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The curriculum guide provides descriptions of required and exploratory courses offered at CMS. Request courses that are suitable for your ability level. One of the keys to success at CMS is selecting courses that interest, challenge and inspire you to achieve more. If you or your parent/guardian have any questions regarding the best course for you, please contact us at CMS so a staff member can assist in the decision making process.

COUNSELING
Our counselors provide academic and social/emotional support to students and families. Each student is assigned a counselor alphabetically according to last name. Parents, students and teachers may request meetings with their student’s counselor if they have a concern. Our school counselors have experience with a variety of issues which can impact students and families at this age. Some of these issues include anxiety, depression, conflict, family changes, grief, anger, healthy relationships, communication, personal safety and academic struggles. If you or your child need more information about our counseling services, please call the counseling office at 952-975-7330.

HEALTH SERVICES
Our Health Services department is staffed by Health Services Paraprofessionals (HSP) and a Licensed School Nurse (LSN) who work together to meet the health needs of all students at CMS. The Health Services team collaborates with educational and support services within the school and the community to promote student health for student achievement. The Health Services Paraprofessional is certified in first aid and CPR providing immediate first aid and comfort to injured or ill students at the direction of the LSN. The Licensed School Nurse is a registered nurse with a baccalaureate degree or higher and is licensed in public health and school nursing. 

Licensed School Nurse

• Develop and supervise a system of first aid, illness management, emergency care and health related policies

• Assess, plan and document for students with health issues

• Provide and plan the direct services for the chronically ill or medically fragile student needing health procedures

• Plan and provide for vision and hearing screening and do follow-up with referrals

• Serve as a resource to staff, students, families regarding health concerns and health education

• Coordinate prevention and control of communicable diseases as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health

• Monitor immunizations compliance per MN immunization laws

• Have a baccalaureate or higher degree and are licensed in public health and school nursing

Health Services Paraprofessionals (HSP)

• Provide immediate first aid and comfort to injured students

• Provide care to students who become ill or have health concerns during the school day

• Maintain documentation of immunizations and other health issues as part of the health records

• Administers medications under the direction of the Licensed School Nurse

• Provide care to students with chronic medical conditions as delegated by the Licensed School Nurse

• Are certified in CPR and trained in first aid

 

We strive to meet the needs of all students in each classroom, however, there are some students who are better accommodated through Special Services. Please review some of the services below and note some are only available through referral process and/or testing. If you would like more information, please call CMS at 952-975-7300.

SOCIAL WORK SERVICES
CMS Social Workers support the emotional/social growth of adolescents through work with families to address concerns and facilitate connections to needed social and mental health services in the community.
 
SPECIAL EDUCATION 
Students who meet state criteria in 13 disability areas are provided Special Education services. This includes: specific learning disability, autism spectrum disorder, developmental cognitive disability, physically impaired, traumatic brain injury, speech/language impairment, vision/hearing impairment and emotional/behavior disorder. A team consisting of parents, teachers and the student collaborates and develops an Individual Education Program (IEP) which provides guidance on programming and necessary supports.
CMS provides a continuum of services based upon individual student needs. Students may receive special education service in the general education classroom or in a small class setting depending upon where their educational needs are best met. Services in these settings may be provided by special education staff in a variety of ways:

• Collaborating with a team of classroom teachers and paraprofessionals to plan instruction for students with disabilities.
• Partnering with general education instructors in various subject areas to provide access to the general education curriculum.
• Direct instruction on specific skill development and self-advocacy skills.
• Monitoring and accommodating for student progress in the general curriculum.

PLUS
Plus classes are designed to engage and support learners in a targeted format to meet individual student needs in a smaller group setting.

• Math Plus
• Math Workshop 
• English Plus
• Reading Plus

All courses are taught by teachers certified in their subject matter and offer smaller class sizes to allow for a more individualized & interactive learning experience.

Plus courses are not appropriate for every student and there is a process to enroll. Contact Allison Poss at (952) 975-7374 or allison_poss@edenpr.k12.mn.us with any questions.
 
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT (ELD)
ELD (English language development) courses are offered to students who ​are served in the EL Program and are working on developing their English language proficiency. ​Students served in these courses qualify for EL service as determined by the Minnesota Department of Education’s ​approved English Language Proficiency assessments (WIDA Screener or ACCESS for ELLs). CMS offers two types of ELD courses: ELD Content and ELD 6/7/8.

• ELD Content is a course designed ​for students at any English proficiency level. This class focuses on supporting students in their mainstream content classes by strengthening academic background knowledge, vocabulary skills​, reading, speaking, and writing skills in each content area.
•  ELD 6/7/8 is designed for students who test at an English proficiency level of 1 or 2. This class focuses on beginning to intermediate level English reading, writing, speaking and listening

All ELD classes are tailored to students' needs and ensure that they will have the academic skills necessary to fully participate in their mainstream classes when they exit from the ELD program. 

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
Homebound instruction is available for individual students confined to their homes or a hospital for an extended period. This service may begin after 15 days of absenteeism with approval of a physician. To begin this service, contact the Special Services Department at 952-975-7046.

ADVANCED CORE CURRICULUM
Advanced courses are designed for students who exhibit talents in core subjects. These courses provide instruction on grade-level standards with more depth and rigor including advanced discussions and research projects using more abstract and interdisciplinary thinking. Advanced courses are available to MOSAIC and students who meet entrance criteria. Once a student is placed in an advanced or accelerated course, it is expected that they maintain a course grade of at least a B and a summative assessment average of at least a C+. Students who do not meet these requirements can be moved out of the advanced/accelerated course, or they may need to retake the accelerated math course.

Reading/Writing/English criteria

• 95th percentile on aReading AND proficient on submitted writing sample
• 95th percentile on aReading with strong score on submitted writing sample
• Proficient on submitted writing sample with strong score on aReading
• Teacher rating scale on English with an Exceeds on Reading MCA

Social Studies criteria

• 95th percentile on aReading AND proficient on submitted writing sample
• 95th percentile on aReading with strong score on submitted writing sample
• Proficient on submitted writing sample with strong score on aReading
• Teacher rating scale on Social Studies with an Exceeds on Reading MCA

Science criteria

• 95th percentile on aReading AND aMath
• 95th percentile on aReading with strong score in aMath
• 95th percentile on aMath with strong score in aReading
• 5th grade teacher rating scale on Science with an Exceeds on Science MCA
• 6th and 7th grade teacher rating scale on Science with strong aReading and a Math scores

6th Grade Advanced Courses
Advanced Reading 6, Advanced Writing 6, Advanced Social Studies 6, Key Scholars Social Studies 6, Advanced Science 6.

