DCMS 7-8 Course Selection Guide

Transcription

1 DCMS 7-8 Course Selection Guide Deer Creek Middle School W. Columbine Drive FAX Littleton, CO Excellence at DCMS Welcome to Deer Creek! Whether you are a new or returning 7 th or 8 th grader at Deer Creek Middle School, I hope you find this course guide informative and useful. Within these pages you will find descriptions of the courses available to students in 7 th and 8 th grade, including core and elective courses, as well as the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Humanities programs. Please read through the information and descriptions and consider your elective choices for next year. Use this booklet to help fill out your course selection form. Incoming 7 th graders will be visiting Deer Creek in March to learn more about the course selection process. After your visit, you ll be given a course selection form to take home and fill out with a parent. The course guide is also available on the Deer Creek website. Signed and completed forms can be turned in at either your elementary school or at Deer Creek. Current 7 th graders will be meeting with the counselors in March to learn more about course selection. Signed and completed course selection forms are then brought to school for online course registration the next week. If these materials and meetings still leave you with questions, please don t hesitate to contact us. We want to make the course selection process as painless as possible and will be happy to assist you. Sincerely, Rob Hoover Principal Deer Creek has been an annual winner of the Colorado Department of Education s John Irwin School of Excellence award since Deer Creek is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School and a National School of Excellence. Deer Creek students scored among the highest in Jeffco on the 2016 CMAS language arts, math, and science assessments, ranking among the top neighborhood middle schools in each subject. Deer Creek offers two program options for students - STEM and Humanities to provide different instructional environments to better match the learning styles of students. Our students receive 216 minutes of instruction in core classes and 108 minutes of elective classes each day. Our elective program includes Spanish, French, world languages, band, orchestra, choir, family and consumer science, art, computers, creative writing, drama, physical education, technology education, mentorship, teacher aides, yearbook and more. Our counseling department oversees a comprehensive bully-proofing program, support groups for students dealing with personal issues, and academic advisement. Our Accountability Committee meets quarterly to discuss school concerns and community issues. We welcome parental involvement and input. Our faculty coaches after-school sports for our students including flag football, volleyball, basketball, and track. We also host a variety of clubs and activities. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 1

2 Language Arts All students at Deer Creek Middle School take Language Arts in both seventh and eighth grades. This two-year course uses a genre study model to develop reading and writing skills, with an in-depth study of four genres each year. Students read and write in a variety of genres including Personal Narrative, Feature Articles, Consumer Product Review, Biographical Profile, Literary Analysis, Memoir, and Argumentative Speech. Students also read a variety of non-fiction, fiction, poetry, and short stories. Various class novels and short stories are used to help students recognize literature as human experience. Students sharpen reading skills with such strategies as predicting, skimming, highlighting, rereading, comparing/contrasting, identifying cause/effect, drawing conclusions, annotating the text, identifying themes, and making connections to the real world. Reading and writing are complementary skills and are learned hand-in-hand. Genre study focuses on units of reading paired with units of writing - which culminates in a final written piece for each genre that is studied. In addition to the Language Arts course, 7 th graders also receive extended core instruction in writing. This requirement can be met through enrollment in any of these two 12-week courses designed to improve and develop the skills of all writers: Composition and Creative Writing. Mathematics Five mathematics courses are taught at Deer Creek in 7 th and 8 th grade, each following the Colorado Academic Standards. The depth to which those standards are addressed varies according to the readiness of the students and the following course descriptions. Math 7 This course is aligned to the grade 7 Colorado Academic Standards in math, reinforcing and enhancing the understanding and application of basic skills to solve real-world problems. The course uses the Big Ideas Math series, emphasizing proficiency in skills involving rational numbers and operations, proportional reasoning, algebraic formulas, expressions, equations and inequalities, 2D & 3D geometry, statistics and probability, and mathematical practices. Math 7/8 This course is aligned to the grade 7 and 8 Colorado Academic Standards in math and emphasizes the development of basic algebraic concepts and the application of computational and problem solving skills to real-world situations. This course uses the Big Ideas Math series and includes topics such as number theory, equation solving, percent, geometry, rational numbers, graphing, exponents, and order of operations. 