Sixth Grade Curriculum

Sixth grade students take English Language Arts, World History and Geography: Ancient Civilization, Earth Science, Physical Education or Dance, Elective Rotation, a yearlong elective, math (Honors Math 6, Honors Math 7, Accelerated 7/8, or Algebra), and Advisory/Tutorial.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

6th English Language Arts

This year-long course focuses on reading, writing, language conventions, and vocabulary development using novels, expository test, and poetry. Students will practice narrative, response to literature, and informational/expository writing. This course also emphasizes listening and oral communication skills.

6th Social Science

This year-long course focuses on the content standards of Ancient Civilizations and Geography. Students will learn to research, find evidential support, and organize information within a historical perspective. Students will deliver focused and organized formal presentations.

6th Earth Science

This year-long Next Generation Science Standards course primarily focuses on the following themes: earth’s place in the solar system (universe and stars, history of earth), atmosphere (flows of energy) and hydrosphere (cycles of matter), and the geosphere (internal and surface processes). Sample topics include plate tectonics, weather and climate, and natural resources. Students will be engaged in science and engineering practices and investigations, and build models and systems from which they can obtain, evaluate, and communicate information.

Honors Math 6, Honors 7, Accelerated 7/8, or Algebra

Students who test out of Honors Math 6 may be placed in Honors Math 7, Accelerated 7/8 or Algebra. Honors Math 6 will focus on four critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; and (4) developing understanding of statistical thinking. The Accelerated pathway includes grade-level curriculum and selected curricular concepts from the succeeding grade-level. Algebra curriculum follows completion of 8th grade math curriculum. The course description is noted below.

Algebra

Algebra is a one-year course that builds on arithmetic skills and algebraic concepts taught in previous courses. Focus areas include four critical areas: (1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships; (2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions; (3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots; and (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. A grade of "C" or better, demonstrated subject matter proficiency and/or teacher recommendation is required for continuation to Geometry.

Math Lab

Students showing discrepancies in basic math skills as measured by their math placement test and other factors may be placed in math lab for their elective. Diagnostic/prescriptive tools in conjunction with instruction will be utilized to build and develop proficiency with fundamental math skills.

6th Physical Education/Health

Students will learn the rules and techniques of various sports, work on physical fitness, and engage in lifetime physical activities such as dance. Sportsmanship will be emphasized. Students are required to wear a P.E. uniform. Uniforms can be purchased through the school. A solid gray or any UPREP tee shirt and plain blue athletic shorts can be worn. Proper footwear for activities must be worn. This includes athletic shoes or shoes with laces. Tank tops, boots, sandals, or Toms are not permitted. Note: Dance students are not required to take PE.

ROTA (6th only)

ROTA is an elective rotation that shifts each quarter (every nine weeks). Students are exposed to a variety of topics each of the four quarters. First Quarter ROTA is the same course for all 6th grade students, Reach Higher U-Prep, a college and career readiness course designed to assist students in achieving success at U-Prep; keyboarding and basic computer skills are included. Courses taught during the remaining school quarters may include: Life Skills, Art, Geography, World Language, and/or Music Appreciation.

SIXTH GRADE ELECTIVES

Junior High Art I (Open to Sixth, Seventh Grades)

Students will study the basic elements and principles of art through a variety of two- and three- dimensional media.

Prep Band (Open to Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide students with a comfortable environment to work on a new or current instrument and gain ensemble and performance experience. Prep Band should help prepare students for future performing ensembles.

Beginning Strings (Open to Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)

Students will be introduced to the string instrument family (violin, cello, and bass). Students will choose or be assigned instruments based on availability. Beginning instruction will include emphasis on posture, tone production and music reading. Concert attendance and performance required.

