Middle School Course Guide
As your children transition to middle school, they can anticipate an exciting and enriching experience that fosters both academic and personal growth. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment, where students will encounter a diverse curriculum designed to cultivate critical thinking skills and a love for learning. Middle school is not just about academics; it's a time for self-discovery and developing essential life skills. From collaborative projects to extracurricular activities, we aim to nurture a well-rounded education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With a focus on fostering positive relationships and building a sense of community, we look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child's success during these formative years. Together, we can inspire a love for learning and set the foundation for a bright future.
Middle School Grading Policy
IHA – Grading System Policy from School/Parent Handbook
The purpose of grading shall be to communicate student learning with students and parents/guardians. The communication shall be as such to invite participation within the student’s learning process. Grades shall communicate student learning relative to clearly stated instructional expectations based on the standards of the content. Grades shall be mainly determined by assessments in the form of, but not limited to written tests, essays, science experiments, multimedia presentations, products, performances, works of art, speeches, demonstrations, etc. Daily assignments, class participation, application of skills, etc. can be considered as a portion of the grade.
Report cards for all students shall be sent home and posted in the online gradebook four times a year at the end of a quarter. In addition, progress reports for all students shall be issued at the midpoint of each quarter. Grades shall be updated in the online gradebook each week (approximately 10 per quarter) to keep everyone informed of student progress.
Grading Scale
All student work is based on standards. Grades cannot be explicitly used for reward or punishment. Grading practices cannot place a student in a situation where he/she is doomed to fail mid-year with no recourse.
Grade Scales-Student performance shall be communicated using the appropriate grade-level scale.
The scale for reporting grades in Grades 6 through 12
A – 90-100%
B – 80-89%
C – 70-79%
D – 60-69%
F – 59% or below
I - Incomplete
Search Middle School Courses
Course #: 01061042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: This Language Arts course builds upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 6. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.
Course#: 01071042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: This Language Arts course builds upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 7. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.
Course#: 01081042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: This Language Arts course builds upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 8. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.
Course#: 01062001
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: This course is an introduction to the art of creative writing and publishing. Class participants will write and revise pieces in a number of genres including personal essays, short stories, poetry, drama, and fairy tales among other alternative genres. The focus of this class will be on various processes for creating and using mentor texts as inspiration. Students will learn from each other, providing and listening to feedback while learning to engage in a supportive, creative community that empowers individual curiosity and artistic risk-taking.
Course #: 1074011
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07-08
Description: In this course, students will be equipped with an understanding of the principles and practice of journalism: how to recognize good stories and gather facts through skillful interviewing and research. Students will learn how to organize ideas and format stories while developing sources, craft welcoming leads and satisfying endings, and how to create news and feature articles that inform and engage readers. The course will also examine the historical development of journalism and the role of journalism in society.
Courses by Grade Level
Courses by Subject
- English
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
- Science
- Physical Education
- Art
- Band
- Choral
- Orchestra
- Theatre
- Career & Technical Education
- ESOL
- World Languages
- STEM
- Electives
- Honors Classes
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Physical Education
Art
Band
Choral
Orchestra
Theatre
Career & Technical Education
ESOL
World Languages
STEM
Electives
Honors Classes
High school credit for successful completion of outcomes shall be based on the grades determined by the student’s teachers of record for the courses in which the student is enrolled each semester. High school credit shall be awarded for the letter grades of “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” or “P” if in accordance with an approved Pass/Not Passed option. High school credit shall not be awarded for grades of “F” or “I” for incomplete. With the exception of quarter credit classes, all course credits will be issued on a semester basis.
Each high school shall organize its program on the basis of units of credit. “Unit of credit” means one unit of credit earned for satisfactory completion of any approved subject taught for a minimum of one class period for two semesters or two class periods for one semester. One-half unit of credit shall be earned for approved subjects taught for a minimum of one class period for one semester or two class periods for one quarter.
