7th Regular; Full Year 

The seventh-grade language arts program offers a variety of standards-based learning experiences. The program is based on seventh grade Language Arts Common Core State Standards. These standards offer a focus for instruction to ensure an adequate exposure to a range of texts and tasks. Rigor is infused through reading and studying the components of literature with increasingly complex text, both fiction and non-fiction. Students will integrate English grammar, vocabulary, literature and the writing process, along with appropriate speaking and listening skills. The conventions of writing are constantly used and edited. Writing assignments will include all genres of writing. Students will study text structure and learn how that helps to understand the author’s meaning. They will learn to recognize the important information in non-fiction articles, practice interpretive and critical reading, and how to read for appreciation and enjoyment.

7th Accelerated; Full Year

(Based on teacher recommendation, student's work ethic, and parent feedback.)

This course is an alternative to regular seventh grade language arts. It is designed for students capable of investigating language arts in a challenging, in-depth fashion. The material addressed in this course is fast-paced, covering both 7th and 8th grade standards in a single year-long course. It is designed to prepare students for the curriculum in the 8th grade accelerated language arts class.

GIFTED English Language Arts; Full Year

Gifted language arts and the gifted seminar courses are designed to address students' needs in the areas of critical thinking and creative divergence. Many products will be open-ended, but pretests will be given to determine a student’s needs. Homework may be assigned to some students based on needs in practicing a skill or testing knowledge. Please keep in mind that students are not competing for “A’s” and that we want to build a diverse set of skills and knowledge. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me right away. I try to respond within twenty four hours of receiving a message. 

In both the gifted language arts courses and the gifted seminar courses, we will work on short and longer units which address standards outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The units are made up of several shorter assignments that will help students with their writing for purpose, public speaking, and gifted needs identified in their IEPs. They will usually begin with a pretest (ungraded) and culminate in either a written evaluation or an open-ended project.

English Language Arts (ELD); Full Year

This course integrates grade-level English Language Arts (ELA) content with English Language Development (ELD) based on the level of the student. A primary focus is placed on vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and writing essays in multiple genres. This course aligns with grade-level New Mexico Common Core State Standards(NMCCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) and the current state-adopted English Language Development (ELD)Standards. 

7th Regular; Full Year 

This course is designed to build on the foundation formed in the 6th grade mathematics course. Students will continue to develop their skills with decimals, ratios and percents. They will also extend their understanding of whole numbers as they apply previously learned concepts to more complex problem-solving tasks. Students will also learn to solve problems involving integers, application of ratios and percents, probability and data. The geometry component of the course covers perimeter, area, volume and surface area. Additionally, students will deepen their analytic skills with charts and graphs. 

7th Accelerated/Pre-Algebra; Full Year 

This course is a pre-requisite for Algebra I Eighth Grade. This course aligns to grade 7 and some of grade 8 Common Core Standards for Mathematics and requires a faster pace for instruction and learning. This course is compacted to prepare students for Grade 8 Algebra I. The four critical areas are: rational numbers and exponents, proportionality and linear relationships, sampling inference, and geometric figures. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout this course and, together with the content standards, prescribe mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes sense of problem situations. 

New Mexico History; Full Year 

Course examines the pre-history, history, politics, geography, economics, society, and cultures within New Mexico. The appropriate Performance Standards (History, Geography, Civics, Government and Economics) should be included in this course.

Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science; Full Year

At all grade levels, students will learn how to use scientific tools, techniques, methods and measurements to conduct experiments and investigations.

Students will learn how to use mathematics in science, how to analyze data and graphs, how to make predictions and how to communicate their findings. The students will be working in laboratory situations or learning through hands on activities. Science literacy and critical thinking skills are key components at all grade levels. Teaching students to read informational text is a key component of the Science classes. Writing and note taking skills are also emphasized. The core curriculum in all grade levels are built off of the NM state standards.

Art I; Semester 

This semester-long class builds on Intro to Art by allowing students more time to learn the fundamentals of art and art production. While continuing to expand students' knowledge of art history, individual artists, and the historical/cultural roles of art and artists, the first nine weeks of this class is focused on the elements and principles of design, the next four weeks will be a life-drawing intensive, and the last three weeks of the course will allow students the opportunity to develop independent work in any form they choose, put together a digital portfolio, and host a collective show for the school community. In addition to art projects, the class also incorporates reading, writing, discussion, vocabulary, and mathematical tasks and activities. The class meets the NM Common Core requirements for Fine Arts. 