Orchestra (Audition; Open to all grades)

An in-depth course designed to extend instruction in all aspects of string family education including technical skill, performance, historical context, composition and integration with other disciplines and art forms. Students will gain skills to enable them to be life-long learners and musicians. They will gain cultural appreciation of all forms of music and the specific application of strings education to those goals. Compositional instruction will allow students to carry their musical creativity independently. Prerequisites: Audition or minimum 2 years of Strings instruction

Concert Band (Audition; Open to all grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide students who already have training with their instrument the opportunity to play and perform in an advanced ensemble. Students in Concert Band have an obligation to themselves and band members to practice at home and bring what they have learned to daily rehearsal.

Mixed Chorus (Open to Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide young men and ladies the opportunity to explore their singing voice in a fun and comfortable environment. This class is geared towards developing youth voice and will introduce singers to a wide variety of musical styles and genres.

Junior High Computer Applications/Technology (Open to Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades)

This course will provide an understanding and application of social, ethical, responsible issues related to technology. The course will also provide an introduction to computer technology, productivity, communications and critical thinking through problem solving. Areas of study include computer applications and integration of word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database, as well as presentation software. Students will become increasingly proficient with Google Applications for Education (GAFE) including Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, and Drawings and other emerging technologies.

Junior High Study Hall (Open to Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades)

This class is designed to give students additional time in their day to complete homework, prepare/study for other courses, and improve their ability to manage academic demands against extra/co-curricular commitments.

Beginning/Intermediate Dance (Dance I, II, III) (Audition; Open to all grades)

This class focuses on the study of multiple dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. Students gain the ability to perform in these disciplines, learning to use style and expression. Students will be required to perform aerobic exercises throughout the year, which include running, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and conditioning exercises. Students perform twice a year.

Advanced Dance (Dance IV and V) (Audition; Open to all grades)

This course focuses on the advanced study of multiple dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. Students gain the ability to perform in all disciplines with a strong understanding of style and expression. Students participating in this course will demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills on dance topics. This class includes opportunities for student choreography. Students will be required to perform aerobic exercises throughout the year, which include running, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and conditioning exercises. Students perform twice a year.

Step Up Chinese

This course is for students who have experienced prior instruction at an elementary level. It serves as the bridge course for incoming experienced students who are not yet prepared for high school advanced Mandarin. Language skills will be further developed for students who have mastered approximately 600-800 Chinese words. Areas of additional focus include the development of fine points and subtleties of written and oral expression within an ever-increasing framework of grammatical structure. Chinese culture also remains an important aspect of the course. Prerequisite: Instruction at an elementary level program

Seventh Grade Curriculum

Seventh grade students take English Language Arts, World History and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times, Life Science, Physical Education or Dance, Latin (Prep Latin or Latin I), a yearlong elective course, math (Honors Math 7, Accelerated 7/8, or Algebra), and Advisory/Tutorial.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

7th English Language Arts

This year-long course focuses on writing, literary response, reading comprehension, and word analysis. Students will practice expository critique, literary criticism, and narrative analysis of grade-level-appropriate text along with writing clear and coherent narrative and persuasive essays.

7th History – Medieval and Early Modern Times

This year- long course focuses on the content standards of World History and Geography (Medieval and Early Modern Times). Students will demonstrate chronological and spatial thinking and historical interpretation using research, evidence, and point of view.

7th Life Science

This year-long Next Generation Science Standards course primarily focuses on the following themes: molecules to organisms (structure and function, growth and development, organization of matter and energy flow in organisms), ecosystems (cycles of matter and energy transfer, interdependent relationships), heredity (inheritance and variation of traits), and biological evolution (natural selection, adaptation). Students will be engaged in science and engineering practices and investigations, and build models and systems from which they can obtain, evaluate, and communicate information.

Honors Math 7 & Accelerated Math 7/8

Honors Math 7 will focus on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding of and applying proportional relationships; (2) developing understanding of operations with rational numbers and working with expressions and linear equations; (3) solving problems involving scale drawings and informal geometric constructions, and working with two- and three-dimensional shapes to solve problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (4) drawing inferences about populations based on samples. The Accelerated pathway includes grade-level curriculum and selected curricular concepts from the succeeding grade-level. Algebra curriculum follows completion of 8th grade math curriculum. The course description is noted below.