7 th grade students must demonstrate proficiency in Math 7 skills through 6 th grade MAP and 5 th grade CMAS testing to be eligible. Math 8 This 8 th grade course aligns with the grade 8 Colorado Academic Standards in math, emphasizing the development of basic algebraic concepts and the application of computational and problem solving skills to real-world situations. This course uses the Big Ideas Math series and includes topics such as number theory, equation solving, bivariate data, geometry, rational numbers, graphing, exponents, order of operations, and mathematical practices. Algebra 7 / Algebra 8 This challenging high school level course is an exploration of the behavior of numbers and the basic structure of algebra. Included in the course are problem solving based upon equations and inequalities, graphs, simultaneous equations, factors, exponents, radicals, fractions, ratio/ proportion, properties of real number operations, quadratic equations, polynomials, and rational expressions. 7 th grade students must demonstrate an advanced math achievement level through 6 th grade MAP, 5 th grade CMAS, and Algebra placement testing. Geometry 8 This high school level course explores shapes & their properties. Included in this course are volume, surface area, and Pythagorean Theorem. Students will also learn beginning trigonometry rules, theorems and proofs. Students will explore problem solving through the use of geometric concepts, patterns and properties. Students must have completed a full year of Algebra with a letter grade of an A or B to be eligible. Jeffco graduation standards require three years of math in high school at the level of Algebra or higher to demonstrate proficiency in high school math standards. The Colorado Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR) state that students must have four years of math (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) at the high school level to be considered eligible for admittance to four-year public colleges and universities in Colorado. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 2

3 Social Studies 7 th Grade Geography Throughout 7 th grade, students focus on the ways in which physical geography impacts human existence and, conversely, the ways in which humans impact the environment. To begin the year, the focus will be on the foundations of civilization established by ancient peoples in what are now the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The study of ancient civilization will introduce themes that will be re-visited throughout the year. Several of those themes can be grouped together and labeled comparative governments. Students will study concepts such as power, justice and the rights and responsibilities of citizens within various forms of government. Economic networks and resource distribution is another unit of study in 7 th grade. Concepts central to this unit include globalization, the characteristics of developed and developing countries, scarcity and supply and demand. The final unit of study for 7 th grade is called Global Interactions. One essential question for this unit is What are reasons that cooperation and conflict exist? This unit applies much of what students have studied previously in the year. Science 7 th Grade Science This course focuses on the three science disciplines: life, earth, and physical. Curriculum includes the study of body systems, cells, photosynthesis, natural selection, geologic processes, earth history, and properties of matter, and includes a healthy decision making unit. Students engage in labs and activities, in a laboratory setting, making use of scientific processes and equipment, as they investigate and find answers to questions. 8 th Grade Science This course focuses on the three science disciplines: life, earth, and physical. Curriculum includes the study of forces in motion, energy transformations, physical/chemical change, wave properties, genetics, weather, climate, and astronomy. Students engage in labs and activities, in a laboratory setting, making use of scientific processes and equipment, as they investigate and find answers to questions. Students in 8th grade classes take state science assessments. The state test assesses scientific processes and methodology as well as the three science disciplines. 8 th Grade U.S. History Students study the history of the United States through various processes and resources used in contemporary historical inquiry. One goal for the course is for students to develop their awareness of the chronological organization of the major events in this country s history, with emphasis on the events of the nineteenth century. Another goal is for students to increase their understanding of the nature of past and present American societies and institutions. This includes the study of technology, religion, economics and political theories. The past is connected with the present by examining historic and current civic and economic trends in the United States. All students will participate in interdisciplinary learning activities as part of their social studies coursework. These lessons incorporate all of the academic disciplines as they extend and reinforce social studies content, while teaching students to apply their knowledge to real-world applications. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 3

4 Humanities & STEM Programs Deer Creek Middle School is unique in Jeffco, serving both the Chatfield community and the surrounding areas with two academic programs: Humanities and STEM. Both programs support the five competencies of the Jeffco 2020 Vision, but each has a distinct focus and learning environment to appeal to learners of different strengths and interests. With over 50 exploratory, elective and support classes available to students in 6th-8th grade, Deer Creek also offers the widest selection of elective programming among middle schools in Jeffco. Our philosophy is that middle level learners need both opportunities to explore a range of electives, as well as avenues to focus on specific interests. HUMANITIES New to Deer Creek in , the Humanities program uses the lens of human culture and experience to help students understand and redefine the connections between past, present, and future. A rigorous curriculum built upon the Colorado learning standards, the program provides regular opportunities for students to participate in self-directed Connections