Art

Hands on Art History: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th & 8th-12th 

This course will take a hands-on approach to studying the history of art. Each week we will introduce a new period or movement of art. The students will learn about major artists and masterpieces while trying out a few of the major characteristics themselves. The emphasis will be on understanding and using the concepts unique to each week instead of making highly finished artwork or projects to take home.

Pre-Requisites: None

Performing Arts: Music

Rockin’ Kids: Preschool & Pre-K

Your child will have fun engaging in guided imaginative play that fosters a love of great music from the American folk, jazz, rock, and pop traditions. Each week, students will explore a new instrument, sing songs that are chock full of musical knowledge, and learn about the elements of music through listening games and group piano exercises. The class will encourage creativity and cooperation while laying the foundation for future musical pursuits.

Pre-Requisites: None

Band and Chorus: 3rd – 12th Grade

MHS Band and Chorus is a chorus, drum corps, and orchestra all rolled into one. It is open to any student in 3rd grade and older regardless of past musical experience. All students will learn basic drumming techniques and how to sing in a chorus. Additionally, students with previous instrumental experience will have the opportunity to play their instruments with the group. The primary objective of the class is to develop ensemble skills such as listening, leading, and following while having a ton of fun with music from throughout history and around the world. Class Fee will include the cost of a bucket and drumsticks for each student to keep.

Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is required, just a willingness to listen, try new things, and have fun making music.

Creative Musicianship: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

This class will develop basic musicianship skills through listening, singing, drumming, and movement. Each class meeting will have an academic component, a skill building activity, and a performance component. For example we may spend one class period learning about call and response technique by listening to Cab Calloway’s “Hidey-hi,” playing a call and response rhythm game, and then singing a classic folk song that incorporates the technique. Students will also periodically be given the opportunity to create their own compositions using techniques learned in class.

Pre-Requisites: No previous experience is required, just a willingness to listen, try new things, and have fun making music.

Creative Musicianship: 3rd – 8th Grade

This class will develop creative musicianship skills and give students the knowledge and confidence to improvise rhythms and melodies and even to compose their own music! Students will learn how musicians throughout history have manipulated sound, melody, and rhythm to express themselves through music. We will also complete a series of group and individual projects as a way to explore song writing, improvisation, and composition skills.

Pre-Requisites: No previous musical experience is required, just a willingness to listen and try new things.

Performing Arts: Theatre

Creative Dramatics: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

Creative Dramatics is designed to introduce students to theatre and to help them get excited to create, perform, and tell their own stories. In this course, students will work as a theatre ensemble to build confidence, collaboration, and problem solving skills. Each week students will participate in hands on learning activities, theatre games, and dramatic play relating to a different area of theatre. Students will learn to improvise, focus, tell stories, and express their feelings while learning about a range of topics from acting to directing and different areas of design.  Other topics include storytelling, mask use in theatre, stage movement, voice, Improvisation, audience etiquette and stage makeup. Students will participate in active theatre games, a costume parade, and a staged performance of a classic story. Other activities will include creating a set diorama, role playing individually and as a group, and building a foundation of theatre vocabulary.

Pre-Requisites: Reading and writing skills are not required for this class. All that is needed is a willingness to participate and a positive attitude!

Theatre 1: 3rd – 5th Grade

Theatre 1 is great for the younger student with a growing interest in theatre arts and for those who are just being introduced to theatre as well. Students will learn about the entire theatrical process, from playwriting to directing, design, and acting. They will practice a weekly warm up routine to improve focus and speaking skills. Students will supplement growing reading and writing skills with projects such as writing a scene or monologue, through journaling about their experiences, and by performing scripted work. Students in this class will participate in many hands on learning activities and will spend time playing theatre games to foster a collaborative and creative environment and allow them to practice their skills of expression. Some activities will include writing and directing a scene with a partner, memorizing lines for a staged play, storytelling with a focus on story structure, and character analysis questions. Students will have a hand in creating their own sets, props, and costumes for their play and will be introduced to acting techniques and styles. Other topics covered include theatre etiquette, auditioning, basic theatre history, theatre vocabulary, and improvisation.

Pre-Requisites: This course requires a good foundation of reading and writing skills. Creative Dramatics is not a prerequisite to Theatre 1, but Theatre 1 will explore in depth some of the same topics.