Algebra

Algebra is a one-year course that builds on arithmetic skills and algebraic concepts taught in previous courses. Focus areas include four critical areas: (1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships; (2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions; (3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots; and (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. A grade of "C" or better, demonstrated subject matter proficiency and/or teacher recommendation is required for continuation to Geometry.

Prep Latin

Prep Latin is a course designed to develop critical thinking skills relating to language and to provide students with a strong foundation in English grammar terminology and usage. Emphasis is placed on the study of the parts of speech, understanding basic grammatical structures, spelling awareness, and English vocabulary building. Students will read short selections based on Roman mythology to enhance their knowledge of literature, promote their ability to identify various grammatical constructions, and engage in creative writing. Some basic elements of the Latin language are introduced through the study of prefixes, suffixes, Latin root words, and English derivatives.

Latin 1

This course is a requirement for eighth grade graduation. Vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and pronunciation are the primary focus; there will be some translating and reading. Prerequisite: Prep Latin or English teacher recommendation

7th/8th Physical Education/Health

Students will continue their study of the rules and techniques of various sports, work on physical fitness, and explore lifetime physical activities. Sportsmanship will be emphasized. Students will learn about the benefits of good nutrition and exercise. Note: 7th Grade students who are enrolled in Dance are not required take PE. Fitness PE and Basketball PE classes are also options for 7th graders to fulfill their physical education requirement.

7th/8th Fitness Physical Education

Fitness PE is designed to help students that want to be active in a non-sport setting. This course is meant give students a foundation of fitness to take with them throughout their lives. It is a co-ed course focusing on flexibility, core strength, increasing aerobic capacity, and muscular strength. Exercises included in this course, but are not limited to: yoga, plyometrics, weights, and a variety of cardiovascular activities. Prerequisites: Open to Grades 7-8

7th/8th Basketball Focused Physical Education

Basketball Focused PE is designed to help students that want to increase their basketball skill and knowledge. The course is designed for the intermediate to advanced basketball player that is willing to commit an entire school year to increasing their basketball related abilities. In this co-ed course we will be learning and developing basketball skills, strategies, rules, teamwork and conditioning. Emphasis will be on individual skill development and strategies.

Math Lab

Students showing discrepancies in basic math skills as measured by their math placement test and other factors may be placed in math lab for their elective. Diagnostic/prescriptive tools in conjunction with instruction will be utilized to build and develop proficiency with fundamental math skills.

BRIDGE 7

This course is available to 7th grade students who are bridging from 6th grade and may need additional assistance as they make a successful through 7th grade. It is designed to support success in academic classes with an emphasis on fundamental academic skill development and literacy. Placement will be based on academic progress as measured by subject matter assessments and academic skill sets, and counselor and teacher recommendation. When a student is recommended for this course the school counselor and/or a teacher will contact the parent to discuss placement.

SEVENTH GRADE ELECTIVES

Junior High Art I (Open to Sixth and Seventh Grade)

Students will study the basic elements and principles of art through a variety of two- and three- dimensional media.

Prep Band (Open to Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide students with a comfortable environment to work on a new or current instrument and gain ensemble and performance experience. Prep Band should help prepare students for future performing ensembles.

Percussion Ensemble/ Drum Corp (Open to Seventh and Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide students training with percussion instruments and give them the opportunity to play and perform in an ensemble. Students will be expected to participate in two yearly performances.

Concert Band (Audition; Open to all grade levels)

The purpose of this class is to provide students who already have training with their instrument the opportunity to play and perform in an advanced ensemble. Students in Concert Band have an obligation to themselves and band members to practice at home and bring what they have learned to daily rehearsal.

