ELECTIVES for 2007-2008

FUN, FOOD, & FITNESS: A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS (1/2 credit)

This elective course will allow students to develop and refine skills to increase their overall physical fitness, eating habits and food choices through individualized activities.

BUSINESS WRITING  (1 credit)

Student work will focus on effective written and oral communication in the workplace.  Students will review and create documents typically found in the workplace, including email, memoranda, proposals, and business letters. 

TEEN LEADERSHIP (1 credit)

Teen Leadership is a program in which students develop leadership, professional, and business skills. They learn to develop a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, and learn to understand the concept of personal responsibility. They will develop an understanding of Emotional Intelligence and the skills it measures, which include self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, and social skills. Students will develop skills in public speaking and communication and an understanding of personal image. They will develop an understanding of the concept of principle-based decision-making and learn to make responsible financial decisions. They will develop an understanding of the effects of peer pressure, will develop skills to counteract those effects, and will develop problem-solving skills. They will develop an understanding of the principles of parenting, enabling them to become better family members and citizens. They will also develop an understanding of the need for vision in goal-setting, personally and professionally. *Due to the cohesiveness of the curriculum in Teen Leadership, transferring into the course will NOT be an option after the first week of the program. 

Introduction to Art

In this class, students will be introduced to the basics of art.  We will experiment with various art mediums including drawing, painting, clay, and collage.  Students will study the art elements and learn how they are used to create artwork.  Intro to art is a prerequisite to all other art classes.

Two Dimensional Design (Prerequisite- Intro to art)

This class focuses on different methods to create 2-D artwork, primarily drawing, painting and printmaking.  We will study the art and design elements used with these art mediums.  Students will learn to draw and paint realistically, as well as create unique artwork form their imagination!

Floral Design  (Prerequisite- Intro to art)

This class will teach art and design though flowers!   Students will learn the various styles and methods of arranging silk and real flowers to create unique artwork.  We will study various cultural and historical styles of floral design as well as the art elements and art principles of design.  Be prepared to take field trips to florists and flower shows!

Sculpture  (Prerequisite- Intro to art)

In this class, students will create various 3-D works of Art.  They will be introduced to different media in which to create sculptural works of art.  This media will consist of clay, metal, wire, wood, plaster and more.  Students will also be introduced to some crafts and jewelry making techniques. This is a pure hands-on class.  

Art Portfolio Development (Prereq- Advanced art and teacher recommendation)

 This class is for those students who have completed the advanced art class and who have been recommended by the instructor to move forward to this second year of serious art study.  This class will fully prepare you for Art school should you be interested.  This class will continue with drawing and painting but take both of these types of art creation to a higher level.  A lot of independent work in this class and a BIG interest in art is a must.  Sketchbook must be kept. MANY field trips are taken with this class!

MUSIC APPRECIATION (Course meets 3 periods/week)

This is an introductory course for students with little or no previous studies in music. A major percentage of this course will be devoted to listening actively to music of all types, composers from classical music to hip hop. This course will also prepare students for further music study. 

MUSIC: INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE (Course meets 3 period/week)

Open to all students in grades 9 – 11 who own an instrument and can read music. A variety of music will be covered, including popular music, ballads, and jazz, depending on instrumentation. Students will work on tone, melodic and harmonic intonation technique, musicianship, sound control, rhythm, diction, and the dynamics of working as an ensemble. 

MUSIC: CHORUS (Course meets 3 periods/week)

Open to anyone with a desire to sing. A variety of music will be covered including popular, folk, spirituals, and traditional choral music. Students will learn tone, intonation technique, musicianship, sound control, melodic and harmonic intonation, rhythm, diction, accuracy, dynamics, phrasing, and balance.

Music: Keyboard class (Course meets 3 periods/week).

Open to all students who own a portable keyboard (full-size keys only.) Music reading skills not required. Emphasis will be placed on performing a variety of music alone and with others, as well as the development of musical reading skills and ensemble skills. If a student wishes to enroll but does not own a keyboard, a limited number of school instruments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Music: Guitar I (Course meets 3 periods/week)

Open to all students who own a guitar or bass. Music reading skills not required. Emphasis will be placed on performing a variety of music alone and with others, as well as the development of musical reading skills and ensemble skills. If a student wishes to enroll but does not own a guitar, a limited number of school instruments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.