TECHNOLOGY

Students will complete projects using software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Internet quests, and graphic design/manipulation will be an integral part of student projects. A key element in this class is keyboarding. Students will learn to touch type and then use this skill to create a variety of documents.

SPANISH 1A/B

Students who plan on attending a college or university may want to begin a foreign language in middle school. This experience gives students a head start in high school foreign language. Successful completion of Spanish 1A and 1B will allow students to enroll in Spanish 2 in the high school foreign language program.
Prerequisite:
An interest in the language
C+ or better in English with strong English mechanics
Recommendation of English teacher
Reading skills at or above grade level
Students must have a C grade at semester
to remain in foreign language.
Reading and writing in Spanish will be taught, with particular emphasis on speaking and listening, in order to promote communication in a foreign language. The text and materials present both an academic and cultural approach to Spanish. Students not only learn the basics of Spanish, but also receive an insight into Hispanic holidays, music, and customs.

MUSIC

Intermediate/Advanced Band
This course is open to all students who own or will rent any of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, or trumpet. The school can provide some instruments for students who are interested in playing bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, french horn, baritone, trombone or tuba.
Prerequisite: 2 or more years of instruction on a band instrument or, in special cases, permission of the teacher.
Attendance at all performances is required.

Intermediate/Advanced Orchestra

This course is open to all students who own or will rent any of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, and string bass. The school can provide some instruments for students who are interested in playing viola, cello or bass.
Prerequisite: 2 or more years of instruction on an orchestra instrument or, in special cases, permission of the teacher.
Attendance at all performances is required.

ART

Student artists will create art using pencils, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, wire, and clay. They will practice two and three dimensional art techniques such as one and two-point perspective, shading, painting, and portrait drawing.
Projects and materials may vary, no natural talent or previous knowledge required.

CRAFTS (Wood Working and Ceramics)

This class begins with basic safety requirements for working with crafting tools.  Students will learn how clay is constructed, fired and glazed, as they work in three techniques: slab, coil, and freestyle.  After creating several to-scale drawings, students will be led through a series of projects that increase in difficulty as they gain craft making skills.

VOCAL MUSIC / MUSIC DRAMA

Do you sing in the shower?  Have you ever dreamed of being on stage?  This course is designed to introduce students to the musical concepts of tone, pitch rhythm, and music reading and will offer students the opportunity to learn the basics of vocal production.  As members of a vocal ensemble, students will be exposed to a variety of music styles.  (Attendance at all performances is required.)

Future soap opera stars won’t want to miss this class! This course will focus on the many interdisciplinary forces at work in drama – text, movement, voice, graphic arts, and music. Using interactive exercises, theatre games, vocal techniques, and improvisation, students will learn how to work together on stage and behind the scenes.   This class is open to all students with a desire to discover and explore their creative potential. Previous drama experience is not required. 

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

This course is a year-long course designed to assist students to meet their goal of college admission by focusing on organizational skills and WICR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, reading), and supporting their academic success through Socratic tutorials twice weekly. AVID IS AN ELECTIVE CLASS FOR STUDENTS WHO: Have mid to high test scores; Have a GPA of 2.5 - 3.4; Have college potential if given support; Have the desire and determination to attend college. 

Students must complete an application and be interviewed by a faculty member.

LEADERSHIP

The Leadership Activities class is a year-long class. Students in this class organize many campus activities. These activities include dances, noontime activities, community service projects, dress-up days, staff appreciation projects, campus improvement, and fund-raisers. As students develop leadership skills, Junction Avenue Middle School benefits from their training.

Due to the nature of this class, students may not always be under direct supervision. It is absolutely necessary that all students in this class be trustworthy, reliable, and honest. Students will be frequently re-evaluated to insure that they continue to fulfill the requirements of the class. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.

YEARBOOK

This year long course will produce the school yearbook.  Students will practice their communication skills to gather information, organize it, and produce individual pages and sections, ultimately producing the book.  Some after-school time may be necessary, and participation in all aspects of production is required.

STUDENT ASSISTANT

An 8th grade student may be an assistant in the main office, library, or for a specific teacher.  Student assistants may only earn a course grade of Pass or Fail.  A grade of Pass will have no effect on a student's GPA.  Prerequisites: A signature approval by the staff person that you would like to assist AND A MINIMUM 2.5 GPA.