Course CataloG

Please click on the grade level buttons to access course descriptions.
UPDATED 3/19/23

REQUIRED COURSE OF STUDY
Students will be enrolled in 5 required courses - English Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Physical Education. Students attend RAM each day, opposite of lunch, which serves as a homeroom for students and is a designated period of time for TPMStv, grade checks, sustained silent reading, academic support, and counseling presentations and workshops to support students social/emotional well-being.

ELECTIVE COURSE OF STUDY
Students will be enrolled in three elective courses; some of these may be support classes, others will be elective choices. Below is the list of elective offerings available to students in the 6th grade:

Academic Success - Study Skills: The Academic Success - Study Skills elective is designed to provide general support in core subjects such as reading, writing, and math. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their academic classes while being supported by the Academic Success teacher.

Academic Success - Science: The Academic Success - Science elective is designed to provide targeted support in grade-level Science. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their Science class while being supported by a Science Teacher.

Academic Success - Math: The Academic Success - Math elective is designed to provide targeted support in grade-level Math. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their Math class while being supported by a Math Teacher.

Academic Success - Humanities: The Academic Success - Humanities elective is designed to provide targeted support in grade-level ELA and Social Studies. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their ELA and Social Studies classes while being supported by a ELA or Social Studies Teacher.

Reader’s Workshop: This class focuses on teaching students explicit strategies to skillfully comprehend text. Emphasis is placed on developing student skills and strategies they need as readers, not necessarily on the content of the book. Students read different books based on their own interest and reader level, and read at their own pace. Instruction emphasizes reading strategies and standards, and students apply and demonstrate understanding of reading skills and strategies in their own book. This course is designed for all levels of readers.

Exploratory Wheel 1: This elective will allow students to explore three different subjects, each for a period of 12-weeks. Subjects in this wheel include Art, Music Appreciation, and Intro to Digital Media (Video Production):

Art: In this strand of the Wheel, students will be introduced to fundamental Art practices, like the creative process, experimenting with new mediums, and learning about different artists and art movements. In this hands-on environment, they'll develop their creativity and artistic style, and will be better prepared to take Art in 7^th and 8^th grade
Music Appreciation: The Music Appreciation elective will introduce students to the history of music from the most primitive surviving examples to the most common and current genres (Classical, Jazz, Rock, blues, Pop ,etc.) of music while developing listening skills. We will study how music works and how it affects our daily lives. Students will also acquire skills to understand basic music, notation, theory, terminology , instrument families, rhythm patterns and sound production. All instructional materials will be provided.
Intro to Digital Media: This class introduces students to the fundamentals of video production. In this introductory course, students will learn the basics on how to create a storyboard, write a script and learn camera techniques such as: zooming, panning, tilt, camera angles, and the rule of thirds. Students will develop a basic understanding of proper lighting techniques and be able to select the appropriate audio equipment to achieve the best sound quality. Students will learn how to use WeVideo Pro editing software to edit their video clips. During the post-production stage, students will understand how to edit video clips by adding voice overs, music and text to their videos. This class is a great opportunity for any 6th grade student who wants to learn how to make quality videos.

Exploratory Wheel 2: This elective will allow students to explore three different subjects, each for a period of 12-weeks. Subjects in this wheel include Exploring Spanish, STEM Lab, and Leadership.

Exploring Spanish: Students will be introduced to the Spanish language and culture as they learn to speak, understand and read basic phrases and expressions through project based learning. Major topics include greetings, clothing, family, and food. From this experience students may wish to enroll in more comprehensive foreign language course work.
STEM Lab: Includes three units: 1. 3D Design & Modeling: This hands-on STEM course is designed to introduce students to basic Engineering concepts and principles through fun and engaging activities. 2. Coding: Students will also experience an introductory computer science course that empowers them to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun. 3. Robotics: Working in teams students will build and program a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game.
Leadership: In this course, students get an introduction to the skills required to be a positive influence on our campus. Through a variety of interactive individual and group projects, students will learn organization, goal setting, and time management skills that will help them be successful as middle school learners. They will also develop listening skills, build empathy, and begin to see their role as leaders to their peers as they explore ways to make school a place where all students can be successful and find joy.