Jazz Band (Audition; Open to Seventh through Twelfth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to push students to the limit while maintaining a fun and relaxed (Jazz) atmosphere. Students in Jazz Band play more independently with a higher level of creativity and dedication to the Art of music. Every member is a potential soloist and every member has a responsibility to the greater needs of the band.

Orchestra (Audition; Open to all grades)

An in-depth course designed to extend instruction in all aspects of string family education including technical skill, performance, historical context, composition and integration with other disciplines and art forms. Students will gain skills to enable them to be life-long learners and musicians. They will gain cultural appreciation of all forms of music and the specific application of strings education to those goals. Compositional instruction will allow students to carry their musical creativity independently. Prerequisites: Audition or minimum 2 years of Strings instruction

Beginning Strings (Open to Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)

Students will be introduced to the string instrument family (violin, cello, and bass). Students will choose or be assigned instruments based on availability. Beginning instruction will include emphasis on posture, tone production and music reading. Concert attendance and performance required.

Guitar I (Open to Seventh and Eighth Grades)

Guitar I is a yearlong course that focuses on practice, performance, and historical context of the guitar. Students will be introduced to a variety of techniques, skills, and genres.

Mixed Choir (Open to Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide young men and ladies the opportunity to explore their singing voice in a fun and comfortable environment. This class is geared towards developing youth voice and will introduce singers to a wide variety of musical styles and genres.

Choraliers (Audition; Open to Seventh through Twelfth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide skilled ladies the opportunity to perform advanced music literature and prepare for future choirs and musical opportunities.

Junior High Study Hall (Open to Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades)

This class is designed to give students additional time in their day to complete homework, prepare/study for other courses, and improve their ability to manage academic demands against extra/co-curricular commitments.

Beginning/Intermediate Dance (Dance I, II, III) (Audition; Open to all grades)

This class focuses on the study of multiple dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. Students gain the ability to perform in these disciplines, learning to use style and expression. Students will be required to perform aerobic exercises throughout the year, which include running, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and conditioning exercises. Students perform twice a year.

Advanced Dance (Dance IV and V) (Audition; Open to all grades)

This course focuses on the advanced study of multiple dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. Students gain the ability to perform in all disciplines with a strong understanding of style and expression. Students participating in this course will demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills on dance topics. This class includes opportunities for student choreography. Students will be required to perform aerobic exercises throughout the year, which include running, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and conditioning exercises. Students perform twice a year.

Step Up Chinese

This course is for students who have experienced prior instruction at an elementary level. It serves as the bridge course for incoming experienced students who are not yet prepared for high school advanced Mandarin. Language skills will be further developed for students who have mastered approximately 600-800 Chinese words. Areas of additional focus include the development of fine points and subtleties of written and oral expression within an ever-increasing framework of grammatical structure. Chinese culture also remains an important aspect of the course. Prerequisite: Instruction at an elementary level program

Junior High Computer Applications/Technology (Open to Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades)

This course will provide an understanding and application of social, ethical, responsible issues related to technology. The course will also provide an introduction to computer technology, productivity, communications and critical thinking through problem solving. Areas of study include computer applications and integration of word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database, as well as presentation software. Students will become increasingly proficient with Google Applications for Education (GAFE) including Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, and Drawings and other emerging technologies.

Student Government/Leadership (Open to 7th and 8th Grades by Election or Appointment)

This course is designed for the student interested in learning basic concepts of democratic government, leadership skills, and parliamentary procedures. Students plan and implement activities for the student body. These students are the officers and representatives of the ASB (Associated Student Body).

Eighth Grade Curriculum

Eighth grade students take English Language Arts, World History and Geography: Medieval and Early Modern Times, Life Science, Physical Education or Dance, Latin (Latin I, Latin II or a modern language upon completion of Latin I), a yearlong elective course, math (Honors Math 8, Algebra or Geometry), and Advisory/Tutorial.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

8th English Language Arts

This two-semester course focuses on vocabulary development, reading comprehension of informational text, literary response, and other skills required to support students in a pre-Honors/AP learning environment. Students will write clear and focused essays in each genre and demonstrate skill in oral communication, including listening and speaking standards.