Art II; Full Year (NOT OFFERED 2024-2025 due to Budget Cuts)

Serious students of art are encouraged to build on their experiences in 6th and 7th grade by enrolling in Art II. While we will continue to learn about art history, art forms/movements, individual artists, and the cultural and historical aspects of art, the emphasis of this year-long class is on: developing a personal artistic practice; developing planning and organization skills for the management of long-term, self-directed art projects; creating art for real-world audiences; working in conjunction with particular clients and communities on long-term and large-scale art projects; and exploring careers and secondary education programs in the arts. Students in this class will be writing proposals, developing timelines, working for long periods of time on self-developed projects, working with community collaborations, submitting work to entities outside of APS and ending the year with some kind of public show of their work. In addition to art projects, the class also incorporates readings, writing, discussion, vocabulary, and mathematical tasks and activities. The class meets the NM Common Core requirements for Fine Arts

AVID 7*: Full Year 2024-2025 (NOT OFFERED 2024-2025 due to Budget Cuts)

A very select group of students entering the 7th grade will have the opportunity to enroll in a program the district is offering called AVID.AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a 6th through 12th grade course elective and school-wide support system designed to prepare students in the academic middle for college.  

Requisites: Students must apply, interview and be accepted into AVID.

Beginning Band; Full Year

This class is for students who have no experience playing a band instrument but would like to learn to play woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. If a student has had some band experience in elementary school they should have their parents contact Mr. Snowden via email at Snowden@aps.edu  for an audition to determine the appropriate level for their student. The instruments available to be played in beginning band are: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion (drums). Emphasis is placed on tone, rhythm, intonation, music literacy and technical facility. Students will have an evaluation during the first few weeks of class in order to determine what instrument they have the best chances of being successful on. A limited amount of instruments are available for rental from the school on a first come first served basis after the instrument has been decided upon. A detailed calendar and band handbook will be handed out outlining the entire year during the first week of school. Please feel free to contact Mr. Snowden at Snowden@aps.edu with any questions. 

Beginning Orchestra; Full Year

This orchestra is for students with less than one (1) year or no previous experience playing the violin, viola, cello or bass. Basic string concepts and note-reading are introduced. Students will perform in evening concerts, assemblies and festivals as part of the course requirements. Eighth grade students may enroll for this class only with instructor approval. Previous musical experience on piano, guitar or other instruments is welcomed, but not required.

Selection Process: None

Business Tech: Semester

This semester course is designed to develop advanced skills needed for upper-level administrative support and office management careers. The course work includes communication skills, organizational management, business documents and projects, teamwork, financial data, ethics, and a variety of computer and office technologies.

CTE Career Technical Education 7: Semester

The purpose of this semester-long, elective course is to provide an opportunity for students to develop essential career ready knowledge and skills needed to prepare for transition to high school and postsecondary life. Units will include skills to be a successful student in eighth grade, high school readiness, and career interests. Guest speakers and field trips will be incorporated into the curriculum to provide real world examples of the standards being taught.

Drama I; Semester

Drama I is an awesome outlet for students to express themselves and flex their imagination! 

Through skits, monologues and exercises students learn how to relate to others, gain confidence and explore the rich world of dramatic arts. We will focus on drama history, body language and vocal quality in interactive activities for all aspiring drama students. This will require a willingness to jump in and learn interactively and creatively. 

Beginning Theater; Full Year

Beginning Theater is a year long, advanced class for up to 35 students who have taken Drama 1 and want to take a deeper look into acting and performance! We will focus on advanced acting techniques, advanced script writing strategies and elements of Technical Theatre! Through acting workshops, scriptwriting exercises and technical exercises in lighting, costuming, special effects makeup and more we will deepen our skills in the production and performance of drama! The goal of Drama 2 is to PERFORM! We will plan two performances over the year, one in each semester! We will need both performers and crew members and students will be selected based on interest and participation demonstrated in Drama 1! This will not be for the faint of heart!

eSPORTS: Year

In this course students will explore the exciting world of eSPORTS, learning about its various aspects and the opportunities t offers for teamwork and future careers. This hands-on course is inspired by the idea of experiential learning championed by john Dewey. Through engaging activities, students will develop skills crucial to the eSPORTS industry and apply them in practical scenarios, building a digital portfolio along the way to showcase their achievements for secondary, college, and career pursuits.