Theatre 2: 6th – 12th Grade

If your student has been bitten by the acting bug, is an aspiring writer, or just loves to create; this is the class for them. This class aims to develop skills in self expression, self awareness, and respectful collaboration. In Theatre 2, students take charge of their own creative process, working collaboratively to write and produce an original play. Students will learn about scene structure, character analysis and objectives, and practice working with others during this project. They explore the director’s role by blocking and casting scenes and by giving feedback and direction to peers.  Students explore their own individual self expression by writing and performing monologues and by journaling about their experiences. Other activities include participation in an audition, costume or set design and creation, in depth discussion and coaching of acting techniques and styles, creating an outline, and of course, theatre games. Students will also explore theatre history, learn more advanced theatre vocabulary, and read and respond to classic literature.

Pre-Requisites: This course is for students in 6th – 12th grade, or for any student with a solid background in theatre, whether from previous education or community theatre. Theatre 1 is not necessarily a prerequisite for this course but is a good introduction to the kind of work done in Theatre 2. A solid writing foundation is required for this class.

Foreign Language: Spanish

Spanish is Fun: Pre-K - Kindergarten

The objective at the Pre-K level is to introduce Spanish in a fun way.  The children will be involved in a “hands on” program, developing oral skills, with small amounts of homework.  The class will learn basic vocabulary words, in units, with each unit lasting a month.  For example, the first month would be things in the class room, then body parts, then clothing, then farm animals, etc.  Interactive lessons will help the students for future levels as they learn vowels, numbers, shapes, colors, and so forth.  Creative projects will also be involved so they can learn as they play.

Pre-Requisites: None

The ABC’s of Spanish: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

The students will begin by learning the Spanish alphabet and having words related to each letter.  I will maintain the hands-on structure developed in Pre-K/K by concentrating on oral skills as well as giving homework to reinforce the classroom learning.  Through the use of flash cards, the students will begin to read words and learn to classify nouns in male and female according to the article used.  Phonics is an important part of the learning process at this level and, for this reason, the students will prepare and present a Spanish speech as a final project.

Pre-Requisites: None

I love Spanish: 3rd – 5th Grade

At this level, the objective is to further develop writing and oral skills using speech and an interactive lesson plan.  During the classes, the students will be taught to create recipes, menus, do projects and learn more about the various cultures via “flying around the world” to different Spanish speaking countries.  Weekly dictation, composition and reading comprehension will be part of this level.  Using technology as well as “old school” skills will help the students to engage in a fun/learning process.  

Pre-Requisites: Ability to read and write in English at a 2nd grade level.

Getting Serious About Spanish: 6th – 8th Grade

Initially, at this level, a comprehensive evaluation will be completed to determine each student’s understanding of Spanish obtained from previous levels.  After this base has been established, a curriculum will be developed to further the student’s learning for oral and writing skills and to complement the student’s comprehension going forward.  Vital parts of the daily classroom instruction will include cooking classes, singing songs, reading story books, writing newspaper and magazine articles in Spanish and learning Latino culture.  The student’s learning process will be enhanced through the development of monthly learning units that will help them to express themselves properly in Spanish.

Pre-Requisites: Ability to read and write in English at an elementary level.

Spanish: High School Spanish: 8th – 12th Grade

Initially, at this level, a comprehensive evaluation will be completed to determine each student’s understanding of Spanish obtained from previous levels.  After this base has been established, a curriculum will be developed to further the student’s learning for oral and writing skills and to complement the student’s comprehension going forward. The high school level of Spanish is all about refinement. Speaking Spanish correctly, as someone from Spain would speak, will be emphasized throughout; the student will learn to hear differences in diction depending on the country that is speaking, i.e., a Mexican speaks differently than a Nicaraguan, a Columbian speaks differently than someone from The Dominican Republic, etc.  Writing will be heavily emphasized as the most difficult part of learning Spanish is getting verb tenses, in male and female, correct so a sentence isn’t inappropriately written.

Pre-Requisites: Ability to read and write in English at a middle school level.

History

Exploring Ancient Cultures: 3rd – 5th Grade

Elementary children learn best with they can be creative and express themselves. The learning of history is no different. Instilling in kids a love and appreciation of the past involves exposing them to new cultures and ideas. Their imaginations will soar as we transport them to an ancient Samurai village or explore new coasts on a Viking trading ship. Students will be introduced to several ancient civilizations from all across the world with hands on activities that will encourage their individual creative powers yet honor Ancient peoples and their cultures. Whether they are creating a Inca sun mask or coloring henna tattoos on their hands, they will find value in the past and understand just how big and diverse the world is. 

