Electives

6th Grade Art

The 6th grade art classroom provides a creative environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and communicate through imaginative and hands-on activities. The curriculum is designed to help students discover their creative potential through exploratory projects that promote creative thinking and problem-solving.

Emphasis is placed on the creative process rather than the final product, celebrating progress over perfection. Projects are designed to build confidence and foster a love of learning through engaging, activity-based experiences. Students will work both independently and collaboratively while making connections between art and their personal lives, family, school, community, history, culture, and the world.

7th Grade Art

7th grade art invites students on a journey of discovery, encouraging them to become creative problem-solvers and innovative thinkers. Through engaging, hands-on projects that emphasize the principles of design, students will explore their individual talents while learning to perceive and think like artists.

The focus is on the creative learning process, self-reflection, and celebrating individual growth and accomplishments. Students will build skills, share ideas, and develop a lifelong appreciation for art while exploring a wide range of two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital media.

8th Grade Art

In 8th grade art, students will dive into projects using two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital media, strengthening both their creative and critical thinking skills. They will also enhance their ability to communicate about art through writing and discussion.

Projects emphasize the elements of art and principles of design, challenging students to think like artists and explore new ideas. Students will examine how artists throughout history have drawn inspiration from a wide variety of themes and topics to create some of the world’s most iconic works of art.

6th Grade Family and Consumer Science (FCS)

6th Grade FCS is a required course that introduces students to essential life skills, including personal development and independent living. Students will explore topics such as personality, self-esteem, relationships, family and friendships, communication, and basic food preparation.

The course also includes a unit on sewing machine safety and use. As part of the sewing project, students will complete an 18" x 21" pillow. There is a $7.00 sewing fee to cover the cost of materials.

7th Grade Family and Consumer Education (FCE)

In 7th Grade FCE, students will learn the fundamentals of sewing, including how to operate a sewing machine, sew on a button, and perform a variety of hand stitches. They will also become familiar with sewing tools and their uses.

Students will apply their knowledge to construct creative sewing projects—it’ll be sew much fun! A small sewing fee will be required to help cover the cost of materials and supplies.

8th Grade Family and Consumer Education (FCE)

8th Grade FCE focuses on food and nutrition, with hands-on experience in food preparation. Students will learn about kitchen safety and sanitation, equipment, lab procedures, basic cooking methods, and baking techniques.

The course also covers culinary terms, kitchen math, and measurement conversions. If you enjoy cooking and eating, this is the class for you! A small fee will be collected to help cover the cost of ingredients and supplies.

6th Grade Band

No prior experience is necessary to join 6th Grade Band. Students will be matched with an instrument based on their physical traits, personal interests, and the overall needs of the band. Depending on the chosen instrument, rental may be required.

Students will learn the fundamentals of playing an instrument, including proper care and maintenance, reading and writing music notation, musical terms, and music history. Practice outside of class is essential for success. Students will participate in small group lessons and perform in concerts throughout the year.

6th Grade Choir

6th Grade Choir offers students the opportunity to participate in a vocal ensemble and develop their singing skills. This class, which includes all vocal ranges, meets every other day and focuses on musicianship through a diverse repertoire, including rounds, partner songs, and two- and three-part music.

Students will explore seasonal and multicultural music, learn music-reading, sight-singing, vocal production, technique, and basic music theory. Emphasis is also placed on teamwork, cooperation, and performance commitment. Students are expected to participate in two evening concerts, typically held in December and May at the Ashwaubenon Performing Arts Center.

Exploring Music (7th & 8th Grade)

Exploring Music introduces students to the fundamentals of music, how music is created, various musical genres, and the cultural and academic connections of music. This course is designed to broaden students' understanding and appreciation of music in everyday life and across the world.

7th & 8th Grade Choir

Choir offers continuing opportunities for students to grow musically through participation in a choral ensemble. Students will perform a wide variety of choral literature with up to four vocal parts and develop skills in vocal tone, musical sensitivity, music literacy, and ensemble technique.

Special attention is given to students experiencing voice changes, with guidance provided throughout the process. Students are expected to perform in at least two concerts annually, typically in December and May. Choir students are also encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble festivals, honor choirs, choir camps, and individual or group voice lessons to enhance their skills.

6th Grade Physical Education

Physical Education is a required course that provides students with the opportunity to actively participate in a variety of physical activities. The curriculum emphasizes lifelong fitness and includes small group games, cooperative activities, and individual fitness challenges.

Key content areas include: human muscle identification, the Five Components of Fitness, Levels of Intensity, and Functional 5 Fitness Assessments.

Uniform Requirement: All students must wear a physical education uniform or bring a change of clothes, along with securely tied tennis shoes, in order to participate.

6th Grade Tech Ed: Automation and Robotics

In this course, students explore the world of automation and robotics by constructing and testing various mechanisms using VEX robotics kits. Through hands-on learning, students gain a foundational understanding of how mechanisms work and apply this knowledge to build and program robots that perform specific tasks.

7th Grade Tech Ed: 3D Modeling and Design

Students are introduced to the world of 3D modeling and design using Inventor software. This course emphasizes the design process and incorporates a range of machines—including 3D printers—to help students bring their ideas to life by transforming digital models into physical objects.

