Course Registration Information

7th grade students may choose from one of the following Language Arts courses.

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7th Grade Language Arts Courses

7th Grade Language Arts

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

Using novels and a variety of texts aligned with grade-level English Language Arts standards, 7th Grade Language Arts students will develop and strengthen their reading, writing, thinking, speaking, and listening skills. The course is designed to support students in working at grade level while growing their literacy and analytical abilities.

Students should expect a balanced learning experience that includes whole-class instruction, small-group and student-led discussions, independent work, and collaborative projects. Through consistent practice and meaningful engagement with texts, students will build the skills necessary for continued academic growth and success.

7th Grade Advanced Language Arts

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

7th Grade Advanced Language Arts is designed for students who are motivated to engage in an accelerated and rigorous curriculum. This course prepares students for high school honors, pre-AP coursework, and advanced academic pathways beyond middle school.

Using state standards as a foundation, students write extensively across narrative, argumentative, and explanatory modes while engaging deeply with compelling, at- and above-grade-level texts. The course emphasizes higher-level critical thinking, analytical discussion, and meaningful collaboration. Students participate in both group and independent projects, share their work, and give and receive constructive feedback.

Advanced Language Arts students are expected to:

1. Proactively engage in the accelerated pace of an honors-level curriculum
2. Demonstrate strong foundational writing skills across multiple genres
3. Participate in sophisticated critical thinking and text analysis
4. Conduct independent research and complete self-guided units of study
5. Work effectively both collaboratively and independently
6. Self-advocate and communicate ideas, needs, and questions voluntarily
7. Maintain a strong work ethic and commitment to academic growth

This program is intended for students who seek challenge, demonstrate initiative, and are prepared to take ownership of their learning.

7th grade History Course

Washington State History

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: semester

The course will examine tribal Native American history, follow exploration and statehood formation and continue to present-day Washington State.  It will require students to become familiar with different concepts, ideas, groups and institutions that have had an impact on both the history and the contemporary situation of Washington State.  Washington State History focuses on the development of the State and the interactions of its peoples.  Study includes the political, social, economic, cultural and geographical conditions of Washington State and the surrounding regions and seeks to understand our relationship with the nation and the world.  Emphasis is put on inquiry-based research.   

This course is a High School graduation requirement.

7th Grade Science Course

7th Grade Science

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

This class is an integrated science class based on the Next Generation Science Standards.  This will give students a basic understanding of the relationships between organisms in ecosystems, natural resource availability, basic chemistry concepts, cycling of matter through living and non-living things, and how humans change the landscape.

All incoming 7^th grade students are initially placed into Math 7. Placement in Advanced Math or Algebra is based on their achievement as measured by STAR Test and SBA scores.

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7th Grade Math Courses

Math 7

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

Students will study ratio and proportion, percent, graphing, probability, measurement, integers and linear proportions.  SBA preparation is addressed.

Accelerated Math 7/8

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

This course is an acceleration course that will prepare the student for Algebra the following year.  It is based upon vital 7^th and 8^th grade Common Core State Math Standards:  

Rational numbers and number theory; linear equations and functions; proportionality and similarity; properties and relationships in geometric figures; probability and data; and additional key contents.  Course pace is rigorous to accommodate all necessary concepts and requires entrance recommendations and testing.

Algebra 1

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

This course introduces fundamental operation of equations and formulas, studies of ratio, proportion, variation, indirect measurements, polynomial operations, factoring and operation with radical expressions.  Students will solve equations (linear, quadratic and systems) and inequalities using graphing, substitution and/or addition.  The student is also introduced to principles governing system and set theory.  Course pace is rigorous to accommodate all necessary concepts and requires entrance recommendations and testing.  This course provides one high school math credit upon successful completion (see note on transcript policy).

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Transcript policy for high school credit math courses- taken during 7th and 8th grades.

