7th Grade Requirement – Full Year Language Arts 7

8th Grade Requirement – Full Year Language Arts 8

All Science classes require a $10 class fee

Integrated Science 7:

• This year-long course covers the nature and process of developing scientific knowledge and understanding, which includes constant questioning, testing, and refinement, which must be supported by evidence and has little to do with popular consensus. They should observe, inquire, question, formulate and test hypotheses, analyze data, report, and evaluate findings. Students, as scientists, will have hands-on, active experiences with the science curriculum. The standards help students find value in developing novel solutions as they engage with complex problem

Integrated Science 8:

• This year-long course covers the nature and process of developing scientific knowledge and understanding, which includes constant questioning, testing, and refinement, which must be supported by evidence and has little to do with popular consensus. They should observe, inquire, question, formulate and test hypotheses, analyze data, report, and evaluate findings. Students, as scientists, will have hands-on, active experiences with the science curriculum. The standards help students find value in developing novel solutions as they engage with complex problems.

STEM 7

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 7 is a year-long, two period course that teaches the curriculum of 7th Grade Mathematics, Integrated Science 7, along with some engineering/technology concepts and processes. Students will participate in a competition or presentation that will showcase what the students have learned.

STEM 8

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 8 is a year-long, two period course that teaches the curriculum of 8th Grade Mathematics, Integrated Science 8, along with some engineering/technology concepts and processes. Students will participate in a competition or presentation that will showcase what the students have learned.

Utah Studies:

• Utah Studies is a semester course required by the State of Utah for all 7th graders. The study of Utah permits students to understand more deeply the place they call home.

U.S. History I:

• United States History I is a year-long course that includes events and issues in United States history from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction, emphasizing the 18th and 19th centuries.

Health:

• This semester course provides opportunities for 8th grade students to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for life-long, health-enhancing behaviors.

• All PE classes are COED

PE

• The goal of this semester course is to develop healthy, responsible students who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work together in groups, think critically, and participate in a variety of activities that lead to a lifelong healthy lifestyle.

PE – Aerobic Walking and Jogging

• This semester course involves walking and jogging daily for aerobic fitness.

PE – Fitness and Nutrition

• This semester course explores ways to stay active and healthy. Students will learn circuit training, strength building, flexibility, cardio, and proper nutrition.

PE – Sports Conditioning

• In this semester course you will develop deeper knowledge of team sports and experience fitness and exercise principles that will provide a better quality of life. Personal improvement drives the core of this class. Units included in this class: Fitness Testing, Basketball, Interval Training, Flag Football, etc.

College and Career Awareness (FACS, Tech, Business):

• College and Career Awareness is a year-long course designed to prepare students for college and careers.
• Class Fee: $20

Art Foundations I:

• This semester course extends the elementary art core, with an emphasis on drawing skills, color, and design objectives. It is a pre-requisite to all other art electives. Basic vocabulary, technical skills, aesthetics, art history, production, and art criticism are part to this course. (See electives section for other art classes.)
• Class Fee: $6

Art Foundations I:

• Note: One semester of music is required in the 7th grade. Please see course descriptions under electives.

Advanced Foundations – 2

• This semester course is a continuation of Art Foundations I and will introduce students to various art forms including: Drawing, Painting, Digital Art, and sculpture. Emphasis will be placed on using the creative process to find and develop ideas. Students
  must have completed Art Foundations I to take this course.
• Class Fee: $12

Art Foundations – Digital Art

• In this semester course, students will create digital artworks with iPads, chromebooks, and various design apps and software used by professional artists. Emphasis will be placed on using the creative process to find and develop ideas.
• Class Fee: $12

Advanced Foundations – Sculpture:

• This semester course introduces students to various forms of sculpture including clay sculpture, digital sculpture, and 3d printing. These skills and mediums are widely used in the production of movies, video games, engineering, etc.”
• Class Fee: $12

