Everyone likes to have their own choices. That’s why we have restaurant menus, whole aisles of Target devoted to different hand soaps, and 31 Flavors of ice cream.
Mmmm. Ice Cream. Okay, focus, because here at Hyde, you’ll have a chance to decide your own path, because student choice is at the center of our electives program. Select from seven types of courses that offer you the chance to master new skills, explore your interests and jump-start your high school success.
During your three years at Hyde, you’ll have the opportunity to try out as many as 12 different electives, each of which is at least a semester long. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with students from every grade, and you’ll be the one in charge when it comes to developing your own creative talents.
So what are you waiting for? Be bold.
Try something new. What’s your flavor?
(6)(7)(8) -- Denotes the grade levels eligible to take a class
(Y) -- Year-long class
(D) -- May request a donation for supplies and/or repairs
PLEASE NOTE: FOR THOSE WHO DECIDE TO RENT BAND INSTRUMENTS FROM HYDE, WE ASK FOR A $150 DONATION.
Are you America’s next star? Then Drama is for you! Do charades, skits, mini plays, monologues and children’s plays. Exercise your skills on stage through producing and performing in an one-act play. Learn the ins-and-outs of simple set design, sound, lighting and costume design. On the way, you will learn improvisational skills, blocking, stage direction, projection techniques, character development and make some great new friends!
Additional Drama Pictures and Info
Do you love music? Come and discover how much fun it is to play music by joining the Hyde Beginning Band. No previous musical experience is necessary. You will learn to play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in an ensemble setting. Being a part of a large ensemble is a great opportunity to make new friends and participate in many fun activities and performances. Please note: We have three levels of band at Hyde. In order to be eligible for the Advanced Band as an 8th grader, you have to take Beginning Band as a 6th grader.
Continuing their instruction from beginning band, students will develop their musicianship and tackle more a more challenging and exciting repertoire. Intermediate Band students have an increased performing schedule and some performance opportunities outside of school.
Prerequisite: Students must have taken Beginning Band or audition for the band director.
Advanced Band is the highest placement for band and a wonderful part of this middle school. Students will continue to develop their own individual instrumental technique and ensemble skills. They can also look forward to performing at many school functions and music festivals outside of school.
Prerequisite: Students must have taken Intermediate Band or audition for the band director.
Shape your own mini skateboard, snowboard, or surfboard out of aluminum and buff it until you see your reflection. Give blacksmithing a try and pound red-hot iron into a hook, fireplace tool, or a marshmallow roaster that you can use at the end of the semester to make s’mores over the forge! Make medieval chain mail armor, or choose from a variety of chain mail patterns and make a bracelet. Use sheet metal to design and build a custom iPad/smart phone stand, custom box, or a dust pan. Learn how to spray paint your project and use the vinyl cutter to make custom stickers or stenciling to enhance and personalize your sheet metal designs. Stamp your friend's name on an aluminum disc or into precious metal to form a ring or bracelet. Connect different types of metals together with jump rings to create one-of-a-kind earrings. Advanced students can learn how to weld metals using a torch or a MIG welder, or even work independently with the teacher to design and create your ow project ideas. Students who have had one semester of Woodshop and one semester of Metal Shop can design and make their own custom stakeboard. The sky's the limit with your creative potential in the Metal Shop! Let's get working with our hands in the Metal Shop.
Additional Metal Shop Pictures and Info
Woodshop introduces students to the exciting world of woodworking. Cut out a wooden puzzle on the scroll saw. Build your own bank. Turn a wooden pen or bowl on the lathe. Use hand tools to create your own candy dish. Make gifts for family and friends. Other projects include: wooden spoons, spatulas, puzzles, pens, cars, planes, games, keychain, clocks, tops, a key rack or letter holder. The list is endless!
Advanced students can personalize their work by designing and building their own projects. Some example projects include: jewelry, a jewelry box, wall shelf, skateboard, 2-part mechanical pencil or pen, stool, flower vase or candlestick holder! Together we can “build” a better tomorrow!
Additional Woodshop Pictures and Info
Everyone can learn to draw, paint and create! 2-D Art is a course for students interested in drawing and painting. Students will learn skills in these areas as well as color theory, drawing in perspective, design elements and art history. Materials used comprise pencil, colored pencil, ink, watercolors, acrylic, pastel, charcoal and oil pastel to name a few.
