North Canton Middle School 2016-17

Course Description Book Grades 6-8

www.northcantonschools.org/

Any course fee is subject to change, pending Board approval. June 8, 2016

North Canton Middle School We don’t honor requests for specific teachers or teams, as it is impossible to meet the requests of all parents. We appreciate your trust in us placing your child with a team that is a good “fit” for his/her education. Student placement is based upon a matrix using standardized test scores, district diagnostic scores, semester grades and teacher recommendations. LANGUAGE ARTS ELA 6 Full-Year Course The curriculum in English is threefold: grammar, spelling, and written expression. Students explore the English language including parts of speech, mechanics of sentence and paragraph writing, and the writing process. Writing applications, writing conventions, research, and oral and visual communication are emphasized. It prepares students to be literate members of a diverse society with the ability to communicate effectively in daily life. Students will acquire skills, such as reading applications for informational, technical, and persuasive text; and reading applications for literary text through reading a wide variety of literature, conversing with peers and adults, and using problem-solving strategies that aid in comprehending written language. Further, students will develop skills in reading to learn new information, research a topic, and make decisions. Students will read literary texts which represent a variety of authors, cultures, and eras. The course is based on the Common Core Standards and is recommended for most students. ELA 7

Full-Year Course

English addresses all areas of the current content standards. English Language Arts is intended to refine and enhance written and oral communication skills as well as reading skills. Students will experience many writing and research opportunities. They will also read various genres in literature, nonfiction and other supplementary materials. Emphasis will be placed on a variety of literary elements, vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. This course is recommended for most students. ELA 8 Full-Year Course English Language Arts addresses all areas of the current content standards. Students will work to improve vocabulary while reading and discussing non-fiction and fiction literature. Students will learn about elements of literature through reading short stories, drama, and novels. Students also work with all parts of writing: basic grammar, sentence structure, paragraph organization, and essay composition. Research skills are further developed as a requirement for this course. Students work to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, oral and visual communication, and media awareness. Enriched ELA 6

Full-Year Course

Enriched English Language Arts takes the course outline of ELA 6 to a higher level of student expectations, critical thinking skills, depth of material, pace of instruction and complexity of texts. Enriched ELA 7

Full-Year Course

Enriched English Language Arts takes the course outline of ELA 7 to a higher level of student expectations, critical thinking skills, depth of material, pace of instruction, and complexity of texts. Enriched ELA 8 Full-Year Course Like ELA 8, this course addresses all areas of the current content standards. Students in this advanced class are required to read additional and more challenging texts with much of this reading completed outside of class time. Assessments require critical analysis of texts and expression of understanding through exceptionally organized and developed essays. NOTE: Enriched Courses Listed below are general criteria for students planning to take enriched courses at North Canton Middle School. These criteria were adapted from, and are consistent with, the criteria for high school honors courses:  Students must be strong, independent learners.  Students will be expected to analyze fiction and non-fiction works beyond the level of the expectations in the regular classroom. June 8, 2016

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Students will be expected to express themselves verbally and in writing beyond the level of the expectations in the regular classroom. Students may be responsible for increased daily work, both in and out of the class (i.e., more reading, more problem sets, etc.) Students will be expected to conduct research and/or investigations of a more in-depth nature. Students will be expected to achieve higher levels of knowledge, involving increased use of application, synthesis, reflection, and evaluation.

MATHEMATICS Mathematics 6 Full-Year Course This course is designed to reinforce whole number, decimal, and fraction computational skills with emphasis on application, analysis, and problem solving. Areas of concentration include geometry, estimation, probability, measurement, number patterns and relations, and an introduction to algebraic equations. All course objectives comply with the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. Mathematics 7 – for students in 6th grade Full-Year Course This course was designed for students who are demonstrating above grade level performance in math. Emphasis will be placed on the Common Core Standards for Mathematics for grade 7, with grade 6 Common Core Standards supplemented as needed. The standards covered are number, number sense and operations; expressions and equations; measurement; geometry and spatial sense; patterns, functions and algebra; and statistics and probability. Students can expect 30-40 minutes of homework daily and must maintain a B average in order to be recommended for Pre-Algebra in the 7th grade. Students’ cumulative mathematical understanding is tested using summative exams, MAP testing and state-mandated testing. Students will be asked to purchase a TI-30XIIS calculator. Mathematics 7 – for students in 7th grade