Regarding high-school-credit math courses (Algebra & Geometry) taken during 7th or 8^th grade:     

• Grades will be posted to the students’ middle school transcript.
• Grades will be posted to the students’ high school transcript. 
• When posted to the high school transcript, the grades:
  • will accurately indicate when the class was taken
  • will be included in the student’s high school graduation credits and GPA

The 7th Grade Math Course Recommendation Process helps us recommend the most suitable math course for your student as they enter middle school. This is an important step, as it ensures each student is placed in a course that meets their current needs and will foster their growth in mathematics, setting them on a strong path for future math education.

For 7th graders, three math courses are available:

7th grade math	A course covering 7th grade math standards
Accelerated 7th grade math	A more challenging course for students ready to move at an advanced page. This covers all of 7th grade math standards plus half of 8th grade standards.
Middle school algebra	A rigorous course designed for students prepared for an accelerated high school-level experience. This course covers the other half of 8th grade standards plus all Algebra I standards.

7th grade math course recommendation process

A middle school data team, including educators and administrators, will review each student’s information to recommend the course they feel will best support their academic growth. This recommendation is made by looking at multiple types of data to create a well-rounded understanding of each student’s abilities. The data includes:

• 4th and 5th grade math SBA scores
• 5th and 6th grade STAR math scores 
• Anecdotal observations and recommendations from 6th grade teachers who know your student’s abilities and learning behaviors in the classroom.

By the end of May, we will send a letter with the 7th Grade Math Course Recommendation for your student. If you have any questions or concerns about the recommendation process or your student’s course recommendation, please feel free to reach out to your student’s middle school principal.

7th Grade Required Course

Foundations of Technology

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: semester

The goal of this class is to give every student the opportunity to learn foundational skills of being a successful student and citizen. This class will focus on student leadership, building one’s character, ensuring all students understand and practice following through on what it means to be an effective citizen and member of an academic and professional community. This class also focuses on teaching students core concepts related to digital technology, focusing on applications, skills and habits that students will be asked to rely on throughout their academic and professional career.

7th Grade Required Physical Education and Health Courses

7th Grade Physical Education

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: semester

This course is designed to improve the student's physical skills and knowledge through participation in both individual and team activities. Opportunities are provided to understand and improve cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility in addition to the social-emotional aspects of sport in an effort to promote lifelong fitness. 

7th Grade Health

• Required course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: semester

This course empowers students to develop essential health literacy skills while exploring critical wellness topics relevant to their lives.  Students will investigate physical, mental, emotional, and social health concepts that support their growth and well-being during early adolescence.  Students will examine topics including nutrition and physical activity, personal safety, substance abuse prevention, mental and emotional wellness, disease prevention, and sexual health. The course emphasizes practical application of health knowledge to real-world situations students encounter daily.

Students choose either one year-long elective or two semester-long electives. All elective courses are subject to change.

CTE Pathways from middle school to high school handout

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Semester-Long Exploratory Electives 

Introduction to Art

• Elective course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: semester

In this introductory course, students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the visual arts! We focus on the elements of art and explore basic art techniques and mediums. We will explore art history, movements in art, as well as contemporary art as they relate to our own projects. This class is perfect for the beginner artist!

Drama

• Elective course
• Grades: 7 and 8
• Course length: semester

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of theatrical performance through creative exploration, collaboration, and self-expression. Students will build confidence and communication skills as they engage in improvisation, scripted scenes, character development, voice and movement exercises, and basic stage techniques. Through ensemble work, theatre games, and performance projects, learners will explore storytelling, empathy, and problem-solving while developing an understanding of stage directions, blocking, and simple production elements such as costumes and props

Exploring Engineering 1

• Elective course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: semester

This exploratory S.T.E.M. course incorporates project-based learning with a focus on the engineering cycle. Students will learn about a variety of topics including power tool safety & operation, measurement, robotics, CNC manufacturing, transportation, and computer aided drafting & design (CADD). Projects include mousetrap racers, electric dragsters and more.

