Electives
GRADE 7
FULL YEAR COURSES
BAND/ORCHESTRA
The emphasis of this program is to enhance playing ability and provide experiences with a wide variety of musical literature. Students participating in this program receive one small group lesson each week as well as daily rehearsals. Band and Orchestra students perform in concerts including tours to district elementary schools, winter and spring concerts and a music festival with High School District 211. Students must currently be enrolled in the District 54 6th grade instrumental program to be eligible.
CHORUS
Chorus is specifically designed for students who like to sing and perform. The choral music program provides an opportunity for students to develop fundamentals of vocal techniques and to learn a selection of choral compositions and styles. Students will showcase their talents in a variety of performances throughout the school year, including a choral festival with High School District 211.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Students who successfully complete two years in the same language in junior high MAY qualify to receive advance placement at the high school. It is therefore essential that students begin a Foreign Language in 7th grade if they wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
Spanish I: Students enrolled in Foreign Language will develop basic conversational and writing skills. Instruction provides many supporting visuals and media to assist students in gaining greater proficiency in their chosen language, while maximizing the element of fun in learning a new language.
Spanish III/Spanish IV: Students will build upon the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills they have developed during their years in the dual language program. Students also study cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and receive instruction in grammar necessary for proficient and accurate speaking and writing. The courses are based on thematic units of study in which students are able to continue developing their skills and knowledge.
ART
The emphasis in this full year course is on fun, exploration and learning through the creative process. Students in this course will create works of art by drawing, painting sketching, sculpting and much more. In addition, they will learn about artists and related art history. Students do not need a special talent in art to enroll in this course.
MEDIA PRODUCTION
In this full year course, students will gain extensive knowledge of design multimedia production. Students will have the opportunity to compose scripts using various forms of technology. They will practice communication skills in a cooperative learning environment while learning multimedia/broadcasting techniques.
TRIMESTER (12 WEEKS) COURSES
ART
In this trimester course students will learn about the vocabulary, techniques, tools and materials that are used in creating art. Students will be introduced to a wide range of media while creating drawings, paintings, designs, and more. Art history will also be explored. Students do not need a special talent in art to enroll in this course.
CHORUS
This trimester course is designed for students who like to sing and perform but cannot fit chorus into their schedule as a year-long course. The choral music program provides an opportunity for students to learn vocal techniques and participate in rehearsals working toward the ultimate goal of taking part in a performance near the end of the trimester.
MUSIC
This course is for students who want to learn about music, listen to music and experience playing music. Students will explore the elements of music through creation and performance. A variety of instruments and music activities will be used to learn rhythm and music composition. Music from many parts of the world and different cultures will be experienced.
STUDY SKILLS
This course is designed with a focus on preparing students for success in junior high, leading to success in high school. Students will enhance their skills in problem-solving, reading strategies, time management, organization and test-taking strategies. Learn how to work smarter, not harder.
MEDIA PRODUCTION
In this twelve week course, students will be introduced to the basics of multimedia production. Students will work cooperatively to develop scripts and produce broadcasts while learning and practicing the foundations of personal and public communication via multimedia technology.
GRADE 8
FULL YEAR COURSES
BAND/ORCHESTRA
The emphasis of this program is to enhance playing ability and provide experiences with a wide variety of musical literature. Students participating in this program receive one small group lesson each week as well as daily rehearsals. Band and Orchestra performance concerts include tours to district elementary schools, winter and spring concerts and a music festival with High School D211. 8th grade students must have completed 7th grade Band or Orchestra.
CHORUS
Chorus is specifically designed for students who like to sing and perform. The choral music program provides an opportunity for students to develop fundamentals of vocal techniques, learn to read music and experience a selection of choral compositions and styles. Students will showcase their talents in a variety of performances throughout the school year, including a choral festival with High School District 211.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Students who successfully complete two years in the same language in junior high MAY qualify to receive advance placement at the high school.
Spanish I: Students enrolled in Foreign Language will develop basic conversational and writing skills. Instruction provides many supporting visuals and media to assist students in gaining greater proficiency in their chosen language, while maximizing the element of fun in learning a new language.
Spanish II: In this course students continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in their chosen language. At this level, students will be challenged to communicate more frequently in meaningful context. Oral and written skills will continue to be developed through the use of multimedia resources. Students must have successfully completed Level I in 7th grade
Spanish III/Spanish IV: Students will build upon the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills they have developed during their years in the dual language program. Students also study cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and receive instruction in grammar necessary for proficient and accurate speaking and writing. The courses are based on thematic units of study in which students are able to continue developing their skills and knowledge.
ART
Students who choose this full year course will create exciting works of art in the areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The students will learn more advanced techniques and use more professional materials. In addition, the class may include regular sketching, design, acrylic painting, chalk and oil pastel drawings, ceramics, commercial art, media exploration, cartooning, linoleum printing and mixed media projects. Art History and Visual Culture concepts will also be explored. Students do not need a special talent in art to enroll in this course
MEDIA PRODUCTION
In this full year course, students will gain extensive knowledge of design multimedia production. Students will have the opportunity to compose scripts using various forms of technology. They will practice communication skills in a cooperative learning environment while learning multimedia/broadcasting techniques.
TRIMESTER (12 WEEKS) COURSES
ART
In this trimester lab course students will be encouraged to express their creativity through a variety of visual art activities designed to build artistic skills and familiarize students with major art styles and artists. Art projects will include paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures cartoon art, ceramics and more. Students do not need a special talent in art to enroll in this course.
CHORUS
This trimester course is designed for students who like to sing and perform but cannot fit chorus into their schedule as a year-long course. The choral music program provides an opportunity for students to learn vocal techniques and participate in rehearsals working toward the ultimate goal of taking part in a performance near the end of the trimester.
MUSIC
This course is for students who want to learn about music, listen to music and experience playing music. Students will explore the elements of music through creation and performance using keyboards and guitars. A variety of instruments and music activities will be used to learn rhythm and music composition.
STUDY SKILLS
This course is designed with a focus on preparing students for success in junior high, leading to success in high school. Students will enhance their skills in problem-solving, reading strategies, time management, organization and test-taking strategies. Learn how to work smarter, not harder.
MEDIA PRODUCTION
In this twelve week course, students will be introduced to the basics of multimedia production. Students will work cooperatively to develop scripts and produce broadcasts while learning and practicing the foundations of personal and public communication via multimedia technology.