7th Grade Advanced Courses
Advanced English 7, Advanced Social Studies 7, Advanced Science 7.

8th Grade Advanced Courses
Advanced English 8, Advanced Social Studies 8, Advanced Science 8.

KEY SCHOLARS SOCIAL STUDIES 6
The 6th grade course will continue the elementary KEY/Young Scholars program experience by featuring additional course content to the Core Social Studies curriculum that has been adapted for gifted learners. 

ENRICHED CORE COURSES FOR GRADES 7 AND 8
Enriched courses are available for 7th and 8th graders and deliver grade-level standards with rigorous coursework and  high-level discussions, with an emphasis on independent learning.

Students may self-select these courses using the following guidelines:

• MCA Reading score of Exceeds
• Strong verbal skills and writing ability
• Above grade level reading ability
• Motivation with ability to persevere 

ACCELERATED (above grade level) MATH COURSES
Eden Prairie Schools believes that "school mathematics' focus should include the development of positive mathematical identities so that students can make purposeful decisions about their future endeavors; dismantling structural obstacles that stand in the way of mathematics working for all students; implementing equitable instructional practices to cultivate students' positive mathematical identities; organizing middle school mathematics along a common shared pathway grounded in the use of mathematical practices and processes to coherently develop deep mathematical understanding" (NCTM 2020). To this end, math courses at CMS are designed to group students heterogeneously. 

There are students, however, with exceptional abilities in math. Those students may qualify for a subject acceleration in math. Courses are available at CMS for qualified students who have completed prerequisite classes or have shown mastery of standards of the course they would like to skip. 

Once a student is placed in an advanced or accelerated course, it is expected that they maintain a course grade of at least a B and a summative assessment average of at least a C+. Students who do not meet these requirements can be moved out of the advanced/accelerated course, or they may need to retake the accelerated math course. 

• Accelerated Honors Pre-Algebra 6 is for students who have completed 5th grade Mosaic math or the equivalent
• Accelerated Honors Algebra 7 is for students who have completed Accelerated Honors Pre-Algebra or the equivalent
• Accelerated Honors Geometry is for students who have completed Accelerated Honors Algebra (Linear and Quadratic). This course will be listed on high school transcripts.

A placement process will determine whether non-Mosaic students are eligible for these courses. 

Criteria for placement in accelerated math courses includes passing a procedural assessment and an additional conceptual/contextual assessment based on the course they would be skipping, or showing mastery of the course standards. 

Students who have completed Accelerated Honors Geometry before 8th grade will take their math course at the high school. Students may have to forgo some desired courses due to differing daily schedules at each school. 

ADDITIONAL MATH OPTIONS

Telescope Math 6
Telescope Math 6 integrates strategies that foster the development of conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and contextual application of mathematics. Students experience a combination of direct and student discovery-based instruction with an emphasis on embedding the 4C’s in every lesson. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the essential questions that drive instruction. By blending math concepts from Math 6 and Pre-Algebra into one year, students who successfully complete this course are placed in Honors Algebra in 7th grade. A placement process will determine eligibility for this course.

Enriched Algebra 8
Enriched Algebra differs in context from regular Algebra with the inclusion of additional concepts (Quadratics) taught at a faster pace. This course designed as preparation for honors math courses at the high school. 

Successful students typically:

• Have MCA math score of Exceeds
• Have a solid foundation in Pre-Algebra  concepts
• Understand mathematical concepts quickly
• Need minimal additional support
• Are motivated and have ability to persevere 

Any questions may be directed to Leslie Eggan, Talent Development Programming Specialist for CMS 952-975-7342 or Leslie_Eggan@edenpr.k12.mn.us

AVID
The AVID Elective course provides a curriculum that focuses on strong organization, reading, writing, and study strategies for college and career success. The AVID program targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. The goal is for students to access rigorous coursework and increase opportunities to enroll in four-year colleges.
AVID is not appropriate for every student and there is an application process to enroll. Contact Lisa Senne at 952-975-6867 or lisa_senne@edenpr.k12.mn.us with any questions.
 

Students joining CMS from Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion will continue their immersive experience in 6th grade. During their first year at CMS, Spanish Immersion students will take the following courses in Spanish: Math, Social Studies, Reading, Science and Spanish Language & Culture. The remaining courses will be delivered in English.

7th and 8th grade Spanish Immersion students will take the following courses in Spanish: Social Studies and Spanish Language Literature & Culture. Our 7th and 8th grade Spanish Social Studies course is offered in Core and Enriched Core.

Advisor occurs daily and serves as a home base for students to build relationships with one another and their teacher. During this period students engage in lessons focused on social/emotional learning, build a sense of community, provide academic support, and watch/listen to announcements.  

CMS offers a required core curriculum that follows standards set by the state of Minnesota. Students may select elective courses such as World Language and Music options, as well as our Pathways electives. A student's academic career at CMS will allow them to increase knowledge, explore independence and experience tremendous growth during their middle school years.

6th Grade

Full year courses: Writing, Science, Math, Reading, Social Studies

Semester courses: PE/Health, Music

Quarter courses: World Language, Art, Pathway to Business and Management, Pathway to Engineering and Technology

7th and 8th Grade

Full year courses: English, Science, Math, Social Studies

Semester courses: PE, Music, Pathway Electives, World Language

Quarter courses: Health, Art

Please consider your choices carefully. Due to factors such as class size, availability and overall scheduling limitations, students are not guaranteed enrollment in a given course.

 

Lunch

Students will eat lunch in two sections per grade (A lunch or B lunch), split based on your teacher within the following class period:

• Sixth grade- 2nd hour
• Seventh grade- 3rd hour
• Eighth grade- 4th hour 

Physical Education/Music will alternate on a day 1/2 schedule.

READING 6*
Reading 6 coursework implements a variety of processes and activities to guide students in developing their reading skills within a collaborative classroom reading community. Students will study the skills of questioning, using text features, making inferences, analyzing text structure, determining important ideas, and synthesizing as they read fiction, poetry, drama, narrative nonfiction, and expository nonfiction texts. Independent reading is required and encouraged both within and outside of the classroom.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program.