8th United States History

In this year-long course, students will study United States history and geography. Students will study the ideas, issues, and events of from the inception of the Constitution through World War I. They will learn trace the development of American politics, society, culture and economy and relate them to evolution of major regional differences in the United States. They will learn about the causes, course, and consequences of the Civil War and the subsequent challenges facing a new nation. Students will use analysis, reflection, and research skills as they look at major events and the divergent paths of the American people.

8th Physical Science

This year-long Next Generation Science Standards course primarily focuses on the following themes: matter and its interactions (structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions), motion and stability (forces, types of interactions, stability and instability in systems), energy (definitions of, conservation of energy and energy transfers, relationship between energy and forces), and waves (properties, electromagnetic radiation, information technologies and instrumentation). Students will be engaged in science and engineering practices and investigations, and build models and systems from which they can obtain, evaluate, and communicate information.

Honors Math 8

Honors Math 8 will focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

Algebra 1

Algebra 1 is a one-year course that builds on arithmetic skills and algebraic concepts taught in previous courses. Focus areas include four critical areas: (1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships; (2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions; (3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots; and (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. A grade of "C" or better, demonstrated subject matter proficiency and/or teacher recommendation is required for continuation to Geometry.

Geometry

Geometry is a one-year course that reviews and builds upon the geometric concepts of previous math courses. It emphasizes big ideas in an integrated algebra/geometry context. Key concepts included in the course are as follows: transformations and symmetry, relationships between figures, properties of plane figures, investigation and proof, geometric construction, and probability. The course encourages and guides the student in the discovery of new geometric concepts, and stresses the ability to reason logically and think critically.

Latin I

This course seeks to provide students with a solid foundation in the basic understanding of the rudiments of the Latin language. Emphasis will be on the development of a clear understanding of the overall structure of the Latin language, the ability to comprehend, read, write and speak simple passages in Latin. The expansion of English vocabulary through the study of Latin root words and cognates also will be studied. Students will explore the basic elements of ancient Roman history, culture, mythology, engineering, architecture, government and how the achievements of the ancient Romans have influenced the world. Prerequisite: Prep Latin or teacher recommendation
** Students who have successfully completed Latin I and are recommended by their teacher may take a Modern World Language in 8th grade. Priority placement for world language courses will be given to high school students. Modern World Language choices include: Chinese, French, and Spanish.

7th/8th Physical Education/Health

Students will continue their study of the rules and techniques of various sports, work on physical fitness, and explore lifetime physical activities. Sportsmanship will be emphasized. Students will learn about the benefits of good nutrition and exercise. Note: 8th Grade students may audition for Dance in place of PE. Fitness PE and Basketball PE classes are also options for 8th graders to fulfill their physical education requirement.

7th/8th Fitness PE

Fitness PE is designed to help students that want to be active in a non-sport setting. This course is meant give students a foundation of fitness to take with them throughout their lives. It is a co-ed course focusing on flexibility, core strength, increasing aerobic capacity, and muscular strength. Exercises included in this course, but are not limited to: yoga, plyometrics, weights, and a variety of cardiovascular activities. Prerequisites: Open to Grades 7-8

7th/8th Basketball PE

Basketball PE is designed to help students that want to increase their basketball skill and knowledge. The course is designed for the intermediate to advanced basketball player that is willing to commit an entire school year to increasing their basketball related abilities. In this co-ed course we will be learning and developing basketball skills, strategies, rules, teamwork and conditioning. Emphasis will be on individual skill development and strategies.