FACS Exploration – Foods

• In this semester course, students will learn about nutrition, basic cooking skills, kitchen safety and sanitation, measuring, kitchen equipment, cooking terms, microwave cooking, etiquette and manners, child nutrition, free enterprise, and career exploration.
• Class Fee: $10

FACS Exploration – Sewing

• In this semester course, students will learn basic sewing and serging skills, and an introduction to interior design, fashion design, and entrepreneurship.
• Class Fee: $10 

AVID

• AVID is a year-long course. AVID is proven to improve college readiness, college acceptance, and persistence once in college. AVID provides students with academic, social, and emotional support to help them succeed in rigorous courses. In AVID, students will work to improve critical-thinking and note taking skills and learn how to collaborate effectively. Learn more about the program and research at their website.
• AVID website

Dance I A

• This semester course is a beginning level dance class. Students will develop a foundation in the basic body control skills of technique, strength, flexibility, alignment, and coordination. Students will have the opportunity to explore various genres of dance, such as: Contemporary Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop. Students will also explore their choreographic skills. Participation in the semester-end concert is required.
  This course fulfills the state PE requirement.
• Class Fee: $6
• Costume Fee: $25

Dance I A – Hip Hop

• This semester course is a beginning level dance class. Students will learn about the pillars of hip hop dance and culture. Students will have the opportunity to explore various styles of hip hop such as: breaking, locking, popping, New Jack Swing, etc. Participation in the semester-end concert is required. This course
  fulfills the state PE requirement.
• Class Fee: $6
• Costume Fee: $25

Dance I B

• Dance I B is a semester course that builds upon the experience in Dance I A. It provides further exploration of the genres of dance as well as experiences in dance technique, choreography, and improvisation. Participation in the semester-end concert is required. Students must have completed Dance I A or get an application from Mrs. Strauss to take this course. This course fulfills the state PE requirement.
• Class Fee: $6
• Costume Fee: $25

Dance I – Company

• This year-long course will expand on the genres of dance: Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, and Lyrical. Dance Company students will expand their knowledge of technique, improvisation and choreography. Students will learn how to stage a dance for concert, which includes: staging, costumes, lights etc. Participation in both semester-end concerts is required. Students will perform their own choreographed dance pieces as well as instructor taught dance pieces. Application
  required. Auditions for Dance I – Company will be held in the spring. This course fulfills the state PE requirement.
• Class Fee: $12
• Costume Fee: $25

Social Dance Ballroom I

• No experience is necessary! This semester course will introduce students to the Cha cha, Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing, etc. Emphasis is given to correct technique and leading and following. Social etiquette is introduced and used. You will need to register as either a leader or follower. Leaders are traditionally men; followers are traditionally women. This course fulfills the state PE requirement.
• Class Fee: $6

Social Dance Ballroom II

• In this semester course, students will learn steps and technique of Foxtrot, Cha cha, Tango, Swing and Samba. Students will participate in multiple aspects of Ballroom Dance: performance, competition and social. You will need to register as either a leader or follower. Leaders are traditionally men; followers are traditionally women. Must have taken Social Dance Ballroom I. This course fulfills the state PE requirement.
• Class Fee: $6

Ballroom Dance Company – Team

• Audition Only! In this year-long course, students will learn formation routines using the dances and steps learned in previous classes and are given the opportunity to perform those routines. Previous experience in Ballroom is necessary. This course
  fulfills the state PE requirement.

Portugués 3 DLI

• This year-long course continues the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections. For Dual Immersion students only. (7th Grade) Students will earn High School credit upon completion of this course.
• Class Fee: $10

Portuguese 4 DLI

• This year-long course continues the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections. For Dual Immersion students only. (8th Grade) Students will earn High School credit upon completion of this course.
• Class Fee: $10

DLI Cultura y medios de comunicación portugueses

• This year-long or semester course builds skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students utilize media and authentic texts to discuss the diverse cultural products, practices and perspective of the Portuguese-speaking world. For Dual Immersion
  students only. Students will earn High School credit upon completion of this course.
• Class Fee: $5