ADVANCED READING 6
Offers advanced students the opportunity to select, adapt and use multiple instructional strategies to show proof of learning through personal exploration, development and research to reach common educational goals found within Minnesota State Standards. Inquiry based, creative differentiation for advanced students, will be the focus of this rigorous literature based course. Reading inside/outside of the classroom, strong vocabulary development as well as the understanding of the mechanics of genres lends to the comprehensive meaning of the written word.

Advanced courses are available to MOSAIC and students who meet entrance criteria.

6th Grade Reading ELT

WRITING 6
Writing 6 coursework implements a variety of processes and activities to guide students in developing their composition skills within a collaborative classroom writing community. Students will study professional writing examples within the genres of personal narrative, fiction, poetry, expository nonfiction, argumentative writing, and functional writing and will then compose their own original work within each genre by engaging in the writing process of brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Th course will also incorporate AVID organizational, collaborative, and academic strategies of best practice to provide rigor and high support to empower students as they start their middle school career.

ADVANCED WRITING 6
Students utilize written voice and choice throughout this course. The advanced class approaches the 6th grade standards in greater depth, and there is an increased focus on the writing skills such as sentence structure, punctuation use, and writing organization. Students will utilize motivation and creativity through guided practice and conferencing to produce work in the areas of personal narrative, fiction, expository nonfiction, functional, argumentative, and poetry. This course will also incorporate AVID organizational, collaborative, and academic strategies of best practices to provide rigor and high support to empower students as they start their middle school career.

Advanced courses are available to MOSAIC and students who meet entrance criteria.

6th Grade Writing ELT

MATH 6*
Math 6 integrates strategies that foster conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and contextual application of mathematics. The curriculum used, Big Ideas Math, provides a balanced approach of student-led discovery and direct instruction. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the essential questions that drive instruction.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program

Math 6 ELT

TELESCOPE MATH 6
Telescope Math 6 integrates strategies that foster the development of conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and contextual application of mathematics. Students experience a combination of direct and student discovery-based instruction with an emphasis on embedding the 4C’s in every lesson. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the essential questions that drive instruction. By blending math concepts from Math 6 and Pre-Algebra into one year, students who successfully complete this course are placed in Honors Algebra in 7th grade. A placement process will determine eligibility for this course.

A placement process will determine eligibility for this course. 

Telescope Math 6

ACCELERATED HONORS PRE-ALGEBRA 6
Honors Pre-Algebra 6 integrates strategies that focus on conceptual and procedural learning with a goal of concept retention. The curriculum used, Big Ideas Math, provides a balanced approach of student led discovery and direct instruction. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the essential questions that drive instruction. Students are provided the precise language and structure necessary to build mathematical understanding and proficiency. This is an accelerated math course for students who have completed Mosaic 5 Math or the equivalent. A placement process will determine whether non-MOSAIC students are eligible for this course. Successful completion of this course is preparation for Honors Algebra 7.

Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria.

Honors Pre-Algebra 6 ELT

SCIENCE 6*
Each unit of Amplify Earth and Space Science engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions.

Amplify Science is rooted in the Lawrence Hall of Science's Do, Talk, Read, Write, Visualize model of learning. Gold standard research shows that this pedagogical approach works, and our early efficacy research about Amplify Science is promising, too. Amplify is based off of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which have raised the bar in science education. The new standards aim to move the focus of instruction away from memorization and toward active engagement.

Each unit of Amplify Science engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program.

ADVANCED SCIENCE 6*
In addition to what is taught in the Science 6 course, students will engage in experiences that prioritizes depth and complexity through deep conversations, extensions, projects, and presentations. This course will emphasize research and in-depth annotations of text. The level of questioning incorporated into instruction will enhance their scientific critical thinking and communication.
Advanced Core Courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

6th Grade Science ELT
 

SOCIAL STUDIES 6*
Social Studies 6 is a course in Minnesota Studies, where students learn about the history, government, geography, and economy of our state and Minnesota’s role within the larger context of the country. The course is organized and taught in a chronological fashion, beginning with a study of the indigenous people of the upper Mississippi River region and continuing through the present day. In addition to state Social Studies standards, the course also helps to orient students to general academic expectations of middle school and works to develop college and career readiness (“AVID”) strategies of writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program

KEY SCHOLARS SOCIAL STUDIES 6
This course follows the same curriculum as Social Studies 6, but has been adapted for the unique needs of gifted learners and includes numerous enrichment opportunities throughout the year.
*This course is available to students who have been identified as a Key or Young Scholar student in Eden Prairie Schools. 

ADVANCED SOCIAL STUDIES 6
In addition to what is taught in the Social Studies 6 course, students engage in experiences that prioritizes depth and complexity through deep conversations, extensions projects, and presentations. This course will emphasize research and in-depth annotations of text. The level of questioning incorporated into instruction will enhance their historical critical thinking and communication skills.
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

6th Grade Social Studies ELT
 

PATHWAY ELECTIVE 6

Students will be automatically enrolled in Pathway to Engineering & Technology and Pathway to Business & Management. Each course is a quarter long course.

PATHWAY TO ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY 6
How might we create innovative solutions within our community? Through this course, students will gain a better understanding of who they are as individuals and how they can shape and model the world around them. Students will implement universal design principles to create equitable innovations that consider the diverse needs of people within their communities. Students will make both digital (e.g. video, audio, CAD, websites, apps, etc.) and physical artifacts and innovations. Technology skills will be built while manipulating a variety of materials and mediums (e.g. wood, metal, plastics, cardboard, acrylic, Legos, etc.) using a multitude of tools and machines (e.g. saws, drills, hand tools, power tools, laser cutter, etc.). This exploratory class gives students the opportunity to gain insights into their personal interests while providing opportunities for creativity and collaboration. Students will be asked to apply their newfound knowledge and skills to the academic and career pathways of their choice.

Pathway to Engineering and Technology ELT

PATHWAY TO BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT 6
Pathways to Business is a 9 week course intended to expose students to economic concepts that are related to business. Students will explore possible career choices, create a business plan that solves a community need or want, and make financial decisions to maintain a personal budget. They will practice skills in collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills, which will help them succeed in the business world.

Pathway to Business and Management 6 ELT

WORLD LANGUAGE

WORLD LANGUAGE & CULTURE 6
This quarter-long course will provide an introduction to the four major languages that students will be able to select for extended study as 7th and 8th graders: Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. Students will learn some of the basic tenets of each language and explore the countries and cultures where each language is used to help them make an informed decision for future world language study course selection.