projects, service learning, and Honors Opportunities that expand their perspective, independence, and creativity. Connections Projects are an important component of the Humanities program, building upon the Colorado learning standards. In order for students to truly understand content learning, they need avenues to apply their skills and knowledge to the world around them. Application alone, however, is not enough. Encouraging inquiry and creativity also requires students to pursue their own learning, find their own passions, and seek their own answers. Integrated across subject areas, Connections projects push students to dig deeply into topics, develop independence and perseverance, and use their creativity. Service Learning has two important goals: to provide useful service and to learn from the experience of serving. Offered throughout the year, some service learning activities are part of Connections projects, while others are offered independently. Students who engage in service learning develop the social, personal and intellectual skills necessary to make a positive contribution to society. Whether in the school, the community or the world beyond, service learning provides students with avenues to expand their learning beyond the classroom. Although Deer Creek has high expectations and a rigorous curriculum in all classes, Honors Opportunities are offered in the Humanities program to provide an even greater level of challenge for those who wish to pursue it. Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies offer Honors Opportunities, which are assignment and project options that challenge students to demonstrate a deeper level of understanding of content, concepts, skill and application. Offered through the Humanities classrooms, any student can participate in Honors Opportunities, either for credit (by completing all honors options for the class) or for personal interest (choosing on an assignment- by-assignment basis). Features of Honors Opportunities: Alternative learning choices for students who have an interest in advanced learning opportunities. More challenging opportunities not simply more assignments. Available to interested students in one class or multiple classes, for one assignment or multiple assignments. Recorded on grade reports for any student who completes the honors requirements for the term. 6th grade Humanities focuses on the theme of Who am I? as students learn about themselves, the earth, and the history of the western hemisphere. 6th grade core classes are Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. Math classes are determined by a placement process that aligns each student s current math achievement with an appropriately challenging course. Each student has a daily exploratory period, taking two classes on a rotating schedule. Students take a variety of 6th grade exploratory classes in art, drama, computers, world languages, family & consumer science, and physical education, including the option of choir, band or orchestra. 7th grade Humanities focuses on the theme Who are they? as students learn about cultures around the world, their development, and their interactions and connections to other cultures. Math continues with either Pre-Algebra or Algebra, based on 6th grade math achievement. 7th graders have two elective periods. In order to provide a well-rounded exploration of elective subjects, each student designs their elective experience by choosing courses in each of four areas: Fine & Performing Arts Health & Applied Arts Communications Language & Cultures 8th grade Humanities shifts focus to the theme Who are we? as students examine not only who we are in the world, but who we aspire to be. The core subjects continue with Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, DCMS Course Selection Guide - 4

5 Math, and electives opportunities continue to expand. With over 30 elective course offerings available to them, 8th graders can continue to explore new areas or focus on areas of interest. STEM The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program at Deer Creek Middle School is an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on the application of STEM areas to a problem-based learning model. Students will learn to work in collaborative teams to put their content knowledge into action to solve real-world problems. The STEM program is a challenging curriculum designed to teach the Colorado learning standards, while embedding teamwork and communication skills, engineering principles, and career exploration. Throughout the program, students will develop their teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills in a problem-based learning environment that focuses on the application of their learning to local and global issues. Problem-based projects provide students with opportunities to tackle real-world problems and explore real-world solutions, combining their knowledge and skills across all disciplines. The ability to work successfully in this collaborative problem-solving environment develops skills to be competitive in the 21st century work force. Problem-based learning (PBL) is a curricular and instructional design that challenges students to learn through engagement in a real problem. It is a format that simultaneously develops both problem-solving strategies and disciplinary knowledge and skills by placing students in the active role of problem-solvers confronted with a situation that simulates real-world problems and issues. Working in groups, students identify what they already know, what they need to know, and how and where to access new information that may lead to resolution of the problem. The role of the teacher is to facilitate learning by supporting, guiding, and monitoring the learning process. Embedded throughout the STEM curriculum is instruction on 21st Century skills, commonly referred to as the Four C s creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Part of the Jeffco 2020 