Participation in any of these courses is not a decision to be taken lightly. Additionally, these courses will be more rigorous and may demand an extra workload than our other elective courses. Please consider these opportunities thoughtfully. If you are interested in any of the courses described below, please click on the web link and complete the information. Please be aware that filling out this form does not guarantee your enrollment in the course. This is simply a way for us to determine the amount of interest we have. Students who do not request one of these specific connections class will be enrolled in general connections class rotations (Agriculture, Visual Arts, Spanish, Computer Literacy, Exploratory, Health, Physical Education).
SIXTH GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS
Beginning Band
This year-long course provides students with the fundamentals and skills needed to learn an instrument. In this course, students will, with the help of the director, choose an instrument and learn the basics of performing in band. Minimal after school time is required in beginner band, and each semester’s work culminates with a concert. This course is intended to prepare students to continue in the band program in future years. Following beginning band, students are presented with opportunities that include attaining proficiency on their instrument, auditioning for District, Region, and All-State Honor Bands, performing at Solo and Ensemble Festivals, traveling to multiple colleges and universities, and mastering life-skills that will prepare them for college and the workplace. Commitment and dedication is a must in order for students to get the full benefit of engaging in the band program. Registration for this class will be open until the end of the school year.
Beginning Chorus
This year-long course is designed to allow students to explore their singing voice through various genres of music. In the 6th Grade Beginning Chorus, students will learn proper vocal technique, basic levels of music theory, and how to read sheet music by participating in various in-class activities and performing in concerts. After the Beginning Chorus, students will have the opportunity to further develop their performance skills by auditioning for All State Chorus, attending Large Group Performance Evaluation, and participating in state Choral Festivals and Competitions.
SEVENTH GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS
Band
This year-long course continues to build on the fundamentals and skills taught in beginning band. One after-school rehearsal a week is required for the majority of the year. This course is intended to prepare students to continue in the band program in future years. Students will be presented with opportunities that include attaining proficiency on their instrument, auditioning for District, Region, and All-State Honor Bands, performing at Solo and Ensemble Festivals, traveling to multiple colleges and universities, and mastering life-skills that will prepare them for college and the workplace. 7th and 8th grade students are placed by the director in Intermediate or Advanced Band. This placement is determined by skill level, work ethic, and behavior. Commitment and dedication is a must in order for students to get the full benefit of engaging in the band program.
Chorus
This year-long course is designed to allow students to continue to explore their singing voice through various genres of music. In the 7th Grade Intermediate Chorus, students will continue to learn proper vocal technique, basic levels of music theory, and how to cultivate musicality by participating in various in-class activities and performing in concerts. In the Intermediate Chorus, students will have the opportunity to further develop their performance skills by auditioning for All State Chorus, attending Large Group Performance Evaluation, and participating in state Choral Festivals and Competitions.
Weight Training
This year-long course is intended for male and female students interested in building strength, being better prepared for interscholastic athletics, and improving overall health. The weight training classes are not strictly limited to lifting weights, but also include plyometrics (resistance training), running, and other cardio workouts. All workouts are age-appropriate. Safety is paramount and is one of the first things discussed prior to the beginning of class. Students are required to dress out each day for weight training, as the activities involved cannot be done to their full potential in normal school attire. Weight training is not easy and requires a commitment from the student in order to realize their full potential.
EIGHTH GRADE COURSE OFFERINGS
Introduction to Basic Agriculture
This course is designed as the foundational course for all Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Pathways. This is a 9th grade course, so 8th grade students that successfully complete the course will earn 1 high school credit. The course introduces the major areas of scientific agricultural production and research; presents problem solving lessons and introductory skills and knowledge in agricultural science and ag-related technologies. Classroom and laboratory activities are supplemented through supervised agricultural experiences and leadership programs and activities. This course is the prerequisite for all agriculture pathways. Students are required to join FFA. Dues are $30.00 for the year and include a T-shirt. All members will have the opportunity to attend the FFA Day at the Perry Fair of the Sunbelt Ag Expo. Students may also join a second club if they choose. The class size is limited to 30 students.
Band
This year-long course continues to build on the fundamentals and skills taught in beginning band. One after-school rehearsal a week is required for the majority of the year. This course is intended to prepare students to continue in the band program in future years. Students will be presented with opportunities that include attaining proficiency on their instrument, auditioning for District, Region, and All-State Honor Bands, performing at Solo and Ensemble Festivals, traveling to multiple colleges and universities, and mastering life-skills that will prepare them for college and the workplace. 7th and 8th grade students are placed by the director in Intermediate or Advanced Band. This placement is determined by skill level, work ethic, and behavior. Commitment and dedication is a must in order for students to get the full benefit of engaging in the band program.
Chorus
This year-long course is designed to allow students to continue to explore their singing voice through various genres of music. In the 8th Grade Advanced Chorus, students continue to learn proper vocal technique, basic levels of music theory, and how to cultivate musicality by participating in various in-class activities and performing in concerts. In the Advanced Chorus, students will have the opportunity to further develop their performance skills by auditioning for All State Chorus, attending Large Group Performance Evaluation, and participating in state Choral Festivals and Competitions. This class aims to produce life-long musicians and encourages students to continue their musical journey throughout high school, college, and other opportunities.
Introduction to Software Technology
Introduction to Software Technology is the foundational course for Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Game Design, Internet of Things, Programming, Web and Digital Design, and Web Development pathways. This course is designed for high school students to understand, communicate, and adapt to a digital world as it impacts their personal life, society, and the business world.
Students will not only understand the concepts but apply their knowledge to situations and defend their actions, decisions, and/or choices through the knowledge and skills acquired in this course. Employability skills are integrated into activities, tasks, and projects throughout the course standards to demonstrate the skills required by business and industry. Various forms of technologies will be highlighted to expose students to the emerging technologies impacting the digital world. Professional communication skills and practices, problem solving, ethical and legal issues, and the impact of effective presentation skills are taught in this course as a foundational knowledge to prepare students to be college and career ready. The knowledge and skills taught in this course build upon each other to form a comprehensive introduction to the digital world.
Upon successful completion of the course a student will receive 1 high school credit.
Weight Training
This year-long course is intended for male and female students interested in building strength, being better prepared for interscholastic athletics, and improving overall health. The weight training classes are not strictly limited to lifting weights, but also include plyometrics (resistance training), running, and other cardio workouts. All workouts are age-appropriate. Safety is paramount and is one of the first things discussed prior to the beginning of class. Students are expected to dress out each day for weight training, as the activities involved cannot be done to their full potential in normal school attire. Weight training is not easy and requires a commitment from the student in order to realize their full potential.