BRIDGE 8

This course is available to 8th grade students who are bridging from 7th grade and may need additional assistance as they make the transition to 8th grade. It is designed to support success in academic classes with an emphasis on fundamental academic skill development and literacy. Students may be placed in this course for one to four quarters depending upon their progress. Placement will be determined by testing, counselor evaluation, and teacher recommendation.

EIGHTH GRADE ELECTIVES

Junior High Art II (8th Grade)

Students will study/review the basic elements and principles of art through a variety of two-dimensional media. The course will emphasize drawing from life and applying art theory to open-ended projects. Students are expected to complete weekly writing and sketchbook assignments, periodic reading and writing assignments, maintain a portfolio, and attempt all assigned art projects. Prerequisites: Art I

Prep Band (Open to Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide students with a comfortable environment to work on a new or current instrument and gain ensemble and performance experience. Prep Band should help prepare students for future performing ensembles.

Percussion Ensemble/ Drum Corp (Open to Seventh and Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide students training with percussion instruments and give them the opportunity to play and perform in an ensemble. Students will be expected to participate in two yearly performances.

Concert Band (Audition; Open to all grade levels)

The purpose of this class is to provide students who already have training with their instrument the opportunity to play and perform in an advanced ensemble. Students in Concert Band have an obligation to themselves and band members to practice at home and bring what they have learned to daily rehearsal.

Jazz Band (Audition; Open to Seventh through Twelfth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to push students to the limit while maintaining a fun and relaxed (Jazz) atmosphere. Students in Jazz Band play more independently with a higher level of creativity and dedication to the Art of music. Every member is a potential soloist and every member has a responsibility to the greater needs of the band.

Orchestra (Audition; This class is mixed junior high and high school)

An in-depth course designed to extend instruction in all aspects of string family education including technical skill, performance, historical context, composition and integration with other disciplines and art forms. Students will gain skills to enable them to be life-long learners and musicians. They will gain cultural appreciation of all forms of music and the specific application of strings education to those goals. Compositional instruction will allow students to carry their musical creativity independently. Prerequisites: Audition or minimum 2 years of Strings instruction

Beginning Strings (Open to Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades)

Students will be introduced to the string instrument family (violin, cello, and bass). Students will choose or be assigned instruments based on availability. Beginning instruction will include emphasis on posture, tone production and music reading. Concert attendance and performance required.

Guitar I (Open to Seventh and Eighth Grades)

Guitar I is a yearlong course that focuses on practice, performance, and historical context of the guitar. Students will be introduced to a variety of techniques, skills, and genres.

Mixed Choir (Open to Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide young men and ladies the opportunity to explore their singing voice in a fun and comfortable environment. This class is geared towards developing youth voice and will introduce singers to a wide variety of musical styles and genres.

Choraliers (Audition; Open to Seventh through Twelfth Grades)

The purpose of this class is to provide skilled ladies the opportunity to perform advanced music literature and prepare for future choirs and musical opportunities.

Junior High Drama (Open to Eighth Grade)

This class emphasizes acting, movement, improvisation, monologues, and stagecraft. This is a semester-long course that folds into the corresponding semester Peer Mentoring course.

Peer Mentoring (one-semester; 8th only)

Students will learn about, develop, and practice their leadership/mentoring skills. Peer mentors are a resource to their peers in providing guidance on academic and social issues. Students develop and coordinate school success groups, run the school wide intramural program, and work with younger students to help them build relationships. This is a semester-long course that folds into the corresponding semester Junior High Drama course.

Junior High Study Hall (Open to Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades)

This class is designed to give students additional time in their day to complete homework, prepare/study for other courses, and improve their ability to manage academic demands against extra/co-curricular commitments.

Beginning/Intermediate Dance (Dance I, II, III) (Audition; Open to all grades)

This class focuses on the study of multiple dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. Students gain the ability to perform in these disciplines, learning to use style and expression. Students will be required to perform aerobic exercises throughout the year, which include running, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and conditioning exercises. Students perform twice a year.

