2026-27 Eighth Grade Scheduling

8th Grade Encore Course selections

Art (One Semester)

Art classes offer students the opportunity to develop twenty-first century skills in the areas of critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration. A variety of media and technology formats will be used, as students creatively produce and evaluate two and three dimensional media, while developing a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of design.

Band (Full Year)

This is a full-year study and performance course for eighth grade band students who have successfully completed 7th grade band. This course develops and refines ensemble and solo performance skills. Attendance at all performances, four evenings and one/two Saturday festival(s), is a required part of the course. This is a yearlong commitment.

Communication & Theatre Arts (One Semester)

Students will play theater improvisation games, give speeches and act. There are opportunities to create original work, allowing students to have fun and be creative while performing in film projects and skits. Developing confidence in speaking and performance will be a focus. Projects include music videos, morning announcements, scene work, monologues and original film projects.

Design Technology (One Semester)

Using a variety of media technologies such as computers, digital cameras, and the internet, as well as hand/power tools, students will design and build projects related to construction and manufacturing areas. Students will use CAD software to design and produce a product and architectural software to design and construct a 3D house model. Students will also explore career pathways and their connections to various technologies.

Leadership 8 (One Semester)

In this exploratory class students step into the role of a leader with this dynamic semester-long course designed to empower middle school students to develop the skills and mindset necessary for effective leadership. Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and self-reflection, students will explore what it means to lead with confidence and integrity. Students interested in this class must complete a small application and obtain a teacher recommendation. The Student Leadership Application is due Thursday, March 26.

Orchestra (Full Year)

This is a full-year study and performance course for eighth grade string students who have successfully completed 7th grade Orchestra. This course develops and refines ensemble and solo performance skills. Attendance at all performances, four evenings and one/two Saturday festival(s), is a required part of the course. This is a yearlong commitment.

Physical Education (One Semester)

In this course, students will participate in seasonal team, individual and fitness activities. A greater emphasis will be placed on fitness and skill development. Students will be required to wear appropriate attire including athletic shoes. Grading will be based on daily participation and skill improvement as well as positive attitude and effort.

Vocal Music (One Semester)

Students will learn healthy singing technique, how to read music, and learn ear training including the use of a piano lab. Exploration of the music of different cultures and languages will be expanded. Aspects of a musical theater production will be studied. Students will be placed in groups on the basis of voice range. This choir may participate in vocal competition, vocal workshops and invitational events. Participation in evening performances is required. 

World Languages (One Semester)

Students will have a comprehensive introduction to Spanish, French, and German and will explore the basic skills of language acquisition through reading, writing, speaking and listening through proficiency-based tasks. Specific units of study will include school life, family, food, clothing and colors. Students will also learn basic vocabulary and grammar structures.

Yearbook/Social Media (One Semester)

This semester long course is designed for students to work together in creating an inclusive yearbook for the entire school. Students are responsible for taking photographs, creating layouts, interviewing staff and students, attending school events, writing articles, assembling pages, and editing.  In addition to the yearbook, students also work together in publishing the school newspaper. This class is open to all students.  Students must be responsible, reliable, trustworthy, and self-motivated.

High School Level Courses

French, German or Spanish (Full Year)

This high school level course is for students who are serious about learning a world language. Students will listen, speak, read and write in their selected language.  The basic sounds of the language are presented and fundamental grammar is introduced. Vocabulary study focuses on common words, phrases and expressions that relate to aspects of everyday life.  Cultural differences and lifestyles will be explored to enable students to better understand the complex, multi-ethnic world in which they live. Successful completion of the course and teacher recommendation will result in meeting one of the two-year high school Language requirements, 1.0 credit towards high school graduation, and the grade will go toward your grade point average at both the middle and high school level. This is a yearlong commitment.  

Teen Health (One Semester)

This high school level course is one semester and required for graduation from high school. Successful completion of the course and teacher recommendation will result in meeting the high school teen health requirement,  0.5 credit towards high school graduation, and the grade will go toward your grade point average at both the middle and high school level. The curriculum includes: total wellness, coping skills, diet and nutrition, substance use and abuse, stress and suicide, communication skills, healthy relationships, reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS education and basic daily living skills. **Public statute allows parents to excuse their students from specific reproductive health units.