7th Grade Elective Courses

Agricultural Science 7 (semester)

Students are introduced to natural resources, plant science, small animals, woodworking, and personal development. Basic agricultural literacy, ecology, and  water are fundamentals of this course. Personal development and leadership skills are also stressed. Basic woodworking skills are taught using power and hand tools and various fasteners. Students have the opportunity to join and participate in the FFA organization which teaches responsibility and leadership.

Art 2D (semester)

Activities include lessons based on drawing, painting, lettering, printmaking, and animation. Basic design and art history form an important part of each area of study.

Art 3D (semester)

Students create a variety of sculptural forms and explore different craft media. Projects vary and could include: clay and glazing, weaving, wood, papier-

mâché, sculpey, paper, plastic, mosaics, batik or tie dye, found object, and bead work. Three-dimensional artists are studied. Design elements and principles are incorporated as they apply to three-dimensional art.

7th Grade Band Class (year)

This class is for those 7th graders who have successfully completed the 6th grade Band class. Emphasis is on the continued development of music fundamentals, and developing both musicianship and music interpretation with more emphasis on performance. Students participate in several school programs. Students who have not been in Band class in the past should sign-up for Beginning Band.

Beginning Band Class (year)

This class is for those who want to begin Band with little to no experience and did not take 6th grade Band class.  The emphasis is on learning the fundamentals of music and how to play a band instrument.  Students participate in several school programs.

Challenges of the Mind (semester)

This course stimulates creative and critical thinking skills. Students solve problems in fun, unique ways using different strategies and ideas. Divergent thinking is encouraged to discover alternative solutions to unusual problems. Challenge students have first access to this class.

Chorus 7 (semester/year)

This class gives students experience in singing both unison and part songs in a variety of styles. Students will learn to sing with proper posture, breath and vowel formation. They will develop sight-reading skills, work as an ensemble, and perform in the school and community with a desirable level of professionalism. Emphasis will be given to listening and understanding music from historical, theoretical and cultural perspectives.

Digital Technology Foundations (Semester)

This foundation course introduces the use of relevant and emerging technologies, tools, and applications to prepare students for current workplace practices and everyday life. Students will demonstrate information processing using a variety of hardware and software and Internet-based tools to produce and integrate data in various formats. This course is designed for students wishing to progress through more advanced business and information technology coursework.

Family & Consumer Sciences II (semester)

This course provides a foundation for managing individual, family, work, and community roles and responsibilities. Students will focus on their individual development and their relationships and roles within the family unit. They will learn how to maintain their living and personal environments and to use nutrition and wellness practices. Students will also apply consumer and family resources, develop textile, fashion, and apparel concepts, and explore related careers. Time is also provided for developing early childhood education concepts and leadership skills.

Inventions & Innovations (semester)

Students develop problem-solving skills as they study, invent, and build examples of past, present, & future technology. Each student participates in a variety of hands-on activities from a variety of technological areas, such as electricity, wood manufacturing, mechanical technology, transportation, and aerospace. Students study the impact technology has had on our world. Activities include: drafting, research and design, as well as individual projects. Students can become a member of the Technology Students Association (T.S.A.).

Introduction to Spanish (semester)

This is primarily a conversational course with a focus on speaking and listening. Some basic reading & writing skills are emphasized. Traditions and customs of Spain and Hispanic countries are studied. Command of the English language and responsible completion of homework is expected.

Make it your Business (semester)

Students design, establish, and operate a small group or class business, producing a service or product that meets an identified school or community need. Emphasis is placed on the introduction and application of business terminology, basic entrepreneurship concepts, and fundamental business principles. Basic academic skills (mathematics, science, English, and history/social science) are integrated into this course. 

Theatre Arts 1 (semester)

Students develop and refine skills in pantomime, improvisation, and acting. Utilizing teamwork and cooperation students collaborate to create original and scripted performances. Students are introduced to the dramatic elements of costuming, stage lighting, and production. The importance of drama as a literary art form is explored.

8th Grade Elective Courses

Agricultural Science 8 (semester)

A course designed to give students a variety of studies and hands-on activities in ecology, woodworking, horticulture, arc welding, and animal studies. Personal development/leadership, business management, agriscience career exploration, forestry, large animal science, plant technology, hydroponics, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, soil science, as well as community involvement skills form the heart of this course. The FFA organization is an integral part of the curriculum.

Agriculture Science & Technology 8 (year)

This course is  designed to give students hands-on experience in ecology, woodworking, horticulture, arc welding, animal science, leadership, and career exploration. FFA is an integral part of the curriculum. The 8004 course offers more emphasis on wood and metal working, this class will weld.

Art 2D (semester)

Activities include lessons based on drawing, painting, lettering, printmaking, and animation. Basic design and art history form an important part of each area of study.

Art 3D (semester)

Activities involve projects based on three-dimensional design. Students study basic design, drawing, work with sculpture, various crafts, ceramics, and mask making. Art history and cultures form an important part of each area of study.

Art 8 (year)

This art class is for students who are highly interested in developing skills in 2-D and 3-D art. The activities in 2-D art focus on drawing and painting. The activities in 3-D art focus on sculpture. Projects use a wide range of materials. This class includes art appreciation experiences.