Full-Year Course

This course was designed for students who have completed the sixth grade math course. Emphasis will be placed on the Common Core Standards for Mathematics. The standards covered are number, number sense and operations; expressions and equations; measurement; geometry and spatial sense; patterns, functions and algebra; and statistics and probability. Pre-Algebra 7 & 8 Full-Year Course This pre-algebra course is designed for a student with above level math ability in 7th grade and on-level math ability in 8th grade. The completion of homework is mandatory to achieve success. This course will focus on the following critical areas:  Formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equations  Solving linear equations and systems of linear equations  Grasping the concept of function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships  Analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence  Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem  Working with irrational numbers, integer exponents and scientific notation Prerequisite: Selection is based on data that includes two math achievement test scores, an Algebra aptitude test, and grades earned in sixth or seventh grade math. NOTE: Students in 7th grade will need to maintain a B average in order to be recommended for Algebra I in 8th grade. Algebra I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course This ninth grade course is designed for the student with above level mathematical ability. Students are selfmotivated with a strong work ethic. The completion of homework is mandatory to achieve success. Students will be skipping 8th grade math concepts to jump forward to a 9th grade course. Algebra I is often challenging, resulting in lower grades than students are accustomed to earning. The Algebra I candidate has mastered computation, integers, fractions, geometry, and percents. The course of study stresses the following critical areas:  Understand the properties of rational and irrational numbers  Extend the properties of exponents to rational exponents  Interpret and write expressions in equivalent forms to solve problems June 8, 2016

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Perform arithmetic operations on polynomials Create, understand, solve equations, inequalities and systems of equations and inequalities Understand, interpret, create, and analyze functions Construct and compare linear, quadratic, and exponential problems Summarize, represent, and interpret data This course carries one high school credit and will be averaged into the student's high school G.P.A (grade point average). Prerequisite: Students will have completed Enriched Math 7. Selection is based on data that includes two math achievement test scores, an Algebra aptitude test, and grades earned in Enriched Math 7. SCIENCE Science 6 Full-Year Course This course includes science concepts, processes, and ways of thinking. Students will conduct investigations and begin applying mathematical skills in evaluating and analyzing variables of data. Sixth graders will explore rocks, minerals, and soil by identifying their properties, formations and characteristics of the minerals that form them. They will learn that cells are the basic units of life, the fundamental units of structure and function, come from existing cells, and constitute the level of organization within all organisms. Students will acquire knowledge of the uses, properties, and chemical processes of the small particles (atoms) that compose matter. They will learn physical science through hands-on potential, kinetic, and speed experiments. This course is based upon Ohio's New Learning Standards: K-12 Science and the Model Curriculum. A lab fee is charged for this course. Science 7 Full-Year Course The science course includes science concepts, processes, and ways of thinking. Students will use scientific inquiry to discover patterns, trends, structures and relationships that may be described by simple principles. These principles are related to chemical interactions, weather, water, populations, ecosystems, and planetary science. They continue to develop skills of scientific inquiry by focusing on the impact of matter and energy transfer within the biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere. Students apply math skills to evaluate and analyze variables and data from investigations as they draw conclusions from scientific evidence. Seventh graders are able to recognize the importance of technology and how it cannot answer all questions and cannot solve all human problems. They will exercise interdisciplinary skills in the context of science by using scientific thinking processes to conduct investigations and build explanations. The course is based upon Ohio's New Learning Standards: K-12 Science and the Model Curriculum. A lab fee is charged for this course. Science 8 Full-Year Course This science course includes science concepts, processes, and ways of thinking. The students will use scientific processes, with appropriate laboratory safety techniques, to construct their knowledge and understanding in all science content areas. The course also focuses on the physical features of Earth and how they formed. This includes the interior of Earth, the rock record, plate tectonics and landforms. Eighth graders will explore plate tectonics as they continue to draw conclusions from scientific evidence that support theories related to the change of the Earth’s surface. Students will explain that the universe is composed of vast amounts of matter and that it is held together by gravitational force. Forces and motion are studied with a focus on forces and motion within, on and around the Earth. The topic of species and reproduction focuses on continuation of the species. Students will be able to explain how extinction of a species occurs when the environment changes and its adaptive characteristics are insufficient to allow survival. The course is based upon Ohio's New Learning Standards: K-12 Science and the Model Curriculum. A lab fee is charged for this course. SOCIAL STUDIES Social Studies 6 Full-Year Course Regions and People of the Eastern Hemisphere: Sixth grade social studies will focus on the study of world regions with an emphasis on geography. Students will study some of the earliest people who lived in each region in order to understand how humans interacted with environmental conditions at that time. Connections will be made to presentday world regions including characteristics of governments and economic interactions. This study will incorporate the academic and process standards: History, Geography, Economics, and Government. This course is based on the Ohio Social Studies Content Standards.

