The purpose of the Creative Arts Program is to introduce students to a variety of subject areas which compliment their core subjects. Creative Arts courses are intended to assist students in becoming well-rounded individuals, foster critical thinking and communication skills, and provide a positive outlet for students to explore their interests and natural talents.
The "Creative Arts Team" instructs all middle school students in the following courses: art, career development, computer science, world language, family and consumer sciences, music, and technology education.
Art
The purpose of art education is to provide a non-threatening, cooperative environment in which students can grow creatively and mentally through artistic self-expression. Ideas and cultural values transmitted through the arts prepare students for citizenship and serves to strengthen the quality of their lives. The visual arts are important to all of us as they provide understanding of different cultures; build self-confidence and esteem, improve communication skills, establish a sense of accomplishment, foster lifelong learning, stimulate creativity and critical thinking, and are a majorsource of employment within and outside the art field. Research has shown that developing accuracy in spatial relationships are skills that are critical for a wide range of occupations including dentists, graphic designers, repair persons, architects and neurosurgeons.
Career Education
Career development guides eighth grade students through an exploration of career choices available in business, science, industry, education and public service. After examining their own interests, skills and goals, students learn how to use the career research materials to research several careers of interest to them. Through a series of additional mini units, the students examine the following topics: career clusters, the “career ladder”, letters of inquiry, and calculation of pay.
Computer Science
The goal of middle level computer education is to give students a basis for computer studies through the development of keyboarding skills and computer applications using Microsoft Office 2000. In sixth grade, proper keyboarding posture and technique are reinforced. Accuracy is stressed over speed. Basic file management and word processing skills are introduced. Proofreading and editing skills are stressed to develop good work habits. In seventh grade, each alphabetic key is reviewed and numeric keyboarding is introduced. Specific drills are given to increase keyboarding speed. File management, word processing concepts, proofreading and editing are reinforced. In eighth grade, students are given an overview of software applications using Microsoft Office. They create a portfolio that consists of projects done in Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.
World Language
In eighth grade, a foreign language becomes part of the core academic curriculum. In preparation for that addition, sixth grade students are introduced to the study of Spanish and seventh grade students to the study of French. Students being to learn the basic structures and vocabulary of different world languages and their respective cultures by focusing on listening and speaking in the target language. They are involved in limited reading and writing activities. Focus is on the functional use of the language through role-playing and hands-on activities. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of language patterns both in the target language and the expansion of their English vocabulary. The curriculum is aligned to the national standards of communication, comparisons, communities, cultures, and connections.
Family and Consumer Sciences
In Family and Consumer Sciences, we teach skills needed for daily living.
In sixth grade, the students will be given an overview of many areas of Family and Consumer Science This includes nutrition, food preparation, kitchen safety, etiquette, hand sewing techniques, one sewing project, interpersonal relationships, and child care.
In seventh grade, students will study consumer education, clothing care, sewing machine operation and safety, sewing project construction, dietary guidelines and food preparation.
In eighth grade, students will study nutrition, food preparation, food safety, nutrition labeling, table setting and etiquette, and hand sewing.
Music
Students will study the various components of music by participating in the music-making process. Much of the curriculum is a technology-assisted music program designed by the Yamaha Corporation of America. This software-based curriculum uses electronic keyboards to teach music reading and listening skills.
Technology Education
The goal of the Technology Education curriculum is to have students use technology to solve problems. Students participate in hands-on activities designed to develop problem solving skills, thinking skills, and teamwork. Students utilize computers, hand tools, and manipulatives to plan, design, and produce projects. Through technology education, the students learn to develop problem solving skills, thinking skills, and teamwork.
The Music Performance Curriculum
Band/Band Lessons
The primary emphasis of the band curriculum is the skill development of easy to moderate grade level music with performance as a goal. The course is open to all middle level students. Students who have not reached a level of proficiency necessary to participate in band are encouraged to take band lessons. Band lessons are scheduled on a rotating basis. Band performances include concerts and parades.
Chorus
The primary emphasis of the choral curriculum is to have students develop the skills to perform choral arrangements on an intermediate level. Chorus members help to plan and execute performances as soloists and as a group. Students are required to participate in two evening concerts per year. The course is open to all middle level students. Previous experience is not necessary. A vocal screening is utilized to determine voice placement. students who are not experienced enough to participate in performances are encouraged to work individually with the choral director. Choral performances include concerts and guest performances.
Jazz Band
Middle level stage band is open to any saxophone, low brass, trumpet, percussion, piano, or bass player with prior approval from the director. With the exception of piano and bass, all stage band members must be enrolled in the instrumental music program in order to participate. The ensemble studies and performs swing, jazz, and light rock styles of music.
The Wellness and Fitness Curriculum
The "Wellness and Fitness Team" includes health teachers, physical education teachers, and guidance counselors. The team instructs middle level students in health, wellness, and fitness.
Wellness and Fitness
The goal of the middle level wellness and fitness curriculum is to have sixth, seventh, and eight grade students develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding of the necessity of life-long wellness and physical fitness. Students utilize a variety of methods to become empowered with both the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthful lifestyle choices. The wellness and fitness program provides comprehensive experiences designed to expose students to a wide variety of health issues, develops appropriate social skills, and promotes participation in physical fitness activities.