7th Grade

*7th Grade ​students get 1.5 elective credit that they may choose to fill with one full year course  and 1 semester course or 3 half year semester courses.

 

Required Courses

English (choose one of the following)

• English 7 (1.0 credit) 

Seventh grade language arts is a full-year course designed to provide students with reading, writing &  research/inquiry opportunities. Students will read literature from several genres, and will use the writing process to  develop various forms of writing including a research paper.

• English 7 Honors (1.0 credit)

The objective of this class is to teach students disciplined and effective reading and writing skills necessary for success in future accelerated courses. Students will be instructed in critical reading, prewriting, writing, revising, and editing, as well as grammar and vocabulary. Students will read literature from several genres, and will use the writing process to develop various forms of writing including a research paper. Success in this course requires seriously committed students who are willing to work above the expectations required in a regular 7th grade English class. Each student in this class is expected adhere to high standards of attendance, preparedness, participation, and responsibility.  A summer reading/writing project is required along with reading/writing projects over school breaks.

Math 

• Math 7 (1.0 credit)

​Students will study general mathematics in more depth, focusing on computation and estimation with rational numbers, and emphasizing proportional reasoning, preparing for concepts in pre-algebra. Students will investigate and explore using technology and models to develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations.  

Healthy Lifestyles

• Beginning Fitness (.5 credit)

Students in 7th grade will be introduced into a variety of sports.  They will be using basic skills they should have developed in elementary school into game situations.  The emphasis in the class is on moving and having fun in activity.

• Health 7 (.5 credit)

This class covers the following topics: nutrition, physical fitness, drug/alcohol/tobacco use, depression, mental disorders, suicide, violence prevention, self confidence, stress management, family and friend relationships and sex education. Permission slips are sent home before the sex education unit. 

Career & Technical Education

• College and Career Awareness (1.0 credit)

​College and Career Awareness offers exploration and preparation in college and career pathways focusing on jobs that are high skill and high demand, as well as satisfying and financially rewarding. The College and Career Awareness course is designed to help students identify their interests, abilities, and skills. With appropriate developmental information related to careers, educational pathways, and self-knowledge, students are able to begin to make college and career goals for the future. College and Career Awareness is designed to acquaint students with the Utah labor market and the employment opportunities for which they can prepare by defining a College and Career Ready Plan. This is a full year course.

Science

• Integrated Science (1.0 credit)

The theme for seventh grade science is structure. In the half year of science we cover Chemistry, Earth Materials, Biology, Classification and Heredity.

Social Science

• Utah Studies (.5 credit)

Utah Studies is a semester-length course designed to help students understand the state of Utah at a deeper level. Utah's early history will be reviewed, but emphasis will be placed on Utah from statehood to the present.

 

Elective Options

• Applied Skills (1.0 credit)

Applied skills is a class available to students with an individualized education plan in need of basic organization skills and individualized attention addressing core curriculum needs. Additionally, there is an emphasis on students building general literacy and mathematical skills.

• Beginning Band (1.0 credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will learn to play a woodwind instrument, brass instrument or percussion.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on tone production and rhythm.  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is expected and required. Students with experience in Elementary Band should sign up for this class after which advanced placement will be considered.  (Two years of Elementary Band = one year of Seventh Grade Band.)

• Beginning Orchestra (1.0 credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will learn to play violin, viola, or cello.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on tone production and rhythm.  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is expected.  Parents should expect to provide an instrument.  Students with experience in Elementary Orchestra or previous middle school experience should sign up for this class after which advanced placement will be considered.

 

• Introduction to Spanish & French

Intro to French and Spanish is a course designed to teach the basics of both languages and to inspire students to continue more advanced study in either or both languages in their 8th and 9th grade year. The course will cover introductory vocabulary like names, greetings, colors, the alphabet, and necessary terms for traveling and getting around a Spanish or French speaking country. The course will also engage students in the cultural context of both languages, giving students a wider view of the world.

 

• Media Arts 

Media arts explores human communication through a variety of technological means. Students in this course will study these technological tools and complete projects to show their mastery of them.  Projects will have students working in multimedia art forms such as photography, filmmaking, audio mixing, presentation apps, and other interactive media.

 

• Dance 1A/B

Beginning level dance courses that build dance knowledge and skill with a focus on dance as an art form.

 

• School Success 7 (1.0 credit)

The School Success class supports struggling learners by increasing their organization skills, study skills and life skills. Grades and attendance are monitored weekly. One class period a week is devoted to homework completion.