Vision, the Four C s are taught explicitly throughout the program, both in core content classes and in PBL units, developing those skills as students progress through the three years of STEM. The three-year STEM program begins in 6th grade with core classes in Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Math classes are determined by a placement process that aligns each student s current math achievement with an appropriately challenging course. Each student has a daily exploratory period, taking two classes on a rotating schedule. All students take a Pre-Engineering course that introduces students to the engineering design process in a hands-on learning environment. Students also take a variety of 6th grade exploratory classes in art, music, drama, computers, cultures, family & consumer science, and physical education, including the option of choir, band or orchestra. Year Two continues with rigorous year-long 7th grade STEM classes in Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Engineering. Math continues with either Pre-Algebra or Algebra, based on 6th grade math achievement. Students also take a 12-week writing extension course, choosing from composition, creative writing, or publications. The remaining elective periods offer choices including art, music, drama, computers, world languages, cultures, family & consumer science, and physical education, including the option of band, orchestra, choir, Spanish 1 or French 1. (Students choosing any of these yearlong options are exempt from the writing extension requirement.) Year Three for 8th graders continues with STEM Science, Math, Language Arts, and Social Studies courses, and two electives. Having two elective periods provides students the option of continuing their engineering experiences while still pursuing other electives, including Spanish 1 & 2, French 1 & 2, band, orchestra, choir, foods, fashion & design, PE, art, jewelry, film, computers, publications, creative writing, robotics, tech ed, drama, mentorship, teacher aides and more. Academic Support In order for students to have academic success at Deer Creek and in their future educational endeavors, strong core skills in language arts and math are essential. In order to meet the needs of students who struggle in these areas, we have a range of supports available. Because different students have different needs, we work to match the appropriate level of support with the individual student. Access Part of the advisory program, Access meets at the end of the day on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and provides an opportunity for students and teachers to get together to support classroom learning. Access allows teachers to provide additional instruction, make-up opportunities, and extra help to students during the school day. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 5

6 After-school Help On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the staff has set aside time after school to help students who may need additional academic support. Students may drop in for extra help as needed or make arrangements in advance to meet with a teacher. The school provides a late bus on these days to provide transportation for students who normally take the regular bus home. Strategic Reading The content of this support course depends upon students abilities and/or diagnosed reading deficits. Taken in conjunction with the grade-level language arts class, Strategic Reading is intended to improve a student s comprehension level, fluency rate, critical thinking and analysis skills, and/or word knowledge and vocabulary. Math Seminar This support class provides additional instruction in math skills from earlier grades to fill gaps in a student s math knowledge. Taken in conjunction with the gradelevel math class, Math Seminar takes the place of one of a student s elective classes. Standards-based Grading Deer Creek uses a standards-based grading system that is consistent with research-based, data-driven educational practices. All students will receive two separate grades in each class. The primary goals of standards-based grading and reporting are: To assess and report what each student knows and is able to do in relation to curriculum content, which is aligned to district and state standards (Content Knowledge Grade). To demonstrate the connection of positive and consistent work habits and behavior to student learning (Work Habits Grade). To provide guidance regarding interventions needed for student success. Content Knowledge Grades are based on student demonstration of academic achievement and are: Determined by a body of academic evidence that supports the achievement of standards in a content area. Determined through the use of multiple assessments over time as well as the opportunity for retakes if necessary. Retake opportunities/multiple opportunities for demonstration of learning are an integral part of standards-based grading and reporting. Reflective of tasks completed, whether in or out of class, to demonstrate an understanding of content knowledge and skills (e.g. assessments, projects, presentations, research papers, etc.). Work Habits Grades are based on student demonstration of behaviors related to work completion, preparedness for learning, participation, and following classroom expectations and are: Determined based on tasks that are assigned for practice or preparation, including homework completion and homework quality. Determined by other factors such as class participation, work ethic, neatness, effort, attendance, punctuality of assignments, class behavior and attitude, student notebooks and journals. Library The Library supports information literacy and educational technology for all students. Emphasis is on the transfer among content areas and from the academic environment to real life through access to traditional print media and digital information. Information literate students are competent, independent learners who know their information