Band (Full Year or Semester)

Ms. Mrosko

This beginning band course introduces 6th grade students to instrumental music with no prior experience required. Students learn the fundamentals of music, including reading notation, rhythm, and proper playing techniques on their chosen instrument.Instruction focuses on tone production, posture, breathing, and technique, while building a repertoire of varied music. Students also develop ensemble skills such as listening, teamwork, and blending within a group.

Performance opportunities throughout the course allow students to demonstrate progress and build confidence. Students who take the semester course may continue into the full-year band, where they will further develop their skills and musical understanding.

Challenges of the Mind

Ms. Benns

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. Space in this course is extremely limited and is first reserved for students identified as “Gifted” through RCPS testing. 

Exploratory Choir

Ms. Minter

This exploratory choir class introduces students to the basics of singing in a fun, supportive, and collaborative environment. Students will develop fundamental vocal skills such as posture, breathing, tone, and pitch while exploring a variety of musical styles.

They will learn to read simple music, follow a conductor, and sing as part of an ensemble, with an emphasis on teamwork, confidence, and self-expression. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to participate.

By the end of the course, students will share what they’ve learned in an informal performance.

Exploratory Family & Consumer Science

Ms. Beahm

Students focus on areas of individual growth such as personal goal achievement, responsibilities within the family, and

accountability for personal safety and health. They also explore and practice financial management, clothing management, food preparation, positive and

caring relationships with others, and career exploration.

Intro to Business/Keyboarding

Mr. Shifflett

This course is designed to introduce middle school students to the basics of computers, keyboarding skills, and potential careers. Students will

develop and enhance touch skills for entering information using a keyboard to compose and produce personal, educational, and professional documents.

Exploratory Technology

Ms. Biller

Students study the resources of all technology, including tools, energy, materials, people, time, information, and capital. They explore systems of technology, including medical, agricultural and related biotechnologies, energy and power, information and communication, transportation, manufacturing, and construction. Students relate the impact of technology on society, environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions.

Exploratory Theatre

Ms. Payne

An exploration of the fundamental elements of drama. Through experiences involving dramatic play, pantomime, improvisation,

and acting, students will develop confidence, concentration, and self-discipline. This course is designed to expose students to theatre arts and foster an

appreciation of theatrical performance.