• Art Foundations 1 (.5 credit)

This class is an overview of visual arts; studying a variety of art tools and materials.  With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills and aesthetics.

• Theater 1 (.5 credit)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatrical performance, reading, viewing, and analyzing plays. Students will be required to attend one play per quarter and read two plays per quarter.

 

8th Grade

*Students in the 8th grade get 2.5 credits of electives that they may fill with a combination of full year and semester electives.

 

Required Courses

English (one of the following)

• English 8 (1.0 credit)    

English 8 covers the different aspects of the language arts - specifically reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing - and how we can incorporate them into our lives. Some aspects include, writing workshops, research methods, persuasive writing, literature analysis, discussion, peer evaluation, grammar and vocabulary.

• English 8 Honors (1.0 credit)    

The objective of this class is to teach students disciplined and effective reading and writing skills necessary for success in future accelerated courses. Students will be instructed in critical reading, prewriting, writing, revising, and editing, as well as grammar and vocabulary. Success in this course requires seriously committed students who are willing to work above the expectations required in a regular 8th grade English class. Each student in this class is expected adhere to high standards of attendance, preparedness, participation, and responsibility.  There will be summer reading/writing assignments as well as reading/writing assignments during school breaks.

Math

• Math 8 (1.0 credit)

Develop fluency with rational numbers and proportional relationships. Students will  begin to learn algebra concepts, to think flexibly about relationships among fractions, decimals, and percents, and solve single-variable equations and inequalities. Students will analyze situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Students will apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.

Healthy Lifestyles

• Participation Skills/PE (.5 credit)

Students will continue to develop sports skills learned in 7th grade.  While the emphasis is on getting activity, strategies and teamwork will be a key component.

Science

• Integrated Science 8 (1.0 credit)

During this class we will be focusing on how energy and matter experience change. The areas of science to be studied are physics, biology, chemistry and geology. In each areas of science, about 1 term will be spent investigating specific aspects of these sciences according to the Utah State Core Curriculum.

Social Studies

• US History (1.0 credit)

This course is designed to emphasize historic events from the age of exploration to Reconstruction and the western movement. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, the age of exploration, colonization, Revolutionary War, national period, constitutional issues, Civil War, Reconstruction and the western movement.

 

Elective Options

• Applied Skills (1.0 credit)

Applied Skills is an educational setting for students with an individualized education plan where all students are given the time and appropriate skills to become successful in their classes. It focuses on increasing each student’s organization, reading and writing skills which will allow each student build a positive self esteem and become independent successful individuals.

• Beginning Band (1.0 credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will learn to play a woodwind instrument, brass instrument or percussion.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on tone production and rhythm.  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is expected and required. Students with experience in Elementary Band should sign up for this class after which advanced placement will be considered.  (Two years of Elementary Band = one year of Seventh Grade Band.)

• Chorus (1.0 credit)

 Chorus is a beginning level class open to all 7th, 8th and 9th graders. Students will learn to sing many different types of music with proper vocal technique. Students will also learn to read music, sing in languages other than English, and will participate in concerts.

• Concert Band (1.0 credit)

This class is designed for students who wish to expand their woodwind or brass playing techniques.  At least one full year of successfully completing Beginning Band is recommended (two years Elementary Band.)  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is required as well.

• Concert Orchestra (1.0 credit)

This class is for string players who have either participated in Elementary Orchestra or wish to continue their string playing experience in a school ensemble.  Students will play basic ensemble literature and take part in required public performances.  Home practice is expected.

• French 1 (1.0 credit)

French I is a first year high school equivalent course which aligns with the Utah State Office of Education Standards for Foreign Language offered to eighth and ninth grade students. Students will understand, interpret and respond to written and spoken language on a variety of topics.  Real-world activities are offered to promote cultural awareness.

• Spanish 1 (1.0 credit)

Beginning Spanish will focus on developing the five language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. You will begin building vocabulary, working through grammar and simple sentence structures, as well as conducting simple conversations in Spanish. You will be introduced to Hispanic culture and geography.

• Jazz Band (1.0 credit)

This is an audition-only band for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in musical performance.  This band practices and performs Jazz music pieces.  At least two full years of successfully completing both Beginning and Intermediate levels of band are highly recommended.  There will be required public performances throughout the school year.  Home practice is required.

• Art  3D Design(.5 credit)

3D-Design provides students with an opportunity to build three dimensional artwork through the manipulation of a variety of art media. The class will be an overview and introduction to fine crafts, their media and the cultures they represent. It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 or 2 before taking this course.