needs and actively engage in the world of ideas. They manage technology tools to access information and to communicate, displaying confidence in their ability to solve problems and know what relevant information is. Information literate students can adapt to change and are able to function independently and in groups to create quality products. Counseling Counselors are assigned to students according to their grade level and will remain their counselor throughout their years at Deer Creek. Responsible for delivering the Comprehensive Guidance Plan, counselors provide general support for students, teachers, and parents/guardians by assisting with the transitions from elementary and to high school, consulting on academic needs, addressing personal and social needs, providing classroom instruction on various topics, planning through the Naviance system for high school and beyond, and intervening in crisis situations both at school and throughout the district. They support student success by meeting with their grade-level teams weekly and regularly consulting with teachers to ensure that student needs are being met. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 6

7 Electives 7 th and 8 th grade students have two elective periods in their day. 7 th graders in STEM take a required year-long Pre- Engineering 7 course during one of their elective periods. STEM 7 th graders are also required to take a writing class as an additional core class during an elective period for one trimester. STEM 7 th graders who select a year-long elective class (band, orchestra, choir, French, Spanish) are exempt from the writing class requirement. 7 th graders in Humanities are required to take at least one elective course in each of the following area: Fine & Performing Arts - art, band, orchestra, choir, drama, piano; Health & Applied Arts - PE, family & consumer science, computers, tech ed; Communications - composition, creative writing; Language & Cultures - Spanish, French, cultures, world languages 8 th graders in STEM or Humanities have no specific elective requirements and may choose from any 8 th grade elective offerings. Elective periods may be filled in one of the following ways: Two full-year electives One full-year elective and three trimester electives Six trimester electives A combination of electives and academic support classes Course fees cover the cost of supplies, consumables, uniforms, and other costs of materials that become the property of the student. 7 th Grade Electives Beginning Acting (Exploration in Drama) Fee: $ G This course allows students to develop self-confidence while learning the basics of acting and directing. Students will explore different theatre styles, including improvisation, and present a short play during the trimester. Because activities change each year, students who take Beginning Acting in 7 th grade may take Theatre Arts as 8 th graders. Choir (year-long) 55110G Fee: $10.00 Choir is a year-long elective for 7th and 8th grade boys and girls no prior experience needed. Students learn to sing in a fun, energetic working environment. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, festivals and contests. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the choir program. Curriculum focuses on developing proper technique and singing skills in a variety of musical styles. After school opportunities are available to students through audition, including participation in the school musical, Jefferson County Honor Choir, and Colorado Middle All-State Choir. Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee. Choir (1 trimester) 55110G Fee: $10.00 Offered 1 st trimester, this 12-week version of Choir is for 7 th and 8 th grade boys and girls. No experience necessary to join. Students learn to sing in a fun, energetic working environment. Students perform in 1-2 concerts outside of the school day. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the choir program. Curriculum focuses on developing proper technique and singing skills in a variety of musical styles, and really building confidence in singing. Students have the option to sign up for choir for the rest of the year. Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee. Composition 51103G This course meets the 7 th grade writing requirement. The focus of Composition is to develop the non-fiction writing skills of each student. This course enables students to explore and practice describing, explaining, and arguing topics, with a focus on real world application. In this class students will compose paragraphs as well as multiparagraph papers. Computer Applications 7 7 th Graders 60004G This trimester course is designed to develop skills in many different areas of computer applications. Students will have a variety of independent projects learning valuable editing skills using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Google Drive. Students will also learn the basics of Python programming language. Typing is practiced when students are between assignments DCMS Course Selection Guide - 7

8 Concert Band 55102G Fee: $30.00 Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7 th and 8 th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit Creative Writing 51104G This course meets the 7 th grade writing requirement. The Creative Writing course provides students an opportunity to develop their technique and style in the genre of fictional writing. Assignments could include: fictional narratives, short stories, picture books, plays, and poetry. Cultures & Commerce 54064G Fee: $28.00 Cultures & Commerce is a class partially sponsored through the Young Americans Center for Financial Education. For those familiar with the Ameritowne program in 5th grade, this is the next step... International Towne! The class teaches about different cultures and how they affect global trade. Also addressed will be the concepts of interdependence between nations, economics, supply and demand, and basic business