STEM Lab: This year-long elective is designed for students who are passionate about engineering, coding, and robotics. Working in teams and using Mindstorms® robotics students will engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering. Teams will build and program a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game. Additionally, teams also participate in a research project to identify and solve a relevant real-world problem. Students will have the option to join the Robotic club to compete against other middle schools. They will also experience an introductory computer science course that empowers them to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun.

6th Grade PE Academy: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, net sports, and a weight lifting program throughout the school year. Games will be played at a fast pace tailored towards students who are advanced in their normal PE classes. In order to get the most out of this class, we strongly recommend students who received an A in PE for all four quarters the previous year to apply. These students should have a passion for sports and enjoy rigorous competition with other athletes.

Chorus: The year-long chorus elective offers students an opportunity to develop their musical skills and to broaden their musical experience through vocal rehearsal and performance. This is a performance class and students are expected to participate in all choral activities, including evening performances. The make-up of this class is designed for all students in grades 6-8 and is dependent on student signups.

Drama: This year-long course introduces students to the drama/theater experience. Students participate in improvisational reader’s theater, pantomimes, scene work and monologues. After learning the basics, students are cast in a fully produced play and will be expected to memorize their parts. Drama students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent for other students and parents/guardians during this live performance. The make-up of this class is designed for all students in grades 6-8 and is dependent on student signups.

Broadcast Journalism - TPMS tv: Students in the broadcast journalism class (TPMS tv) will work in a collaborative environment to create a quality television program for the students at Twin Peaks. Students will learn how to write, shoot, edit, and produce story segments. This hands-on class provides students with a creative opportunity to develop their communication skills, learn time management and learn the fundamentals of broadcasting.

Band: Band is a year-long performance class and is designed for the wind and percussion instrument student. The band will play a variety of music and perform at school concerts and festivals. Instruments include: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, percussion (drums/mallets). Evening performances are required.

Orchestra: This course provides students an opportunity to play a stringed instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) and perform as a group in the school orchestra. Regular practice at home is essential in order to attain the skill level necessary to contribute to the orchestra’s performance. Evening performances are required.

Library Aide: Students will assist in the library with a variety of tasks. Some examples include: reshelving books, working on displays, and general book maintenance and care. Period assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

Office Aide: Students will assist office staff with a variety of tasks. Some examples include: delivering messages, working on bulletin boards, and supporting school-wide projects and initiatives. Staff assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

AVID 6: AVID 6 is an elective to prepare our students with the tools of success for middle and high school, which in turn sets the foundation for their future advancement into college. The mission of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is to close the opportunity gap by preparing ALL students for college readiness and success in a global society. The goal of the 6^th grade AVID elective is to develop skills in the areas of focused note-taking, organization, study habits and leadership skills, time management, team building and college & career exploration. (CLICK HERE for the AVID Online Application and to view the AVID Information Flyer: https://bit.ly/AVID6_infoFlyer23-24 and AVID Video Application Required, Limited class size.

Yearbook: Yearbook is both a year-long class and a Ram class. Students learn and work collaboratively using digital cameras, photo editing software and online design software to digitally produce a yearbook. Students learn and use writing skills, communication skills and creativity to tell the story of our school year in an engaging way. In this college and career-ready course, students think critically to meet deadlines and track goals. Application is required. Class size is limited. CLICK HERE for the Yearbook Application or copy and paste “https://bit.ly/TPMSYearbookApplication” into your browser.

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7th GRADE

REQUIRED COURSE OF STUDY

Students will be enrolled in 5 required courses - English language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, and physical education. Students attend RAM each day, opposite of lunch, which serves as a homeroom for students and is a designated period of time for TPMStv, grade checks, sustained silent reading, academic support, and counseling presentations and workshops to support students social/emotional well-being.

ELECTIVE COURSE OF STUDY

Students will be enrolled in three elective courses; some of these may be support classes, others will be elective choices. Below is the list of elective offerings available to students in the 7th grade:

Academic Success - Study Skills: The Academic Success - Study Skills elective is designed to provide general support in core subjects such as reading, writing, and math. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their academic classes while being supported by the Academic Success teacher.