Family and Consumer Sciences

• Elective course
• Grade: 7
• Course length: semester

Students will have introductory experiences in multiple independent living areas in this semester-long course.  They will learn the basics of babysitting, interior design, food safety and simple cooking skills in team and individualized settings.  Through these experiences, this course will begin to equip students with the essential life skills and confidence to thrive independently.

Fitness Elective

• Elective course
• Grades: 7 and 8
• Course length: semester

  This class is designed to motivate and inspire students to be active.  Activities will include participation in both individual sports where students will learn about setting personal fitness goals and team sports where students will learn and develop skills, strategy and key concepts for a variety of team sports.

Visual Arts- Yearbook

• Elective course
• Grades: 7 and 8
• Course length: May be taken 2 semesters

In this student media class students will learn the basics for photography using cameras to take pictures for the yearbook, learn how to find and share important stories, write captions, stories and headlines for the yearbook and collaborate with classmates to meet deadlines for creating a yearbook.  Students will be using Walsworth Yearbook software for creating yearbook pages.

Full-Year Music Elective Courses

Choir

• Elective course
• Grades: 7 and 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

Let your voice be heard!  Choir is for 7^th and 8^th grade students who love to sing and perform.  All students are welcome!  Choir members learn to sing in three-part harmony, baritone, alto and soprano.  This class will offer instruction in vocal technique, choral performance, ear training and music reading.  Students will learn rehearsal technique and concert etiquette.  Concert Choir takes two field trips a year, including one to an adjudicated Choral festival in March.  There are also four required evening concerts and occasional assembly performances.  Solo opportunities may also be available to those students interested.  Students unable to take first semester due to scheduling conflicts are welcome to join in second semester. 

Cadet Band

• Elective course
• Grade: 7 
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

Cadet Band consists of students with at least one year of band experience in elementary school and beginning band students.  Students continue to learn basic instrumental technique, rehearsal technique and concert etiquette.  We strive to develop young musicians who wish to make music a part of their everyday lives.  Participation in the MPMEA Band Festival and some evening performances are required.  Students are required to provide their own instrument for this class, however, there are some school-owned instruments available to check out.  Contact Mr. Sackman at 360-563-3294 for more information.

8th grade students may choose from one of the following Language Arts courses.

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8th Grade Language Arts Courses

8th Grade English Language Arts

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

This course incorporates all facets of language arts essential for high achievement in written and oral communication based on state standards.  These skills include the writing process, textual analysis, research, and critical reading of short stories, novels, poetry, and drama.

8th Grade Advanced Language Arts

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

The middle school advanced program for language arts is designed for a student who is motivated to engage in a curriculum that is accelerated and advanced. The goal for this program is to prepare students for high school Honors, Pre-AP, and beyond. (See attached guidelines for advanced courses.)

The student is expected to:

• Assume greater responsibly
• Participate at a higher level of thought
• Complete complex, involved projects
• Engage in independent research
• Collaborate in both small and large group activities and discussions

8th Grade History Course

United States History

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

This social studies requirement picks up the story of our nation's history just prior to the Revolutionary War and continues through the end of the Civil War.  Major units of study will include the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Constitution, the Industrial Revolution, Westward Movement, Slavery and the Civil War or Reconstruction.

8th Grade Science Course

8th Grade Science

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

This class is part of a series of integrated science classes based on the Next Generation Science Standards.  This course focuses on 3-Dimensional learning around the phenomena of “investigating life on the third rock”, with content emphasis on Earth in space, genetics, and natural & common ancestry. 

Students are placed into mathematics based on their achievement as measured by their grade in current class, teacher recommendation, STAR Test, SBA and District Placement test results (when applicable).  Big Ideas Math, which is aligned to the Washington State Learning Standards, is the district-approved curriculum for all middle school level students. In all math classes, students will continue to evolve as mathematicians as they learn to use the Eight Mathematical Practices as outlined in the Washington State Learning Standards. 