Pre-Requisites: None

Exploring the Middle Ages: 6th – 8th Grade

The Middle Ages was a time of chaos, war, and plague, but also a time of chivalry, bravery, and rebirth in how people began to view the world around them. On this pilgrimage students will study the dark and turbulent Middle Ages alongside the promising and inspiring Renaissance. We will make shields and banners as we become knights. We will discover new worlds and understand how art and science influenced humanity as we paint stained glass windows and carve sculptures from soap. Huzzah for creativity for it is how we will hearken back to a study of Medieval times! 

Pre-Requisites: None

Exploring Western Civilization: The Enlightenment to World War II: 8th – 12th Grade

In this class students will be the teachers! They will debate, present, and entertain their way through history. I know it's challenging to get high school kids to be vocal in front of their peers in a classroom setting, but I hope to provide a judgment free, encouraging atmosphere to embolden them to express their ideas and perceptions. The take home work will be fun and thought provoking as we study a drastic change in European, and subsequently American, thought and ideology. We will explore how the speedy progression of these ideas ushered in the tumultuous events that formed our modern world. 

Pre-Requisites: None

Language Arts: Literature

Literature: 3rd – 5th Grade

Whether your child has a passion for reading or is looking to obtain more skills to enhance their reading experience, this class will enhance their educational experience. This course will focus on literature across a variety of genres. Students will learn about various elements of books and poems. Students will also learn crucial comprehension and critical thinking skills. While we have a plan for how long it will take to read each book, the class does have the flexibility to change pace if the students require. The teacher will supply the students with the required texts. Students will need to read at home and will have extension work.

Pre-Requisites: Handwriting proficiency and typing ability; 2nd grade language arts proficiency (or higher)

Literature: 6th – 8th Grade

Whether your child has a passion for reading or is looking to obtain more skills to enhance their reading experience, this class will enhance their educational experience. This course will focus on literature across a variety of genres. Students will learn about various elements of books, poems, and plays. 

Students will also learn crucial comprehension and critical thinking skills. This class is not only a chance to read, but will have opportunities for different kinds of writing as well. While we have a plan for how long it will take to read each book, the class does have the flexibility to change pace if the students require. The teacher will supply the students with the required texts. Students will need to read at home and will have extension work. 

Pre-Requisites: Handwriting proficiency and typing ability; 5th grade language arts proficiency (or higher)

Language Arts: Reading

Fun with Beginner Reading: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

In this class, we will be using a systematic total language arts approach where children will be provided instruction in Reading, Writing, Phonics, Comprehension, Grammar and Spelling that are in sync with one another. The program is made fun with a Raceway theme that works through the incremental steps of learning to read independently while singing phonics songs, playing games, and reading storybooks. 

It is our hope that each student will go from reading words such as “dog” and “cat” or simple sentences such as “See the dog run.” to “Chris was thirsty after playing Ping-Pong. He went to the snack bar and had a lemon soda.” 

Pre-Requisites: Child must be able to recite the alphabet, recognize and write each letter, as well as know the sounds they make individually. If they are not at this level, check out Primary Learning: Discovering the World from A to Z to help them prepare for next year! 

Language Arts: Writing

Writing: 3rd – 5th Grade

Writing skills are an essential staple for every subject in school. This class focuses on the writing skills that your elementary schooler will need, while trying to find ways to write that can gain your child’s interest. We will go over grammar and punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling. We will have a variety of assignments and writing topics that can cater to your child’s interests.

Pre-Requisites: Handwriting proficiency and typing ability; 2nd grade language arts proficiency (or higher)

Writing: 6th – 8th Grade

Writing skills are an essential staple for every subject in school. This class focuses on middle school writing skills, but also has a flexible focus to cater to your child’s interests. We will go over grammar and punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling. We will also discuss writing style and discuss different types of writing, such as expository, persuasive, and narrative writing. We will have a variety of assignments and writing topics that can cater to your child’s interests.

Pre-Requisites: Handwriting proficiency and typing ability; 5th grade language arts proficiency (or higher)

Writing: 8th – 12th Grade

Writing skills are an essential staple for every subject in school. This class focuses on upper level writing skills, but also has a flexible focus to cater to your child’s interests. The class will focus writing style and different types of writing, such as narrative, expository, and persuasive writing. We will also go over grammar, sentence structure, and word choice. We will have a variety of assignments and writing topics that can cater to your child’s interests.