Academic Success - Science: The Academic Success - Science elective is designed to provide targeted support in grade-level Science. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their Science class while being supported by a Science Teacher.

Academic Success - Math: The Academic Success - Math elective is designed to provide targeted support in grade-level Math. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their Math class while being supported by a Math Teacher.

Academic Success - Humanities: The Academic Success - Humanities elective is designed to provide targeted support in grade-level ELA and Social Studies. The class helps students develop essential study skills through whole-class lessons that focus on organization, time management with planners, an overview of Canvas, our academic platform, character development, and community building. The elective will provide students with a consistent place and time to work on their classwork and homework assignments from their ELA and Social Studies classes while being supported by a ELA or Social Studies Teacher.

Peer Tutor: Recommended for students who are strong academically in a particular subject. Students will assist in a classroom serving as a peer tutor in a subject they performed well in the previous school year. Peer tutors will work individually and with small groups of students who may need additional support with an academic subject . Period and teacher assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

Humanities Wheel: Students will have an opportunity to take 3 different 12-week electives with a Social Science/ELA focus. Courses in this wheel include:

Film & Literature: This film studies class is an exciting and engaging introduction to the world of cinema. Students will explore various genres, techniques, and styles of filmmaking and analyze how these elements contribute to the creation of meaning in a film. Throughout the course, students will watch and analyze a variety of films from different eras, cultures, and countries, and learn how to think critically about the elements that make up a film, including camera work, sound, lighting, and editing. This class is designed to be both educational and fun, with a focus on engaging students and helping them develop a lifelong love for film. Whether you are a future filmmaker, film critic, or simply someone who loves movies, this class will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand and appreciate the world of cinema.
The Magic of Global Studies: Students will explore geography and contemporary world history through the lens of Disney movies. Students will explore four major regions of the world using geographic information. Students will analyze important trends in the modern world such as demographic change, shifting trade patterns, and intensified cultural interactions.
Writing for Careers: This course is designed to introduce students to the world of creative writing and its various career paths. This may include writing for film, television, and theater; writing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications; and writing for businesses, such as copywriting.

Science Wheel: Students will have an opportunity to take 3 different 12-week electives with a Science focus. Courses in this wheel include:

Zoology: Do you love animals? Zoology is all about the physiology, adaptations, and habitats of a wide variety of animals. We'll learn about both land and ocean animals!
Human Body Systems: In this class we will look deeper into the human body and how all the organs work together to maintain health and also investigate what happens when there is sickness. Students will understand the structure and the function of the body systems and learn about common diseases and disorders of each body system and research possible prevention and treatments.
Food Science: In Food Science, students will explore many areas related to food & nutrition. Students will learn how our body uses food on a molecular level, and about the molecular composition of different types of food (proteins, carbohydrates, etc.). Students will explore the science of taste with simple cooking experiments. Students will learn basic kitchen safety, and the importance of cleanliness and preventing cross contamination in the kitchen. Students will practice gardening, and grow some of our own food to prepare in class.

Broadcast Journalism - TPMS TV:  Students in the introductory broadcast journalism class (TPMS TV) will work in a collaborative environment to create a quality television program for the students of Twin Peaks. Students will learn how to write, shoot, edit, and produce stories. This is a hands-on class that will provide students a creative opportunity to develop their communication skills, learn time management and learn the fundamentals of video production.

Chorus:  The year-long chorus elective offers students an opportunity to develop their musical skills and to broaden their musical experience through vocal rehearsal and performance. This is a performance class and students are expected to participate in all choral activities, including evening performances. The make-up of this class is designed for all students in grades 6-8 and is dependent on student signups.

Digital Media Productions:  This course continues to build on the fundamentals of video production. (No previous experience is required.) Students will understand the importance of developing storyboards and scripts to focus their ideas before filming. They will be able to demonstrate the use of different camera shots, camera angles and camera movements to have a more cinematic feel to their video projects. The students will develop their understanding of lighting and audio techniques to ensure a quality finished product that they can be proud of. Additionally, students will use Final Cut Pro X Editing Software (Industry Standard) to edit their videos. This class is designed for anyone looking for an exciting, hands-on environment where you will learn real-world video production skills.

