theater is a dynamic and comprehensive course that invites students to explore the vibrant world of theater arts through hands-on experiences and creative collaboration. Designed for all 6th graders, this course welcomes beginners and budding performers alike, offering opportunities to discover their unique talents both on stage and behind the scenes.

Students will engage in a variety of activities that encompass essential theater elements, such as basic acting, improvisation, voice and movement for the stage, makeup and costume design, sound effects, set design, and storytelling. They will also delve into the cultural and historical roots of theater, exploring traditions from around the globe, including Commedia Dell ‘Arte and Noh mask work, an introduction to Shakespeare, silent film and melodrama, American Musical Theater, and more.

Students will gain confidence, develop their communication abilities, and experience the joy of creating something unique in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether they dream of performing in the spotlight or designing the magic behind the scenes, this course has something for everyone. No prior experience is necessary—just curiosity and a willingness to dive into the world of imagination and creativity. Students will leave with a deeper appreciation for the arts and the confidence to shine, whether in the theater or beyond.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will:

1. Understand and use theater vocabulary to describe staging, performance styles, and design elements.
2. Explore the history and cultural significance of theater, making connections to global traditions and contemporary practices.
3. Design visual and auditory elements of theater, including masks and makeup, sets, costumes, and sound effects.
4. Demonstrate fundamental acting techniques through improvisation, character creation, and storytelling.
5. Enhance public speaking, voice projection, and movement skills through performance-based activities.
6. Solve creative challenges and think critically while working on team and individual projects.
7. Participate in meaningful storytelling and engage audiences through activities like Reader’s Theater, radio plays, and basic monologues.

Design 6 challenges all students to develop critical-thinking and design skills, which they can apply in problem solving, exploring the role of design and considering responsibilities when making design decisions, all while focusing on a holistic design process.

Students will use the Design Cycle to organize and develop their final product. The design cycle starts with an investigation - what do you want to do or create, the next step is to plan - what do you think your outcome will be, then, the next step is to start your creation - put your plan into action, and the final step is your evaluation - was your outcome a success?

As we move forward into the 21st Century, technology plays a major part in our lives. This class is a design class where students are learning to use the different tools from Microsoft and others to better their understanding of what will be expected in their future.
This class utilizes the design cycle to teach students to research and problem solve as they prepare for the future. We will explore how to use tools such as 3D printers to create objects that have not been thought of and use coding to program robots and create apps.
The sky is the limit as we move forward.

As we move forward into the 21st Century, technology plays a major part in our lives. This class is a design class where students are learning to use the different tools from Microsoft and others to better their understanding of what will be expected in their future.
This class utilizes the design cycle to teach students to research and problem solve as they prepare for the future. We will explore how to use tools such as 3D printers to create objects that have not been thought of and use coding to program robots and create apps.
The sky is the limit as we move forward.

Yearbook is a yearlong course, in which students will learn and develop skills in page design, advanced publishing techniques, copywriting, editing, and photography while producing a creative, innovative yearbook which records school memories and events. There is an emphasis on journalism skills in this class also. Participants gain useful, real world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork and design principles. The yearbook you produce will be remembered for years to come by students, faculty and the community…TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK!

This course is an introduction to the study of the target language and its culture. It allows students to perform the most basic functions of the language and to become familiar with some elements of its culture. The emphasize is on these four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The content focuses on the students lives and experiences and includes exposure to everyday customs and traditions. Students acquire some insight into how language and cultures work by comparing the target language and cultures to their own.

The objective of Spanish 7 course is to develop advanced skills using the Spanish language, focusing on understanding and producing complex texts. Students will learn to express opinion, narrate events, and describe situations with greater precision and fluency. Critical analysis of literature and media in Spanish will be encouraged, as well as participation is discussions of cultural, social, and contemporary topics. Through varied activities such as debates, presentations, and essays, students will strengthen their abilities in both formal and informal contexts.

The objective of Spanish 8 is to develop advanced language skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening while preparing students for high school Spanish. This involves enhancing fluency, cultural understanding of Spanish speaking countries, and critical thinking through diverse discussions. The course aims to improve communicative competence, foster independent learning and provide students with the tools and strategies for success on the exam and beyond.

Integrated Coding and Computing (ICC) is an innovative computer coding program that embeds the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. It is designed for students who have not yet achieved grade level proficiency in mathematics. The program builds students' confidence and competence in Purpose computer coding and mathematics. The program has a computer-based component and simulated robotics components, as well as a teacher-directed instructional component. Students are encouraged to participate in a District- wide Robotics Competition in against students from other middle schools. 

The purpose of this course is to support students who are performing below grade level in mathematics and need additional help to strengthen their math skills. The goal is to bring students' math proficiency up to grade level while fostering the development of strong mathematical practices and the confidence that academic success in math is within their reach. The course will have students applying their math skills in a variety of engaging real-world problem-solving activities and assessments to monitor progress and ensure students are prepared for grade level math content.

This course is designed to help English language learners (ELLs) develop proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. It focuses on building foundational language skills and academic vocabulary, enabling students to access grade-level content across subjects. The course includes scaffolded instruction tailored to students' language proficiency levels, ranging from emerging to bridging. Teachers will use a variety of strategies to support language acquisition and promote a supportive, inclusive classroom environment

The ALD course aims to enhance students' academic language skills, which are essential for success in content-area classes. It focuses on developing advanced vocabulary, critical thinking, and complex sentence structures. The course integrates language development with academic content, helping students to understand and use academic language in various subjects. Instruction is designed to support long-term English learners and those at risk of falling behind, providing targeted support to ensure they achieve high levels of English proficiency

This course is designed to support students who are reading below grade level and need additional help to improve their English Language Arts (ELA) skills. The focus is on enhancing reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking abilities. Through targeted instruction and personalized learning plans, students will work on mastering foundational skills and closing learning gaps. The course includes a variety of engaging activities and assessments to monitor progress and ensure students are prepared for grade-level ELA content.