Español 3 DLI

• This year-long course continues the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections. For Dual Immersion students only. (7th Grade) Students will earn High School credit upon completion of this course.
• Class Fee $10

Spanish 4 DLI

• This year-long course continues the development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading selections. For Dual Immersion students only. (8th Grade) Students will earn High School credit upon completion of this course.
• Class Fee: $10

DLI Cultura española y medios de comunicación

• This year-long or semester course builds skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students utilize media and authentic texts to discuss the diverse cultural products, practices and perspective of the Spanish-speaking world. For Dual Immersion students only. Students will earn High School credit upon completion of this course.
• Class Fee: $5

Chinese – 1B

• This semester course is a continuation of Chinese – 1A Intro.
• Class Fee: $5

Spanish 1A – Intro

• This semester course introduces students to the Spanish language and culture. Students will study grammar, along with frequently used words and phrases.
• Class Fee: $5

Spanish 1B

• This semester course is a continuation of Spanish 1A
• Intro
• Class Fee: $5

General Music (Music Connections):

• This semester course is a study of different aspects of music including music theory, history, and culture.

Chorus I – Soprano/Alto:

• A semester course for 7th and 8th grade students who love to sing and who haven’t yet learned to read music or are just getting started.
• Besides learning to read music, students will also develop good vocal techniques and will sing in one concert at the end of the semester.
• This class is for students with higher voices who will sing soprano or alto.
• Class Fee: $6

Chorus I – Tenor/Bass:

• A semester course for 7th and 8th grade students who love to sing and who haven’t yet learned to read music or are just getting started.
• Besides learning to read music, students will also develop good vocal techniques and will sing in one concert at the end of the semester.
• This class is for students with lower voices as well as students whose voices are becoming lower. These students will sing tenor or bass.
• Class Fee: $6

Chorus I – Year:

• A year-long course for 7th and 8th grade students who love to sing and perform.
• This choir is for students with both high and low voices.
• Previous experience with reading music and singing in choir is preferred, but not required.
• These students will develop good vocal techniques, will learn music theory, and will perform in 4-6 concerts throughout the school year.
• Class Fee: $12

Chorus II – Concert:

• A year-long course for 8th grade students who love to sing and perform.
• Students in this choir will either sing soprano, alto, or baritone.
• These students will continue to develop good vocal techniques, will learn more advanced music theory, and will perform in 4-6 concerts throughout the school year.
• Application required.
• Class Fee: $12

Chorus II – Aria:

• A year-long course for 8th grade students who love to sing and perform.
• Students in this choir will either sing 1st soprano, 2nd soprano, or alto.
• These students will continue to develop good vocal techniques, will learn more advanced music theory, and will perform in 4-6 concerts throughout the school year.
• Application required.
• Class Fee: $12

Band I – Beginning:

• This year-long course is for students who have no experience playing a band instrument.
• Students in this class will have the choice of playing flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or euphonium.
• Students will need to buy or rent an instrument and will be expected to practice at home regularly.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Band I – Intermediate:

• This year-long course is for students who have completed at least one year of band class.
• Most students will continue on the same instrument but may have the opportunity to switch to a similar instrument (with teacher approval) to expand and balance the instrumentation of the ensemble.
• For example, a clarinet player may be able to switch to saxophone or a trumpet player may be able to switch to French horn.
• Students will need to buy or rent an instrument and will be expected to practice at home regularly.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Band II – Concert:

• This year-long course is an advanced class for students who have completed at least one year of instruction and have also demonstrated proficiency on their instrument.
• Most students will continue on the same instrument but may have the opportunity to switch to a similar instrument (with teacher approval) to expand and balance the instrumentation of the ensemble.
• For example, a clarinet player may be able to switch to saxophone or a trumpet player may be able to switch to French horn.
• Students will need to buy or rent an instrument and will be expected to practice at home regularly.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Band II – Symphonic:

• This class requires teacher permission for registration.
• This year-long course is our most advanced class for students who have achieved a high level of proficiency on their instrument.
• This class will be held to a higher level of performance expectations.
• Students will need to buy or rent an instrument and will be expected to practice at home regularly.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Band II – Jazz:

• Jazz Band is an advanced class that requires an audition.
• Auditions will be held the first week of school.
• This class meets at 7:00-7:45 am Tuesday – Friday.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Band I – Percussion:

• This is a year-long course for students to learn skills for playing percussion.
• They will learn to play bells and snare drum.
• They will need to practice at home daily.
• Students who wish to play percussion with the band will need to sign up for Band II – Intermediate 2nd semester.
• Students must provide their own percussion kit.
• School rentals are limited and should only be used if there is no way for the student to get a percussion kit from a music store. (Limited enrollment.)
• School Instrument Rental: $40
• Class Fee: $12

Guitar – Beginning:

• This semester course teaches fundamental chord and note reading skills for guitar.
• Students will need to practice 20-30 minutes daily to keep up in this class because it is fast-paced.
• Students will need to rent or purchase an acoustic guitar.
• This class will have a required evening recital at the end of the semester. (Limited enrollment.)
• School Instrument Rental: $40
• Class Fee: $6

Orchestra I – Beginning:

• This year-long course will teach students to read music and play a stringed instrument.
• Previous experience not required.
• This class will have three performances per year.
• Students are OBLIGATED to continue with this class for the entire school year.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Orchestra II – Concert:

• This year-long course is for students who have prior experience (typically more than one year) with string instruments.
• Students will learn shifting, vibrato, and other high-level string techniques.
• This class will have four performances per year in addition to a small ensemble performance.
• Students are OBLIGATED to continue with this class for the entire school year.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Orchestra III – Chamber:

• This year-long, advanced course is for string students who have had more than two years of playing experience.
• The class will perform in at least one festival and give four concerts in addition to a small ensemble performance. Students will pursue shifting, vibrato, tuning, as well as other high-level string techniques. Students are OBLIGATED to continue with this class for the entire school year.
• School Instrument Rental: $75
• Class Fee: $12

Creative Coding I

• This semester course is an introduction to programming and publishing mobile apps and games.
• Class Fee: $5

Exploring Technology – Robotics I

• In this semester course, students build and program robots individually and in teams. Students will learn drafting skills to draw plans for their robots.
• Class Fee: $10

Theatre Foundations I:

• This semester course will expose students to various forms of theater and communication.
• Students will develop and demonstrate abilities in the following areas:
  • Improvisation
  • Storytelling
  • Movement
  • Two-Person Scene
  • Script Analysis

Theatre Foundations II:

• This semester course is for students interested in the world of theater.
• The focus will be on developing skills in:
  • Acting
  • Improvisation
  • Theatre jobs, including:
    • Set design
    • Light design
    • Costume design
    • Stage makeup
• Theatre Foundations I is highly recommended.

Latinos in Action:

• Latinos in Action (LIA) is a year-long course designed to empower youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness.
• Students will develop essential leadership and mentoring skills.
• Students will be expected to:
  • Maintain high academic and behavioral standards
  • Serve in leadership roles and committees
  • Participate in LIA activities
  • Mentor elementary school students
• Open to all 8th grade students.
• Application required.

Peer Tutor:

• This semester course allows students to teach and support special needs students.
• Students will help develop skills in:
  • Academics
  • Vocational skills
  • Social skills
  • Leisure activities

Student Government:

• This semester course teaches leadership skills and offers opportunities to work in the school.
• Students will work with the student body officers in groups to:
  • Plan and prepare school activities
  • Serve the student body
• The course includes:
  • Theories of leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Speech making
  • Committee work
  • Citizenship development
• Application required.

Yearbook:

• This year-long course allows 8th grade students to use software to:
  • Edit photos
  • Film and create print projects
  • Produce a student newspaper
  • Design the yearbook
  • Create public service videos, posters, and flyers
• Application required.
• Class Fee: $10

Student Aide:

• We are always on the lookout for smiling and reliable 8th grade students!
• This semester course is ideal for students who:
  • Enjoy working with people
  • Are able to work independently