skills in the context of global cultures. Engineering &Technology 71997G Fee: $15.00 Based on applied learning in which students not only read, visualize, and discuss topics, students also design, build, and test results. Utilizing the Engineering Design Process and enhancing motor skills are the objectives for this class. Possible projects include: rockets, gliders, CO2 dragsters, mouse-trap cars, and bridges. This course is repeatable: Because projects change each year, students who take Pre- Engineering or Engineering & Technology in 7 th grade may take Engineering & Technology as 8 th graders. Family and Consumer Science 72201G Fee: $20.00 Family and Consumer Science is an activity-oriented class that focuses on helping students develop and apply important practical skills for independent living. There are two units during this class, Cooking and Sewing. Students will learn how to be safe in the kitchen and be able to cook delicious food throughout the unit. During the sewing unit, students will learn how to hand sew, sew buttons onto clothing, and use a sewing machine. French G Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take French 2 in 8 th grade or high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of French-speaking countries. Literature and Film 51099G Fee: $15.00 In this trimester course students will examine films with books as their source. Students will read a variety of texts including short stories and novels and then analyze the film versions of them. Parent permission is required to participate in this elective for PG-13 rated films. Orchestra 55104G Fee: $30.00 Orchestra is a year-long elective open to students who have previous experience with a string instrument (i.e. violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano). Students who wish to begin a new instrument must discuss this option with Mr. Sudano and strongly consider private lessons. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, regional contests and an overnight trip every other year. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the orchestra program. Students must also be willing to practice consistently and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. Physical Ed 7 7 th Graders 58037G Fee: $11.00 In Physical Education, students continue to develop competence in modified versions of various games and recreational activities, applying similar concepts from one activity to another. Students continue to develop responsible personal and social behaviors by demonstrating decisionmaking skills, conflict-resolution skills, appropriate etiquette, and respect for others. Highlights of the course include: fitness assessment, goal setting, skill development in a wide range of activities, cooperation, teamwork, and sportsmanship, Units may include: Fitness, Badminton, Volleyball, Flag Football, Life Games, Pickleball, Team Handball, Wiffle Ball, and Disc Games. Piano Keyboarding (Music) 55149G Fee: This course is designed for beginners who have always wondered if they would like to try piano lessons but just weren t sure. However, because the class is largely studentpaced, students with experience are also welcome. The instructor will assess the student s level and give assignments at their own level and pace. Publication: Yearbook Application required In this two-trimester course, students will learn layout methods, graphic design, photography skills, and basic computer technology in designing the Deer Creek Yearbook. In addition, students will gain a foundation of basic journalism through researching, interviewing, and writing for publication. Interested students must complete an application form expressing their interest and applicable skills. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 8

9 Spanish G Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take Spanish 2 in 8 th grade or high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of Spanishspeaking countries. Storybook Cooks (Foods & Nutrition 7) Fee: $ G Take a fictional culinary adventure, cooking recipes from or based on a novel. Other activities drawn from the novel will include designing a restaurant and culinary competitions. This course is repeatable: Because novels change each year, students may take this course in 7 th and 8 th grade. Symphonic Band Audition only Fee: $30.00 Symphonic Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an advanced level. Students must be able to perform music consistent with late middle school/early high school curriculum. Students will be considered for this ensemble based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to: playing ability, tone production, sight reading capabilities, access to private lessons, and instrumentation needs of the band. Auditions will be held during March for next year s Symphonic Band. In order to meet instrumentation needs, additional auditions may be offered during the school year. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit Team Sports 7 7 th Graders 58002G Fee: $11.00 In Team Sports, students demonstrate competence in skillful movement in modified sport and recreational activities, transitioning to more complex applications across all types of activities. Students set goals, track progress, and participate in activities to improve health-related fitness. Highlights include: fitness assessment and goal setting, instruction in a variety of team sports, and development of cooperation, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Units may include: Strength & Conditioning, Flag Football, Soccer, Softball/Wiffle Ball, Flag Rugby, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, and Basketball. Engineering &Technology 71997G Fee: $15.00 Based on applied learning in which students not only read, visualize, and discuss topics, students also design, build, and test results. Utilizing the Engineering Design Process and enhancing motor skills are the objectives for this class. Possible projects include: rockets, gliders, CO2 dragsters, mouse-trap cars, and bridges. This course is repeatable: Because projects change each year, students who take Pre- Engineering or Engineering & Technology in 7 th grade may take Engineering & Technology as 8 th graders. Visual Arts G Fee: $10.00 This trimester class will focus on two- and threedimensional art. Some of the projects will include drawing, painting or printmaking, ceramics/clay, sculpture and fibers or clay animation. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and the portfolio list. Because the projects change each year, students may repeat Visual Arts as 8 th graders. World Languages & Cultures 56039G This exploratory language class will introduce students to French, Spanish, German and Mandarin Chinese. Students will learn basic greetings, numbers, colors, objects, people, animals and food as well as celebrations and customs of the people who speak the languages. 8 th Grade Electives Beginning Acting (Exploration in Drama) Fee: $ G This course allows students to develop self-confidence while learning the basics of acting and directing. Students will explore different theatre styles, including improvisation, and present a short play during the trimester. Because activities change each year, students who took Theatre Arts in 7 th grade may take Beginning Acting as 8 th graders. Choir (year-long) 55110G Fee: $10.00 Choir is a year-long elective for 7th and 8th grade boys and girls no prior experience needed. Students learn to sing in a fun, energetic working environment. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, festivals and contests. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the choir program. Curriculum focuses on developing proper technique and singing skills in a variety of musical styles. After school opportunities are available to students through audition, including participation in the school musical, Jefferson County Honor Choir, and Colorado Middle All-State Choir. Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee. Choir (1 trimester) 55110G Fee: $10.00 Offered 1 st trimester, this 12-week version of Choir is for 7 th and 8 th grade boys and girls. No experience necessary to join. Students learn to sing in a fun, energetic working environment. Students perform in 1-2 concerts outside of the school day. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the choir program. Curriculum focuses on developing proper technique and singing skills in a variety of musical styles, and really building confidence in singing. Students have the option to sign up for choir for the rest of the year. Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 9

10 Composition 51103G The focus of Composition is to develop the non-fiction writing skills of each student. This course enables students to explore and practice describing, explaining, and arguing topics, with a focus on real world application. In this class students will compose paragraphs as well as multiparagraph papers. Computer Applications G Students will use applications such as Adobe Soundbooth for audio editing and Adobe Premiere Elements for video editing. Other topics will include copyrights, career possibilities and digital citizenship. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a short projects list. Students must provide their own headphones. Computer Graphics 60202G Students will learn how to manipulate photographs using Adobe Photoshop Elements software and create comic books using Comic Life software. Other topics will include copyrights, keyboard shortcuts and digital photography. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a short projects list. Concert Band 55102G Fee: $30.00 Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7 th and 8 th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit Creative Writing 51104G The Creative Writing course provides students an opportunity to develop their technique and style in the genre of fictional writing. Assignments could include: fictional narratives, short stories, picture books, plays, and poetry. Cultural Cooking (FACS ll) 72201G Fee: $20.00 After learning the basics of food preparation, we will choose a new country each week to study. Students will spend a few days learning about the country, their food-related customs, and foods for which they are famous. After their learning, students will choose a recipe to cook from that country. Cultures & Commerce 54064G Fee: $28.00 Cultures & Commerce is a class partially sponsored through the Young Americans Center for Financial Education. For those familiar with the Ameritowne program in 5th grade, this is the next step... International Towne! The class teaches about different cultures and how they affect global trade. Also addressed will be the concepts of interdependence between nations, economics, supply and demand, and basic business skills in the context of global cultures. Engineering &Technology 71997G Fee: $15.00 Based on applied learning in which students not only read, visualize, and discuss topics, students also design, build, and test results. Utilizing the Engineering Design Process and enhancing motor skills are the objectives for this class. Possible projects include: rockets, gliders, CO2 dragsters, mouse-trap cars, and bridges. This course is repeatable: Because projects change each year, students who take Pre-Engineering or Engineering & Technology in 7 th grade may take Engineering & Technology as 8 th graders. Family and Consumer Science 72201G Fee: $20.00 Family and Consumer Science is an activity-oriented class that focuses on helping students develop and apply important practical skills for independent living. There are two units during this class, Cooking and Sewing. Students will learn how to be safe in the kitchen and be able to cook delicious food throughout the unit. During the sewing unit, students will learn how to hand sew, sew buttons onto clothing, and use a sewing machine. Fashion and Interior Design (FACS III) 