Browse All Courses in Alphabetical Order
Course #: 08083022
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
Pre/Co Requisite: prior experience or instructor approval
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Advanced Band 8 is for band students with prior experience and who meet prescribed skills in the district scope and sequence. Emphasis will be on music reading, rhythmic precision, technical skills and tone production. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 09072011
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07-08
Other Information: May be taken more than once
Description: Advanced Theatre is an advanced course for students who have completed an intro to theatre course and provides an opportunity for continued development of the skills learned during an introductory course. Course content is focused on performance and explores the use of movement, language, character, plot, and other elements of theatrical production to portray real or imaginary experiences. Attendance at evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 02091920
Credit Type: Math
Credit: 1.0
College Credit: No
Prerequisite: Math 7+
Grade Level: 08
Other Information: Grade 8 ONLY
Description: Algebra 1+ is available for students seeking to be academically challenged. The course expands and enriches the critical content of Algebra 1 to prepare students for future academic success in mathematics, catering to students pursuing college credit classes at the high school level. Any student can access this course.
Course #: 04081002
Credit Type: Social Studies
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Social Studies (grade 8) American History will review the major ideas, issues, and events of the founding of the nation and Constitutional Period. Students will then concentrate on the critical events, people, groups, ideas, and issues of the period from 1800 to 1900 - including Westward expansion, sectionalism, the Civil War Reconstruction, Populism, and Imperialism. The course should be rigorous and relevant with instruction that integrates thinking skills, historical processes, and content so that students are able to apply the learning to their own lives. Instruction should include the integration of concepts and principles from history, economics, geography, civics, and the humanities.
Course #: 04061002
Credit Type: Social Studies
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: Social Studies (grade 6) Ancient World History covers the time period from the birth of the river valley civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China to the Middle Ages in Europe. Students will examine the impact of geography on the development of civilizations. Students will draw conclusions about the significance of various civilizations and their connection to events, ideas, and culture today. The course should be rigorous and relevant with instruction that integrates thinking skills, historical processes, and content so that students are able to apply their learning to their own lives.
Course #: 07061003
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: 6th Grade Visual Arts is a hands-on project-based course that picks up where students left off in 5th grade. Students will work in two- and three-dimensional mediums that include drawing, painting, design, construction, etc. There will be a focus on the 6th grade visual art standards and an emphasis on the elements and principles of design. This class cannot be repeated.
Course #: 07071003
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: 7th Grade Visual Arts is a hands-on, project-based course that focuses on the continuation of visual arts at the middle school level; however, students do not need to complete 6th grade art to enroll. Students will build off their skill sets in two- and three-dimensional mediums that include drawing, painting, design, construction, etc. There will be a focus on the 7th grade visual art standards and an emphasis on the elements and principles of design. This class cannot be repeated.
Course #: 07081003
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: 8th Grade Visual Arts is a hands-on, project-based course that focuses on the continuation of visual arts at the middle school level; however, students do not need to complete 7th grade art to enroll. Students will build off their skill sets in two- and three-dimensional mediums with a focus on building the skills necessary for the visual arts classes at the high school level. There will be a focus on the 8th grade visual art standards and an emphasis on the elements and principles of design. This class cannot be repeated.
Course #: 10073627
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: (Not available at Carl B Bruce or Central Middle School) Students team up to design and build solutions to real-world challenges using automation and robotics as they step into the role of an innovator. They will use cutting-edge skills in construction and programming to create and automate their very own machines. As they learn new skills they will take on the role of an intern, choosing a real-world problem to tackle.
Course #: 99062010
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program to prepare students for higher-level courses such as Pre-AP/AP courses, dual/concurrent class, TEC, and/or post-secondary education. AVID course work focuses on entrance and placement exams, career and college knowledge, test-taking strategies, refining Cornell note-taking strategy, time management, organizational skills, and presentation methods. This full-year course is meant to be followed by additional years of participation in the program.
Course #: 99072010
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program to prepare students for higher-level courses such as Pre-AP/AP courses, dual/concurrent class, TEC, and/or post-secondary education. AVID course work focuses on entrance and placement exams, career and college knowledge, test-taking strategies, refining Cornell note-taking strategy, time management, organizational skills, and presentation methods. This full-year course is meant to be followed by additional years of participation in the program.