World Language and Culture 6 ELT

ADVANCED SPANISH IMMERSION 1*
This course is designed for 6th grade Spanish Immersion students. It is focused on grammar and cultural components of the Spanish language. This course will be interdisciplinary in nature and taught entirely in Spanish. The course prepares students for Spanish Language and Culture 7.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program. 

Advanced Spanish Immersion ELT

FINE ARTS 6

DIGITAL MEDIA ARTS EXPERIENCE 6
In this course, 6th grade students will develop techniques to communicate artistic ideas to diverse audiences in a digital environment. They will relate knowledge, personal experiences, culture and historical context to understand and evaluate artistic works while expanding their computer technology skills by exploring authentic tasks such as; digital collage, logo design, advertisement design, film, and photo editing.  Students will apply their learning in order to use and improve their digital media literacy, social awareness, and intellectual curiosity to define artistic pathways and make lifestyle choices which leverage a range of skills for personal success including financial literacy. Personalized and collaborative projects will include the use of several programs within the Adobe Creative Suite, those programs include; Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere. All sketches and drafts will be done within Procreate.

Digital Media Arts Experience 6 ELT

VISUAL ARTS EXPERIENCE 6
In this course, 6th grade students will develop techniques to communicate artistic ideas to diverse audiences. They will relate knowledge, personal experiences, culture and historical context to understand and evaluate artistic works. Students will apply their learning in order to use and improve their visual literacy, social awareness, and intellectual curiosity to define artistic pathways and make lifestyle choices which leverage a range of skills for personal success including financial literacy. Personalized and collaborative projects will include painting, drawing, sculpture, clay work, and digital arts.

Visual Arts Experience 6 ELT

THEATRE ARTS 6
Theatre Arts 6 explores the dramatic elements of acting and technical theatre to discover different ways to communicate meaning to diverse audiences and make strong choices for social, cultural, and historic impact. Students will analyze how their own perspective can influence artistic choices on stage and use that knowledge to evaluate artistic techniques and works. This study will help students to engage in critical inquiry, creative design, and process analysis to improve their own performance and define theatre arts pathways to make lifestyle choices which leverage a range of skills for personal success including financial literacy.

Theatre Arts 6 ELT

PE/HEALTH 6

Students in this course will examine personal, cultural, and historical perspectives on physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. They will develop decision-making, goal-setting, and communication skills to enhance their overall health. Students will evaluate health- related career pathways in order to establish personal goals and exercise financial literacy in lifestyle choices. Students will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze information, products, and services as well as the influence of outside sources, and collaborate to exhibit problem-solving personal and social behaviors that advocate for the human right to health.

Course Requirement: Students are required to wear tennis shoes/sneakers for PE.

Alternates with Music. 

6th Grade PE/Health ELT

MUSIC

Student's music choice continues in the following grades throughout CMS (6th, 7th and 8th).

CHOIR 6
Choir emphasizes vocal music and performance within the framework of the basic music curriculum. This course is for students who enjoy singing, have a desire to improve their vocal music skills independently as well as in a group and are interested in active participation and performance. Students will have the opportunity to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and interpretation and enhance their musical proficiency through rehearsals, class participation, performance, listening experiences, written activities and journaling. Students enrolled in Choir participate in at least two concerts per year. Concerts are outside of the regular school day.

Alternates with PE/Health. 

6th Grade Choir ELT

EXPLORING MUSIC 6
Exploring Music emphasizes music knowledge for students who do not wish to work in a performance area, including opportunities to reinforce basic music concepts and cultivate a broader understanding of music. Students will develop an understanding of many different music genres, study the cultural and historical impact of music and develop critical thinking skills in relation to music. Units may include popular music of today, movie music, and music composition.

Alternates with PE/Health. 

6th Grade Exploring Music ELT

THE MUSIC OF EAST AFRICA
Exploring This class will focus on traditional music from East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Zimbabwe and many others. While there will be no performances, daily participation is required as we learn about cultural music, dances, games, instruments and other East African traditions.

Alternates with PE/Health. 

6th grade Music of East Africa ELT

BEGINNER BAND 6
This is a course designed to ‘on-ramp’ students into the existing band program scope and sequence in an exploratory, instrument-based approach so that students can experience multiple instrument types as they choose (student choice) their main instrument mid-year.  Students may also prepare quickly enough to switch into the grade level band courses when appropriate.  

This course is for: 

• Students without at least 1 year band experience prior to 6th grade
• Students who want to switch course paths into the band program
• Students who wish to change which instrument they study (teacher recommendation required in this case) 

Alternates with PE/Health. 

BAND 6
Band rehearsals are geared to provide enjoyment of a variety of music. Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits, perfecting music for performances and developing self confidence in a positive environment. Placement is determined by instrumentation needs, school class schedule and observed student achievement. There is a user fee for percussionists and students who use school bass clarinets, tenor saxophones, horns, baritones and tubas required to cover the cost of repair/replacement of equipment. Scholarships may be available upon request. Students will participate in three scheduled concerts during the school year. Concerts take place outside of the school day.

Alternates with PE/Health. 

6th Grade Band ELT 

ORCHESTRA 6
Orchestra provides the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and increase musical proficiency through continued study of a stringed instrument along with the study of basic theory, ear training, solo and ensemble playing and instrument turning. Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits and achieving graduation standards. Students will participate in three scheduled concerts during the school year. Concerts take place outside of the school day.

Alternates with PE/Health.

6th Grade Orchestra ELT 

 

ENGLISH 7
English 7 coursework implements a variety of processes and activities to guide students in developing their communication skills. This includes: clear writing, critical reading, thoughtful listening and speaking fluently. Literary elements are studied through novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both in and outside of the classroom.

ENRICHED ENGLISH 7
Enriched English 7 is for students who perform above grade-level and eagerly accept the challenge of rigorous coursework. Students in this course have the maturity and ambition to work at a faster pace with less teacher direction. 

ADVANCED ENGLISH 7
Advanced English 7 is for students working well above grade level. Students in this course must have a firm grasp of writing conventions and require little help in the structure and organization of writing. Advanced English includes an emphasis on individualized education and each quarter will conclude with a unit project. Student work is centered around clear writing, critical reading and thinking skills, thoughtful listening and fluent speaking. Literary elements are studied in the context of various novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both inside and outside of the classroom setting.
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

7th Grade English ELT
 

PRE-ALGEBRA 7
Pre-Algebra 7 integrates strategies that focus on conceptual and procedural learning with a goal of concept retention. The curriculum used, Big Ideas Math, provides a balanced approach of student led discovery and direct instruction. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the essential questions that drive instruction. Students are provided the precise language and structure necessary to build mathematical understanding and proficiency. Successful completion of this course is preparation for 8th grade Algebra.