• Art Foundations 1 (.5 credit)

This class is an overview of visual arts; studying a variety of art tools and materials.  With an emphasis on studio production, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills and aesthetics.

• Art Foundations 2 (.5 credit)

This class is an extension of Art Foundations 1 providing further study of art tools and materials.  Emphasizing studio production, this course is designed to further develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills and aesthetics.  It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 before taking this course.

• Beginning Guitar (5. credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will earn to play the guitar.  Parents must provide guitars and books.  Home practice is required.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on reading music and chords.

•  Construction Intro A (.5 credit)

This course is a beginning woodworking class that teaches the basic use of many different woodworking tools. This class will focus on the safe use of power machines, wood technologies, and measuring skills, while building small projects. Projects built in this class may include a screw tray, cutting board, pen turning, and a small box. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)

• Manufacturing Technology (.5 credit)

This is an intermediate woodworking class that builds on the fundamentals taught in the Construction Intro A class. This class is for students that have successfully completed Construction Intro A. Here the focus will also be on the safe use of woodworking tools, wood technologies, and measuring skills while building projects with more advanced skills. Projects may include bent wood fish nets, wood turnings, and box jointery. Students will also be able to choose personal project to build. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)

• Creative Writing (.5 credit)

In this class students can explore and enhance their creative writing through a variety of writing projects, such as poetry, short stories, personal narratives, journal entries and more.

• Dance 1-3

Dance courses that build dance knowledge and skill with a focus on dance as an art form.

• Exploring Food & Nutrition 8 (.5 credit)

Students will explore preparation of foods from the new "My Pyramid" using a variety of cooking equipment and techniques. Learn what each segment of the pyramid offers us as well as how to read and interpret labels and determine portion sizes. "Come hungry, leave happy!"

• School Success 8 (.5 credit)

The School Success class supports struggling learners by increasing their organization skills, study skills and life skills.  Grades and attendance are monitored weekly.  One class period a week is devoted to homework completion.

• Theater 1 (.5 credit)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatrical performance, reading, viewing, and analyzing plays . Students will be required to attend one play per quarter and read two plays per quarter.

• Theater 2 (.5 credit)

This course is designed to give students advanced training in the areas mastered in the beginning theater course. In addition, students will participate in activities which develop proficiency in acting styles, writing, auditioning, and preparing resumes. Students will be required to attend one play and read one play per quarter.

• Pop Culture (.5 credit)

In this course, students will be will be analyzing music, movies, television, and sports (among other topics) as we search to understand the role that pop culture has played in influencing American culture. 

• Beginning Orchestra

Beginning Orchestra will give you the option to learn traditional string instruments like violin, viola, cello, and bass. No prior knowledge is needed. You will also learn how to read the music that corresponds to these instruments. You will learn to work as a group and play songs together with the class. 

 

• Introduction to Spanish & French

Intro to French and Spanish is a course designed to teach the basics of both languages and to inspire students to continue more advanced study in either or both languages in their 8th and 9th grade year. The course will cover introductory vocabulary like names, greetings, colors, the alphabet, and necessary terms for traveling and getting around a Spanish or French speaking country. The course will also engage students in the cultural context of both languages, giving students a wider view of the world.

 

• Media Arts

Media arts explores human communication through a variety of technological means. Students in this course will study these technological tools and complete projects to show their mastery of them.  Projects will have students working in multimedia art forms such as photography, filmmaking, audio mixing, presentation apps, and other interactive media.

• Community and Law

The purpose of this class is to provide students with knowledge to help them navigate the changing world we live in. Topics will include things like Utah law and safety, first aid, critical thinking,  emergency preparedness, and other skills on how to be a successful perso

 

9th Grade

*Students in the 9th grade get 2.5 elective credits to be filled with a combination of full year and semester courses. 

 

Required Courses

English (one of the following)

• English 9 (1.0 credit)

English 9 covers the different aspects of the language arts - specifically reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing - and how we can incorporate them into our lives. Some aspects include, writing workshops, research methods, persuasive writing, literature analysis, discussion, peer evaluation, grammar and vocabulary.

• English 9 Honors (1.0 credit)

This is a difficult and accelerated literature-based writing course for students with well-developed reading and writing skills. The course is built around the following: 8-9 works of literature (novels and plays); an essay and creative writing assignment to accompany each work of literature; year-long units on grammar, poetry, and vocabulary; and research skills. There will be a summer reading/writing project as well as reading/writing projects during school breaks.  The following courses are recommended prior to taking this class: English 8H, English 7 (with an A or B grade average).  This is a full year course.