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Social Studies 7

Full-Year Course

World Studies from 1000 B.C. to 1750 A.D. and Ancient Civilizations through the First Global Age. Seventh grade social studies students begin a four-year historical sequence with a study of the ancient world. This study incorporates each of the standards: History, Geography, Economics and Government. Students learn that each historic event is shaped by its geographic setting, culture of people, economic condition, governmental decisions, and citizens’ actions. Students also expand their command of social studies skills and methods. U.S. History 8 Full-Year Course United States Studies from 1607 to 1877: Colonization through Reconstruction. The historical sequence continues in the eighth grade with an in-depth study of the early years of our country. This study incorporates each of the four standards: History, Geography, Economics, and Government. When students study a particular historic event in the United States, they will also look at its geographic settings, economic implications, developments in government, and the role of citizens. Discover/Social Studies 6 & 7 Full-Year Course Sixth and seventh grade students identified by standardized testing as gifted and talented will be grouped in special classes to study social studies in greater depth. This class is scheduled on a daily basis for the school year. MUSIC Band 6 Full-Year Course Sixth grade band meets daily providing students the opportunity to utilize the musical skills attained from the fifth grade band. Sixth grade band will perform exciting and entertaining music as well as exercises in a band technique book. Students will continue to develop fundamental band skills and prepare for the seventh grade band. Approximately three performances will be scheduled during the school year. Attendance at performances and extra rehearsals is mandatory. Prerequisite: Completion of the fifth grade band program or audition with the middle school band director. If you are interested in joining band as a new member, please contact the band director regarding the summer beginning band program. Band 7

Full-Year Course

The seventh grade band will provide students the opportunity to utilize the musical skills attained through the fifth and sixth grade band programs. The seventh grade band will perform exciting and entertaining music. This class continues to develop fundamental band skills and prepares students for eighth grade band. Approximately four performances will be scheduled during the school year. Attendance at performances and extra rehearsals is mandatory. Prerequisite: Completion of the sixth grade band or audition with the middle school band director. If you are interested in joining band as a new member, please contact the band director regarding the summer beginning band program. Band 8 Full-Year Course The eighth grade band will provide band students the opportunity to utilize their existing musical skills. The eighth grade band performs exciting and entertaining music. Approximately four performances will be scheduled during the school year. Attendance at the performances and extra rehearsals is mandatory. Prerequisite: Completion of the seventh grade band or audition with the middle school band director. If you are interested in joining band as a new member, please contact the band director regarding the summer beginning band program. Choir 6 Semester Course Choir 6 is offered to sixth grade students who display vocal abilities and like to sing. Various styles of music will be learned throughout each semester. Techniques such as breathing correctly, matching pitches, projecting, and using good posture will be emphasized. Rehearsals will be held during the class period with at least one public concert held after school hours. Attendance at performances is mandatory. Choir 7