Course #: 99082010
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a program to prepare students for higher-level courses such as Pre-AP/AP courses, dual/concurrent class, TEC, and/or post-secondary education. AVID course work focuses on entrance and placement exams, career and college knowledge, test-taking strategies, refining Cornell note-taking strategy, time management, organizational skills, and presentation methods. This full-year course is meant to be followed by additional years of participation in the program
Course #: 08063002
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: Beginning Band 6 is for students with no prior experience. Emphasis will be on music reading, rhythmic precision, technical skills and tone production. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 08073020
Credit Type: Fine Arts
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07-08
Description: Beginning Ban 7/8 is for students interested in music, reading, rhythmic precision, technical skills, and tone production. This course is designed for 7th and 8th grade students that do not take Beginning Band 6 during 6th grade. This course does not require prior band or instrumental experience. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 08064002
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: Beginning Strings is for students with no prior experience. Emphasis will be on music reading, rhythmic precision, technical skills and tone production. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 21520111
Credit Type: Career and Technical Education
Credit: 0.5
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Learn how businesses work and explore careers in business, marketing, and finance! You'll discover key skills like communication, decision-making, and teamwork while exploring how companies stay successful. If you're curious about running or working in a business, this class is a great start!
Course #: 21120111
Credit Type: Career and Technical Education
Credit: 0.5
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Want to build the skills you need for a successful future? This class will teach you how to set goals, manage your time, and make smart decisions. You'll explore careers that match your interests, practice job skills like teamwork and problem-solving, and even create a plan to reach your personal and career goals. It's all about preparing for a bright future at work, home, and in your community!
Course #: 10073021
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: Career Exploration courses help students identify and evaluate personal goals, priorities, aptitudes, and interests, with the goal of helping them make informed decisions about their careers. These courses expose students to various sources of information on career and training options and may also assist them in developing job search and employability skills
Course #: 21110105
Credit Type: Career and Technical Education
Credit: 0.5
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Get tech-savvy with this hands-on class! You'll learn how to use popular Google tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, while also exploring Gmail, internet research, and staying safe online. Plus, you'll build skills that prepare you for advanced computer courses and success in school and beyond.
Course #: 10074523
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: In this course, students work in teams to discover where technology meets imagination while solving exciting, real-world challenges related to wearable technology, interactive art, and mechanical devices. Students become a computer part to see how it all works and then create and program a high-tech security system to protect important secrets. Next, they design and build a wearable device that can help people or animals in real-life situations.
Course #: 06071001
Credit Type: Phys Ed
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: This course involves the development of concepts that provide the foundation for sport, a physically active lifestyle, and social development through physical activity, including knowledge, strategy, and skills. Activities typically include those that increase strength, endurance, and flexibility; reinforce safe techniques; and explore the relationship between physical activity and health.
Course #: 10091025
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: This course will introduce students to the main ideas in data science. Students will learn to be data explores in project-based units, through which they will develop their understanding of data analysis, the basics of programming, simulations, modeling with data, making and evaluating data-based arguments, the power of data in society, and more! Students will apply their data science skills to complete an introductory Community Impact Project and take the NC3 Data Analysis Industry Recognized Credential to earn their first Market Value Asset.
Course #: 10076025
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: (Arrowhead and Eisenhower Middle School ONLY) In this hands-on course, students explore creative ways to power the world while protecting it for future generations. They will dive into the big challenge: How to economically harness, store, and deliver renewable energy like solar and wind. Then, they take the spotlight as they present their own alternative solutions to a global energy problem. Finally, they discover simple, impactful ways to reduce their own energy use and make a real difference in the world around them.
Course #: 1561050
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: This course is designed for students with some to adequate formal education in L1, but beginning or early English language proficiency, to begin developing proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English. This course is designed to provide foundational language skills for students; therefore, it is to only be taken once by students.
Course #: 10061021
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-07
Description: This elective course explores basic computer applications, internet safety, and software development.
Course #: 10061021
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-078
Description: This elective course explores basic computer applications, internet safety, and software development.
Course #: 10075678
Credit Type: World Languages
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-07
Description: In this course, students will explore the diversity of language in our community and throughout the world. They will be introduced to the languages spoken and taught within KCK and study what it means to be multilingual according to culture, communities, and communication. Students will begin to compare languages and make connections between language learning and other content areas.
Course #: 04071002
Credit Type: Social Studies
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: Social Studies (grade 7) Geography should familiarize students with their world using the Essential Elements and Geography Themes. Students should develop skills and knowledge about location, place, human/environmental interaction, movement, and regions. The course should compare and contrast these themes across all continents. Special attention should be given to the most essential skills and knowledge of the discipline. Instruction should feature examples from a variety of geographic regions. Kansas History is the study of native inhabitants of the land that was to become Kansas. The course will cover major events, individuals, groups, innovations, and movements from pre-historic days to the present. The course should be rigorous and relevant with instruction that integrates thinking skills, historical processes, and content so that students are able to apply their learning to their own lives.
