ENGLISH:

English/Language Arts 6  

English/Language Arts 6 incorporates five aspects of language arts:  reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Study of genres leads to written compositions that build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics.  Students apply comprehension and critical reading skills to both literature and non-fiction. These courses may emphasize the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Full Year Class

Honors English/Language Arts 6

English/Language Arts 6 incorporates five aspects of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Study of genres leads to written compositions that build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics. Students apply comprehension and critical reading skills to both literature and non-fiction. These courses may emphasize the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. The honors course prepares students for advanced course work and engages students in enrichment opportunities. Rigor is demonstrated through sophistication and acceleration in terms of thought-provoking learning activities, challenging assessments, and more complex text/materials. Diverse interests, cultures, perspectives, learning styles, and intelligences are cultivated and higher level critical and creative thinking skills such as interpretation, problem solving, investigation, and logic are emphasized. Full Year Class

English/Language Arts 7

English/Language Arts 7 incorporates five aspects of language arts:  reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Study of genres leads to written compositions that build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics.  Beyond emphasizing different uses for language, these courses may also include using language (particularly written text) to construct meaning and connections. Full Year Class

Honors English/Language Arts 7

English/Language Arts 7 incorporates five aspects of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Study of genres leads to written compositions that build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics. Beyond emphasizing different uses for language, these courses may also include using language (particularly written text) to construct meaning and connections. The honors course prepares students for advanced course work and engages students in enrichment opportunities. Rigor is demonstrated through sophistication and acceleration in terms of thought-provoking learning activities, challenging assessments, and more complex text/materials. Diverse interests, cultures, perspectives, learning styles, and intelligences are cultivated and higher level critical and creative thinking skills such as interpretation, problem solving, investigation, and logic are emphasized. Full Year Class

English/Language Art 8 

English/Language Arts 8 incorporates five aspects of language arts:  reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Study of genres leads to written compositions that build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics.  Typically, these courses use various genres of literature to improve reading skills, and they link writing exercises for different purposes to those reading selections. Full Year Class

Honors English/Language Arts 8

English/Language Arts 8 incorporates five aspects of language arts: reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. Study of genres leads to written compositions that build upon students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics. Typically, these courses use various genres of literature to improve reading skills, and they link writing exercises for different purposes to those reading selections. The honors course prepares students for advanced course work and engages students in enrichment opportunities. Rigor is demonstrated through sophistication and acceleration in terms of thought-provoking learning activities, challenging assessments, and more complex text/materials. Diverse interests, cultures, perspectives, learning styles, and intelligences are cultivated and higher level critical and creative thinking skills such as interpretation, problem solving, investigation, and logic are emphasized. Full Year Class

ENGLISH ELECTIVES: 

Publication Prod: Yearbook

Publication Production courses provide to students the knowledge and skills necessary to produce the school newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine, or other printed publication. Students may gain experience in several components (writing, editing, layout, production, and so on) or may focus on a single aspect while producing the publication.objects. (Grade 7/8) Full Year Class 

Creative Writing

Creative Writing courses offer students the opportunity to develop and improve their technique and individual style in poetry, short story, drama, essays, and other forms of prose. The emphasis of the courses is on writing; however, students may study exemplary representations and authors to obtain a fuller appreciation of the form and craft. Although most creative writing classes cover several expressive forms, others concentrate exclusively on one particular form (such as poetry or playwriting).

MATHEMATICS: 

(See homepage for Math Pathways)

Math 6

This course covers all of the Grade 6 Colorado Academic Standards for Mathematics through the use of a high-quality curriculum. Mathematical reasoning, modeling, problem solving and communication are developed throughout the units of study. Full Year Class

Accelerated Math 6

This course covers all of the 6th grade Colorado Academic Standards for Math and half of the 7th grade Colorado Academic Standards for Math.  Mathematical reasoning, modeling, problem solving and communication are developed throughout the following units of study.  See Jeffco District Guidance for standards covered in course. Full Year Class

Math 7

This course covers all of the Grade 7 Colorado Academic Standards for Mathematics through the use of a high-quality curriculum. Mathematical reasoning, modeling, problem solving and communication are developed throughout the units of study. Full Year Class

Accelerated Math 7

This course covers half of the 7th grade Colorado Academic Standards for Math and all 8th grade Colorado Academic Standards for Math. Mathematical reasoning, modeling, problem solving and communication are developed throughout the units of study.  See Jeffco District Guidance for standards covered in course. Full Year Class

Math 8 

This course covers all of the Grade 8 Colorado Academic Standards for Mathematics through the use of a high-quality curriculum.  Mathematical reasoning, modeling, problem solving and communication are developed throughout the units of study. Full Year Class

Algebra I*

This course awards high school credit upon successful completion. This course covers all of the grade-level Colorado Academic Standards for Mathematics aligned to this course through the use of a high-quality curriculum.  Mathematical reasoning, modeling, problem solving and communication are developed throughout the units of study.  Full Year Class

*This course awards high school credit upon successful completion.  