72201G Fee: $20.00 Fashion and Interior Design an activity-oriented class that introduces students to the design areas of fashion and interior decorating. During the Interior Design unit students will draw their dream room in one-point perspective as well as designing their dream house on a computer program. During the Fashion Design unit students will learn about the history of fashion and how to hand and machine sew, as well as creating their own clothing. Foods & Nutrition G Fee: $20.00 Foods & Nutrition is an introductory course in food preparation and nutrition. Throughout foods lab experiences, students will be learning the principles of cooking and preparing a variety of foods. Students will also learn the importance of healthy eating habits, safety and sanitation, measurement equivalents, and basic kitchen equipment use. French G Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take French 2 in high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of Frenchspeaking countries. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 10

11 French 2 Available in Building upon the vocabulary and structures learned in French 1, students will learn to communicate authentically about travel, shopping for food and clothing, their daily routines and cultural celebrations. Students will be able to speak, read, and write in past, present, and future tenses, showing an understanding of sentence structure and grammar and comprehend the language when it is spoken slowly. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to take French 3 in high school if they wish to pursue a third year of language. Literature and Film 51099G Fee: $15.00 In this trimester course students will examine films with books as their source. Students will read a variety of texts including short stories and novels and then analyze the film versions of them. Parent permission is required to participate in this elective for PG-13 rated films. Mentorship Application required The greatest disability is having no friends, And this is one that we can bring to an end. This poem was written by a group of middle school students who participated in Mentorship. Mentorship provides support to Deer Creek students who have significant disabilities. As a mentor, you will assist in supporting students as they learn social, vocational, and academic skills. Mentors will need to demonstrate kindness and patience, be willing to learn, be flexible and adaptive, follow directions and take initiative. This elective teaches students strategies for helping make lasting connections between students with and without disabilities in the school community. Students will be asked to write reflections about their learning and experiences. Interested students must complete an application form expressing their interest and applicable skills. Students selected will be notified the trimester before they are enrolled in Mentorship. Metal Jewelry (Creative Art Sculpture/Jewelry) Fee: $ G Students will learn how to saw, enamel, cold connect, polish, engrave and mold metal into jewelry pieces, working with nickel, copper and brass. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a portfolio list. Orchestra 55104G Fee: $30.00 Orchestra is a year-long elective open to students who have previous experience with a string instrument (i.e. violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano). Students who wish to begin a new instrument must discuss this option with Mr. Sudano and strongly consider private lessons. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, regional contests and an overnight trip every other year. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the orchestra program. Students must also be willing to practice consistently and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. Physical Ed G Fee: $11.00 In Physical Education, students continue to develop competence in modified versions of various games and recreational activities, applying similar concepts from one activity to another. Students continue to develop responsible personal and social behaviors by demonstrating decisionmaking skills, conflict-resolution skills, appropriate etiquette, and respect for others. Highlights of the course include: fitness assessment, goal setting, skill development in a wide range of activities, cooperation, teamwork, and sportsmanship, Units may include: Fitness, Badminton, Volleyball, Flag Football, Life Games, Pickleball, Team Handball, Wiffle Ball, and Disc Games. Piano Keyboarding (Music) 55149G Fee: This course is designed for beginners who have always wondered if they would like to try piano lessons but just weren t sure. However, because the class is largely student-paced, students with experience are also welcome. The instructor will assess the student s level and give assignments at their own level and pace. Publication: Yearbook Application required In this two-trimester course, students will learn layout methods, graphic design, photography skills, and basic computer technology in designing the Deer Creek Yearbook. In addition, students will gain a foundation of basic journalism through researching, interviewing, and writing for publication. Interested students must complete an application form expressing their interest and applicable skills. Robotics and Electronics 71009G Students will explore the fundamentals of robotics design, construction and programming through the engineering design process. VEX IQ robots and the SeaPerch can be designed for a multitude of challenges and tasks, including regional and state competitions. In addition, students will explore the fundamentals of electronics by constructing and testing various circuit designs utilizing components such as switches, capacitors, resistors, and motors in both parallel and series configurations. Spanish G Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take Spanish 2 in high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. DCMS Course Selection Guide - 11