Course #: 01061042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: This Language Arts course builds upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 6. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.
Course#: 01071042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: This Language Arts course builds upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 7. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.
Course#: 01081042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: This Language Arts course builds upon students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 8. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards.
Course #: 08073022
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
Pre/Co Requisite: prior experience or instructor approal
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: Intermediate Band 7 is for band students with prior experience and who meet prescribed skills in the district scope and sequence. Emphasis will be on music reading, rhythmic precision, technical skills and tone production. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course#: 01062001
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: This course is an introduction to the art of creative writing and publishing. Class participants will write and revise pieces in a number of genres including personal essays, short stories, poetry, drama, and fairy tales among other alternative genres. The focus of this class will be on various processes for creating and using mentor texts as inspiration. Students will learn from each other, providing and listening to feedback while learning to engage in a supportive, creative community that empowers individual curiosity and artistic risk-taking.
Course #: 15060130
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
Pre/Co Req: English Language Development MS
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Other Information: Fall course only
Description: STUDENTS SHOULD BE CONCURRENTLY ENROLLED IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT MS. This course is an introduction to the art of creative writing and publishing and is designed for multilinguals currently enrolled in the English Language Development MS course who are still developing their English language proficiency. Class participants will write and revise pieces in a number of genres including personal essays, short stories, poetry, drama and fairy tales among other alternative genres. The focus of this class will be on various processes for creating and using mentor texts as inspiration. Students will learn from each other, providing and listening to feedback while learning to engage in a supportive, creative community that empowers individual curiosity and artistic risk-taking. This course must be taught by an ESOL endorsed teacher in order to provide appropriate scaffolds for the language development while meeting grade-level standards.
Course #: 15060102
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: (Central Middle School ONLY) – This course is designed for students with limited or no formal education and beginning development in English to develop basic literacy skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. Students enrolled in Introduction to English Language MS must concurrently be enrolled in Language Support MS. Enrollment in the course is by ESOL Department approval only.
Course #: 1074011
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07-08
Description: In this course, students will be equipped with an understanding of the principles and practice of journalism: how to recognize good stories and gather facts through skillful interviewing and research. Students will learn how to organize ideas and format stories while developing sources, craft welcoming leads and satisfying endings, and how to create news and feature articles that inform and engage readers. The course will also examine the historical development of journalism and the role of journalism in society.
Course #: 06061001
Credit Type: Phys Ed
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: This course introduces knowledge and skills that provide the foundation for sport, a physically active lifestyle, and social development through physical activity. Activities typically include those that increase strength, endurance, and flexibility; reinforce safe techniques; and explore the relationship between physical activity and health.
Course #: 01068105
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: This co-curricular course prepares students for a variety of academic and non-academic situations in which public speaking and performance is required. Students will learn how to research, outline, and deliver formal and informal presentations. The skills acquired in this class will provide a solid foundation for participating in High School Competitive Speech and Debate. Students are expected to follow and read current events while engaging in the research writing and presentation of material for competition in debate and public speaking. Students will also be expected to analyze fictional and non-fictional pieces to bring characters to life through speaking and/or acting skills. Through this course, students may also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular Competitive Speech and Debate.
Course #: 15068105
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
Pre/Co Req: English Language Development MS
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Other Information: Fall course only
Description: STUDENTS SHOULD BE CONCURRENTLY ENROLLED IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT MS. This co-curricular course prepares students for a variety of academic and non-academic situations in which public speaking and performance is required. Students will learn how to research, outline, and deliver formal and informal presentations. Students are expected to engage in the research writing and presentation of material. Students will also be expected to analyze fiction and non-fictional pieces to bring characters to life through speaking and/or acting skills.
Course #: 09061011
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: Introduction to Theatre is an introduction to the dramatic arts. All aspects of the theatre will be explored, including acting, improvisation, play types and play structures. Students will actively participate in theatrical exercises to help them explore and develop an appreciation of various art forms and to develop self-awareness, self-confidence, and physical and vocal expression.
Course #: 19061001
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: (Carl B Bruce Middle School ONLY). Content information available from building administration and JAG teachers.
