Archive
Eighth Health and Wellness: Human Relationships and Sexuality
- Skills
Eighth grade Life Skills is an enrichment course entitled “Human Relationships and Sexuality.” Classes meet twice a week during the fall term for a total of twenty classes. Throughout the course, students will explore a variety of topics including personal values, decision-making within relationships, male/female anatomy, reproduction, abstinence, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV/AIDS), sexual orientation, and sexuality in the media. Classes will consist of discussions, participatory activities, group work, multimedia presentations, and selected readings. Altogether, this course is full of vital information that we hope students will carry with them for years to come.
Ninth Health and Wellness: Keys to Maintaining Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Relationships
- Skills
Substance Use and Abuse is the title and focus in the ninth grade winter term. In addition to information about brain functioning, stress, addictive substances, treatment, and legal issues, discussion centers on making decisions regarding substance use.
Foundations of Mathematics III
- Mathematics
Foundations of Mathematics III offers a bridge between Foundations of Mathematics II and Algebra I for those students who are still transitioning between the concrete realm of arithmetic and the abstract concepts of algebra. The focus of this course is to develop genuine understanding through a blend of problem based learning and explicit instruction, where an emphasis is placed on making connections between old and new concepts. Topics covered include properties of exponents, linear equations, functions, data analysis, systems of equations, congruence and similarity of geometric figures, the Pythagorean theorem and surface area and volume of geometric solids. The successful completion of this course will provide students with the mathematical foundation needed to take Algebra I in the fall.
Honors Algebra I
- Mathematics
This course is designed as a fast paced, one year algebra program. The students in this course working both independent and cooperatively to master and apply the foundational skills necessary to find success in future math courses. Students will work through functions using rational numbers, make connections with both algebraic and graphical representations of the work, solve second degree (quadratics) equations and use introductory trigonometry.
Geometry
- Mathematics
Students must have completed an approved Algebra I program to place into Geometry. This course is covered in one academic year. A strong emphasis is placed on the importance of step-by-step proofs and other topics, such as parallel and perpendicular lines, relationships with triangles, polygons and quadrilaterals, right triangles and trigonometry, area, surface area and volume. Students are encouraged to become independent learners through challenging homework questions and in-class collaborative activities.
Honors Geometry
- Mathematics
Students must have completed an approved Algebra I program to place into Honors Geometry. This course is taught in one academic year. Emphasis is placed on the importance of step-by-step proofs and other topics, such as parallel and perpendicular lines, relationships with triangles, polygons and quadrilaterals, right triangles and trigonometry, area, surface area and volume. The Honors section explores these topics in greater depth, often involving more complex proofs and the detailed relationship between geometry and trigonometry. Honors students have skills that allow them to learn both independently and collaboratively.
Fifth Art
- Arts
In the fifth grade students apply artistic processes and skills, using different kinds of paint, clay, foam board, and collage materials to communicate meaning and intent in original works of art. They develop creative skills in problem solving, communication, and time management that contribute to lifelong learning. All of these components of art making are combined in a safe and fun environment that encourages creativity and creative risk taking.
Seventh Art
- Arts
The seventh grade art curriculum focuses on creativity and learning various art making techniques, such as painting, printmaking, ceramics, drawing, and sculpture. Assignments encourage experimentation and invention and are designed to develop a relationship between arts, culture, history, and other academic subjects.
General Studio Art
- Arts
The general studio art curriculum focuses on creativity but with an emphasis on more ambitious projects. Utilizing techniques that are studied in seventh grade such as painting, drawing, and sculpture, students are expected to further refine their skills. Assignments will continue to encourage experimentation and invention. Projects are designed to develop a relationship between arts, culture, history, and other academic subjects.
Guitar I
- Arts
Guitar I is an introductory level course exploring both popular and classical music. Chords and melodies are taught using a combination of tablature and standard notation.