Pre-Algebra 7 ELT

ACCELERTATED HONORS ALGEBRA 7
Accelerated Honors Algebra 7 is an accelerated grade level math for students who have mastered Pre-Algebra or the equivalent. Accelerated Honors Algebra covers all state standards through Linear and Quadratic Algebra. A placement process will determine whether students are eligible for this courses; it is not a self-select course. Successful completion of this course is preparation for Honors Geometry 8.
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

Honors Algebra 7 ELT

SCIENCE 7
Science 7 concepts for study include investigations into the practice of Life science, planning and conducting controlled experiments, structure, function and classification of living things, cells, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, human body systems, ecology, genetics, evolution and introductory chemistry. We will be using the Amplify Life Science program which engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions.  
 
Amplify Science is rooted in the Lawrence Hall of Science's Do, Talk, Read, Write, Visualize model of learning. Gold standard research shows that this pedagogical approach works, and our early efficacy research about Amplify Science is promising, too. Amplify is based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which have raised the bar in science education. The new standards aim to move the focus of instruction away from memorization and toward active engagement. 
 
Each unit of Amplify Science engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions.

ENRICHED SCIENCE 7
Enriched Science 7 will move more quickly through certain content and more in depth in other areas. Students will also do more independent work. 

ADVANCED SCIENCE 7
We will be using the Amplify Life Science program which engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions. Each unit of Amplify Science engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions. Collaboration is key as some group projects will require a high degree of coordination and cooperation. Successful Advanced Science Students are highly motivated, thrive on independent work and embrace challenges. This course will emphasize research and in-depth annotations of text. The level of questioning incorporated into instruction will enhance their scientific critical thinking and communication.
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

7th Grade Science ELT
 

ENRICHED SOCIAL STUDIES 7*
Enriched Social Studies 7 is designed to give students the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively in groups. Students will complete projects, research and other activities that engage them as they study US history. The process, style and depth of content will enrich all students.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program.
 
ADVANCED SOCIAL STUDIES 7
Advanced Social Studies 7 is designed for students who are highly motivated, thrive on independent work and embrace challenges. It follows a chronology of US History from the 19th and 20th centuries. Students will participate in History Day and will complete an in-depth research project. Students should also exhibit an intellectual curiosity about American History and be motivated to work hard to exceed expectations. 
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

7th Grade Social Studies ELT

WORLD LANGUAGE

WORLD LANGUAGE 7
World Language is our connection to our community and our world. The learning of a second language and its culture is an integral part of the student’s total learning experience. The ability to communicate in multiple languages, increases opportunities to interact with other people and to gain insight into other cultures. The world language philosophy emphasizes a communicative approach through listening, speaking, reading and writing. The focus is on what the students can do with the language and how well they can communicate in given situations. The language selected in 7th grade will continue for a semester in 8th grade. Languages offered are listed below and include ELT links.

• Chinese 1A
• French 1A
• German 1A
• Spanish 1A

ADVANCED SPANISH IMMERSION 2A*
Spanish Language and Culture is a continuation course designed for students who have attended the Spanish Immersion program and/or are advanced speakers of the Spanish language. Students will be transitioned from content- based instruction to sequential World Language study. This course will help students focus on how the language works. Students will begin more in-depth studies of the language itself, literature, cultural practices and idioms. Grammar accuracy and literacy will become more emphasized in this phase of their language learning. This course will be interdisciplinary in nature and will be taught entirely in Spanish.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program

Advanced Spanish Immersion 2A ELT

 

BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT 7

PERSONAL CAREER LITERACY 7
Students will develop personal traits, collaborative behaviors, and a critical self-understanding to analyze similarities, differences and impact in relationships in ever- changing digital and cultural spaces. Students utilize job seeking skills and career advancement activities to exercise decision making that achieves personal and career goals. Integrate understanding of personal & historical contexts and academic & career options to envision and act upon ethical lifestyle choices and endeavors.

Personal Career Literacy 7 ELT

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 7
In this course students will explore, develop and apply strategies for ensuring a successful career as a small business owner. To do so, students will understand the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities as well as the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in organizations. Using these skills, along with information technology tools specific to business careers, students will explore how businesses can affect issues of human rights. Students will think critically about barriers, risks, and opportunities in entrepreneurship based on historical inequities and personal and social contexts.

Entrepreneurship 7 ELT

 

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY 7 

DESIGNERS & MAKERS 7
Do you like to design and make things? This class will explore how the world around us is designed and produced by hand and machines. Students will utilize the engineering design process to tap into their creativity and ideas in personalized hands-on projects. Class experiences will include learning to use basic machines, hand and power tools, computer graphic design, laser engraving, vinyl cutters, and more using a variety of materials. Students will address how these technologies can be used to design solutions to everyday and other creative problems. Problem solving, planning, and communicating ideas will be learned through a variety of collaborative activities that incorporate computers and hands-on learning. 

Designers and Makers ELT

RENEWABLE CREATORS 7
The world is changing all the time, and you can be a part of it! This class will explore how engineering and architectural designs are shaping the future of our lives and the world around them. Class experiences will include using computers to design architecture, exploring transportation, energy, and building renewable energy projects though green engineering practices. Problem solving skills will be learned through a variety of hands-on, project based activities. 

Renewable Creators ELT

FINE ARTS 7 

ART, MEDIA & CULTURE 7
In this course students will critically think about the role of art and imagery in the modern world. Students will develop techniques to communicate artistic ideas to diverse audiences. They will relate knowledge, personal experiences, culture and historical context to understand and evaluate artistic works and solve problems through the exploration of human rights issues. Students will apply their learning in order to use and improve their visual literacy, social awareness, and intellectual curiosity. Students will combine both traditional and digital art making within this course as they create and journal their progress within a handcrafted sketchbook. In this course, students will be introduced to DSLR cameras and Adobe Photoshop and use these tools to explore photography. Students will also get to deep dive into the Adobe Creative Suite alongside their photography skills to learn about filmmaking and editing along with storyboard and concept art.