Advanced Dance (Dance IV and V) (Audition; Open to all grades)

This course focuses on the advanced study of multiple dance forms including ballet, modern, jazz, and musical theatre. Students gain the ability to perform in all disciplines with a strong understanding of style and expression. Students participating in this course will demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills on dance topics. This class includes opportunities for student choreography. Students will be required to perform aerobic exercises throughout the year, which include running, aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and conditioning exercises. Students perform twice a year.

Step Up Chinese

This course is for students who have experienced prior instruction at an elementary level. It serves as the bridge course for incoming experienced students who are not yet prepared for high school advanced Mandarin. Language skills will be further developed for students who have mastered approximately 600-800 Chinese words. Areas of additional focus include the development of fine points and subtleties of written and oral expression within an ever-increasing framework of grammatical structure. Chinese culture also remains an important aspect of the course. Prerequisite: Instruction at an elementary level program

Junior High Computer Applications/Technology (Open to Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades)

This course will provide an understanding and application of social, ethical, responsible issues related to technology. The course will also provide an introduction to computer technology, productivity, communications and critical thinking through problem solving. Areas of study include computer applications and integration of word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, database, as well as presentation software. Students will become increasingly proficient with Google Applications for Education (GAFE) including Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, and Drawings and other emerging technologies.

Student Government/Leadership (Open to 7th and 8th Grades by Election or Appointment)

This course is designed for the student interested in learning basic concepts of democratic government, leadership skills, and parliamentary procedures. Students plan and implement activities for the student body. These students are the officers and representatives of the ASB (Associated Student Body).

Latin

Latin Course Descriptions

Prep Latin (Seventh Grade)

Prep Latin is a course designed to develop critical thinking skills relating to language and to provide students with a strong foundation in English grammar terminology and usage. Emphasis is placed on the study of the parts of speech, understanding basic grammatical structures, spelling awareness, and English vocabulary building. Students will read short selections based on Roman mythology to enhance their knowledge of literature, promote their ability to identify various grammatical constructions, and engage in creative writing. Some basic elements of the Latin language are introduced through the study of prefixes, suffixes, Latin root words, and English derivatives.

Latin I (Eighth Grade)

This course seeks to provide students with a solid foundation in the basic understanding of the rudiments of the Latin language. Emphasis will be on the development of a clear understanding of the overall structure of the Latin language, the ability to comprehend, read, write and speak simple passages in Latin. The expansion of English vocabulary through the study of Latin root words and cognates also will be studied. Students will explore the basic elements of ancient Roman history, culture, mythology, engineering, architecture, government and how the achievements of the ancient Romans have influenced the world. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: None. Open to all grades 8-12.
Recommended: Grade of C or better in English or previous foreign language course.

Latin II

This course is a continuation of Latin I. Students will continue to develop critical thinking skills relating to language and read passages about historically important figures and characters from classical mythology that incorporate the acquisition of new vocabulary and grammar concepts. Students will continue to expand their understanding of English derivatives based on Latin and various elements of ancient Roman culture. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin I.

Latin III

This course completes students’ survey of Latin grammar, particularly the subjunctive and dependent clauses. By the end of this course, students will have the knowledge and vocabulary necessary to study original Latin texts. Students will continue to explore ancient Roman history, culture, literature, mythology, and government, with a particular emphasis on the break-down of the Republic that led to the civil wars, the dictatorship of Julius Caesar, and the rise of the principate under Augustus. Students will also be introduced to basic elements of Latin poetry and verse. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin II.

Honors Latin IV

These courses introduce students to the works of various major Latin authors and to expand skills of reading and comprehension. Exploration of the influence of ancient Roman history, culture, and literature will be continued. Special emphasis will be placed upon Cicero and Virgil, their legacies, and their impact upon world literature, government and the arts. Special attention will be given to expanding English vocabulary through the study of derivatives based upon Latin vocabulary of classic Roman authors. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin III.