Semester Course

Seventh grade choir is offered for those seventh grade students who display exceptional vocal abilities and enjoy singing. The development of sound vocal techniques is emphasized. Individuals and/or small ensembles may be June 8, 2016

featured within this group. Various styles of music will be learned throughout the year. Rehearsals will be held during the class period with at least one public concert held after school hours. Attendance at performances is mandatory. Choir 8 Full-Year Course Choir 8 is offered for eighth grade students who demonstrate exceptional vocal abilities and who wish to continue to develop their singing voice. A review as well as a continuation of musical information and vocal techniques is emphasized. A variety of choral literature will be learned. Rehearsals are held during the class period with the possibility of extra rehearsals if needed after school hours. Approximately three performances will be scheduled during the school year. Attendance at performances and extra rehearsals is mandatory. Orchestra 6 Full-Year Course Orchestra meets every day with the exception of those students who alternate between band and/or choir. This class presents a musical and aesthetic learning experience. Students are provided the opportunity to further their musical skills by playing more technically involved compositions in a variety of styles. Performances may include the Holiday Concert, Winter Concert, and Spring Concert. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory unless excused by the teacher in advance. Prerequisite: Orchestra is open to students of all skill levels who are willing to put forth the effort into improving their playing ability. Orchestra 7

Full-Year Course

Seventh grade orchestra is presented to the student both as a musical and aesthetic learning experience. Students are provided the opportunity to further their musical skills by playing more technically involved compositions in a variety of styles. Orchestra meets every day with the exception of those students who alternate between band and/or choir. Performances may include the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, state competition, and Solo & Ensemble Competition. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory unless excused by the teacher in advance. Prerequisite: Orchestra is open to students of all skill levels who are willing to put forth the effort into improving their playing ability. Orchestra 8 Full-Year Course Orchestra is presented to the student both as a musical and aesthetic learning experience in the eighth grade. Students are provided the opportunity to further their musical skills by playing more technically involved compositions in a variety of styles. Orchestra meets every day with the exception of those students who alternate between band and/or choir. Performances may include the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, State Competition, and Solo & Ensemble Competition. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory unless excused by the teacher in advance. Prerequisite: Orchestra is open to students of all skill levels who are willing to put forth the effort to improve their playing ability. Music in Our World Semester Course This class focuses on various types of music in our world and basic musical concepts. Classical music, film music, rock and roll music and music from different countries are some of the music types that will be explored. The class is designed to be a non-performing music alternative that will enable students to appreciate various musical styles. LANGUAGE Exploring Languages 6 Semester Course Students will be introduced to the French, German, and Spanish languages, with an emphasis on the skills necessary to acquiring a foreign language. Pronunciation, culture, and basic vocabulary such as colors and numbers are presented and practiced with technology and interactive games and activities. Students are assessed on speaking, writing, and listening skills. Exposure to these three languages will help them make an informed decision as to which foreign language (French, German, or Spanish) to take in 8th grade. Fundamentals of Spanish 6 Semester Course In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Spanish 1. Students will engage in listening and speaking the language with introduction to reading and writing as well. Vocabulary may include weather, clothing, colors, shapes, animals, and much more. An important aspect of the course will be an understanding of the culture associated with Spanish-speaking countries. June 8, 2016

