Middle School Elective courses

At Denver Christian Middle School, we are always seeking to offer more opportunities for our students to grow and learn, think technically and strategically, develop real-world skills, problem solve, feel confident leading worship, and provide them with more opportunities to demonstrate their creativity.

The following classes, in addition to our core classes and specials, will help to develop the whole child, which, as you know, is super important to us. God has created each of us to be individual image bearers of Christ, and having these unique classes will provide an outlet for each one of our students to tap into that uniqueness.

How it works:

• Give me 6 DIFFERENT choices.

• Do not select the same elective for more than one of your choices.

• I'll do my best to accommodate your requests, but there are no promises

• If you have already taken the class this year, do not select it again.  Thanks.

• 8th graders will be prioritized over 7th graders.... 7th prioritized over 6th

• This is for SECOND quarter only

• These courses are pass / fail classes and do not impact GPA

• Click here to make your selections

How AI Works (Mr. Fuller)

In this self-paced class, you’ll use Code.org’s How AI Works lessons to explore how Artificial Intelligence works. Through short videos, interactive activities, and simulations, you'll learn about machine learning, computer vision, chatbots, and more. You set your own pace as you discover the cool technology behind AI and the big questions about how it impacts our world.   

Smart Money: Personal Finance for Life (Mr. Harris)

Get ready to build real-life skills that will help you win with money! In this elective, you’ll learn how to create a budget, understand your paycheck, avoid debt traps, and even start investing. Through fun games, team challenges, and real-world simulations, you’ll explore how to make smart decisions about spending, saving, giving, and earning. We’ll talk about the power of compound interest, what a credit score really means, and how to use money in a way that honors your goals and values. Whether you’re dreaming of your first job or just want to manage your allowance better, this class will help you feel confident and prepared. Because money matters—and you can be great with it!

Theatre/The Secret Garden (Ms. Taullie)

The theatre elective, taught by Bethany Taullie and Brandon Witters, will be an interactive drama course held during the 2nd and 3rd Quarter. By the end of the class, students will produce and perform a stage adaptation of the beloved children's literature classic: The Secret Garden. While putting together this play, students will learn various aspects of theatre, such as character development, stage directions, and the ways in which faith connects with theatre. They will additionally learn and complete the “backstage” roles of theatre, including costumes, props, set design, and hair/makeup. This elective will be held in the Cafeteria (second quarter) and Performing Arts Center (third quarter). Aside from producing a play, this course will provide students with a space to take risks, develop communication skills, and learn about the performing arts in a creative environment that glorifies the Lord.

Only sign up for this elective if you can commit to the following.

Extended Friday class–all Friday classes will go until 3:00 pm.

All students will be required to attend at least one set building/painting day (dates TBD).

Three Required After School Rehearsals: February 17-19

Three Required Performances: February 19-21

Bookworm (Mrs. Shedd)

We will talk about, check out, and read books in this elective. If you want to read more and get new book suggestions, this is the place for you!

Embroidery (Ms. Kaemingk)

Interested in embroidery, but unsure how to get started? Look no further! In this elective, we will learn how to embroider (stitch fun designs on fabric). We will start by learning how to do certain stitches together, then move on to more personal projects that you design. Join us as we grow together through the wonderful and fun art of embroidery!

Sculpture Art (Mrs. Loving)

This elective offers students a chance to dive into the world of sculpture, encouraging them to express themselves creatively, evaluate art critically, and develop a deeper appreciation for the Visual Arts. The course explores how everyday objects can be transformed into art. Students will undertake at least two sculptural projects, each utilizing different artistic mediums. Additionally, they will study various renowned artists and their unique styles across different historical periods.

This course is designed to expand students' understanding of art and sculpture, making it an interactive and educational experience through hands-on projects and art history lessons.

Chamber Music Elective (Mrs. Delnero)

This course is designed for 6th-8th grade wind players interested in performing in a small, collaborative ensemble, focusing on chamber music. Students will learn to communicate musically with each other, develop ensemble skills, and perform a variety of repertoire. A special emphasis will be placed on the therapeutic and emotional power of music, as the ensemble will perform Christmas music at local memory care centers at the end of the quarter. Through this experience, students will explore how music can create meaningful connections, evoke memories, and bring comfort to individuals living with memory-related conditions. This course is ideal for students who are passionate about using their musical talents to positively impact others in their community.

Piano Lab (Mrs. Lind)

This class is designed for piano players of all skill levels who are eager to develop their musical abilities. Here, students will learn foundational music theory and how to read sheet music while developing proper techniques. There will be opportunities to play with other musicians and play as a soloist. Our time together is fairly self-paced, with the opportunity to demonstrate progress through an end-of-quarter recital. The heart behind this class is for students to explore and develop their musical skills as a means of praising God and utilizing the talents He has given them. 

Artistic Hand Lettering (Mrs. Dear)

In this course, we will explore how to turn simple words and phrases into art by exploring various styles of handwriting fonts.  We will experiment with pressure changes on a marker to create thick and thin line strokes, learn how to connect letters together, blend colors, and incorporate flourishes to create frameable art.  Having an understanding of cursive writing is not required, but is helpful.  Brush pens, markers, and paper will be provided as a class set.  Should you choose to practice at home, links will be provided for suggested pens to purchase.

Chess (Mr. Zietse)

Welcome to the Middle School Chess Club! This course is designed to introduce students to the fascinating world of chess and help them develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you're a future grandmaster or just looking to have some fun, this club is the perfect place to learn, play, and make new friends who share your passion for chess.

Throughout the course, students will learn the fundamentals of chess, including the rules, basic strategies, and tactics. They will also have the opportunity to practice their skills through friendly matches within the club. Students will be provided guidance and support, helping them improve their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Students may sign up for chess only once per year.

us at the Middle School Chess Club and embark on an exciting 

Creative Writing (Mrs. Bohannon)

This course will focus on students' self expression outside of the structured English classroom. Students will use a variety of techniques. We will focus on writing plays, songs, scripts, and jingles.

Teacher’s Assistant (Ms. McCormick)

Could you see yourself potentially wanting to teach one day? Would you enjoy getting a behind the scenes look at what it’s like to be a teacher? Does helping out in elementary classrooms sound like fun to you? This elective is your chance to serve DC’s elementary school teachers, mentor and invest in younger students, and explore whether you could see yourself going into education someday!

Puzzle Masters (Mrs. Naylor)

Solve mind-bending puzzles that will make your brain do backflips! 

• Master word games, picture puzzles, logic challenges, and more!

• Work with friends to tackle team puzzles 

• CREATE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL PUZZLE that will stump your classmates!

Strength and Conditioning (Mr. Jones and Mr. Miller)

In this course, students will learn the basics when it comes to strength training and cardiovascular training. This course will introduce our students to the Denver Christian weight room as they learn proper lifting techniques in a middle school designed workout program. The students will learn why it is important to take care of our bodies and how we glorify God in doing so.