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8th Grade Math Courses

Math 8

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

Students study linear equations, graphing, geometric transformations, probability and statistics, large numbers, measurement, the Pythagorean Theorem, and solving equations.  SBA preparation is continued.

Algebra 1

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

This course introduces fundamental operation of equations and formulas, studies of ratio, proportion, variation, indirect measurements, polynomial operations, factoring and operation with radical expressions.  Students will solve equations (linear, quadratic and systems) and inequalities using graphing, substitution and/or addition.  The student is also introduced to principles governing system and set theory. 

This course provides one high school math credit upon successful completion (see note on transcript policy below).

Geometry

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)
• Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 1

This course will cover the core content as outlined by the math standards:  Logical arguments and proofs, lines and angles, two -and three-dimensional figures, geometry in the coordinate plane, geometric transformations and additional key content. 

This course provides one high school math credit upon successful completion (see note on transcript policy below).

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Transcript policy for high school credit math courses- taken during 7th and 8th grades.

Regarding high-school-credit math courses (Algebra & Geometry) taken during 7th or 8^th grade:     

• Grades will be posted to the students’ middle school transcript.
• Grades will be posted to the students’ high school transcript. 
• When posted to the high school transcript, the grades:
  • will accurately indicate when the class was taken
  • will be included in the student’s high school graduation credits and GPA

8th Grade Physical Fitness Course

8th Grade Health and Fitness

• Required course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

This course is designed to improve overall physical skills and knowledge by the presentation of both individual and team activities.  Opportunities are provided to develop physical fitness, sportsmanship, recreational skills and appreciation for good health habits.  Health curriculum is integrated into the weekly physical activities for students to identify what they can do to achieve their healthiest self.

Students choose one year-long elective and one semester-long elective or three semester-long electives. All elective courses are subject to change.

CTE Pathways from middle school to high school handout

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Semester-Long Exploratory Elective Choices

Drawing and Painting

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

Students who enjoy drawing and would like to take their skills to the next level will enjoy this course! Students will create and gain an understanding of 2D media while learning classical drawing and painting techniques. Working mostly with paper, students will explore mediums such as pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, printmaking, and collage.

Sculpture and Crafts

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

In this course students will use materials such as paper mâché, plaster, clay, wire and cardboard to create three-dimensional sculptures.  Students will also create traditional and contemporary crafts, both functional and decorative, using a variety of techniques employed by different cultures around the world.  These include felting, wire and bead work, paper beads, glass prisms, slow stitching and recycled art.  If you enjoy working with your hands this is the class for you!

Visual Arts- Yearbook

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

In this student media class students will learn the basics for photography using cameras to take pictures for the yearbook, learn how to find and share important stories, write captions, stories and headlines for the yearbook and collaborate with classmates to meet deadlines for creating a yearbook.  Students will be using Walsworth Yearbook software for creating yearbook pages.

Drama 

• Elective course
• Grades: 7 and 8
• Course length: semester

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of theatrical performance through creative exploration, collaboration, and self-expression. Students will build confidence and communication skills as they engage in improvisation, scripted scenes, character development, voice and movement exercises, and basic stage techniques. Through ensemble work, theatre games, and performance projects, learners will explore storytelling, empathy, and problem-solving while developing an understanding of stage directions, blocking, and simple production elements such as costumes and props.

Family and Consumer Sciences 2

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

This class will cover two areas of instruction – Personal Choices and Culinary Arts. 

Personal Choices: A few years from now you will be leaving the “nest”, and we want you to become contributing members of society and thrive in this crazy thing we call life! This class will help students see firsthand what it is like to live independently and make personal choices that impacts their future.

Areas of Focus:

• Future plans, personalities, values, self-concept and self-esteem
• Job applications and job interview tips/tricks
• Budgeting, pay stubs and credit vs debit

Culinary Arts:

This class will introduce students to the basic principles of food preparation and nutrition.

Students will learn to cook and bake a variety of tasty foods as a team from scratch!