Course #: 15060130
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: (Central Middle School ONLY) – This course is designed for students with limited or no formal education and beginning development in English to develop basic literacy skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. Students enrolled in Language Support MS must concurrently be enrolled in Introduction to English Language MS. Enrollment in the course is by ESOL Department approval only.
Course #: 08076050
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
Pre/Co Req: prior experience or instructor approval
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: This is a specialized course for students that want to learn to perform music in a Mariachi ensemble with a characteristic sound and style. This course is open to students that are advanced on violin, trumpet, singing, guitar, vihuela, or guitarron. Students will learn about the history and culture involved in Mariachi music, and apply it to their performance. Attendance at evening events is encouraged. This course may be taken for credit in multiple years.
Course #: 02061022
Credit Type: Math
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: Math 6 is a transition course that focuses on deepening elementary math skills to connect and prepare students for studying algebra in later grades. It covers a range of topics, including geometry, rational numbers, rates and ratios, and the division of fractions using models. Math 6 equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in more advanced math courses and apply mathematics in real-world situations.
Course #: 02062002
Credit Type: Math
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Prerequisite: 5th grade math
Grade Level: 06
Description: Math 6+ is an accelerated course encompassing the entire Math 6 curriculum and integrating components from the Math 7 curriculum. This course aims to equip students with the foundational skills required to successfully advance to Algebra 1+ in the 8th grade. The course is designed to foster academic excellence in mathematics, catering to students pursuing college credit classes at the high school level. Any student can access this course.
Course #: 02071022
Credit Type: Math
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: Math 7 students explore rational numbers using visual models and solve real-world problems. Students dive into proportional reasoning, work with expressions, equations, and inequalities, and study geometric figures. Probability is also taught, with a focus on experimental and theoretical probabilities. The course emphasizes data collection and analysis, enabling students to make informed inferences about populations.
Course #: 02072002
Credit Type: Math
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Prerequisite: Math 6+ or Math 6
Grade Level: 07
Description: Math 7+ is a rigorous and comprehensive course designed to cover the Math 7 standards not included in the Math 6+ curriculum while also encompassing all Math 8 standards. The primary objective of this course is to equip students with the essential mathematical skills and knowledge needed to excel academically, setting them up for a successful transition into Algebra 1+ in the 8th grade. This course prepares students for future academic success in mathematics, catering to students pursuing college credit classes at the high school level. Any student can access this course.
Course #: 02081002
Credit Type: Math
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Math 8 students will explore various mathematical concepts, including algebraic equations, functions, geometry, and irrational numbers, laying the foundation for advanced high school mathematics. They will investigate angle measurements, the Pythagorean Theorem, and patterns in bivariate data, employing linear models to solve real-world problems. The course will conclude with a focus on three-dimensional geometry, emphasizing geometric shapes' volume and surface area.
Course #: 10091023
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: In Medical Detectives students become the investigator solving real-life medical mysteries! Students collect and analyze medical data to diagnose diseases, just like real doctors and scientists. They take part in hands-on projects and labs, where students measure and interpret vital signs to uncover clues, dissect a sheep brain to explore how the human brain works (and what happens when it doesn't!), and investigate how diseases spread and work to stop outbreaks in their tracks.
Course #: 08065000
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06-08
Description: This general music elective provides space for students to explore opportunities in music without the need to meet performance expectations within an ensemble setting. Students will get hands-on experience responding to, performing, and creating music while developing their understanding of the elements of music. Students will broaden their experience with musical genres while strengthening their capacity to perform should they choose to move on to join a band, choir, or orchestra.
Course #: 08064022
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
Pre/Co Req: prior experience or instructor approval
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: Orchestra 6 is for students with prior experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Emphasis will be on music reading, rhythmic precisions, technical skills and tone production. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 08074022
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
Pre/Co Req: prior experience or instructor approval
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: Orchestra 7 is an intermediate class for orchestra students with prior experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Emphasis will be on music reading, rhythmic percussion, technical skills and tone production. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 08084022
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
Pre/Co Req: prior experience or instructor approval
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Orchestra 8 is an advanced class for orchestra students with prior experience playing violin, viola, cello, or bass. Emphasis will be on music reading, rhythmic precisions, technical skills and tone production. Attendance at several evening events is encouraged.
Course #: 15061042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: This Language Arts course is designed for multilinguals still developing their English language proficiency. It builds upon a student’s prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and information texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 6. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources, and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards. This course must be taught by an ESOL endorsed teacher in order to provide scaffolds for the language development while meeting grade-level standards.
