Videos & Descriptions

Pilates & Mindfulness

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

This new elective is designed to provide students with practical tools to destress, improve their well-being, and cultivate a sense of presence in their daily lives. Throughout this course, students will learn how to incorporate pilates, a low-impact exercise, into their daily routine to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. They will also learn mindfulness practices to help promote relaxation and calm the mind. This class is for anyone who wants to improve their overall physical well-being while learning how to manage the stresses of life and school studies effectively.

Young Chefs

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 or 2

Do you love food? This elective is designed to provide all future chefs an introduction to culinary skills and techniques. Throughout this course, students will explore a wide range of recipes that cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. From delicious pancakes to savory entrees and delightful desserts, students will learn how to create a variety of dishes to impress family and friends.  This course can only be taken once and has a maximum of 10 students each semester. 

App & Game Development

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 1

In this semester-long elective, students will get hands-on experience in the process of making a website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students will also learn additional terms like the front end or back end of a website, HTTP, ISP, IP, domain, etc. Students will also learn how to write an algorithm and make their own functional games using Javascript from Scratch.

Machines & Robotics

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 2

Prerequisite: App & Game Development.  In this semester-long elective, students will build on lessons from App & Game Development to learn Swift coding, 3D printing, and other 3D projects across various platforms like creating games, animations, and more using Unity.  Students will also build robots using Arduino microcontrollers.  This elective has a maximum of 12 students. 

Python & Java

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 2

Prerequisite: App & Game Development. This is a great introduction to both Python and Java programming languages. Python will be taught during the 3rd quarter and Java during 4th quarter.  At the end of this elective, students will be comfortable programming in both Python and Java and able to use their skills to work on independent projects involving web development, software development, and scientific applications.  This elective has a maximum of 12 students.

3D Sculpture Art Studio

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

Students will learn to create 3D sculptures while focusing on the elements and principles of design.  Materials utilized to construct sculptures consist of paper, wire, recyclables, cardboard, textiles and clay (hand building).  Emphasis is placed upon the student’s ability to conceive three-dimensional forms and execute them skillfully in space.  This elective has a maximum of 10 students.

Sketching & Altered Books

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

Semester 1 will focus on learning different sketching techniques and creating a balanced composition. Semester 2 will have students take an old book and give it new life as a personalized piece of art.  The process of altering can involve cutting, painting, pasting, folding, stitching, sewing, beading, stamping, decoupaging, and much more.  This elective has a maximum of 10 students. 

Blue Band

0 Period (7:30-8:10am)

M/TH/F, 6th-8th Grade, Year-long

This year-long elective is offered to students who have had beginning instruction on a band instrument and obtained the approval of the director.  Students will expand their repertoire of band music as they meet three times a week with the full band.  The Blue Band will perform at various events throughout the school year, in addition to the Winter and Spring Concerts.  Students must supply their own instruments.  All music will be provided.  Students playing in Blue Band will still choose additional afternoon electives.

Red Band

M/W/F, 5th-8th Grade, Year-long

This year-long elective will meet once a week during the first quarter, then one to two times per week as the year progresses.  Learn to play your choice of flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or percussion/bell set.  Junior high students in Red Band will choose to join Pilates & Mindfulness, Poetry (Fall only), Embroidery (Spring only), Puzzles & Games, or Study Hall on days when they are not participating in the band.  No experience is necessary.  The Red Band will perform at both the Winter and Spring Concerts.  Students must supply their own instruments.  Please contact Mrs. Rice before obtaining an instrument!   All music will be provided.

Show Choir

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Year-long

This year-long elective will meet twice a week. Students will learn how to sing in a choir with melodies and harmonies, as well as music theory that applies to repertoire selections. Students will also be learning dances to each choral piece.  No vocal or dance experience is necessary.  The show choir will perform at both the Winter and Spring Concerts. Students will need to obtain a black binder for this class to store their music.  All music will be provided.

Poetry

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 1

This semester-long elective explores different types of poetry including reading, performing, writing, and interpretation.  Students will have the opportunity to investigate poems from a variety of authors as well as create their own works.  There will be both collaborative as well as individual activities such as reading works designed for more than one “voice” and writing with others to convey a central idea in a particular style.  This is a fun way to explore a new way of self-expression while continuing to hone writing skills and develop new ways of thinking about literature. 

Embroidery

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 2

This semester-long elective provides a hands-on way to explore the fun and elegant uses for embroidery stitching.  This will include an introduction to one of the common uses for students which is making friendship bracelets.  We will also explore the techniques for needlepoint, cross-stitch, and embroidery.  Beginning with the basic forms, students will build upon these to create more intricate and elaborate designs.  This elective will help provide an introduction to the lifelong skill of sewing, and learn a fun and easy way to make personalized gifts for all ages.