8th Grade Band (year)

This class is for those 8th graders who have successfully completed the 7th grade Band class (or in a previous year). Emphasis is on the continued development of music fundamentals, and developing both musicianship and music interpretation with more emphasis on performance. Students participate in several school programs. Students who have not been in Band class in the past should receive permission from the instructor to be in this class. Extra study is required to join this class as a beginner.

Beginning Band Class (year)

This class is for those who want to begin Band with little to no experience and did not take 6th or 7th grade Band class.  The emphasis is on learning the fundamentals of music and how to play a band instrument.  Students participate in several school programs.

Jazz Band Class (year) – By Permission

This class is for 7th and 8th grade advanced players who play a standard stage band instrument. Emphasis is on performance of jazz, popular, and rock music. This class will perform at school programs, some pep rallies, ball games, and out-of-school performances. This class participates with their grade level band classes for school programs.

Challenges 8 (semester)

This course stimulates creative and critical thinking skills. Students solve problems in fun, unique ways using different strategies and ideas. Divergent thinking is encouraged to discover alternative solutions to unusual problems. Challenge students have first access to this class.

Chorus 8 (semester or year)

This class gives students experience in singing both unison and part songs in a variety of styles. Students will learn to sing with proper posture, breath and vowel formation. They will develop sight-reading skills, work as an ensemble, and perform in the school and community with a desirable level of professionalism. Emphasis will be given to listening and understanding music from historical, theoretical and cultural perspectives.

Family & Cons. Sciences (semester or year)

This course provides a foundation for managing individual, family, career, and community roles and responsibilities. Students focus on their roles in the community and how the community influences individual development. Students will develop change-management and conflict–resolution skills and examine how global concerns affect communities. They will enhance their knowledge of nutrition and wellness practices, and learn how to maximize consumer and family resources. The course also helps students apply textile, fashion, and apparel concepts to their daily lives and provides background on the stages of early childhood development. Time is provided for exploring careers in FACS and developing job-search skills. Students also increase their leadership abilities and explore volunteerism.

Farm to Plate (Ag/FCS Fusion Class - Intro to Animal Systems & FCS Course) 1 High School Credit

Through laboratory and other practical experiences, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the food system and the impact of science on the agricultural, food and nutrition industries. Students will explore food sources, the science and technology of food production and processing and the implications for individual and global health and wellness.  Students will develop agricultural skills and safety in power, structural, and technical systems through hands-on applications. 

French I (year) 1 High School Credit

French I introduces the student to the basic communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) through thematic units and to the cultures where French is spoken. Emphasis is on communication in real-life situations.

Information Technology Fundamentals (ITF) (year) 1 High School Credit

Students are introduced to the essential technical and professional skills required for students to pursue a program leading to professional careers and IT certifications. Students investigate career opportunities and technologies in four major IT areas: Information Services and Support, Network Systems, Programming and Software Development, and Interactive Media. Students will evaluate the impact of IT on other career clusters. The focus of the IT Fundamentals course is the introduction of skills related to information technology basics, internet fundamentals, network systems, computer maintenance/upgrading/troubleshooting, computer applications, programming, graphics, web page design, interactive media, and coding. Students explore ethical issues related to computers and internet technology and develop teamwork and communication skills that will enhance further education and employment.

Musical Theatre (semester)

A collaborative effort between the music and theatre arts departments, this class provides students with the opportunity to get their feet wet performing musical theatre repertoire on stage. Students will actively engage in all aspects of the production for a musical performance, developing their choreography, vocal, and acting skills. Employing teamwork and cooperation, students will create and present a full-scale musical or revue showcasing their accomplishments and growth.

Spanish I (year) 1 High School Credit

Students are introduced to the basic communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) through thematic units and to the cultures where Spanish is spoken. Emphasis is on communication in real-life situations.

Communication Systems (year) 1 High School Credit

Communication Systems provides experiences in the fields of imaging technology, graphic production, video and media, technical design, and various modes

of communicating information through the use of data. Students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills using the universal systems model.

Students also learn about the impact of communication on society and potential career fields relating to communications.

Technological Systems (semester/year)

This course is an in-depth “hands on” study of Technology's impact on people and their work. Students apply math, science, and language arts to solve problems and create new systems or products by exploring various areas of technology. Emphasis is given to critical thinking. Students work on individual and group projects and/or modules in areas such as electricity, audio production, transportation, aerospace, communication technology, computer technology, energy and power, structures, desktop publishing, woodworking, and robotics. Hand and machine tools are used. Students can become a member of T.S.A.

Theatre Arts 2 (semester)

Through an in-depth study of theatre elements and character development, students create and perform more complex individual and group projects. Theatre history and its cultural impact on society will be examined. Students’ analytical, collaborative, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills are refined and strengthened by participation in dramatic performances.

Mentorship 8 Sem: Peer Tutoring (semester)

Students do volunteer work within the school. Some students opt for peer tutoring, which is helping out in handicapped classes under teacher supervision.

Work Study 8 Sem: Custodial (semester/year)

Students do volunteer work within the school. Some students opt for working with and under supervision of the school custodial staff to help clean the school.