Digital Photography:  This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the dslr camera and how you can go beyond simply taking snapshots but taking your photography skills to the next level. Students will learn the technical side of photography of framing, light, composition, depth of field, rule of thirds, exposure triangle, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, how to edit digital photos in Photoshop, and create a portfolio of their work.

Drama:  Introduces students to the drama/theatre experience. Students participate in improvisational reader’s theatre, pantomimes, scene work and monologues. After learning the basics, students are cast in a fully produced play and will be expected to memorize their parts. Drama students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent for other students and parents/guardians.

7th Grade PE Academy: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, net sports, and a weight lifting program throughout the school year. Games will be played at a fast pace tailored towards students who are advanced in their normal PE classes. In order to get the most out of this class, we strongly recommend students who received an A in PE for all four quarters the previous year to apply. These students should have a passion for sports and enjoy rigorous competition with other athletes.

Introduction to the Trades: This course will provide an introduction to various trades like plumbing, electrical, carpentry, culinary arts, auto mechanics (exact trades to be determined based on availability of guest experts). The course will combine lectures, demonstrations, hands-on project based learning, and job site field trips. Even if you do not anticipate entering the trades as a skilled professional this course will offer base knowledge allowing you to make educated decisions about home and car maintenance among others.

Principles of Leadership: In this class, students will learn leadership skills like public speaking, empathy, self-discipline, and more. This would be a rigorous course in which students will be asked to self-reflect on their own pre-existing leadership skills, read and analyze the impact of important leaders throughout history, and apply their newly developing leadership skills to benefit the TPMS community as a whole. Ideally this class would be a mix of both ASB students and other students on campus who are more generally interested in the idea of leadership as a concept, rather than the "event-planning" side of ASB.

Spanish 1-2:  Speaking, listening, reading and writing activities introduce students to basic vocabulary and beginning grammatical structures of Spanish. Students draw linguistic and cultural comparisons as they develop oral communication skills and written-language proficiency. A strong command of the student’s home language is recommended for this course. A grade of “C” or better in Language Arts and/or Math is highly recommended.

*Spanish 1-2 completed with a grade of “C” or better counts toward university foreign language entrance requirements if the student completes at least one more year in the same language at the high school with a grade of “C” or better.

Speech & Negotiation: Students will learn the skills to engage in professional style negotiations and debates using real world situations as topics. Debate styles as well as a description of logical fallacies will be taught in a manner so that students can experience these tactics first hand and learn to combat them in simulated scenarios.

STEM Lab - 3D Design & Modeling/Architecture/Robotics: This hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) course is designed to introduce students to basic engineering concepts and principles through fun and engaging activities. The course is year-long, but the focus will change each trimester. In no particular order, students will study:

3D Design & Modeling: Students are challenged and empowered to design, prototype, and test, various projects. Students will learn the basics of 3d printing and laser cutting while developing a deeper understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives.
Architecture: Students explore the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and building as they design and build, birdhouses, sheds, dream rooms, and tiny houses using Autodesk’s® Revit 3D architectural design software.
Robotics: Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world Projects. Students will design and program mechanical toys, and a race car.

Band: This course provides students an opportunity to play a musical instrument and perform as a group in one of the school bands. Evening performances are required. Regular practice at home is essential. Students must demonstrate a cooperative attitude, possess strong self-discipline for managing their own behavior and attain the skill level necessary to contribute to the band’s performance.

Orchestra: This course provides students an opportunity to play a stringed instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) and perform as a group in the school orchestra. Regular practice at home is essential in order to attain the skill level necessary to contribute to the orchestra’s performance. Evening performances are required.

