SMS Allied Arts Course Registration

**Band
Builds upon the skills learned in the previous grade’s band class. The ensemble is made up of wind (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone) and percussion instruments. Participation in two evening performances is expected. There is also an option for a solo performance outside of the school day.           

Prerequisite required before enrollment  🡪 Successful completion of last year’s (previous grade’s) band class OR participation in the summer band program offered through Community Education OR equivalent instruction through private lessons. 

Beginning Band
The beginning band is made up of first-year players in 6th grade. This means that these students have never played a band instrument before, and would like the opportunity to learn. They spend the first couple weeks of class learning the fundamentals of music (reading notes, counting, and vocabulary) and after they have a firm foundation, they will begin playing and learning about the instrument that they will choose to play. Students learn a great deal about music, performing, and responsibility and also have a little bit of fun while we're at it.  We can't wait to have you join the band!

Choir 
Students learn to sing unison, two, and three-part music. Students learn essential music literacy and score navigation, and how to use those skills in real-time rehearsal. Participation in two evening performances is an expected component of the curriculum. No previous experience is required.

**Orchestra
Builds upon the skills learned in the previous grade’s orchestra class.  The ensemble is made up of bowed string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass).  Participation in two evening performances and a solo or small ensemble recital performance are expected. 

Prerequisite required before enrollment 🡪 Successful completion of last year’s (previous grade’s) orchestra class OR participation in the summer orchestra program offered through Community Education OR equivalent instruction through private lessons.

Beginning Orchestra
A semester of beginning orchestra in 6th grade includes several lessons in a small group setting to learn the violin, viola, cello or bass. Posture, instrument care, note-reading, ensemble playing and other essential skills are taught. Most students have the goal of joining their grade level orchestra, ideally the next semester, with some appropriate modifications. We look forward to having you join the orchestra!

Spanish 6/ French 6
Sixth grade World Language classes are designed for students with no previous experience in the language. Instruction is focused on developing basic communication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in the identified language. Courses also explore cultural aspects of everyday life in countries that speak the language. Students are assessed through written tests, quizzes, presentations, and projects.  Homework is an important part of this course because it reinforces concepts and skills introduced in class. Active participation is essential for students to develop language skills. 

Spanish 7/ French 7
Seventh grade World Language classes are designed for students who have successfully completed a sixth grade World Language course. Instruction is focused on developing more complex communication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in the identified language. Students are assessed through written tests, quizzes, presentations, and projects. Homework is an important part of this course because it reinforces concepts and skills introduced in class. Active participation is essential for students to develop language skills.

Please note: Students without prior language instruction have the opportunity to begin World Language instruction during seventh grade. Students beginning in seventh grade may find it necessary to complete additional independent work while they build the basic skills necessary for success. 

Spanish 8/ French 8
Eighth grade World Language classes are designed for students who have successfully completed the seventh grade World Language course. Students will build upon their speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. Students are assessed through written tests, quizzes, presentations, and projects. Homework is an important part of this course because it reinforces concepts and skills introduced in class. Active participation and attendance is essential for students to develop key language skills. Successful completion of this course prepares students for the second year of high school World Language instruction. Eighth grade students without prior language instruction during middle school will be able to begin a World Language class in high school.

Art 
This course is a choice-based art class, which means students will have many options when creating original artwork. Students will learn techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, and fiber arts, but will choose the media, style, and subject for all final artwork. This class is accessible to students of all skill levels.

Culture & Identity
Cultural Discovery is both a life skills class and a social skills class. Students reflect on who they want to be in the world, how they want to be in the world and how they want others to see them. Through the curriculum, students dig deep into their own beliefs, values, attitudes, actions, and behaviors. Students learn about themselves and the people around them. They use readings, discussions, journals and videos to explore culture and identity. The goal is for students to be their true selves and to allow others to be their true selves as well. Students work to align who they are on the inside with the way others see them in the world.

Family & Consumer Science (FCS)
FCS is the acronym for Family and Consumer Science.  We will study the issues that relate to us as individuals, as consumers, and as members of a family or community. The middle school curriculum introduces several areas to students: intrapersonal skills/communication, food & nutrition, safety & sanitation, recipe use, measurements & abbreviation, cooking utensils & equipment names, serving food & entertaining, food groups & portion size (USDA recommended food guide), nutrient groups, basic food skills (snacks & simple meals), cooking techniques and baking techniques.

General Music
General Music is a project-based class, in which students will share, explore, create, develop new ideas and new ways to share and discuss music with others. Students will be given opportunities to expand upon their interests, learn about their own and other cultures, and practice community and relationships through unique and creative assignments and activities. Learning activities and assessments are aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards in Music and support the development of well-rounded students.

Restorative Arts
Restorative Arts is a class that focuses on developing students’ awareness of the world around them as well as effective listening and communication skills. Restorative Arts explores how we can develop the skills to be in positive, healthy relationships with others in the community. We will practice restorative talking circles based on indigenous traditions in order to co-create a fun, respectful, and equitable learning community. Together, we will expand our understanding of what it means to respect the dignity of every person.

Science Exploration
This course will study connections between a variety of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, physical geology, ecology and the environmental consequences of natural and anthropogenic processes. Students will formulate, design and carry out laboratory and field investigations. Hands on activities and laboratory experiments are instrumental to this course.

Study Hall
Students without Music or Language choices may be placed in a study hall section supervised by a staff member where they have time and support to complete academic tasks.

Technology Education: Woodworking
Students in woodworking learn how to safely use power tools and hand tools to design and build two or more projects. Students will learn the 5 step design process, to Identify the 5 areas of the process and how the process is a never ending cycle.  Students learn to work with a variety of materials to create projects such as: A pencil holder, a clock, traveling checkerboard game board, candy dispenser, a wooden pen, a pen case, a lamp, or a desk picture frame.