SCIENCE:

6th Grade Science

6th Grade Science courses include subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life sciences, and are organized around conceptual units.  Specific content depends upon Colorado Academic Standards for middle school.  Full Year Class

7th Grade Science 

7th Grade Science courses include subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life sciences, and are organized around conceptual units.  Specific content depends upon Colorado Academic Standards for middle school. Full Year Class

8th Grade Science 

8th Grade Science courses include subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life sciences, and are organized around conceptual units.  Specific content depends upon Colorado Academic Standards for middle school. Full Year Class 

SCIENCE ELECTIVES:

Science Exploration

Students will engage in hands on, inquiry based experiments and design their own labs to investigate the scientific method. Students will become aware of current research happening in Colorado and around the world. Students will be introduced to different careers in the sciences and what requirements are needed to obtain those careers. Semester Class

SOCIAL STUDIES:

World Area Studies: West Hem

World Area Studies: Western Hemisphere examines the history, politics, economics, and geography of countries in North, Central, and South America. (Grade 6) Full Year Class

World Area St: Eastern Hem

The World Area Studies: Eastern Hemisphere course examines the history, politics, economics, and culture of regions within the Eastern Hemisphere.  This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the history of early civilizations and then shifts to the comparison of contemporary governments, economic networks and issues affecting the regions. (Grade 7) Full Year Class

Early U.S. History 

Early U.S. History is an interdisciplinary course which examines the history of the United States from the nation building following the American Revolution to the era of Reconstruction, industrialization, and immigration. The course includes an historical overview of the geographic, political, economic, and social developments of the United States. (Grade 8) Full Year Class

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES:

World Language and Cultures

World Languages and Cultures provides an introduction to second language acquisition and world cultures through the exploration of two or more different languages spoken in different countries. This course may emphasize recognition of written words, vocabulary, speech and grammar patterns as well as cultural aspects (major events, foods, art, etc.). Languages taught are selected by the instructor.  This course does not meet criteria for the Colorado or Jeffco Seals of Biliteracy. (Grade 6)  Semester Class 

MUSIC: 

Concert Band

Courses in Concert Band are designed to promote students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and cover a variety of band literature styles, primarily for concert performances.  (Grade 6/7/8) Full Year Class

Symphonic Band**

Courses in Symphonic Band are designed to further advance a students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments and covers a variety of more complex band literature styles. Previous Orchestra experience and instructor approval. Full Year Class

Orchestra

Orchestra courses are designed to develop students’ abilities to play string instruments, covering a variety of string and orchestral literature styles. (Grade 6/7/8) Full Year Class 

Orchestra Adv**

Advanced Orchestra courses are designed to continue the development of students’ abilities to play string instruments, covering a more complex repertoire of string and orchestral literature styles. Previous Orchestra experience and instructor approval. Full Year Class

Choir

Choir courses provide the opportunity to sing a variety of choral literature styles for  for mixed voices and are designed to develop vocal techniques and the ability to sing parts. (Grade 6/7/8) Full Year Class 

**These course will only be offered depending on the number of students registered for a certain music. Students will register for Concert Band and Orchestra and then will be placed in higher levels of music based on experience as well as if there are enough students for the course that another section is needed.