Intro to Spanish 7 Semester Course Students are introduced to vocabulary and skills aimed at helping them in a foreign language classroom and in international travel. They will encounter such vocabulary as common objects; commands; color words; numbers; airport, train, and hotel vocabulary; expressions of courtesy; places in a city; seasonal holidays; and much more. Students will discuss information helpful to travelers, such as going through customs, the workings of European train systems, choosing a hotel and a restaurant, deciphering a menu, and figuring out an appropriate tip. Students will use technology and games to master vocabulary. WORLD LANGUAGES (Grade 8 Only) Students may enroll in a foreign language upon recommendation of seventh grade teachers, counselor, and/or principal. The faculty recommendation is based on data that includes two language aptitude tests, cognitive scores, study skills evaluation, and grades in language arts and math. This is a good predictor of success in foreign languages at the eighth grade level. Students who are not eligible this year are encouraged to begin a foreign language in ninth grade. Foreign language is a high school credit course and grades received will be averaged in the student's high school G.P.A. Students enrolled in a foreign language course will be in the class for the full year and will NOT be able to drop at the end of the first semester. French I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course French I is an introduction to the basic concepts of modern French. Students learn greetings, weather, activities, food, the calendar, time, other daily vocabulary, and basic grammar. Most work in class is oral with written homework reinforcing the classroom presentation. Students learn about France and other francophone countries through classroom activities, cultural experiences such as Mardi Gras, and outside projects. Students will speak, listen to, read, and write French. A workbook fee is charged for this course. German I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of modern German. First-year German enables the students to understand, speak, and write simple statements, questions, and commands in German. The students will learn greetings, weather, food, calendar, time, and common everyday activities. A workbook fee is charged for this course. Spanish I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course Spanish I is an introduction to the basic concepts of the Spanish language. Students learn greetings, time, weather expressions, food, the calendar and other daily vocabulary as well as basic grammar. Students will also learn strategies to help them acquire the language. All aspects of language will be addressed: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The Hispanic culture will be explored through classroom activities. A workbook fee is charged for this course. IMPORTANT for Students Interested in a World Language Parents of Students in Algebra I, German, Spanish, French and/or Jumpstart classes, please take note: In addition to the attendance policies and procedures described in the North Canton Middle School student handbook/planner, your child is enrolled in a high school credit course and subsequently falls under Hoover High School’s credit attendance policy, described below. Credit Attendance Policy To receive credit for a course, a student must not miss more than ten days in each course per semester. Deviations from this policy can be approved by the building principal after the review committee makes its recommendation. The review committee will consist of an associate principal, a teacher, and a guidance counselor. If medical reasons will be used in a review, a statement from a medical practitioner must be on file in the attendance office. Medical verifications must be on file within three school days of the absence. All other absences from school may be counted toward credit attendance including court appearances and out-of-school suspensions. Notification of Credit Attendance A Credit Attendance Report will be sent home via an automated phone call when one-half of the allowable absences have been reached by a student. Ultimately, the student is responsible for the knowledge of his/her credit attendance in a particular course.

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WELLNESS Fitness 6, 7, optional for 8 Semester Course Fitness is a physical education course that aligns to the state standards, focuses on safety and sportsmanship, and helps educate students on the importance of physical and mental fitness in their lives. This course aids students in learning the value of being healthier, feeling more energetic, sleeping better, building up muscles and bones and providing some physical activity, with their friends, throughout the day. Health education, as driven by the state standards, will be addressed in this course. Healthy Living 6, 7 & 8 Semester Course This course will explore the various aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Topics may include nutrition, stress management, human reproduction, good decision-making, drug and alcohol prevention, building positive relationships, and other current health topics. This class will include guest speakers and various media resources. Career 6 & 8 Semester Course This course allows students to explore and appreciate their strengths and interests. Students start plans for their future with career information and postsecondary education data. This course also encourages speaking, listening and overall communication skills necessary for a successful future. Citizenship Empowered Through Technology 6, 7 & 8 Semester Course Students will be empowered to use technology in tackling project based learning modules. Students will use critical thinking and reasoning skills to research real world topics while ethically and efficiently using technology to support their learning. The course will provide instruction in the use of various hardware and software applications including, but not limited to, Google Presentation, Google Sites, iMovie, iPads, and Chromebooks. ART Art Foundations 6 Semester Course Art Foundations 6 is designed to explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, and “art literacy”. Through reading, writing, listening, speaking and hands-on activities, students will begin a full understanding of visual arts, including how to view, discuss, create and reflect on the quality of their work and the work of others. Strong focuses on the global community as the students incorporate world geography, culture, and customs, and discuss the role of art throughout the world. A variety of media including drawing, painting, and sculpture will be a part of the course. Students are expected to improve the quality of their work and improve their "art literacy" as they take the course. Art Investigations 7 Semester Course Art Investigations is designed to further explore and experience visual arts. Students use the elements and principles of design to guide their investigation of a variety of art media while advancing their creative expression and critical evaluation. Media such as drawing, painting, collage and sculpture will be used as a way to study the broad topic of visual art. Art history ranging from Renaissance to Contemporary art is included into course learning, as students will discuss the roles of art throughout history. Students will be expected to write and discuss their work and the work of other artists, improve their technical skills, and be able to reflect on the quality of the work as a way to show understanding to the artistic process. Art Explorations 8 Semester Course 8th Grade Art Explorations is a semester long course designed as a continuation of learning begun in Foundations and Investigations. Course participation in Foundations and/or Investigations is preferred, but not necessary. Students will experience a variety of art media, creating both two- and three-dimensional works, while exploring the elements and principles of art. Emphasis will be placed on improving technical skills, self-motivation, and discipline. Students will be expected to write and discuss their work, the work of other artists, and be able to reflect on the quality of the work as a way to show understanding to the artistic process. STEAM (7 & 8 Only) Automation & Robotics (Coding) 7 Students learn basic coding using the VEX Robotics® platform (RobotC) to design, build, and program automated systems. Topics include closed- and open-loop systems, feedback, and construction and wiring. Troubleshooting, technical reading, and collaborative learning are key components in this class. June 8, 2016