8th Grade Tech Ed: Architecture and Design

This course introduces students to architectural design and construction concepts, including reading architectural plans, understanding construction styles, exploring alternative materials and processes, and applying accurate dimensioning and measuring techniques.

Students will use Revit, a 3D architectural software program, to design an environmentally friendly tiny home as a capstone project.

6th Grade Beginning Spanish

This course is designed for students who did not take Spanish in elementary school or who need additional time to build confidence and master grammar concepts. Emphasis is placed on supporting language learning and study skills.

Students will learn basic Spanish grammar, including: definite and indefinite articles, gender rules, pronunciation, the alphabet, greetings, noun/adjective agreement, subject pronouns, and present tense verb conjugations. Vocabulary topics include numbers, days and months, seasons, weather, school subjects and materials, family, and food.

A cultural component introduces the art, customs, and food of Hispanic cultures.

6th Grade Spanish

This course is intended for students with prior Spanish experience and builds upon knowledge gained in elementary school. Students will expand their vocabulary with topics such as extended family, class schedules, classroom activities, food, time, leisure activities, places, vacation, and sports.

Grammar concepts include present tense conjugation (regular and irregular), verb phrases, parts of speech agreement, forming and answering questions, expressing feelings, and tener expressions. The course emphasizes oral proficiency, and students will read a short novel in Spanish, answer comprehension questions, and write a summary in Spanish.

7th Grade Beginning Spanish

This course continues the content from 6th Grade Beginning Spanish. It is also appropriate for students who struggled in 6th Grade Spanish and want to strengthen their understanding and confidence.

Vocabulary and grammar topics mirror those in the regular 7th Grade Spanish class. Students will continue building proficiency in present tense conjugation (regular and irregular), verb phrases, question/answer structure, tener phrases, and more. The course also includes reading a short novel in Spanish, comprehension practice, and writing a summary in Spanish.

7th Grade Spanish

This course is for students who successfully completed 6th Grade Spanish. It begins with a review and progresses to more advanced grammar structures, such as irregular and stem-changing verbs, tener expressions, direct and indirect object pronouns, prepositional phrases, verbs like gustar, and the present progressive tense.

Students will continue to build vocabulary, and practice accurate speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The course emphasizes oral proficiency and includes reading a short novel, answering comprehension questions, and writing a Spanish-language summary.

8th Grade Beginning Spanish

This course is for students who completed 7th Grade Beginning Spanish or who need reinforcement before continuing to higher-level Spanish. It includes review and expansion of prior concepts, with continued development in grammar, vocabulary, and oral communication.

Topics include irregular and stem-changing verbs, tener expressions, object pronouns, prepositional phrases, gustar-type verbs, and present progressive tense. Students will read a short novel, complete comprehension questions, and write a summary in Spanish.

8th Grade Spanish

This course is for students who have completed 7th Grade Spanish. In addition to reviewing prior material, students will be introduced to new grammar topics such as past tenses (preterite and imperfect), reflexive verbs, indefinite and negative words, and double object pronouns.

Students are expected to speak in complete sentences, answer questions, and engage in short conversations using both present and past tenses. Students will read a novel, complete comprehension activities, and write a summary in Spanish. This course strongly emphasizes oral proficiency and prepares students for Spanish II at Ashwaubenon High School.

6th Grade Beginning German

Deutsch macht Spaß! German is fun! Students are introduced to German as it is written and spoken by young people in Germany today. Special projects are integrated with informal conversation.

Students will learn to talk about themselves, their friends, and family. They will practice speaking, reading, and writing in common informal situations. The course also introduces German-speaking cultures, especially student interests and daily life.

7th Grade German

Ein Austauschschüler in Deutschland – “An Exchange Student in Germany.” This theme-based course builds on previous knowledge and strengthens reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Topics include school, family, shopping, and planning events. Cultural comparisons and connections are incorporated throughout the year.

8th Grade German

Deutschland ist schön – “Germany is beautiful.” This culminating course prepares students for success in German III at Ashwaubenon High School.

Students will explore topics such as visiting German cities, daily chores, household vocabulary, books, movies, music, and past celebrations and vacations. Emphasis is placed on active conversation and cultural awareness.

6th Grade STEM

This required course teaches students to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly in our digital world. Topics include Information Literacy, Privacy and Security, Digital Media, and participating in the Online Community both at school and at home.

Students will use a variety of digital tools in class and complete a project at the end of the quarter. The focus is on learning concepts and skills useful throughout middle school and beyond.

7th Grade STEM

In this course, students will explore electricity and digital electronics through hands-on projects. They will learn principles of electronics and circuitry design by experimenting with electrical components and building circuits.

Programming is introduced by integrating hardware design with software development using microcontrollers. Projects may include creating prototypes such as physical computing devices, interactive billboards, or wearable technology. This approach helps students deepen their understanding of abstract concepts through meaningful, authentic learning.

8th Grade STEM

This course continues exploration of electricity and digital electronics through various projects. Students will build on their knowledge of circuitry design and electrical components.

Programming with microcontrollers is emphasized, combining hardware and software skills. Students will develop prototypes including physical computing devices, interactive billboards, or wearable technology, further strengthening their grasp of complex concepts through hands-on experiences.