Pre-Requisites: Handwriting proficiency and typing ability; 7th grade language arts proficiency (or higher)

Mathematics

Foundational Concepts: 3rd – 5th Grade  

In this class, students will cover the foundational concepts of mathematics such as mathematical operations, fractions, measurement, and shapes.  Each session will consist of a tutor-led lesson over a specific concept and time for students to ask specific questions from their personal work. Concepts will be presented utilizing manipulatives and real-world examples to increase student understanding.

Pre-Requisites: Students will be asked to successfully complete an assignment demonstrating mastery of K-2 math skills.

Suggested Texts: Singapore Math Primary Mathematics US Edition; Textbook, Workbook & Answer Key for 3A, 4A, or 5A. Textbook & Workbook for 3B, 4B & 5B will be used later in the academic year. Optional home instructor guides can be purchased for each level to help you work with your children on the math assignments throughout the week.

Mathematical Concepts: 6th – 8th Grade

Students will extend the basics of math to include the following concepts; order of operations, ratios, graphing, and units of measurement. Each session will consist of a tutor-led lesson over a specific concept and time for students to ask specific questions from their personal work. The course will emphasize developing the student's problem solving skills.

Pre-Requisites: Students will be asked to successfully complete an assignment demonstrating mastery of 5th grade math skills.

Suggested Texts: TBA

Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2: 8th – 12th Grade

In this class, students will have the opportunity to review mathematical concepts used throughout algebra 1, geometry and algebra 2 courses.  Students will also be able to ask specific questions related to their own lessons from these three classes. The math portion of the ACT exam will be a priority of this class.

Pre-Requisites: Students will be asked to successfully complete an assignment demonstrating mastery of pre-algebra math skills.

Suggested Texts & Calculator: Prentice Hall Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2 textbooks and workbooks; published in 2011. Texts are available used through Amazon.com and other sources.  Please note that there are two volumes to each textbook. Also, a scientific calculator is suggested. A Texas Instruments nSpire is recommended but not required.

Pre-K - Kindergarten

Primary Learning: Discovering the World from A to Z

This is a complete Pre-K/Kindergarten curriculum that includes not only a beginning-to-read program but all other areas of study appropriate for the young child beginning school. Fun and simple science, math, social studies, literature and art activities are integrated into the 26 thematic units that correspond to each letter of the alphabet. For example, when the children learn the letter s, they may study about the sun, construct a sundial, paint a sun, and read a children's story with a sunny theme.

Students will learn letter recognition, letter sounds, and writing while having fun exploring the natural world around us. They will investigate wonders of the world such as the sun, the moon, rocks, elephants, and butterflies through art, children's books, science experiments and hands on activities. Intro to reading is taught using a highly successful multi-sensory phonics approach as well as the introduction of quality children's literature.

By the end of the year, students are reading simple short sentences and stories. This will prepare them for the next course, Fun with Beginner Reading where they become an independent reader who is able to read more complex words, sentences and stories.

Pre-Requisites: None

Science

Science Explorations: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

This course is designed to help students connect science to everyday life through observation. Students will become scientists by intentionally exploring the world around them. This course provides a basic understanding in Physical, Life and Earth Science.

Pre-Requisites: None

Science Explorations: 3rd – 5th Grade

This course is designed to help students connect science to everyday life through extensive observation and research. Students will become scientific analysts by designing experiments to test hypothesis related to the mysteries of the world around us. This course provides a basic understanding in Physical, Life and Earth Science.  

Pre-Requisites: None

Science Explorations: 6th – 8th Grade

This course is designed to help students connect science to everyday life through extensive observation and research. Students will become scientific analysts by designing experiments to test hypothesis related to the mysteries of the world around us.  This course provides a basic understanding in Physical, Life and Earth Science.

Pre-Requisites: None

High School Biology: 8th – 12th Grade

This course involves a rigorous research and exploration-based model into the discovery of a wide range of topics. Students will expound on their study of human life starting with cells and concluding with organ systems. The second semester is devoted to the classification of the Animal and Plant Kingdoms and involves multiple dissections.

Pre-Requisites: Ability to read, write and research at the library and/or on the web.

High School Physical Geology: 8th – 12th Grade

The study of the physical process that shape the earth’s surface and how those processes effect humans and the environment. A combination of lab, lecture, field studies, and student research and presentations will be used to create a basic understanding of the physical processes of earth. The year long course will be very similar to most college Geology 101 which is taught in one semester.