DRAMA: 

Theatre Arts 

Theatre Arts courses focus on the study and performance of drama, including musical theatre. In addition, students work collaboratively on performances. (Grade 6) Semester Class

Theatre Arts Intermediate

Theatre Arts Intermediate courses focus on the study and performance of drama, including musical theatre. These courses review a wide range of scripted materials, such as plays, screenplays, teleplays, readers’ theatre scripts, dramatic criticism, creation of original dramatic works, and the role of dramatic arts in society. In addition, students work collaboratively on performances. (Grades 7 and 8) Semester 1 Class

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre courses focus on the study and performance of drama and musical theatre. These courses include the study of a wide range of scripted materials, creation of original dramatic works, and focus on the role of dramatic arts in society. In addition, students work collaboratively on performances. (Grades 7 and 8) Semester 2 Class

ART: 

Visual Arts Level 1

Visual Arts Level 1 courses provide to students the foundational knowledge and opportunity to explore an art form or variety of art forms and to create individual works of art. These courses may also provide a discussion and exploration of career opportunities in the art world. Initial courses cover the language, materials, and processes of a particular art form and the design elements and principles supporting a work of art. Although Visual Arts Level 1 courses focus on creation, they may also include the study of major artists, art movements, and styles. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

Photography

Photography courses expose students to the materials, processes, and artistic techniques of taking artistic photographs. Students learn about the operation of a camera, composition, lighting techniques, depth of field, filters, camera angles, and film development. The course may cover black-and-white photography, color photography, or both. As students advance, the instruction regarding the creative process becomes more refined, and students are encouraged to develop their own artistic style. These courses may also cover major photographers, art movements, and styles. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class

Creative Art- Sculpture

Creative Art Sculpture covers the same concepts as Visual Arts Level 1-3 courses, but with a focus on creating three-dimensional works of art. Students typically create with a variety of media (such as ceramics, wood, metals, textiles, and so on) but some courses may focus on one medium. This course typically assists students in taking two-dimensional ideas or designs and expressing them three-dimensionally in a sculpture. This course will also provide exploration of career opportunities in the art world and include the study of significant artists, movements, and styles. Students need to have taken Visual Arts Level 1 prior to taking this course.

Students must have completed a previous Creative Art course as a prerequisite. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class

Creative Art: Ceramics

Creative Art Ceramics covers the same concepts as Visual Arts Level 1-3 courses, but with a focus on creating three-dimensional works through the medium of ceramics. This course helps students explore hand-building techniques and different types of ceramic finishes. This course will also provide exploration of career opportunities in the art world and include the study of significant artists, movements, and styles. Students need to have taken Visual Arts Level 1 prior to taking this course.

(Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

Visual Arts Level 2

Visual Arts Level 2 courses provide to students the continued building of knowledge and opportunity to continue to explore an art form or variety of art forms and to create individual works of art. Visual Arts Level 2 courses may also provide a discussion and exploration of career opportunities in the art world. Visual Arts Level 2 courses cover the specific language, materials, and processes of particular art forms and the design elements and principles supporting a work of art. The students at Visual Arts Level 2 are advanced from Visual Arts Level 1 and have become more adept, the instruction regarding the creative process becomes more refined, and students are encouraged to develop their own artistic styles. Although Visual Arts Level 2courses focuses on creation, they may also include the study of major artists, art movements, and styles.

Student must have completed Visual Arts Level 1 as a prerequisite.  (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

WORLD LANGUAGES: 

Spanish 101 

Spanish 101: First semester/year in Middle School of Spanish I.  This course provides students with a general introduction to Spanish language and culture, including sound system, pronunciation, functional vocabulary, cultural information and norms, and basic grammatical structures. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to provide basic information, understand simple statements and questions, interact with and be understood with difficulty by someone accustomed to a language learner (novice-mid proficiency). This course meets criteria for Colorado and Jeffco Seals of Biliteracy and is recommended for students with no previous study or knowledge of the language. (Grade 7) Full Year Class

Spanish 102*

Spanish 102: Second semester/year in Middle School of Spanish I.   This course provides students with a general introduction to Spanish language and culture, including sound system, pronunciation, functional vocabulary, cultural information and norms, and basic grammatical structures. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to provide basic information, understand simple statements and questions, and interact with and be understood with difficulty by someone accustomed to a language learner (novice-mid proficiency). This course meets criteria for Colorado and Jeffco Seals of Biliteracy and is recommended for students with no previous study or knowledge of the language.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 101 or instructor approval. (Grade 8) Full Year Class

*This course awards high school credit upon successful completion. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: 

Physical Education 

Physical Education courses provide to students the knowledge, experience, and opportunity to develop skills in more than one of the following sports or activities:  team sports, individual/dual sports, recreational sports, and fitness/conditioning activities. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

Team Sports

Team sports courses provide to students the knowledge, experience, and opportunity to develop skills in more than one team sport (such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, and so on). (Grade 7/8) Semester Class 

