incoming 8th Grade scheduling

The 8th Grade Band is open to all students in the 8th grade who play a band instrument. The prerequisite for acceptance into this group is the student's performance in the 7th Grade Band and/or the music teacher's recommendation. Students will have the opportunity to audition for Wind Ensemble.

The 8th Grade Chorus is open to all dedicated choral students who have had previous choral experience. The prerequisite for acceptance into this group is the student's performance in the 7th Grade Chorus and/or the music teacher's recommendation. Vocal production, diction, phrasing, and the ability to sing music written in part harmony will be emphasized.

Students will explore their favorite art media, and will work with two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms such as drawing and painting, printmaking, photography, design and sculpture! Students will be introduced to the types of art classes offered at the 9th grade level and begin to make career connections. Students will explore their individual artistic style and become a part of an exciting creative team. This course deos not meet the middle school NYS art requirement. If students do not take Art in 7th grade, when they enter 8th grade they may register for both the required 20-week art class and Creative Studio.

This course is designed to introduce students to basic concepts related to maintaining and growing a garden for food production. Through participation in garden based activities, students will learn about the agricultural science concepts, as well as the care and management of a garden. Students will explore food production, gaining an understanding as to the source of the products we consume. Students will apply the principles of sustainable organic farming practices while taking advantage of our greenhouse and available resources off-campus. Connections will be made with local farmers and industries that supply food to our community.

This is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun.

Music II will build on the skills acquired in Music I and will take students to a further level of sophistication. The course will include more developed projects in composition and electronic music. Students enrolled in Music II must have taken and completed Music I and obtained the music teacher's recommendation.

Students will be introduced to the destructive forces of nature and the impact they have on humans. The focus of this course will be to introduce students to the various geological, meteorological, and astronomical disasters that mankind faces today. Topics will include, but are not limited to: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, avalanches, tornadoes, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms/lightning, meteor and asteroid impacts, mudslides, droughts, and pollution.

The 8th Grade Orchestra is open to all students in the 8th grade who play an orchestral string instrument. The prerequisite for acceptance into this group is the student's performance in the 7th Grade Orchestra program and/or the music teacher's recommendation. Students will have the opportunity to audition for the Chamber Orchestra.

This exploratory Science Research course is designed to nurture students who are highly motivated and  intellectually curious about scientific processes and observable phenomena. Students will be introduced to the skills essential to science including experimental design, effective use of technology, meeting of deadlines, ethics, data analysis, and communication skills. Opportunities for students interested in Science Olympiad activities will be provided. Students will be encouraged to explore topics and ideas that interest them and focus on taking one long-term project from inception to presentation. The course will also provide opportunities for students to learn about the local, regional, and national science competitions. Students will be evaluated on both the process and results of their efforts on projects and research.