Art 1:  Intro to Art (7th grade)   
Friedman
Students will learn introductory techniques in drawing, painting and sculpture through exploring the Elements of Art & Principles of Design, Intro to the Color Wheel and Color Mixing, 1 Point Perspective, Shading, Grid Drawing, and Clay Sculpture.  Emphasis will be on creative expression, building of techniques and reflection. (7th grade)

Art 2: Advanced Art (8th grade) 
Friedman
Students will learn advanced techniques in drawing, painting and sculpture. Students interested in creating an art portfolio for high school should take this class. First trimester will focus on observational drawing techniques, and will prepare students for ArtQuest.  Students will also learn about creating public works of art. They will make art for public display both on and off campus. This can include murals, sculpture, etc.  Students will learn from local artists and artworks, art history and modern art. Emphasis will be on creative expression and reflection. (8th grade)

Literature Elective (Creating Writing) (8th grade) 
Tuor
This is a creative course designed for students who want to explore the elements of fiction on a deeper level. We will be exploring the basic elements of narrative writing including figurative language, dialogue, characterization, and plot development. We will also explore different writing genres throughout the year which will include mythology and poetry. Students will also engage in book and film study to analyze the work of other authors. All students will be expected to actively engage in writing daily and to share their work publicly with classmates throughout each trimester. 

Drama 7 (7th grade)  
Tuor
This is a one trimester course for beginners. You do not have to have any previous acting or stage experience...just a willingness to participate as we explore voice and movement through pantomime, improvisation, monologues and short scenes. We will work extensively on teambuilding and getting comfortable on stage. All students will be expected to perform on our classroom stage throughout the trimester. 

Drama 8 (8th grade) 
Tuor
Participating in Drama is a fun way to build self-confidence, expand your creativity, and improve your public speaking skills. This is a one year course designed to build a community of actors who trust and support one another with an open heart and spirit of acceptance. This is a performance class and all students will be expected to perform on stage for a public audience. Some night performances will be expected as part of this class and all students must attend classes regularly to participate in rehearsals. 

Life Skills 7 (7th grade)  
Matthiessen
Introduction to skills to better engage with school, work, and life. Including Google tools, work related skills, identifying future careers, money management, and other “adulting” skills.

Life Skills 8 (8th grade)  
Matthiessen
Students will be introduced to money management and budgeting. Students will explore various careers based on their interests and will help with creating a career fair on campus.   They will learn about managing various aspects of life as a teen and beyond.  Students will also learn public speaking skills and practice using these skills in the classroom. CPR/First Aid 

Spanish 7 (7th grade)
DeSanto
Explore the Spanish language through projects and structured learning assignments; use fun and engaging activities to learn beginning Spanish, along with Duolingo practice and pronunciation.

Spanish 8 (8th grade)  
DeSanto
Explore the Spanish language through projects and structured learning assignments; use fun and engaging activities to learn beginning Spanish, along with Duolingo practice and pronunciation.

Video Editing and Design 7 (MAVE 7th grade) 
Lister
Learn the basics of creating, storyboarding and editing videos, including how advertising captures consumers and components of great video making.  Projects will be hands-on and allow students to learn and use Imovie suite tools.

Media Editing and Video Design 8 (MAVE 8th grade) 
Lister
Go into depth with media analysis and video making, including more advanced uses of Adobe suite tools.  Students will be able to participate in projects to assist with marketing for school programs.

Beginning French 7 (7th grade)  
Labasque
Explore the French language through projects and structured learning assignments; use fun and engaging activities to learn beginning French, along with vocabulary practice and pronunciation.  

Beginning French 8 (8th grade) 
Labasque
Explore the French language through projects and structured learning assignments; use fun and engaging activities to continue French instruction, along with vocabulary practice and pronunciation.  

Advanced French 7 (7th grade) 
Labasque
Continue with French instruction in language, writing, and content using French-based curriculum from a native French speaker.  Students should have previous French experience to take this class.

Advanced French 8 (8th grade) 
Labasque
Continue with French instruction in language, writing, and content using French-based curriculum from a native French speaker.  Students should have previous French experience to take this class.

Literature Exploration (7th grade)
Jaeger
If you love reading books and watching movies, this elective is for you! Read books and excerpts from books, then watch movies and film clips to compare and contrast the ways that story-telling, plot, themes, setting, and ideas are conveyed in different mediums. Students will read both at home and during class, watch movies and film clips during class, and engage in active discussions. Students will read two full novels, and one graphic novel, as well as several short stories and excerpts from novels.  

Digital Arts 7 (Media Arts 7th) 
Kornfein
The Digital Arts 7 elective class will introduce you to the world of digital photography, animation, and video production.  Students will be guided by the Elements of Art as they learn the skills necessary to create, manage, and edit digital content. Students will explore the powerful application called Procreate in order to produce  their digital art projects. This class is open to 7th graders wanting to explore the digital arts.

Digital Arts 8 (Advanced Studio Production) (media Arts 8th)  
Kornfein
Have you ever wanted to produce a TV show or Youtube Channel?  This advanced Digital Arts class will create our school’s weekly TV broadcast called Dragons on Air.  Students will work in teams to produce original content for the show.  Students will deepen their digital photography, animation, and video skills in the process. This class is open to 8th graders who have successfully completed Digital Arts 7 or Media Analysis/Video Editing.

Technology/Coding 7 (7th grade)  
Futch
Participate in computer history, internet basics, and digital citizenship mini-lessons.  Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills with online block coding activities.  Utilize scenario-based learning to construct basic games while learning about animation and movement.  

Advanced Technology/Maker 8 (8th grade)
Futch
Digital citizenship and coding, including text-based java and python.  Web design utilizing these skills may be offered as well.  Microbits, programming skills and 3D design will be incorporated into projects.  Hands-on industrial arts projects will include problem-solving with a variety of materials.  

Possible additional elective options include Mandarin, photography and maker space for 7th graders.  Electives subject to change depending on scheduling.