6th-Grade Electives
Band 6 (year): Do you like having FUN? Well, then be part of the FUN in the Wauseon Middle School band program. Learning to play an instrument is a skill for life that helps you learn a new language, make new friends, and even perform in places like Disney World. Learning an instrument and studying music helps you in other class subjects, helps build self-confidence, teaches teamwork, and allows you to express your FUN, creative side. All students will have an opportunity to try an instrument of choice as 5th graders. Once you select the instrument that is best for you, classes are organized each day by woodwinds (flute, clarinet, sax) or brass (trumpet, horn, trombone) or percussion. Sixth grade band offers students skills training and the time to develop the techniques to be able to play one’s instrument with confidence and success. There are 3-4 concert performances during the year, and most of the focus is on developing the basics.
Choir 6 (semester): Done as a semester class only, this is the best class to explore everything about what choir is and how you can be a part of it! No experience is needed. You should be willing to participate daily and to be a team player throughout our time together. Music games and other activities, including possibly going out to perform in the community, are part of the experience. Any and all are invited to be a part of it! There will be two performances outside of the school day that you will have to attend.
Life Explorations: Everyday Skills 6 (Semester): This course introduces students to foundational life and independent living skills. Students will explore personal wellness, self-management, and hands-on experience with everyday skills such as basic cooking, cleaning, organization, and self-care, and beginning to make connections to careers.
Study Skills 6 (semester): Study Skills is a class to help students succeed in their other classes. Study Skills is a time for more individualized learning and help. Students will
review concepts taught in all academic classes.
study for tests and quizzes.
work on projects for academic classes.
read books.
complete brain activities.
Health & Wellness 6 (semester): Health is a semester-long course that will guide students through the many dimensions of health and wellness. Students will develop skills needed in confronting difficult situations; students will understand health prevention and promotion techniques that will establish a solid personal health education; and students will become health literate in making positive and healthy decisions. The six adolescent risk behaviors (tobacco use, dietary patterns that contribute to disease, sedentary lifestyles, sexual behaviors, alcohol and drug use, and behaviors that result in intentional and unintentional injury) will be addressed through the textbook, activities, projects, movies, and guest speakers. Overall, the course advocates for students to make healthy choices for their health.
7th-Grade Electives
Agricultural Science 7 (semester): This is the first half of the first course in the Agricultural and Environmental Systems career field. It introduces students to the pathways that are offered in the Agricultural and Environmental Systems career field. As such, learners will obtain fundamental knowledge and skills in food science, natural resource management, animal science & management, plant & horticultural science, power technology, and biotechnology. Students will be introduced to the FFA organization and begin development of their leadership ability. Students will examine the FFA organization and Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. Throughout the course, students will develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential to the agriculture industry. The course is divided into two semester-long courses, one during the student's seventh grade year and the second during the student's eighth grade year. While it’s ideal for students to take both courses, it is not required. Students who successfully complete Agricultural Science 7 may earn their Discovery FFA Degree.
Band 7 (year): 7th grade band continues the ideas of FUN and skills development while offering more performance opportunities because of increased ability. We start to offer performances to a bigger audience outside the middle school. There are 4-6 performances per year for Band 7.
Choir 7 (year): This is a year-long course that explores three-part music, performs in the community when possible, and looks to participate as a team towards a common goal. We do a LOT of different styles of music! Anyone can join this group, even if you had never been in choir in the past. You will typically have one performance per quarter that you have to attend.
Health & Wellness 7 (semester): Health is a semester-long course that will guide students through the many dimensions of health and wellness. Students will develop skills needed in confronting difficult situations; students will understand health prevention and promotion techniques that will establish a solid personal health education; and students will become health literate in making positive and healthy decisions. The six adolescent risk behaviors (tobacco use, dietary patterns that contribute to disease, sedentary lifestyles, sexual behaviors, alcohol and drug use, and behaviors that result in intentional and unintentional injury) will be addressed through the textbook, activities, projects, movies, and guest speakers. Overall, the course advocates for students to make healthy choices for their health.
Career Explorations: Life and Work Skills 7 (semester): This course builds on foundational life and independent living skills with a focus on career exploration and navigation. Students will practice household and workplace skills such as cooking, cleaning, sewing, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving while exploring career pathways, workplace expectations, and future transitions.
8th-Grade Electives
Agricultural Science 8 (semester): This is the second half of the first course in the Agricultural and Environmental Systems career field. Focusing on different facets of agriculture, it continues to introduce students to the pathways that are offered in the Agricultural and Environmental Systems career field. As such, learners will obtain fundamental knowledge and skills in food science, natural resource management, animal science & management, plant & horticultural science, power technology, and biotechnology. Students will be introduced to the FFA organization and begin development of their leadership ability. Students will examine the FFA organization and Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. Throughout the course, students will develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential to the agriculture industry. The exploratory course is divided into two semester-long courses, one during the student's seventh grade year and the second during the student's eighth grade year. Students who successfully complete both Agricultural Science 7 and Agricultural Science 8 may earn their Greenhand FFA Degree. (Scheduling precedence given to students who first completed Agricultural Science 7)
Health 8 (semester): 8th grade health is a semester-long course that will guide students through the many dimensions of health and wellness. Students will develop skills needed in confronting difficult situations; students will understand health prevention and promotion techniques that will establish a solid personal health education; and students will become health literate in making positive and healthy decisions. The six adolescent risk behaviors (tobacco use, dietary patterns that contribute to disease, sedentary lifestyles, sexual behaviors, alcohol and drug use, and behaviors that result in intentional and unintentional injury) will be addressed through the textbook, activities, projects, movies, and guest speakers. Overall, the course advocates for students to make healthy choices for their health. This course is a high school requirement and students will be earning high school credit for this class. The grade in this class will be reflected on student's high school transcripts.
Art 8 (semester): In 8th grade art, students expand their knowledge of art techniques while focusing on developing strong artistic skills. Each project is designed to involve content learned during 6th and 7th grade art, focusing on the elements and principles of art. Each project also helps students become more independent artists. Students will explore and use a variety of art mediums such as acrylic and watercolor paint, charcoal shading pencils, clay, and much more to create 2D and 3D art. Students who have not had the opportunity to take Art 6 or Art 7 will easily be caught up to speed and will catch onto concepts quickly and efficiently.
Band 8 (year): Band 8 continues the ideas of FUN and skills development but focuses MUCH more on performance. 8th grade band members give an average of 1 -2 performances per quarter in a variety of situations both on and off campus for a total of 8-10 performances a year. Because of their increased level, there is an increased demand for higher level of performances. It is also building the skills needed for success in the HS band--an amazing class and student group.
Choir 8 (year): This is a year-long course that explores three and four-part music, performs in the community when possible, and looks to participate as a team towards a common goal. We do a LOT of different styles of music! Anyone can join this group, even if you had never been in choir in the past. You will typically have one performance per quarter that you have to attend.
Career Lab 8 (semester): This course emphasizes independent living and life skills applied to career readiness. Students will engage in hands-on, real-world activities such as budgeting, organization, and employability skills, connecting personal strengths and interests to career and high school planning.
Exploratory Spanish 8 (semester): This introductory course offers 8th graders a fast-paced, high-energy "passport" to the Spanish-speaking world. Students will build a foundation in essential communication, focusing on practical phrases for introducing themselves, expressing likes and dislikes, and navigating daily life. Beyond the basics of grammar and vocabulary, the curriculum dives into the vibrant cultures of Spain and Latin America through music, food, and traditions. By the end of the semester, students will have the confidence to carry out simple conversations and a clear preview of what to expect in high school Level 1 Spanish.