Office Aide: Students will assist office staff with a variety of tasks. Some examples include: delivering messages, working on bulletin boards, and supporting school-wide projects and initiatives. Staff assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

Library Aide: Students will assist in the library with a variety of tasks. Some examples include: reshelving books, working on displays, and general book maintenance and care. Period assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

*AVID 7: Advancement Via Individual Determination – AVID is a nationwide program that prepares students for the rigor of college culture. The mission of AVID is to close the opportunity gap by preparing ALL students for college readiness and success in a global society. Students gain note-taking skills, writing and reading strategies, organizational preparedness, collaborative & leadership skills and build college and career awareness. College tutors are employed to work with students in a group setting twice a week during class. This academic elective is year-long committment. Click HERE to complete the Online AVID Application and to view the AVID Information Flyer: https://bit.ly/AVIDInfo23-24 and AVID Video Application and interview is required. Class size is limited.

Yearbook: Yearbook is both a year-long class and a Ram class. Students learn and work collaboratively using digital cameras, photo editing software and online design software to digitally produce a yearbook. Students learn and use writing skills, communication skills and creativity to tell the story of our school year in an engaging way. In this college and career-ready course, students think critically to meet deadlines and track goals.

Click https://bit.ly/TPMSYearbookApplication or copy and paste into your browser. Application is required. Class size is limited.

ASB: Students will develop leadership skills as they work together to plan and facilitate events and activities to share with the TPMS community. This class focuses on skills like public speaking, time management, and collaborative skills to benefit the greater TPMS community. (Application Required. ASB Applications will be available in May on the TPMS website. Please select an alternate as well.)

8th GRADE

REQUIRED COURSE OF STUDY

ELECTIVE COURSE OF STUDY

Peer Tutor: Recommended for students who are strong academically in a particular subject. Students will assist in a classroom serving as a peer tutor in a subject they performed well in the previous school year. Peer tutors will work individually and with small groups of students who may need additional support with an academic subject . Period and teacher assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

Humanities Wheel: Students will have an opportunity to take 3 different 12-week electives with a Social Science/ELA focus. Courses in this wheel include:

Film & Literature: This film studies class is an exciting and engaging introduction to the world of cinema. Students will explore various genres, techniques, and styles of filmmaking and analyze how these elements contribute to the creation of meaning in a film. Throughout the course, students will watch and analyze a variety of films from different eras, cultures, and countries, and learn how to think critically about the elements that make up a film, including camera work, sound, lighting, and editing. This class is designed to be both educational and fun, with a focus on engaging students and helping them develop a lifelong love for film. Whether you are a future filmmaker, film critic, or simply someone who loves movies, this class will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to understand and appreciate the world of cinema.
The Magic of Global Studies: Students will explore geography and contemporary world history through the lens of Disney movies. Students will explore four major regions of the world using geographic information. Students will analyze important trends in the modern world such as demographic change, shifting trade patterns, and intensified cultural interactions.
Writing for Careers: This course is designed to introduce students to the world of creative writing and its various career paths. This may include writing for film, television, and theater; writing for magazines, newspapers, and online publications; and writing for businesses, such as copywriting.

Science Wheel: Students will have an opportunity to take 3 different 12-week electives with a Science focus. Courses in this wheel include:

Zoology: Do you love animals? Zoology is all about the physiology, adaptations, and habitats of a wide variety of animals. We'll learn about both land and ocean animals!
Human Body Systems: In this class we will look deeper into the human body and how all the organs work together to maintain health and also investigate what happens when there is sickness. Students will understand the structure and the function of the body systems and learn about common diseases and disorders of each body system and research possible prevention and treatments.
Food Science: In Food Science, students will explore many areas related to food & nutrition. Students will learn how our body uses food on a molecular level, and about the molecular composition of different types of food (proteins, carbohydrates, etc.). Students will explore the science of taste with simple cooking experiments. Students will learn basic kitchen safety, and the importance of cleanliness and preventing cross contamination in the kitchen. Students will practice gardening, and grow some of our own food to prepare in class.

Introduction to Agricultural Science: This is an academic class best suited for 7th and 8th grade students who want to learn about careers in agriculture while developing their public speaking skills. Students will learn about and interact with plants, animals and other natural resources to develop skills associated with creating products for human use.