Math 

• Secondary Math I (1.0 credit)    

This course includes study of relationships between quantities, linear and exponential relationships, reasoning with equations, descriptive statistics, congruence, proof and constructions, and connecting algebra and geometry through coordinates.

Science (one of the following) 

• Earth Systems (1.0 credit)

Earth Systems is a high school level course that counts towards science graduation credit. The areas of study are astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, plate tectonics, and ecology. 

• Biology (1.0 credit)

During the course of the school year will be focusing on the following areas of Biology: ecosystems and environments; cells, cells and more cells!; organs and systems of organisms; DNA, RNA, proteins and genetics; and biological diversity and evolutionary processes. Prerequisite for this course:  (1)  3.7 or higher GPA in Math 8, (2) 3.7 or higher GPA in Integrated Science 8, 

Healthy Lifestyles

• Participation/Skills/PE (1.0 credit)

Students will continue to develop sports skills learned in 8th grade.  While the emphasis is on getting activity, strategies and teamwork will be a key component. 

Social Studies

• Geography (.5 credit)

Students will learn to understand and appreciate how the histories of diverse peoples and cultures around the world have been affected by the geography of their countries and regions. In addition to interpreting maps, charts, and graphs, students will consider thoughtfully the impacts of technology, diminishing resources, and industrialization on world systems. They will examine similarities and differences of human experience in the following spheres of activity: social, scientific, technological, economic, religious, philosophical, geographic, and political.

• AP Human Geography (1.0 Credit)

This college level course covers the nature and perspectives of geography, population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, and cities and urban land use. University credit can be earned with a successful performance on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam. 

Digital Literacy

• Exploring Computer Science (.5 credit)

Exploring Computer Science is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of Exploring Computer Science is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today's students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers and societal and ethical issues.

• Business Office Specialist

This course applies advanced concepts and principles relating to electronic spreadsheets, databases, and PC operating systems.  The skills gained will be used to store data, interpret data, and create reports that would be used in making business decisions.  E-mail and Internet will be used to electronically send and receive communications, research industry information, and reinforce understanding of business terminology.

This course applies advanced concepts and principles using word preocessing, spreadsheets, and electronic slideshow software. Students may have the opportunity to obtain industry certifications through either Google, Microsoft, and YouScience.

 

Elective Options

• Applied Skills (1.0 credit)

Applied skills is a class available to students with an individualized education plan in need of basic organization skills and individualized attention addressing core curriculum needs. Additionally, there is an emphasis on students building general literacy and mathematical skills.

• Beginning Band (1.0 credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will learn to play a woodwind instrument or brass instrument.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on tone production and rhythm.  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is expected. Parents should expect to provide an instrument.  Students with previous experience in either Elementary Band or previous middle school experience should sign up for this class after which advanced placement will be considered.  (Two years of Elementary Band = one year of Seventh Grade Band.)

• Concert Band (1.0 credit)

This class is designed for students who wish to expand their woodwind or brass playing techniques.  At least one full year of successfully completing Beginning Band is recommended (two years Elementary Band.)  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is required as well.

• Concert Orchestra (1.0 credit)

This class is for string players who have either participated in Elementary Orchestra or wish to continue their string playing experience in a school ensemble.  Students will play basic ensemble literature and take part in required public performances.  Home practice is expected.

• Jazz Band (1.0 credit)

This is an audition-only band for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in musical performance.  This band practices and performs Jazz music pieces.  At least two full years of successfully completing both Beginning and Intermediate levels of band are highly recommended.  There will be required public performances throughout the school year.  Home practice is required.

• Beginning Guitar (.5 credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will earn to play the guitar.  Parents must provide guitars and books.  Home practice is required.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on reading music and chords.

• ​Concert Choir (1.0 credit)

Concert Choir is an advanced class for 9th grade boys and girls.  Audition is required.  Students enrolled in Concert Choir are expected to know the basics of reading music, vocal technique and concert etiquette.  Students in this class continue their experience of music in multiple genres and languages and participate in concerts and competitions.  Students in this class are expected to purchase a uniform.

• French 1 (1.0 credit)

French I is a first year high school equivalent course which aligns with the Utah State Office of Education Standards for Foreign Language offered to eighth and ninth grade students. Students will understand, interpret and respond to written and spoken language on a variety of topics.  Real-world activities are offered to promote cultural awareness.