Course #: 15071042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: This Language Arts course is designed for multilinguals still developing their English language proficiency. It builds upon a students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides an integrated balance of reading narrative and information texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 7. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluation sources, and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration, choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards. This course must be taught by an ESOL endorsed teacher in order to provide appropriate scaffolds for the language development while meeting grade-level standards
Course #: 15081042
Credit Type: English
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: This Language Arts course is designed for multilinguals still developing their English language proficiency. It builds upon a students’ prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and the mechanics of writing, and includes the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course emphasizes the use of language for different effects, in different contexts, and for different purposes. Students can expect to read a variety of fiction and non-fiction including novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays. This course provides and integrated balance of reading narrative and informational texts, along with writing tasks appropriate to grade level 8. Students will become proficient at gathering information, evaluating sources, and citing material accurately, reporting findings from their research and analysis of sources in a clear manner. To be college and career ready writers, students must take task, purpose, and audience into careful consideration choosing words, information, structures, and formats deliberately. Through an integrated approach, skills and strategies will be developed and applied through the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards. This course must be taught by and ESOL endorsed teacher in order to provide appropriate scaffolds for the language development while meeting grade-level standards
Course #: 03061002
Credit Type: Science
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: Science (grade 6) include subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life sciences, the course organizes material around thematic units based upon the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards for Science
Course #: 03071002
Credit Type: Science
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: Science (grade 7) builds on previous years of scientific inquiry and includes subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life sciences, the course organizes material around thematic units based upon the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards for Science.
Course #: 03081020
Credit Type: Science
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Science (grade 8) builds on previous years of scientific inquiry and includes subject matter from several strands of science, including earth/space sciences, physical sciences, and life sciences, the course organizes material around thematic units based upon the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards for Science.
Course #: 10078325
Credit Type: ELECTIVE
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Description: This class is all about teaming up to tackle real-world challenges, like fighting hunger and saving the environment. Students get hands-on experience making ice cream by hand (yes, they get to eat it!), creating their own super glue, and even cleaning up and oil spill like a real-life scientist. Next, they dive into the fascinating world of nanotechnology and discover how tiny innovations are shaping the future. Plus, they explore the magic of simple machines and put their creativity to the test as their team designs their very own roller coaster!
Course #: 05072002
Credit Type: World Languages
Credit: 1.0
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: This course is designed for students with little or no experience learning Spanish. Students study basic language structures and vocabulary in context. Students will be able to use individual words and short phrases to speak and write in Spanish and answer basic comprehension questions about information they read and hear. Students will also learn about Hispanic/Latinx culture including practices, products, and perspectives associated with the topics of the course.
Course #: 05071022
Credit Type: World Languages
Credit: 1.0
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: This course is designed for heritage/native speakers of Spanish at a Novice-High proficiency level. Students will develop, maintain, and enhance proficiency through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will explore the cultures of Hispanic/Latinx communities, including their own, in order to recognize the value of their language and experiences.
Course #: 06081001
Credit Type: Phys Ed
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: This course involves the acquisition of knowledge and skills that provide the foundation for sport, a physically active and healthy lifestyle while promoting social development through physical activity. Activities typically include those that increase strength, endurance, and flexibility; reinforce safe techniques; and explore the relationship between physical activity and health. Health topics (such as the effects of drugs and alcohol, sexual education, and healthy lifestyles) are also included.
Course #: 08061003
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Half Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 06
Other Information: May be taken both semesters
Description: Vocal Music is for any student interested in singing in a group setting. Students will develop their vocal technique by actively engaging in rehearsals while learning to read music from a variety of times and places. Attendance at evening events is encouraged. This course has no required prerequisites.
Course #: 08071007
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 07
Description: Vocal Music 7 is for any student interested in singing in a group setting. Students will develop their vocal techniques by actively engaging in rehearsals while learning to read music from a variety of times and places. Attendance at evening events is encouraged. This course has no required prerequisites.
Course #: 08081007
Credit Type: FINE ARTS
Credit: Full Year
College Credit: No
Grade Level: 08
Description: Vocal Music is for any student interested in singing in a group setting. Students will develop their vocal technique by actively engaging in rehearsals while learning to read music from a variety of times and places. Attendance at evening events is encouraged. This course has no required prerequisites.