Art 1:  This is a year-long course in which students will explore and apply the Elements of Art through the development and analysis of works of art. This course revolves around project-based assignments related to contemporary, historical, social, and cultural issues and meets the eleven anchor standards of the California Visual Arts Standards. Written tasks are also regularly assigned to students through note taking (during lectures and demonstrations), project reflections, and other unit specific assignments.

Art 2:  Art II is a yearlong Art course for 8th grade students who completed Art I in 7th grade. In this class, we’ll build on learning from the previous year as we apply the Principles of Design to design and create original works of art. Students can expect to further develop skills and understanding in areas like color theory and technical drawing, while also exploring new mediums and processes such as acrylic painting and printmaking. Just like in 7th grade, students will be required to keep a record of their learning in an interactive notebook/sketchbook. If you enjoyed your time in Art in 7th grade, this is the class for you!

Broadcast Journalism - TPMS TV:  Students in the introductory broadcast journalism class (TPMS TV) will work in a collaborative environment to create a quality television program for the students of Twin Peaks. Students will learn how to write, shoot, edit, and produce stories. This is a hands-on class that will provide students a creative opportunity to develop their communication skills, learn time management and learn the fundamentals of video production.

Chorus:  The year-long chorus elective offers students an opportunity to develop their musical skills and to broaden their musical experience through vocal rehearsal and performance. This is a performance class and students are expected to participate in all choral activities, including evening performances. The make-up of this class is designed for all students in grades 6-8 and is dependent on student signups.

Digital Media Productions:  This course continues to build on the fundamentals of video production. (No previous experience is required.) Students will understand the importance of developing storyboards and scripts to focus their ideas before filming. They will be able to demonstrate the use of different camera shots, camera angles and camera movements to have a more cinematic feel to their video projects. The students will develop their understanding of lighting and audio techniques to ensure a quality finished product that they can be proud of. Additionally, students will use Final Cut Pro X Editing Software (Industry Standard) to edit their videos. This class is designed for anyone looking for an exciting, hands-on environment where you will learn real-world video production skills.

Digital Photography:  This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the dslr camera and how you can go beyond simply taking snapshots but taking your photography skills to the next level. Students will learn the technical side of photography of framing, light, composition, depth of field, rule of thirds, exposure triangle, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, how to edit digital photos in Photoshop, and create a portfolio of their work.

Drama:  Introduces students to the drama/theatre experience. Students participate in improvisational reader’s theatre, pantomimes, scene work and monologues. After learning the basics, students are cast in a fully produced play and will be expected to memorize their parts. Drama students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent for other students and parents/guardians.

8th Grade PE Academy: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, net sports, and a weight lifting program throughout the school year. Games will be played at a fast pace tailored towards students who are advanced in their normal PE classes. In order to get the most out of this class, we strongly recommend students who received an A in PE for all four quarters the previous year to apply. These students should have a passion for sports and enjoy rigorous competition with other athletes.

Introduction to the Trades: This course will provide an introduction to various trades like plumbing, electrical, carpentry, culinary arts, auto mechanics (exact trades to be determined based on availability of guest experts). The course will combine lectures, demonstrations, hands-on project based learning, and job site field trips. Even if you do not anticipate entering the trades as a skilled professional this course will offer base knowledge allowing you to make educated decisions about home and car maintenance among others.

Principles of Leadership: In this class, students will learn leadership skills like public speaking, empathy, self-discipline, and more. This would be a rigorous course in which students will be asked to self-reflect on their own pre-existing leadership skills, read and analyze the impact of important leaders throughout history, and apply their newly developing leadership skills to benefit the TPMS community as a whole. Ideally this class would be a mix of both ASB students and other students on campus who are more generally interested in the idea of leadership as a concept, rather than the "event-planning" side of ASB.

Spanish 1-2:  Speaking, listening, reading and writing activities introduce students to basic vocabulary and beginning grammatical structures of Spanish. Students draw linguistic and cultural comparisons as they develop oral communication skills and written-language proficiency. A strong command of the student’s home language is recommended for this course. A grade of “C” or better in Language Arts and/or Math is highly recommended.