Automation & Robotics (Mechanical) 7 Students are introduced to the first phase of automation and robotics as they design, build, test, and demonstrate mechanical systems that will support the coding taught in 7th grade. Concepts such as gear ratio, speed/torque relationship, types of input/output movements, and transfer of power are emphasized throughout the course. Design and Modeling 7 Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work as individuals and in teams to design, research and build objects. Using Autodesk® design software, students will create a virtual image of their designs. Energy & Environment 8 Students are challenged to think big and toward the future as they explore sustainable solutions to our energy needs and investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the world. Using Autodesk® design software, students design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption. Green Architecture 8 Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In this unit, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software. Electronics 8 Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design, and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them. MEDIA Computer Science 6 & 7 Semester Course Students will learn to combine their writing skills and creativity in the production of various forms of computer graphics using publishing software. They will learn about process, content and layout while developing multiple forms of electronic and paper communication (newsletters, flyers, advertisements, etc.) They will learn to capture, save, insert, rotate and crop digital images using digital cameras. Video Communications 8 Semester Course This course focuses on interpersonal communication and video production skills. Students will learn one-to-one and small group communication skills and produce video announcements that will air on the Middle School TV Network. The course will also focus on shooting, capturing, and editing video and digital still images. Additionally, students will work on personal interactions, culminating in work as teams to create video products. SKILLS PLUS *by teacher recommendation only Math Plus 6, 7 & 8 Semester Course This individualized intervention course focuses on linking standards-driven assessment to conceptually-based differentiated instruction of numbers and operation systems. It incorporates effective research-based intervention strategies while emphasizing student practice through games and activities, individually as well as in groups, and with computer-based progress monitoring. The program offers comprehensive teacher support and allows students to rebuild foundational skills they need to compute with accuracy and fluency, the number sense they need to reason, and the ability to apply their skills and reasoning to solve problems in a small class setting. Recommendation for this course will be based upon the collaborative efforts of Math teachers, guidance counselors, and building administrators. Reading Plus 6, 7 & 8 Semester Course This individualized intervention course focuses on empowering students to increase their reading comprehension. While emphasizing growth, intelligence, motivation and character, the content of this course mirrors the specific skills being studied in the ELA classroom. On a daily basis, students are required to actively learn, practice and apply research-based reading strategies in a variety of contexts. Recommendation for this course will be based upon the collaborative efforts of Reading teachers, guidance counselors, and building administrators.