AP Latin/Latin V (HONORS DESIGNATION)

The course goals are to develop the students’ abilities to translate the required passages from classical Latin poetry and prose into English, to help them understand the context of the written passages (including the political, literary, and cultural background of each author and text), and to help them understand the influences behind the particular style of writing and the rhetorical devices employed. Meets UC and CSU requirements.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Latin III.

National Latin Exam

The National Latin Exam, sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League, is administered at U-Prep as a means to promote the study of Latin and provide every student the opportunity to attain scholarly achievement with respect to their studies. Students do not compete against one another on a comparative basis. Rather, they are evaluated on their own merit. Each exam is a 40-question, multiple-choice test with a time limit of 45 minutes, offered to students on multiple levels. Students enrolled in the following Latin courses will take the respective exams:

U-Prep Course	Latin Exam
Latin 1	Introduction to Latin
Latin II	Latin 1
Latin III	Latin II
Latin IV/V (Honors/AP)	Latin III/IV Prose

AWARDS/RECOGNITION: Students are recognized by the ACL and NJC for designated levels of achievement on the NLE. Awards include: Gold Summa Cum Laude, Silver Maxima Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Cum Laude, Blue Certificate of Merit, Ribbon and Perfect Certificate of Achievement, Ribbon and Certificate of Achievement, and Certificate.

U-Prep’s Latin Club

U-Prep’s Latin Club participates in the annual California Junior Classical League Ludi, among other events and activities. The club serves to promote a more comprehensive knowledge of Classical life, history, and literature while promoting friendship and camaraderie among students of the Classics.

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Academic Support & Advisory Program (ASAP)

The purpose of ASAP is to strengthen connectedness between adults and students as a means to foster academic achievement and success within a close-knit, supportive school culture. ASAP meets Monday through Thursday during Period 8. Period 8 is not held on Friday and students are dismissed at 2:45 PM. In lieu of Period 8, teachers host Friday Office Hours to provide individualized attention to students seeking support.

The goals and areas of focus for ASAP are as follows:

• 1) Develop healthy and supportive close-knit relationships between staff and students; A key element in this relationship is developing student trust. This allows faculty to work closely and individually with students to support their growth and success, socially and academically. Involvement with a caring and supportive adult within a small class size environment builds relationships and provides an emotional “home place”. This is vital in creating the sense of community that U-Prep graduates praise as a significant factor in their achievement.
• 2) Provide academic support to students; Creating the time, space, and attention for academic progress within a regular school day is a feature that sets the U-Prep experience apart from others. As a Period 8 class, ASAP allows students the opportunity to receive individualized feedback regarding academic work (e.g. test, essay), to receive coaching on strategies that will increase their success, and to receive nurturing and practical applications of growth mindset research. New challenges bring opportunities for students to build resiliency and emotional stamina while learning to gain success in a college prep environment. Strategies and activities include teaching academic goal setting, reviewing individual student progress, coaching students on life skills and study skills, and providing homework assistance.
• 3) Immerse students in U-Prep’s culture, Pursuing Excellence Together; An important goal for ASAP is the ongoing development and reinforcement of a school culture that reflects the values and mission of U-Prep, including collaboration and sense of community. U-Prep students learn to work hard, to identify and access available resources, to manage time and resources effectively, and to rely upon the relational support afforded through a staff that is focused on helping each student achieve individual excellence.
• 4) Augment and reinforce U-Prep’s exceptional preparation for university-level work. Faculty teach students developmentally and grade-appropriate skills (e.g. organization, time management, study skills, goal setting) that are necessary in a college-going learning environment. Information regarding college preparation flows continually through ASAP over the course of the school year; examples include exposure to Naviance (career and college readiness online tool), opportunities for college visits, and guest and alumni speaker visits.

ASAP is required Grades 6 – 8, 9-11; year-long course