Art and Media Culture ELT

DRAWING & PAINTING 7
In this course students will critically reflect on and increase sophistication in their drawing and painting skills. Students will learn basic techniques for creating both realistic and abstract artwork while trying out a variety of media in order to communicate artistic ideas to diverse audiences. They will relate knowledge, personal experiences, culture and historical context to understand and evaluate artistic works and solve problems through the exploration of human rights issues. Students will apply their learning in order to use and improve their visual literacy, social awareness, and intellectual curiosity through acrylic paint, watercolor, pen & ink, graphite, charcoal, oil pastels and collage.

Drawing and Painting 7 ELT

THEATRE ARTS 7
Theatre Arts 7 explores the dramatic elements of acting and technical theatre to discover different ways to communicate meaning to diverse audiences and make strong choices for social, cultural, and historic impact. Students will analyze how their own perspective can influence artistic choices on stage and use that knowledge to evaluate artistic techniques and works around the world. This study will help students to engage in critical inquiry, creative design, and process analysis as they ready their own artistic creation for direction and staging in order to explore issues of human rights. 

Theatre Arts 7 ELT

Health

HEALTH 7
Health focuses on promoting healthy choices and examining consequences. Throughout the curriculum you will learn about physical, mental, emotional and social health.
Themed units include: interpreting media messages, drugs, alcohol and tobacco prevention, mental health, human growth and development, reproduction, violence and anger management, online safety, bullying and other current topics related to the overall health and wellness of our students. Also covered are resources available for support with substance abuse, or other areas affecting students well-being.

7th Grade Health ELT Health is a quarter long required course. 

Physical Education

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7
Physical  Education at CMS is designed to promote interest and enjoyment in an active lifestyle for all students. Our program guides students to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to adopt an active lifestyle. We introduce students to a variety of activities, sure to spark interests in all students. The overall goal is for students to incorporate physical activity on a consistent basis so it becomes a lifelong habit. Throughout the year students may play: team handball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, basketball,
football, track and field, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, tennis and/or cooperative games.

Course Requirement
Students are required to wear a uniform. The uniform consists of a red shirt/sweatshirt, black shorts/sweatpants and tennis shoes.

Physical Education alternates with Music. 

7th Grade Physical Education ELT 

Music

Student's music choice continues in the following grades throughout CMS: 6th, 7th, 8th.

CHOIR 7
Choir emphasizes vocal music and performance within the framework of the basic music curriculum. This course is for students who enjoy singing, have a desire to improve their vocal music skills independently as well as in a group and are interested in active participation and performance. Students will have the opportunity to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and interpretation and enhance their musical proficiency through rehearsals, class participation, performance, listening experiences, written activities and journaling. Students enrolled in Choir participate in at least two concerts per year. Concerts are outside of the regular school day.

Alternates with Physical Education. 

7th Grade Choir ELT

EXPLORING MUSIC 7
Exploring Music emphasizes music knowledge for students who do not wish to work in a performance area, including opportunities to reinforce basic music concepts and cultivate a broader understanding of music. Students will develop an understanding of many different music genres, study the cultural and historical impact of music and develop critical thinking skills in relation to music. Units may include popular music of today, movie music, and music composition.

Alternates with Physical Education. 

7th Grade Exploring Music ELT

THE MUSIC OF EAST AFRICA

Exploring This class will focus on traditional music from East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Zimbabwe and many others. While there will be no performances, daily participation is required as we learn about cultural music, dances, games, instruments and other East African traditions.

Alternates with PE/Health. 

7th grade Music of East Africa ELT

BEGINNER BAND 6
This is a course designed to ‘on-ramp’ students into the existing band program scope and sequence in an exploratory, instrument-based approach so that students can experience multiple instrument types as they choose (student choice) their main instrument mid-year.  Students may also prepare quickly enough to switch into the grade level band courses when appropriate.  

This course is for: 

• Students without at least 1 year band experience prior to 6th grade
• Students who want to switch course paths into the band program
• Students who wish to change which instrument they study (teacher recommendation required in this case) 

Alternates with Physical Education. 

BAND 7
Band rehearsals are geared to provide enjoyment of a variety of music. Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits, perfecting music for performances and developing self confidence in a positive environment. Placement is determined by instrumentation needs, school class schedule and observed student achievement. There is a user fee for percussionists and students who use school bass clarinets, tenor saxophones, horns, baritones and tubas required to cover the cost of repair/replacement on equipment. Scholarships may be available upon request. Students will participate in three scheduled concerts during the school year. Concerts take place outside of the school day.

Alternates with Physical Education. 

7th Grade Band ELT

ORCHESTRA 7
Orchestra provides the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and increase musical proficiency through continued study of a stringed instrument along with the study of basic theory, ear training, solo and ensemble playing and instrument turning. Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits and achieving graduation standards. Students will participate in three scheduled concerts during the school year. Concerts take place outside of the school day.

Alternates with Physical Education. 

7th Grade Orchestra ELT

ENGLISH 8
English 8 coursework implements a variety of processes and activities to guide students in developing their communication skills. This includes: clear writing, critical reading, thoughtful listening and speaking fluently. Literary elements are studied through novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both in and outside of the classroom. 

ENRICHED ENGLISH 8
Enriched English 8 is for students who perform above grade-level and eagerly accept the challenge of rigorous coursework. Students in this course have the maturity and ambition to work at a faster pace with less teacher direction. 

ADVANCED ENGLISH 8
Advanced English 8 is for students working well above grade level. Students in this course must have a firm grasp of writing conventions and require little help in the structure and organization of writing. Advanced English includes an emphasis on individualized education and concluding capstone projects that incorporate research and oral presentations. Student work is centered around clear writing, critical reading and thinking skills, thoughtful listening and fluent speaking. Literary elements are studied in the context of various novels, dramas, short stories and poetry. Independent reading is required and encouraged both inside and outside of the classroom setting.
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

8th Grade English ELT
 

ALGEBRA 8
Algebra 8 is supported by Big Ideas Math (Algebra) curriculum. Big Ideas Math integrates strategies that focus on conceptual and procedural learning with a goal of concept retention. Big Ideas Math delivers a unique and revolutionary curriculum providing a balanced instructional approach of discovery and direct instruction. This approach opens doors to abstract thought, reasoning and inquiry as students persevere to answer the Essential Questions that drive instruction. Clearly stepped-out examples complete the lesson and provide students with the precise language and structure necessary to build mathematical understanding and proficiency.