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Wilson Reading 6, 7 & 8 Semester Course Students in this class will receive intensive instruction in the Wilson Reading System. This additional, specialized instruction concentrates on phonetic and fluency skills which in turn build a student’s spelling ability, reading comprehension, encoding, and decoding. This course provides the student with the skills to analyze word structure and apply this understanding when reading and spelling. Admittance to this class is based on teacher recommendation, classroom performance, pre-screening qualification, and MAP scores. Exploration of Literature 6 & 7 Semester Course Students in this class will study works (fiction and non-fiction) by a specific author and compare and contrast the text. In addition, skills in their ELA class will be applied and reinforced. Financial Literacy 6 Semester Course Students will discuss the basics of finances and how they can be authentically applied in the real world, at various stages of development. In addition, skills in their math class will be applied and reinforced. High School Prep 8 Semester Course This course will target skills needed for success in high school and beyond. Areas of focus will include accepting selfcontrol, pursuing academic achievement, fostering effective relationships and exploring community involvement. North Canton Middle School JumpStart Offerings (Grade 8 Only) JumpStart courses are high school courses offered to eighth grade students that replace one period of an exploratory class. JumpStart students are transported from NCMS to finish their day at Hoover High School and if they have bus privileges, JumpStart students board high school busses to go home. Students earn high school credit for these courses and grades will be averaged into the high school grade point average (GPA). In the case where interest exceeds available seats, JumpStart courses are offered to eighth grade students in a random selection process. Art I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course Students in Art 1 will be exposed to a variety of media. Drawing, painting, three-dimensional sculpture, design and mixed media assignments will all be explored. Students will be expected to solve problems that personally relate to themselves and the global world around them. The “artistic process” will be used in developing the concepts, implementing those ideas through artwork, strong craftsmanship, reacting to their results, results of peers and other artists throughout history. A sketchbook will be used to develop ideas, take drawing notes, and complete a minimal amount of homework assignments. This class is held at Hoover High School – Fee of $40.00. Construction Technologies I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course Construction Technologies I is a class that focuses on exciting hands-on learning that will be useful throughout students’ lives. Emphasis in this course is placed on operating and maintaining power equipment in a safe fashion. Much of the experience is gained through lab experience and project completions. The students will do three major projects to be completed at the end of the second, third and fourth grading periods. Construction Technologies has adopted the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) This curriculum is nationally recognized. This class is held at Hoover High School – Fee of $40.00. The curriculum of this course includes: 1. Woodworking - Students will learn the many aspects of woodworking. Students will be able to use machinery and other power equipment tools with an emphasis on safety. Students will gain proficiency in equipment usage through an exciting in-class project. 2. Construction Technology – Students will learn how to do measurement and reading a tape measure, to actual lumber sizes, reading blue prints as well as doing scale drawings (Blue printing), purchasing/estimating lumber, and finish the work to be used in a house to be sold. Interactive Media I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course Experience visual literacy through Interactive Media. Visual literacy is the ability to appreciate, create, and use images. The Interactive Media class gives all students an opportunity to explore and become knowledgeable designers and producers of visual information. Design a wide variety of captivating graphics using PhotoShop, Illustrator, and Indexing – from eye catching logos, to the riveting images in magazines, to the enlightening info June 8, 2016

graphics found in newspapers. While using state-of-the-art design applications, students will learn the elements and principles of design. After completing the Interactive Media course, students are encouraged to apply their skills in other classes like journalism, yearbook, and broadcasting. This class is held at Hoover High School – Fee of $5.00. Journalism I (1 High School Credit) Full-Year Course All aspects of media are examined, and students develop skills in gathering, writing, editing, and displaying the news. Units in law and ethics, desktop publishing (the Adobe Creative Suite), photography, broadcast production, and business/advertising are presented, and students are required to make an ad sales call. The course also examines current event issues as well as historical significance of media throughout history. Careers in journalism are briefly examined. In addition to the above, Journalism I Honors students may help with the publication of the school newsmagazine, The Viking Views. They will be assigned various projects per nine weeks at the discretion of the instructor and will have additional expectations of a more in-depth nature throughout the course. This class is held at Hoover High School. Note: Credit for this course will not count toward the four years of English required for graduation.

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