*Spanish 1-2 completed with a grade of “C” or better counts toward university foreign language entrance requirements if the student completes at least one more year in the same language at the high school with a grade of “C” or better.

Spanish 3-4: PREREQUISITE REQUIRED: Grade of C or higher in Spanish 1-2.
Spanish 3-4 is designed to further develop the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with basic vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic expressions. Students will increase their vocabulary and ability to use it in progressively more complicated structures, reinforcing their ability to use previously learned material. Oral and written exercises, both individually and in groups, provide practice to develop these skills. Students are exposed to various aspects of the Spanish speaking world. This course has been approved to contribute to college entrance requirements.

Speech & Negotiation: Students will learn the skills to engage in professional style negotiations and debates using real world situations as topics. Debate styles as well as a description of logical fallacies will be taught in a manner so that students can experience these tactics first hand and learn to combat them in simulated scenarios.

STEM Lab - 3D Design & Modeling/Architecture/Robotics: This hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) course is designed to introduce students to basic engineering concepts and principles through fun and engaging activities. The course is year-long, but the focus will change each trimester. In no particular order, students will study:

3D Design & Modeling: Students are challenged and empowered to design, prototype, and test, various projects. Students will learn the basics of 3d printing and laser cutting while developing a deeper understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives.
Architecture: Students explore the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and building as they design and build, birdhouses, sheds, dream rooms, and tiny houses using Autodesk’s® Revit 3D architectural design software.
Robotics: Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world Projects. Students will design and program mechanical toys, and a race car.

Band: This course provides students an opportunity to play a musical instrument and perform as a group in one of the school bands. Evening performances are required. Regular practice at home is essential. Students must demonstrate a cooperative attitude, possess strong self-discipline for managing their own behavior and attain the skill level necessary to contribute to the band’s performance.

Orchestra: This course provides students an opportunity to play a stringed instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass) and perform as a group in the school orchestra. Regular practice at home is essential in order to attain the skill level necessary to contribute to the orchestra’s performance. Evening performances are required.

Office Aide: Students will assist office staff with a variety of tasks. Some examples include: delivering messages, working on bulletin boards, and supporting school-wide projects and initiatives. Staff assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

Library Aide: Students will assist in the library with a variety of tasks. Some examples include: reshelving books, working on displays, and general book maintenance and care. Period assignment will be coordinated by the counseling department.

WEB Leadership:  WEB, (Where Everybody Belongs), is a leadership program that helps new 6th graders get accustomed to our campus. Throughout the year we host various activities such as: 6th grade carnival, readers and leaders, 6th grade orientation, 5th grade visitations, belonging activities, volunteering on campus and an assortment of leadership development opportunities, to name just a few. If you are applying, you MUST select WEB as your #1 choice for your elective  on your CRF. Unfortunately, students may not apply for both WEB and ASB. You must choose which class best suits your personal leadership goals. As a WEB leader, you must maintain a C or higher, and a S or higher in work habits and conduct in all classes. You must have a positive attitude, great behavior and an amazing work ethic:) Everyone interested is invited to apply! Spread the word and get excited for your 8th grade year!!

*AVID 8:  Advancement Via Individual Determination – AVID is a nationwide program that prepares students for the rigor of college culture. The mission of AVID is to close the opportunity gap by preparing ALL students for college readiness and success in a global society. Students gain note-taking skills, writing and reading strategies, organizational preparedness, collaborative & leadership skills and build college and career awareness. College tutors are employed to work with students in a group setting twice a week during class. This academic elective is year-long committment.   Click HERE to complete the Online AVID Application and to view the AVID Information Flyer: https://bit.ly/AVIDInfo23-24 and AVID Video Application and interview is required. Class size is limited.

Yearbook: Yearbook is both a year-long class and a Ram class. Students learn and work collaboratively using digital cameras, photo editing software and online design software to digitally produce a yearbook. Students learn and use writing skills, communication skills and creativity to tell the story of our school year in an engaging way. In this college and career-ready course, students think critically to meet deadlines and track goals.

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Course CataloG