Electives

Art Assistant
Prerequisites: Art I
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None, but space is limited
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course involves students in preparing art projects for elementary classes. Emphasis is placed on student interaction with young children. When not assisting with lower school students, the assistant will be expected to build on his/her technical skills and foundation of knowledge developed in Art I. Upon completion, students should be able to have a better understanding of organizing and planning group projects.

Art I
Prerequisites: None
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Course materials: $75.00 art fee, 9X12 spiral bound sketchbook
Description: This course explores the basic skill of realistic drawing, the elements and principles of art, technique, art history, and criticism. Emphasis is placed on a wide variety of art including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media. Upon completion, students should be able to use the elements of design as a means of developing, expressing, and evaluating ideas.

Journalism
Prerequisites: None, but there will be an application process and a cap on the class size
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: Teacher recommendation from previous English teacher
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course introduces the fundamental elements of high school publications. Emphasis is placed on desktop publishing, editing, visual design, ethics, photography, business management, and writing. Upon completion, students should be able to produce school publications such as programs, newsletters, newspapers as well as to understand the basics of yearbook production.

9th Grade PE/Health
Prerequisites: 8th Grade Physical Education
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course meets daily for the entire school year. It will provide students with an excellent opportunity for physical activity during the school day. Ninth grade PE will include both physical activities and health. Emphasis will be placed on traditional game play, physical fitness testing/training and will now include some lifetime sports. The health portion of the course will include stress management, substance abuse, fitness and personal care, and human growth and development. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of traditional game play, an understanding of lifetime fitness and sports, and knowledge of the topics covered in the health segment taught in the classroom.

Advanced Physical Education
Prerequisites: 9th Grade PE/Health
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None Space is limited.
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course meets daily for the entire school year. It provides students with an excellent opportunity for physical activity during the school day. Emphasis is placed on traditional game play, but focuses on lifetime sports and fitness training, including use of the weight room. Students divide their time between the weight room, where they will chart their workouts, the gym and field, where they are introduced to lifetime sports such as bocce ball, ultimate Frisbee, tennis, and golf. Upon completion, students should be able to have the knowledge a healthy and fit lifestyle.

Digital Communications
Prerequisites: None
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course explores the full application abilities of Microsoft Office 2013 as well as the Google Suite of Products. Emphasis is placed on all possible ways we use technology to communicate and present knowledge in the world today.

Library Assistant
Prerequisites: None
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course is designed for self-motivated students who can work independently to accomplish tasks. Students perform a variety of routine tasks such as shelving books and assisting patrons in locating materials. Emphasis is placed on the student’s willingness to recognize daily which tasks need to be completed and to do them in a satisfactory manner. Students also must be willing to give attention to detail in order to complete their work. Upon completion, students should be more well-informed library users. They will also improve organizational and leadership skills.

Teacher Assistant
Prerequisites: None
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course is designed for students who can work independently and under the direction of a classroom teach and or Teacher’s Assistant. Students will perform a variety of classroom tasks, such as working with individual students and small groups, making copies, creating bulletin boards, making games and activities, and any other task designated by the teacher. Upon completion, students will have a working knowledge of teacher assistant tasks. They will improve organizational skills, time management, and gain a better understanding of working with children.

PE Assistant
Prerequisites: None
Teacher recommendation needed and from which discipline: None
Credit: 1 per year
Description: This course is designed for students who can work independently and under the direction of a PE Teacher. Students will assist with Lower School PE classes and games. Students will also assist the Athletic Director and learn administrative skills. They will also help in any way needed in the gym. . Upon completion, students will have a working knowledge of PE classes. They will improve organizational skills, time management, and gain a better understanding of working with children.