Junior High Electives

Academic Related Electives

Spanish I - Instruction conducted by native Spanish-speaker. Focus on proficient communication in Spanish; purposely incorporating conversational aspect. Allow students opportunities to build a comfort level (confidence) and encourage appropriate risk-taking to interact in every-day, real-life situations, (including a broad vocabulary) resulting in students demonstrating an openness to, and appreciation of the language as well as a positive attitude for further study of Spanish for personal, business or missionary opportunities.

This is a two semester class which is equivalent to 1 year of high school Spanish. This is an entry-level class with no prerequisites, although 9th graders electing to take Spanish should clear it with the Spanish teacher or administration first. Spanish taken in the 7th, 8th or 9th grade goes on the high school transcript and is accepted for college foreign language entrance requirements.

 

Spanish II - Prerequisite: Spanish I. This is a two-semester class equivalent to a second year of high school Spanish. It is a continuation of the above class using similar methods. Spanish taken in the 7th, 8th or 9th grade goes on the high school transcript and is accepted for college foreign language entrance requirements.

Spanish III - Prerequisite: Spanish II. This two-semester class is equivalent to a third year of high school Spanish. See above.

 

Study Hall - Study Hall is a class with no homework that provides the student an opportunity to work on homework assigned during the day. An atmosphere of quiet and respect for others will promote finished assignments.

 

Study Skills - This class is offered first semester only. It is strongly recommended for incoming 7th grade students but is open to 8th and 9th grade students as well. The purpose of this class is to equip junior high students with the academic skills necessary to be successful in their future studies. Weekly assignments are designed to reinforce the skills being taught in class.

 

Fine Arts Electives

Art I - Beginning Art is a one-semester class that may not be repeated for credit. Basic drawing skills in pencil, ink, and charcoal begin the semester followed by projects in a variety of media designed to cover all of the elements of art (color, texture, form, line, shape, value, and space). Lessons in art history round out the curriculum.

 

Art II - Prerequisite: Art I. Intermediate art is a one-semester class that may not be repeated for credit. Drawing skills are again the basic emphasis, supplemented with miscellaneous projects, including acrylic painting, mixed media, landscapes, and art history. Projects focus on the principles of design (contrast, emphasis, pattern, rhythm, balance, unity, and movement).

 

Art III - Prerequisites: Art I and Art II. Advanced art is a one-semester class, which may be taken repeatedly with instructor's permission (independent study). Projects range from acrylic painting to oil pastels, illustration, pen and ink, cubistic painting, and sculpture.

 

Drama - This one semester class will explore various areas of drama and performance. It will include skits, speech training, voice and memorization training, set building, lighting techniques, and more.

 

Worship Team - Prerequisite: Application (available in downstairs office). This class provides an opportunity for students to receive training in leading worship. Students who have skills in singing or in accompanying using piano, guitar, drums, bass, etc. will be eligible for this class and are encouraged to take it for an entire year rather than one semester. An application process is required to enroll in Worship Team.

Physical Education Electives

Please note: one semester of physical education is required by state statute for seventh and eighth graders. Four semesters are required for graduation from high school (9-12th). Therefore, although seventh and eighth graders must take only one semester of PE, ninth graders may elect to take 0, 1, or 2 semesters of PE.

PE (Fall) - This coed course meets five days per week during semester one and covers these units: soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, bowling, and possibly team handball or lacrosse. Priority is given to those students not enrolled in after-school sports, as this class is required for 7th or 8th graders not playing after school sports. (See "Sports" description which follows.)

 

PE (Spring) - This coed course meets five days per week during semester two and includes the following units: soccer, pickleball, Frisbee games, volleyball, basketball, badminton and possibly speed-away or golf, along with a variety of other games.

 

Independent PE - Contact school principal to inquire about the details.

 

Aerobics - This one semester class for girls only combines a variety of fun, low-impact exercises, most of which are set to music. It will include stretching, dance movements, light aerobics, and walking.

 

Sports - Students who participate in after school sports will earn PE credit for each sport. Because we have limited openings in our fall and spring PE classes, preference will be given to those who have not taken an after-school sport. Heritage offers the following sports that earn 1 semester PE credit (.5): Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball and Track & Field.

 

Occupational Skills Electives

Basic Digital Photography - This class is a basic art class that teaches concepts of photographic composition using current technology. Students learn to "see" a potentially good photograph and to avoid common errors. Work outside class will be necessary. Field trips are planned.

 

Advanced Digital Photography - Prerequisite: Basic Photography. Students will continue to improve the skills learned in Basic Photography with more advanced work. More time is spent on computer editing of photographs. Work outside class will be necessary. Field trips are planned.

Journalism/Yearbook -This is a two-semester class. Students will produce student newspapers twice per month throughout the course of the year. Most of the time spent in this class will be devoted to journalism - that is, writing and editing articles, interviewing teachers and staff, and being responsible for formatting the newspaper on Microsoft Publisher.  Students will help Mr. Karkainen with certain elements of the yearbook. They will be asked to take pictures, crop photos on a photo-editing program, and occasionally help with certain elements of design and page layout.  The main focus of the class will be on journalism and publishing the newspaper.

 

Teacher's Aide - Prerequisite: 9th grade priority, 3.0 average with no F's, and teacher and principal permission. Students interested in being a T.A. should approach a teacher for permission first. Teacher's aides typically help with correcting papers, displaying student work, running errands for the teacher, typing, or working with students.

 

Elementary Teacher's Aide - Prerequisite: 9th grade priority, 3.0 average with no F's, and teacher/principal permission. Students will assist elementary students with projects, art, reading circles, games and drills. They will assist teachers by correcting papers, photocopying, putting up bulletin boards, other clerical tasks, and much more. This is a great opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in teaching.

 

 

 

 

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