Algebra 8 ELT

HONORS ALGEBRA 8
Honors Algebra 8 differs from Algebra 8 with additional concepts taught at a faster pace. Students must be able to persevere and be self-driven to engage in deep mathematical content. Successful students typically have a solid foundation in Pre-Algebra concepts, understand mathematical concepts quickly, and have the motivation with the ability to persevere. Students are encouraged to consult with their 7th grade math teacher.

Honors Algebra 8 ELT

ACCELERATED HONORS GEOMETRY 8
Accelerated Honors Geometry is an accelerated math course for students who have successfully completed Honors Algebra or the equivalent. We will study the language, logic and applications of Euclidean, transformational, coordinate and solid geometry. Students will analyze patterns used to measure the world around them in terms of space, shape, and size. Honors Geometry is a high school course. Students' grades for this course will be recorded on their high school transcript, however their grades will not be used in their cumulative GPA. A -placement process will determine students who are eligible for this course; it is not a self-select course. Successful completion of this course is preparation for Honors Algebra II. 
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

Honors Geometry 8 ELT

SCIENCE 8
Science 8 is an exploration of select topics from Physical Science. Each of these units will include a variety of hands-on labs, multimedia simulations, animations, and authentic reading materials. Students take on the roles of scientists and engineers to figure out real-world phenomena. Students investigate questions by finding and evaluating evidence; then developing convincing arguments. Specific areas covered this year include energy, force & motion, magnetic fields, light waves, chemical reactions, and phase change. We emphasize hands-on sequential experiences through which students discover important science concepts and develop laboratory and critical thinking skills. During the year, students will be learning about these concepts as well as how science helps in understanding the world around them.

ENRICHED SCIENCE 8
Enriched Science 8 will move more quickly through certain content and more in depth in other areas. Students will also do more independent work and projects, in addition to regular lessons. 

ADVANCED SCIENCE 8
Advanced Science 8 students will work on the same fundamental concepts as Science 8, including units on energy, force & motion, magnetic fields, light waves, chemical reactions, and phase change. Each of these units will include a variety of hands-on labs, multimedia simulations, animations, and authentic reading materials. Students take on the roles of scientists and engineers to figure out real-world phenomena. In addition to this foundational study, Advanced Science students will also read, analyze and write summaries from several sources outside the normal science curriculum. Advanced science will also be much more mathematically rigorous.  Students should be confident in their ability to apply algebra and graphical analysis in a lab and classroom setting. Collaboration will also be key as some group projects will require a high degree of coordination and cooperation. Successful Advanced Science Students love science, are highly motivated, thrive on independent work, and embrace challenges.
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

8th Grade Science ELT
 

SOCIAL STUDIES 8*
Social Studies 8 is an introductory Global Geography curriculum which follows Minnesota State Standards. This curriculum includes mapping, physical geography and human geography. Some of the thematic studies are organized around topics and some are organized around regions of the world.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program.

ENRICHED SOCIAL STUDIES 8*
Enriched Social Studies 8 is designed for students working above grade level. Students must possess the ability to work independently and collaboratively in groups. This will differ from the regular course in projects, processes, style and depth of content.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program.

ADVANCED SOCIAL STUDIES 8
The course will differ from Social Studies 8 in projects, processes, style and depth of content. Advanced Social Studies 8 is a global geography curriculum that follows Minnesota State Standards. This curriculum includes mapping skills, geo-technologies, physical geography and human geography. The course is predominately organized around thematic issues. In addition, students will participate in History Day and will complete an in-depth research project. A successful student in Advanced Social Studies exhibits an intellectual curiosity about geopolitical events and is comfortable taking a position.
Advanced courses are available to Mosaic and students who meet entrance criteria. 

8th Grade Social Studies ELT 
 

World Language

WORLD LANGUAGE 8
World Language is our connection to our community and our world. The learning of a second language and its culture is an integral part of the student’s total learning experience. The ability to communicate in a second language increases opportunities to interact with other people and to gain insight into other cultures. The world language philosophy emphasizes a communicative approach through listening, speaking, reading and writing. The focus is on what the students can do with the language and how well they can communicate in given situations.

The language selected in 7th grade will continue for a semester in 8th grade. Languages offered are listed below and include ELT links.

• Chinese 1B
• French 1B
• German 1B
• Spanish 1B

ADVANCED SPANISH IMMERSION 2B*
Spanish Language and Culture is a continuation course designed for students who have attended the Spanish Immersion program and/or are advanced speakers of the Spanish language. Students will be transitioned from content- based instruction to sequential World Language study. This course will help students focus on how the language works. Students will begin more in-depth studies of the language itself, literature, cultural practices and idioms. Grammar accuracy and literacy will become more emphasized in this phase of their language learning. This course will be interdisciplinary in nature and will be taught entirely in Spanish.
*This course is taught entirely in Spanish for students in the Spanish Immersion program.

Advanced Spanish Immersion 2B ELT

Business and Management 

PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY 8
What is money all about and how do I interact with it in my daily life? In this course, students will explore their interested, career pathways, and income-earning potential to establish personal goals and exercise financial literacy in professional and lifestyle choices. We will learn to navigate our financial system and engage in ethical decision making and the wise handling of money in a complex financial world. We will also learn to navigate economic systems to solve personal and social problems in a financially responsible way.

Personal Financial Literacy 8 ELT

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT 8
This course will being with an introduction to business and economic systems in order for students to gain a strong foundational understanding of the nature of business and the fundamentals of macro and micro economics. Next students will study business ethics and how to manage a socially responsible business. Students will understand the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities as well as the importance of health, safety, and environmental management systems in organizations. Students will learn about and examine management and leadership in today's organizations, specifically in the areas of business operations and marketing. 

Business Leadership and Management 8 ELT

Engineering and Technology 8

DESIGN, MODEL & MAKE 8
Take your designs and ideas to the next level in Design, Model & Make. Everyone can learn to think like an engineer. In this class, you will learn how to solve problems using the engineering design process while using tools and other technology to create solutions to complex design problems. Some of the projects included are: Co2 Powered Dragsters, Cutting Boards, EP Park Design Project, Soldering, Vacuum Forming, Lego Design using 3d printers, Arduino microcontrollers, 3D Modeling using Autodesk Inventor.

Students will learn communication, problem solving, and relationship-building skills will be learned through a various collaborative activities incorporating the engineering design process.