Bio Lab: Anatomy & Dissection

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 or 2

This semester-long elective is an introduction to how anatomy and physiology are related.  We will begin by learning about the physiology of how organs function in the body, and then every few weeks we will do a dissection to observe a real specimen.  Over the course of the semester, this will equate to 5-6 dissections.  This course can only be taken once and has a maximum of 8 students each semester.

Spanish 1A 

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Year-long

In this yearlong elective, students will discover how much Spanish they already know! Students will learn to read, write, and use basic Spanish phrases. We will watch the blogs of real junior high and high school students in Spanish-speaking countries, and find out some similarities and differences between our school and theirs. We will also explore art, music, festivals, & foods from Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Students will also memorize familiar Bible verses in Spanish. Audiovisual presentations will be completed each quarter.

Spanish 1B 

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Year-long

Prerequisite: Spanish 1A or Spanish fluency.  In this yearlong elective, students will build on key skills developed in Spanish 1A. Students will sharpen conversation skills, gain reading ability, and increase their understanding of written and audiovisual materials, with the goal of being able to use Spanish in the real world. Audiovisual presentations will be completed each quarter entirely in Spanish. We will continue to learn Bible verses in Spanish, as well as explore cultures, histories, celebrations, and foods from Spanish-speaking countries around the world. 

Spanish 2 

M/W/F, 7th-8th Grade, Year-long

Prerequisite: Spanish 1B or Spanish fluency. This yearlong elective is the equivalent of a high school Spanish 1 course. Students will be shifting their Spanish into high gear, aiming to use the target language closer to 80-90% of the time in class. Using the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students will be able to understand and communicate their knowledge of multiple topics within the context of culture. Advanced audiovisual presentations will be completed each quarter entirely in Spanish. Being able to read and understand the Bible in Spanish will be part of language practice.  Students will be diving deeper into the exploration of Spanish-speaking cultures, histories, festivals and foods!

InstaNews (with Ms. Schuhe)

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Year-Long

InstaNews is an elective where students will be combining journalism, social media, and film design. In this course, students will report on various school activities and articles of interest through Instagram, Google Classroom, and our Eagle's Eye bulletin board. Students will also be in charge of filming and producing “The Eagle’s Eye” weekly news program that will be shown in each homeroom, as well as making the yearbook in the Spring. Students will develop their skills in writing, editing, photography, design (using Canva), publishing, and film. 

Young Chefs (with Mrs. Kim)

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 or 2

Do you love food? This elective is designed to provide all future chefs an introduction to culinary skills and techniques. Throughout this course, students will explore a wide range of recipes that cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts. From delicious pancakes to savory entrees and delightful desserts, students will learn how to create a variety of dishes to impress family and friends.  This course can only be taken once and has a maximum of 10 students each semester. 

InstaNews (with Mr. Hyon)

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Year-Long

InstaNews is an elective where students will be combining journalism, social media, and film design. In this course, students will report on various school activities and articles of interest through Instagram, Google Classroom, and our Eagle's Eye bulletin board. Students will also be in charge of filming and producing “The Eagle’s Eye” weekly news program that will be shown in each homeroom, as well as making the yearbook in the Spring. Students will develop their skills in writing, editing, photography, design (using Canva), publishing, and film. 

How to Become a Millionaire

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

Do you want to be a millionaire? Let's learn how to manage money and set ourselves on that path! This class will introduce the basics of savings, spending, and budgeting. We will build a foundation for how to be responsible with our finances, and then move into life-like simulations which will explore realistic budgeting scenarios given different career pathways and income levels. Students will practice decision-making and autonomy in managing money to begin the path in becoming experts in finance! 

Puzzles & Games

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

This semester-long elective is designed to enhance the concentration, memory, and strategy skills of junior high students in an electronic-free zone! Students will participate in a variety of puzzles (jigsaw, brainteasers, crossword, and logic), board games (Monopoly, Chess, and Life), card games (Uno, Speed, and Exploding Kittens), and understand the strategy behind popular game shows on television. In the end, students will create their own board games for their peers and others to play!

Myth Making

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

This elective is constructed to allow students to write their own mythic story by studying popular myths that use a specific hero's journey or pathway. Students will write using a prompt each week after studying how writers, filmmakers, and cultures use specific markers and techniques to prompt us to feel certain ways. We will explore famous stories: Star Wars, the Odyssey, various Greek and Norse myths, Superman and many others. In the end, students will construct their own stories using the methods that all their favorites use.

Intro to Korean

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1

This semester-long elective is for those with an interest in learning Korean for the first time!  With the rise in popularity of Korean culture in American media in the forms of Korean music and TV shows, we will learn the basics of the Korean language.   We will also spend time learning about the rich history of the country and other aspects of Korean culture!  

Study Hall

M/W/F, 6th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

T/TH, 7th-8th Grade, Semester 1 & 2

This elective will be available for students who seek a quiet work environment and additional time to work on their class assignments and study for upcoming tests and quizzes.  Students will be graded based on coming to class prepared with all materials, not distracting others, and being on task throughout the class.