Eighth Grade Course Descriptions Welcome to Vista Heights Middle School! We are excited that you will be attending our school. We would like to give you some information about the classes that you can take here. Vista Heights is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. As part of the program, you will be taking classes from eight different curricular areas. Some classes we will choose for you, but some classes, you get to choose for yourself. We can’t guarantee you’ll get into any particular class, but we will take your choices into account. Core Classes All students will be placed in the following four core classes: Language and Literature (Language Arts), Individuals and Societies (Social Studies), Mathematics, and Sciences. We’ll make sure that you are placed in a class that’s appropriately leveled and right for you. Physical Education All students will be placed in a survey PE class, where you’ll participate in a variety of sports. But if you’d prefer, you could choose to be in a year-long Dance PE class. See the class descriptions to learn about the beginning and advanced options. Language Acquisition All students will be placed in a class focused on learning a world language. Read the course descriptions to learn about the different options, and select the choice that’s best for you. Testing will occur to make sure that you are appropriately placed. Students in the high school credit classes will only earn high school credit if they earn an A or B in the class each semester. Design, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts All students will take Design and VAPA classes. You may choose a year-long Design or VAPA class. If you don’t choose a yearlong class, you will be placed in available semester long classes (for example, computers, multicultural studies, intermediate art). Some classes may require an audition, and space is limited, so we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your first choice, but we will take your choices into consideration.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE TO READ!!!! On this paper, there are descriptions of the classes we have to offer. There is also a form to select your choices. You can fill out a Google Form online (the web address is on the form. Type it exactly: capital letters are different from lower case letters). But be aware of the following rules: 1.

If the form is not returned by February 16, 2018, you will be placed in survey PE, semester-long design and art classes, and an appropriate world language class.

2.

A year-long elective lasts the whole year. Once you are in it, you can not be taken out. It is a year-long commitment.

3.

Auditions, applications, and/or interviews may be required to be in some Design or VAPA classes.

Semester Classes Beginning/Intermediate Computers: Designed to familiarize students with computers and their applications. It will also emphasize the use of Digital Citizenship and online safety. Students will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software and become familiar with a variety of computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations. Students will also investigate graphic design and photo editing. Beginning/Intermediate Art: Learn about various artists and art techniques while completing projects. Multicultural Studies: Learn about the cultures of different types of people throughout the world.

Dance PE Beginning Dance: Have you have ever wanted to learn to dance in a Dance Studio but couldn't find the time or money? This class is designed for students with little to no experience in dance. Students will learn the fundamentals of dance technique, dance vocabulary, strength and conditioning, in Ballet, Jazz and Modern styles. Hip Hop and Cultural Dance will also be introduced. Advanced Dance: Dancers who have dance experience may audition for this class. More Advanced Dance techniques and styles will be taught, Lyrical, Musical Theater, Contemporary, Jazz Funk etc. Students will learn short dance combinations weekly. Intro to choreography for solo and group performance will be included in this class with the potential for performances in class, school and within the community. Auditions upcoming.

World Language: The ability to communicate in more than one language is essential to the concept of an international education. You may choose from the following options: Spanish 1: This is a high school credit class for students with no Spanish language background. Prerequisites: World language teacher recommendation. Spanish for Native Speakers 1: High school credit class for students who can speak Spanish. Prerequisites: World language teacher recommendation and placement test. Spanish 2: This is a high school credit class for students with no Spanish language background. Prerequisites: Spanish 1, world language teacher recommendation. Spanish for Native Speakers 2: High school credit class for students who can speak Spanish. Prerequisites: Native Speakers 1, teacher recommendation, and placement test. French IB MYP Phases 1/2: This class is for students with no French language background. It is not for high school credit. French 1: High school credit class for interested students. Prerequisites: World language teacher recommendation. Mandarin Chinese 1: High school credit class for students interested in learning the language. Prerequisites: World language teacher recommendation. Digital Photography Learn about analog and digital photography, how to use digital cameras, create and manipulate digital images and how to create an online portfolio. The course will cover the fundamentals of photography, design and composition, basic techniques for making good photographs, camera use and care, exposure, basic lighting, and editing and storage of digital files. PLEASE NOTE, for this class, students do not need their own digital camera, but will be helpful if they have one.

Vista Heights AVID wants you! Do you have the desire to attend a 4 year college? Would you benefit from working with college tutors 2 times a week? Would you like to visit college campuses? AVID is a program designed to provide academic instruction and support to students “in the middle” academically, to prepare them for eligibility to four-year colleges and universities. Students who are interested in being a part of the AVID program should to apply.

ASB: Get involved in student government! Organize activities!

STEAM - Stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. This is a hands-on and technology based class where the students will design and build projects and participate in competitions and STEAM events. The students will experience the world of Coding where they will create video games, Robotics where they will build a robot to perform a task, build solar and wind power ed pr ojects/models and encourage the concept and idea of clean energy. They will also create and build projects using Science, Math and Engineering concepts that will connect to the community and ultimately to the world. They will learn how to use recycled materials and household items to construct the amazing project that one day might benefit their community. They will apply Art and Design to real world situations. They will also get opportunities to go on field trips and symposiums and see what other people’s ideas are using the same concepts. Advanced Art : Prerequisite—general art class either here or at another school. This class is designed to allow each 7th and 8th grade students will explore a variety of media, techniques and methods. Projects focus on developing the art language learned in general art class. Understanding and appreciation of self and others through art history, culture, and heritage is emphasized. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects are produced as well as learning to create and maintain a portfolio. Advanced art students will have the opportunity to enter their projects into several art shows and competitions during the year.

BAND: In band you pick an instrument to play for the entire year: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, or tuba. Perfect for any student who wishes to begin playing an instrument. Also great for any student who plays in the elementary band. Performances include 3 school concerts, 1 festival, and trip to KNOTT’S BERRY FARM! Yearbook is a class and a club that supports student’s development as writers, photographers, editors, independent users of technology and as responsible members of the Vista Heights Middle School community. Yearbook students work with all students of our student body. Students learn basic principles of yearbook production and develop skills that include writing copy, captions and headlines; digital photography; desktop publishing and using appropriate technology tools for media production. An approved yearbook application/interview is required to be in the yearbook class.

Advanced CHOIR: We welcome all interested singers to be a part of our organization. Choir is a GREAT place to make FRIENDS and learn a life-long skill. As well as earning your Fine Arts IB credit, you will have the opportunity to learn how to sing while having FUN, sing in concerts and TRAVEL! Our members are campus leaders and also participate in lots of other school activities too. WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN. Even if you have never been in a choir before, we have a place for YOU! The VHMS choirs are recognized AWARD WINNERS in both solo and group competition.

Eighth Grade Course Descriptions Flyer PDF.pdf

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