Design, Model and Make 8 ELT

CODING & ROBOTICS 8
Take your technological skills to the next level in this hands-on class for students interested in exploring the world of robotics and drone technology. Learn the basics of assembling mechanical components to create and program drones and robots to creatively solve problems. Students will analyze the influence and impact of robotics and drones technologies on society and they are used in various career pathways around the world. This class is a balance of designing, building and programming robotics systems in order to compete in classroom competitions along with flying aerial drones to learn basic programming skills. Some of the projects include: VEX Robotics team freeze tag competition, VEX Robotics robot soccer competition, aerial drones school scavenger hunt, arduinos, and career exploration. 

Coding and Robotics 8 ELT

Fine Arts 8

VISUAL ARTS & IDENTITY 8
In this course students will critically think about the role of art and imagery in the modern world in both 2D and 3D media. Students will discover human commonalities and analyze differences in how artists from around the world have used their work to tell stories about human experiences and identity. Students will develop techniques to communicate artistic ideas to diverse audiences and share their own human experience and story. Students will apply their learning in order to use and improve their visual literacy, social awareness, and intellectual curiosity. Students will learn how to use physical art making tools in order to relate knowledge, personal experiences, culture and historical context to understand and evaluate artistic works and solve problems to eliminate human rights inequities through painting, drawing, clay work, architecture, weaving, hand sewing, and bookmaking.

Visual Arts and Identity 8

3D VISUAL ARTS 8
In this course students will critically reflect on and increase sophistication in their spatial thinking skills as they focus on designing and crafting 3D artwork. Students will learn basic techniques for creating both realistic and abstract artwork while trying out a variety of media in order to communicate artistic ideas to diverse audiences. They will relate knowledge, personal experiences, culture and historical context to understand and evaluate artistic works and solve problems through the exploration of human rights issues. Students will apply their learning in order to use and improve their visual literacy, social awareness, and intellectual curiosity through clay, plaster, cardboard, paint and more.

3D Visual Arts 8 ELT

THEATRE ARTS 8
Theatre Arts 8 explores the dramatic elements of acting and technical theatre to discover different ways to communicate meaning to diverse audiences and make strong choices for social, cultural, and historic impact. Students will critically analyze multiple perspectives and ideas in career-focused theatre pathways. This study will help students to engage in critical inquiry, creative design, and process analysis as they ready their own artistic creation for acting, direction and staging, in order to leverage personal and social knowledge to eliminate a significant inequity of choice.

Theatre Arts 8 ELT

Health 8

HEALTH 8
Health focuses on promoting healthy choices and examining consequences. Throughout the curriculum you will learn about physical, mental, emotional and social health.
Themed units include: interpreting media messages, drugs, alcohol and tobacco prevention, mental health, human growth and development, reproduction, violence and anger management, online safety, bullying and other current topics related to the overall health and wellness of our students. Also covered are resources available for support with substance abuse, or other areas affecting students well-being.

8th Grade Health ELT Health is a quarter long required course.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8
Physical Education at CMS is designed to promote interest and enjoyment in an active lifestyle for all students. Our program guides students to develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to adopt an active lifestyle. We introduce students to a variety of activities, sure to spark interests in all students. The overall goal is for students to incorporate physical activity on a consistent basis so it becomes a lifelong habit. Throughout the year students may play: team handball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, basketball,
football, track and field, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, tennis and/or cooperative games.

Course Requirement: Students are required to wear a uniform. The uniform consists of a red shirt/sweatshirt, black shorts/sweatpants and tennis shoes.

Physical Education alternates with Music. 

8th Grade Physical Education ELT 

Music 

Student's music choice continues in the following grades throughout CMS (6th, 7th and 8th).

CHOIR 8
Choir emphasizes vocal music and performance within the framework of the basic music curriculum. This course is for students who enjoy singing, have a desire to improve their vocal music skills independently as well as in a group and are interested in active participation and performance. Students will have the opportunity to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and interpretation and enhance their musical proficiency through rehearsals, class participation, performance, listening experiences, written activities and journaling. Students enrolled in Choir participate in at least two concerts per year. Concerts are outside of the regular school day.

Alternates with Physical Education.

8th Grade Choir ELT

EXPLORING MUSIC 8
Exploring Music emphasizes music knowledge for students who do not wish to work in a performance area, including opportunities to reinforce basic music concepts and cultivate a broader understanding of music. Students will develop an understanding of many different music genres, study the cultural and historical impact of music and develop critical thinking skills in relation to music. Units may include popular music of today, movie music, and music composition.

Alternates with Physical Education. 

8th Grade Exploring Music ELT

THE MUSIC OF EAST AFRICA

Exploring This class will focus on traditional music from East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Zimbabwe and many others. While there will be no performances, daily participation is required as we learn about cultural music, dances, games, instruments and other East African traditions.

Alternates with PE/Health. 

8th grade Music of East Africa ELT

BEGINNER BAND 8
This is a course designed to ‘on-ramp’ students into the existing band program scope and sequence in an exploratory, instrument-based approach so that students can experience multiple instrument types as they choose (student choice) their main instrument mid-year.  Students may also prepare quickly enough to switch into the grade level band courses when appropriate.  

This course is for: 

• Students without at least 1 year band experience prior to 6th grade
• Students who want to switch course paths into the band program
• Students who wish to change which instrument they study (teacher recommendation required in this case) 

Alternates with PE/Health. 

BAND 8
Band rehearsals are geared to provide enjoyment of a variety of music. Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits, perfecting music for performances and developing self confidence in a positive environment. Placement is determined by instrumentation needs, school class schedule and observed student achievement. There is a user fee for percussionists and students who use school bass clarinets, tenor saxophones, horns, baritones and tubas required to cover the cost of repair/replacement on equipment. Scholarships may be available upon request. Students will participate in three scheduled concerts during the school year. Concerts take place outside of the school day.

Alternates with Physical Education. 

8th Grade Band ELT

ORCHESTRA 8
Orchestra provides the opportunity for students to develop self-confidence, explore creative expression and increase musical proficiency through continued study of a stringed instrument along with the study of basic theory, ear training, solo and ensemble playing and instrument turning. Emphasis is placed on developing correct playing habits and achieving graduation standards. Students will participate in three scheduled concerts during the school year. Concerts take place outside of the school day.

Alternates with Physical Education. 

8th Grade Orchestra ELT