Pre-Requisites: Ability to read, write and research at the library and/or on the web.

Text: Earth: Tarbuck & Lutgens, Prentice Hall

High School Physical Science: 8th – 12th Grade

This is a course designed to help students connect science to everyday life through extensive observation and research. Students will become scientific analysts by designing experiments to test hypothesis related to the mysteries of the world around us. This course provides a basic understanding in Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy and Earth Science.

Pre-Requisites: Ability to read, write and research at the library and/or on the web.

STEM: Coding

Coding Level 1: 3rd – 5th Grade *New Curriculum for MHS*

Your child will learn computer programming through engaging, hands-on projects like animating stories and creating video games. Plus, our technology platform is seriously cool… kids have thousands of backgrounds, props, characters and music to choose from to help bring their imaginations to life. Kids build a strong foundation of programming skills by building a different type of video game each day—complete with game logic and physics.

Pre-Requisites: None

Coding Level 2: 6th – 12th Grade

During Semester 1, students will learn JavaScript as they solve fun puzzles! The kids will build their own projects, stories and an awesome portfolio of JavaScript games, including; Snake, Breakout, Pong and Geometry Dash. Semester 2 the students will learn to code in Python! Kids will learn Python syntax and programming logicas they solve fun puzzles. They'll build their own projects, stories and an awesome portfolio of Python games, including Connect 4, Snake and Tetris.

Pre-Requisites: Basic Typing & Computer Skills

STEM: Robotics

Robotics Level 1: 1st – 4th Grade

Robotics 1 is a lively introduction to building and programming robots using LEGO®.  Kids discover how to build and program a variety of amazing robots using LEGO® bricks — great for the hands and the mind!  Each session encourages creativity and imagination as kids brainstorm, build and experiment with amazing robots. It’s a wonderful way to develop critical STEM and problem-solving skills.

Pre-Requisites: None

Robotics Level 2: 3rd – 5th Grade

Working with a buddy, your child will enjoy an advanced robotics program using LEGO® to build problem solving and engineering skills. Curriculum includes Building and animated communication tools from the past, present and future tech world like telegraphs, phones, TVs and other gadgets kids dream up using LEGO®. Students will also learn how to design, build and race super cool car models using K’NEX® pieces to test concepts of forces, energy and motion.

Pre-Requisites: Robotics 1 or a Robotics Summer Camp

Pre-Employment Transition Services Program (Pre-ETS)

Exploring the World of Work: 14 – 22 years old

This course provides students with a variety of career related experiences, skills and instruction to help the student identify a career pathway. Students will participate in Job Exploration activities; Workplace readiness skills development; hands-on Work Based learning experiences; receive Post-Secondary Education counseling and preparation; and learn Self-Awareness and Self-Advocacy skills.

• Job & Career Exploration - provides students with an opportunity to explore a variety of career options by participating in employment related activities that help the student identify career interests, needed skills, education, and training to identify a career pathway. May include; career interest assessments, video job shadowing, employer interviews, and online research.
  
  
• Work Readiness - will enable the students to discover and learn an array of social skills, independent living skills, and job search skills to better prepare the students for post-secondary education or employment. May include workplace communication skills, financial literacy, appropriate attire, hygiene, application/resume assistance and interview skills.
  
  
• Post-Secondary Education Counseling - students will be instructed on the available post-secondary opportunities, resources, services and supports needed to assist them in successfully transitioning to post-secondary education/training. May include; college/training, enrollment assistance, financial aid/FASFA assistance, instruction on disability services and social services after graduation.
  
  
• Self-Advocacy - provides education regarding self-awareness, self-advocacy and self-determination for students with disabilities. May also include education regarding various supportive services and accommodations and how to obtain them.
  
  
• Work Based Learning – will be a voluntary lab class available off campus. Provides students; opportunities to gain employment knowledge and skills through engagement in real work or work place activities.  These services will have an emphasis in hands-on experience activities and may include job shadowing, experience in the training departments at TRC Smyrna), volunteer work activities and informational career interviews. 

Pre-Requisites: To qualify for this program, students must be between the ages of 14 - 22 years old, have a diagnosed disability and still be in school (not having graduated from high school). Parent/Guardians will be required to provide proof of disability (via IEP, 504 or physicians documentation) and complete the Pre-Employment Transition Services paperwork.