Yearlong Related Arts Descriptions

Advanced Art with Mrs. Durbin

Yearlong Art Courses are advanced and rigorous classes with an emphasis on elements and principles of art and color theory study, along with a focus on art history and appreciation of art in careers.  Students create a wide variety of 2-D and 3-D art and spend a more in depth amount of time on a variety of materials and art media.  Students keep their own personal sketchbook and large scale portfolio all year.  

Chorus with Ms. Rogers:

8th Grade Chorus with Ms. Rogers is a year-long singing class.  Students will learn how to correctly use their singing voice and learn how to read music using solfège.  There are two concerts; a winter concert and a spring concert.  Chorus students will also have the opportunity to perform at school-wide events throughout the year.

Yearbook with Mrs. Helms:

Producing a school yearbook is a huge responsibility. In this class, it will be your responsibility to successfully learn how to complete a published book of memories that thoroughly covers all aspects of our school throughout the school year.  As a class member, you will be expected to complete the yearbook curriculum, write yearbook copy, take photographs of all school events, create layouts and edit.  Covering school events can include spending time before school hours, during the school day, and after school hours as required by the covered events.  Students must meet all deadlines in order to have the yearbook completed by the due date set by the publishing company.

Students must be enthusiastic about creatively showing every facet of our diverse school population!

Semester Long Related Arts Classes 

Visual Arts with Mrs. Durbin

Using Elements and Principles of Art as a foundation, students learn about artists and the history of art through project work and research. 2-D and 3D  art is explored, and art appreciation is a focus for learning about the many types of art. Students keep a sketchbook and portfolio for the duration of the semester.

Speech with Mr. Dobbins:

In this course, students prepare and present a number of speeches.  Students will learn the skills to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently. Through journal-writing, students will have opportunities to explore new ways to express their opinions about various topics. In addition, students will develop the ability to evaluate their classmates’ speeches through positive feedback and constructive criticism.

Automation and Robotics with Mr. Hysinger:

Exploring Careers through STEM is a platform for students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills needed for career opportunities in the 21st Century. The project and problem-based learning style develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to enhance these skills. Seventh and eighth grade students use a national curriculum called Project Lead the Way. In eighth grade, students use the Project Lead the Curriculum called Automation and Robotics.

General Music with Ms. Rogers:

8th Grade General Music with Ms. Rogers is a semester piano/keyboard class.  Students will learn how to read music notation on the staff, play songs in various positions, and learn how to play chords.  A music composition project is also a big part of this course.

Middle School Spanish with Mrs. Bass:

Middle School Spanish is a semester-long course that introduces students to the language and prepares them for the next level when they decide to continue learning a foreign language. *Does not build upon 7th grade Middle School Spanish. This is still introductory level.

Exploring Careers and Employment with Mrs. Charlton:

The mission of the Middle Grades Career Development Program is to allow all students to participate in activities intended to explore career opportunities so that they are more prepared to make wise decisions about education pathways in high school to prepare them for future career goal choices in high school and beyond.

Exploring Economic Systems with Mr. Peoples:

8th Grade Exploring Economic Systems - The main goal is to prepare the students for real world situations and to practice basic principles in case they decide to apply for a summer job in the near future.