Fitness/ Conditioning 

Fitness/Conditioning courses emphasize conditioning activities that help develop muscular strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

TECHNOLOGY:

STEM  Exploration  1:

STEM Exploration 1 introduces students to STEM pathways. Students will explore a wide variety of STEM related topics, including: computer science, technical design, and engineering. Career exploration and leadership development will be emphasized throughout the course. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

STEM  Exploration  2:

STEM Exploration 2 allows students to deeply explore STEM pathways. Students will apply STEM skills as they engage in sustained STEM related projects related to: computer science, technical design, and engineering. Career exploration and leadership development will be emphasized throughout the course. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class  

Robotics 1:

Robotics 1 introduces robotics as an advanced application of computer science that can be used to solve problems in a variety of settings from business to healthcare and how robotics enables innovation by automating processes that may be dangerous or otherwise problematic for humans. Students learn through programming online simulators and a variety of robots. Students design, build, and program physical robots with microcontrollers focused on how robots can be used to solve local and global problems. (Grade 7/8) Semester Class 

Exploring Computer Science 1:

Exploring Computer Science 1 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. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

Creative Art Graphic Design 1*:

Creative Art Graphic Design 1 provides students with an understanding of what graphic design is and the work that graphic artists engage in. This course will explore techniques that graphic artists use when creating quality communicative pieces. Students will learn how to visually communicate ideas through the use of typography, layout, photography, illustration, and other visual media. This course will also provide exploration of career opportunities in graphic arts and include the study of significant graphic artists, movements, and styles.. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

Student Technology Leaders*:

Student Technology Leaders are highly trained to provide tech support to their teachers, administrators, and staff. Student Technology Leaders (STLs) can provide another perspective to both school administrators and teachers when it comes to school improvement, how technology can enhance learning and ensuring that all students are technology literate. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE:

Family and Consumer Science 1:

Family and Consumer Science 1 courses are inclusive studies of knowledge and skills that are useful for the efficient and productive management of the home. Course topics typically include foods and nutrition; sewing; child development and care; consumer decisions and interpersonal relationships. Career exploration and leadership development will be emphasized throughout the course. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

Family and Consumer Science 2:

In Family and Consumer Science 2, current teen issues and practical life skills are approached. Topics such as communication skills, personal relationships, career exploration/consumerism, foods/nutrition, interior design and intermediate sewing skills may be covered. Emphasis will be placed on labs as well as project based learning. Additional topics may include preparation of foods and practical life skills, nutritional topics such as dieting/exercise and eating disorders. Family and Consumer Science courses are inclusive studies of knowledge and skills that are useful for the efficient and productive management of the home. Course topics typically include foods and nutrition; sewing; child development and care; consumer decisions and interpersonal relationships. Career exploration and leadership development will be emphasized throughout the course. Completion of FACS 1 is required. (Grade 6/7/8) Semester Class 

Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Art:

Food, Nutrition and Culinary Arts provides an understanding of food’s role all over the world, nutrition throughout the lifespan, principles of baking, cooking methods, plate presentation, and pantry exploration and inspiration. This course exposes students to opportunities related to the Hospitality and Tourism career cluster. (Grade 7/8) Semester Class 

ADVISEMENT:

Part of the advisory program, Advisement provides an opportunity for students and teachers to get together to support classroom learning. Advisement allows teachers to provide additional instruction, make-up opportunities, and extra help to students during the school day.

This is a required course for all students.

ADDITIONAL ELECTIVES:

Leadership:  Student Council

This course is intended for students who are in Student Council. Leadership courses are designed to strengthen students’ personal and group leadership skills. Typically intended for students involved in extracurricular activities (especially as officers of organizations or student governing bodies), these courses may cover such topics as public speaking, effective communication, human relations, parliamentary law and procedures, organization and management, and group dynamics.  (Grades 6/7/8) Full Year Class

Teacher Aide - TA Office  - Physical Education Mentor 

Miscellaneous—Aide courses offer the opportunity for students to assist instructors in preparing, organizing, or delivering course curricula or to assist other staff members in fulfilling their duties. Students may provide tutorial or instructional assistance to other students.

**This course will NOT be available as an option during Course Selection.**  Management and placement of Aide courses are dependent on teacher need and individual student schedules.  Interest and placement of these courses will be based upon availability and communicated to students at the start of each semester.