GIFTED Seminar II; Full Year

Gifted language arts and the gifted seminar courses are designed to address students' needs in the areas of critical thinking and creative divergence. Many products will be open-ended, but pretests will be given to determine a student’s needs. Homework may be assigned to some students based on needs in practicing a skill or testing knowledge. Please keep in mind that students are not competing for “A’s” and that we want to build a diverse set of skills and knowledge. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me right away. I try to respond within twenty four hours of receiving a message. 

In both the gifted language arts courses and the gifted seminar courses, we will work on short and longer units which address standards outlined in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The units are made up of several shorter assignments that will help students with their writing for purpose, public speaking, and gifted needs identified in their IEPs. They will usually begin with a pretest (ungraded) and culminate in either a written evaluation or an open-ended project.

Intermediate Band; Full Year 

This class is the second level of concert band offered at Jackson. Students who have successfully completed the beginning band course are eligible to join this class. If a student has had some band experience in elementary school they should have their parents contact Mr. Snowden for an audition to determine the appropriate level for their students. Members are required to attend ALL performances which are held once per quarter. A detailed calendar and band handbook will be handed out outlining the entire year during the first week of school. Please feel free to contact Mr. Snowden at Snowden@aps.edu with any questions. 

Intermediate (Mixed) Chorus; Full Year

The seventh grade intermediate (Mixed) Chorus is for male and female JMS students in the 7th grade who elected to take Choir for the entire school year. These students are either brand new to singing, took the 9-week option as 6th graders, or were members of the 6th grade Beginning Coir but are not yet ready for advanced study. All male 7th graders who take choir will be in this ensemble. Students will study and prepare music to be sung at two concerts, on per semester, and at several other events throughout the school year, such as NMMEA performance evaluations. 

Students in this ensemble will more thoroughly cover the fundamentals of music than are introduced in the 6th grade Intro to Choir course, but will move at a slower pace than the Advanced Choir. They will perform level-appropriate repertoire from a variety of time period and cultures. Each student will practice music literacy skills such as pitch and rhythm reading, learn and be able to utilize a vocabulary of music terminology, and explore how singing functions in our society and others. 7th grade Intermediate Choir students will also keep a class journal that will be stored in the Choir room. By the end of the 7th grade, these students will be ready to continue their choral practice in the 8th grade Choir class. 

Media Literacy; Semester (NOT OFFERED 2024-2025 due to Budget Cuts)

Media literacy is an expanded conceptualization of literacy that includes the ability to access and analyze media messages as well as create, reflect and take action, using the power of information and communication to make a difference in the world. Students will Research the state of media literacy, Engage with the wide range of media literacy practitioners, Initiate Pilot trials and campaigns to promote media literacy, Establish best practice design principles for media literacy and Evaluate by providing guidance on evaluation of what works.

MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement); Semester (NOT OFFERED 2024-2025 due to Budget Cuts)

This class is designed for students to explore the different areas of Mathematics, Engineering, Science as well as Achievement. Students will experiment  in all areas to strengthen critical thinking skills designed to stretch their knowledge base and support 21st Century skills. Students will participate in competitions, and experience hands on activities to help problem solve real world problems. 

Study Skills; Full Year

This class will support students with time management, reading and writing methods, note-taking, test-taking, memorization, organizational skills and overall middle school readiness. 

Courses prepare students for success in high school or for post-secondary education. Course topics may vary according to the audience, but may include reading improvement skills, such as scanning, note taking, and outlining; library and research skills; listening, note taking, and vocabulary skills; and test taking skills. The course may also include exercises to generate organized and logical thinking and writing.

Rock & Roll is Literature: Semester (NOT OFFERED 2024-2025 due to Budget Cuts)

This semester course will explore the connection between music and literature. Songs tell a story much like a good book. A singer can elicit strong emotions and make the listener think about what the songs message is trying to convey. Have you noticed there always seems to be a song that fits the situation? What about a book that is your go to when you are feeling like you need to get away? This is the course for you.

Student Council; Full Year

A Student Council is a group of elected and volunteer students working together with an adult advisor within the framework of a constitution or bylaws to provide a means for student expression and assistance in school affairs and activities, give opportunities for student experience in leadership and encourage student faculty / community relations.

Through projects and activities, student councils work to: 

• PROMOTE CITIZENSHIP

• PROMOTE SCHOLARSHIP

• PROMOTE LEADERSHIP

• PROMOTE HUMAN RELATIONS

• PROMOTE CULTURAL VALUES

A student council is a group of student leaders who work with an adult advisor to collaborate with others to impact their school community, which impacts their city or town, which impacts our state, which impacts our country, which changes the world.