Go around the world visiting various cultures and countries through their various 3-D art projects! In this class, we use various materials such as clay, wire, papier mache, plaster, and coil. Ceramic projects will include hand building, throwing, and how to use the wheel. Students in this class will learn to develop and improve their sculpting techniques through each medium explored.
In this Computer Science Discoveries (CSD) course, students will learn how to unleash their creativity as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. The course focuses on the 4 C’s (Creativity, Community, Collaboration and Critical Thinking) and is mapped to the CTSA standards. CSD is engaging and accessible to students of all levels regardless of their prior programming experience.
“STEAM” your way toward fun.The world is looking for talented Scientists, Technologists, Engineers, Artists, and Mathematicians. You may be the NEXT ONE? In this course we will explore the world of nano science, delve into 3D designing, understand engineering concepts, develop critical thinking skills, hone your analytical skills, explore mechanical elements while creating moving sculptures.
Have fun learning how to prepare breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts! Enjoy making 30 recipes in this life skills electives class. All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to students who have taken the class before. Each year, learn a new set of recipes so you can grow your culinary skills. A few new recipes for next year will include chocolate chip cookies, bagels, pasta, fried rice, ramen, and even boba tea! This course will give you an understanding of cooking techniques, following recipes, nutrition and kitchen safety to foster a lifetime of culinary skills!
Leadership is a hands-on class designed to help students develop leadership skills that can be utilized in high school, the community, and future jobs. Students will plan, organize, and lead student activities and community service projects on the Hyde campus. Throughout the semester, students will participate in team building activities, develop public speaking skills, and learn about leadership styles, communication, time management, and goal setting. This is a fun and dynamic class where students will learn more about themselves, their school and the community.
*NOTE: Students have the option of taking Leadership as a yearlong course. If interested, please complete the application: Leadership Application
Be a part of our award-winning, student-led staff and turn your passion into a keepsake that will last a lifetime. You’ll learn journalism fundamentals as a designer, photographer, and writer. Fill in your layouts with stories you and your classmates report yourselves, and learn to take and edit your own photos with in-depth photography lessons and practice. We are seeking self-driven students to be part of a fun innovative team that will produce an awesome book everyone is proud of! There will be manageable weekly homework and photo assignments for after school activities.
Prepare yourself for the work force by taking on a position as a student assistant to a member of Hyde’s staff. You will be randomly placed to help with jobs around the school that could include running on-campus errands, putting up displays, organizing class materials or grading simple assignments.
PLEASE NOTE: LANGUAGES ARE CONSIDERED ACADEMIC ELECTIVES; THEREFORE, THERE WILL BE HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS. STUDENTS WHO CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIVE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMIT TO A FULL YEAR OF STUDY. FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO COMPLETE TWO YEARS OF STUDY — PARTS A AND B WITH A GRADE OF “C” OR HIGHER — ONE YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL FOREIGN LANGUAGE CREDIT WILL BE AWARDED.
Bonjour! Would you like to learn a European language that’s useful and fun? Do you like to learn through videos, games, music, art projects and the internet? Come learn French the fun way! Food, songs, interactive games and fun activities are just some of the ways in which the French language comes alive in this exciting yearlong course. You will learn the essentials of French grammar, vocabulary, and culture, and will be able to hold simple conversations. No prior knowledge of French necessary!
Continue your French experience, increase your knowledge and have more fun! Building upon the lessons learned in French 1A, we will learn about people and possessions, ordering food in a restaurant, visiting French places, giving directions, leisure time activities, hobbies, shopping and more... all through activities, games, movies, songs, art projects and lots and lots of food! Best of all, students who earn at least “B” grades in the class get to enroll in French-2 directly when they reach CHS!
Prerequisite: Students must complete French 1A with a grade of “C” or higher.
Are you planning a trip to Mexico or Spain? Learn to speak Spanish! We’ll give you the basics so that you can order meals, chat about the weather, tell others your favorite hobbies and describe your family and friends. Come prepared to listen, speak, draw, sing and play – we do it all to help you master Spanish!
Additional Spanish Pictures and Info
So you know a little Spanish and want to learn more? This is the place for you! This year we take it to the next level – speaking, reading and writing about the past, present, and future. Chat about what happened yesterday after school, read your friends’ plans for the coming weekend, jot notes about what to wear to the next dance... all in Spanish. Best of all, students who earn at least “B” grades in Spanish Literacy may enroll in Spanish II right away when they reach CHS!
Prerequisite: Students must have completed Spanish 1A with grades of “C” or higher.