Areas of Focus:

• Food safety and sanitation procedures
• Food preparation methods and techniques to produce a variety of food
• Time management skills

Exploring Engineering 2

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

This exploratory S.T.E.M. course incorporates project-based learning with a focus on the engineering cycle. Students will apply problem solving, visual communication, and industrial skills to design and build challenging and exciting projects. Units of study include power tool safety & operation, manufacturing, electricity/electronics, applied physics, computer aided drafting & design (CADD), and structures. Projects include aerospace design, Co2 cars, and more. (Exploring Engineering 1 is not a pre-requisite for this course.)

Digital Production

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

This class will expose students to digital photography and the skills needed to go beyond “taking pictures” to “making pictures”.  Projects are designed to introduce lighting techniques, rule of thirds, leading lines, and other composition skills. Students will also learn to edit using Photoshop software to enhance and change images. The second half of this semester class will introduce students to video production skills needed to create a school newscast, commercials, and a 3-minute educational video.  

Forensics

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

Forensics is an investigative science and technology course. Students will use scientific inquiry skills and learn how to observe, collect, analyze and evaluate evidence found at crime scenes. Included: Hair analysis, DNA analysis, Blood analysis, Forensic anthropology (bones), Chromatography, Impression evidence (tire tracks/shoe prints/tool marks), Arson investigation, Chemical analysis.

Fitness Elective

• Elective course
• Grades: 7 and 8
• Course length: semester

This class is designed to motivate and inspire students to be active.  Activities will include participation in both individual sports and team sports all while having fun!  Students will use many methods to increase agility, flexibility, strength and learn about setting personal fitness goals and develop skills, strategy and key concepts for a variety of team sports. 

Office or Teacher Assistant

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: semester

TA’s will be assigned to the office or to assist the teacher in the Life Skills program or specific teachers. TAs will provide support and assistance as directed by office staff/Life Skills teacher.  This TA class will be in place of one semester length elective class. TA spots are limited, and placement is determined by counselors with teacher input.  Indicate TA interest in the box on the front page of your course registration form.

Leadership

• Elective course
• Grade: 8
• Course length: Students make take 1 or 2 semesters
• ASB Officers will be required to take this elective
• Placement in ASB is determined by student election and teacher/counselor placement.

Leadership is a required elective for ASB officers.  In this class you will work on developing leadership skills and creating a positive school culture.  This is a project-based class in which students will plan and execute activities for the school community. 

Full-Year 8th Grade Music Electives

Choir

• Elective course
• Grades: 7 and 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

Let your voice be heard! Choir is for 7^th and 8^th grade students who love to sing and perform. All students are welcome! Choir members learn to sing in three-part harmony, baritone, alto and soprano. This class will offer instruction in vocal technique, choral performance, ear training and music reading.  Students will learn rehearsal techniques and concert etiquette. Concert Choir takes two field trips a year, including one to an adjudicated Choral festival in March. There are also four required evening concerts and occasional assembly performances. Solo opportunities may also be available to those students interested.

Students unable to take first semester due to scheduling conflicts are welcome to join in second semester.

Concert Band

• Elective course
• Grades: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)

Concert Band is for students with at least two years of experience playing a band instrument.  At a typical rehearsal we do warm-ups, sight reading, technique exercises and work on concert music.  This group performs at evening school concerts, several school assemblies and takes field trips to perform at band festivals and at our local elementary schools.  Please contact Mr. Sackman at 360-563-3294 or via e-mail if you are brand new to band or have questions about instruments.

Jazz Band

• Elective course
• Grades: 8
• Course length: full year (2 semesters)
• Audition required

Instruction focuses on jazz concepts such as improvisation, big band swing, jazz, rock, Latin styles and funk.  This is a performance-oriented group that takes field trips to regional jazz festivals, plus required evening school concerts and one Saturday festival.  For information about auditions, Contact Mr. Sackman at 360-563-3294.   

Students must arrange their own transportation to this class.