• French 2 (1.0 credit)

French II is a second year high school equivalent course which aligns with the Utah State Office of Education Standards for Foreign Language offered to eighth and ninth grade students.  Students further understand, interpret and respond to written and spoken language on a variety of topics. Students explore France and French-speaking countries and are offered a variety of activities that promote cultural awareness.

• Spanish 1 (1.0 credit)

Beginning Spanish will focus on developing the five language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. You will begin building vocabulary, working through grammar and simple sentence structures, as well as conducting simple conversations in Spanish. You will be introduced to Hispanic culture and geography.

• Spanish 2 (1.0 credit)

In this course you will continue your study and development of the five language skills. You will build on your vocabulary, grammar, and verb tense foundation. We will focus on speaking proficiency. You should be able to speak in real-life situations. More of the Hispanic culture will be introduced.

• Art Foundations 2 (.5 credit)

This class is an extension of Art Foundations 1 providing further study of art tools and materials.  Emphasizing studio production, this course is designed to further develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills and aesthetics.  It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 before taking this course.

• 3-D Design (.5 credit)

3-Design provides students with an opportunity to build three dimensional artwork through the manipulation of a variety of art media. The class will be an overview and introduction to fine crafts, their media and the cultures they represent. It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 or 2 before taking this course.

• Construction Intro A (.5 credit)

This course is a beginning woodworking class that teaches the basic use of many different woodworking tools. This class will focus on the safe use of power machines, wood technologies, and measuring skills, while building small projects. Projects built in this class may include a screw tray, cutting board, pen turning, and a small box. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)

• Manufacturing Technology (.5 credit)

This is an intermediate woodworking class that builds on the fundamentals taught in the Construction Intro A class. This class is for students that have successfully completed Construction Intro A. Here the focus will also be on the safe use of woodworking tools, wood technologies, and measuring skills while building projects with more advanced skills. Projects may include bent wood fish nets, woodturnings, and box jointery. Students will also be able to choose personal project to build. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)

• Woods 1 (.5 credit)

This class is for those students that have successfully completed Construction Intro B. This class will focus on safety, woodworking technologies, design, and building small pieces of furniture. Students will also have time to build personal projects of their choice. (If you have already taken Construction Intro A, and would like to take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro B and Construction I)

• Food & Nutrition 1 (.5 credit)

Learn to Cook! This is a basic foods and nutrition class. The purpose of this course is to help you learn the fundamentals of food preparation as well as how to incorporate good nutrition and better eating habits.  This course counts as Applied Technology high school credit for graduation.

• Creative Writing (.5 credit)

In this class students can explore and enhance their creative writing through a variety of writing projects, such as poetry, short stories, personal narratives, journal entries and more. 

• Dance 1A/B (.5 credit)

This class is for anyone interested in taking dance. You will learn dance technique and terminology. You will be taught how to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination, and be introduced to different forms of choreography. You will work in small and large groups on your own compositions.

• Dance 2 (.5 credit)

This class is a higher level dance class offered to those who have completed Dance 1 or to those who have not taken Dance 1 but qualify through an audition with the teacher. In this class you will learn dance technique and terminology. You will be taught how to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination, and be introduced to different forms of choreography. You will work in small and large groups on your own compositions.

• Theater 1 (.5 credit)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatrical performance, reading, viewing, and analyzing plays. Students will be required to attend one play per quarter and read two plays per quarter.

• ​Theater 2 (.5 credit)

This course is designed to give students advanced training in the areas mastered in the beginning theater course. In addition, students will participate in activities which develop proficiency in acting styles, writing, auditioning, and preparing resumes. Students will be required to attend one play and read one play per quarter.

• Pop Culture (.5 credit)

In this course, students will be will be analyzing music, movies, television, and sports (among other topics) as we search to understand the role that pop culture has played in influencing American culture. 

• School Success 9 (.5 credit)

The School Success class supports struggling learners by increasing their organization skills, study skills and life skills.  Grades and attendance are monitored weekly.  One class period a week is devoted to homework completion.

• Community and Law

The purpose of this class is to provide students with knowledge to help them navigate the changing world we live in. Topics will include things like Utah law and safety, first aid, critical thinking,  emergency preparedness, and other skills on how to be a successful person.

 

Beginning Orchestra

Beginning Orchestra will give you the option to learn traditional string instruments like violin, viola, cello, and bass. No prior knowledge is needed. You will also learn how to read the music that corresponds to these instruments. You will learn to work as a group and play songs together with the class.