ENRICH CLASSES
Current Beliefs and Practices:
Provide opportunities for students in the early adolescent stage of
development to explore a broad range of academic and vocational
fields
Encourage and promote critical thinking and risk-taking
Incorporate structured writing activities
What are the Characteristics of an Enrichment Class:
Student interest is high
Practical – something that students may use in life
“Catchy” name
Flexible curriculum for kids who come and go due to Reteach
Quality instruction – challenging standards
*NOTE: Due to their current skill level, students may be placed into a
Math Reteach or Language Arts Reteach class as long as necessary
to receive additional assistance in lieu of being placed into one of the
classes listed above. A variety of assessment measures will be used
to determine studentsʼ placement into these classes.
Quarter Long Enrichment Class Descriptors - Period 5
Brains Behind Business
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that do not work.” This famous quote was from
Thomas Edison who is responsible for many different inventions that we still use today. In this
class, students will explore the topic of entrepreneurship. Students will cover the basics of
economics as it pertains to entrepreneurship, how to start a business, write a business plan, how
to market a business, and many more fun, hands-on activities centered around entrepreneurship.
Come and learn how you can come up with the latest and greatest big invention or business idea!
Hands-On Science
Students will explore different science topics through diverse hands on activities. The activities
will include tower building, dissection, egg drop, and mousetrap cars. You will work in groups to
complete building/engineering challenges, and you will be able to apply your science knowledge
in an active, engaging setting.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
Do you like Law and Order? What about Judge Judy? If so, then Hear Ye, Hear Ye! is the
enrichment class for you. Students will dive into the world of the criminal legal system. We will
focus on learning the basics of the legal system from the collection of evidence and witnesses to
the trial and verdict. Students will participate in courtroom simulations and analyze current
criminal cases. If you have an interest in law enforcement or becoming a lawyer, then sign-up
for Hear Ye, Hear Ye!!
Mythbusters
“It’s so hot you could cook an egg on the sidewalk!” How many myths have you heard and
wondered if they are true? Well, here is your chance to put the scientific method into action!
Brainstorm and design experiments that confirm or bust those age-old myths!
Myth-O-Mania
Do you know the difference between Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo? Have you ever said to
yourself, “It’s all Greek to me.” Come explore Ancient Greek Mythology in this nine week
course! We will study a collection of myths examining the lives of the gods, goddesses, heroes,
and heroines. In addition to studying myths, we will focus on Ancient Greek culture, food, and
politics.
Water, Water Everywhere
What makes water so special? Water covers most of Earth’s surface, and every living organism
depends on it. Water affects the climate and the features of Earth’s surface. Find out about the
unique chemical and physical properties of water, freshwater, and saltwater habitats, how living
things use water, how water shapes the planet and affects the weather, water sources and quality,
and much more. We will explore the nature of water with lots of activities, labs, research, films
and speakers.
Quarter Long Enrichment
Class Descriptors - Period 6
Heroes, Villains, and Creatures
This class will require that students create an original mythical comic book hero from the ground
up. This will include how the hero originated, his or her background, development/acquisition of
powers, and maturation to a noble destiny. The hero’s growth and challenges as well as their
arch rivals or nemeses will be revealed. Finally, at least one story-length adventure (a first
edition) will be recounted from beginning to end!
Si, Se Puede! (Yes, You Can!)
Si Se Puede is a Spanish 101 class that introduces students to the Spanish language. No previous
Spanish speaking experience is needed. Students will practice speaking using simple
conversations, learn the vocabulary needed for everyday situations, and names of objects used on
a daily basis. Also, in this course we will be learning helpful words and phrases for anyone
wanting to travel and explore within Spanish-speaking countries or cultures.
So You Think You Can ....
So You Think You Can... is an invaluable social dance class that will not only give students the
opportunity to learn how to ChaCha or Waltz, but will also provide students with a cultural
understanding of where each dance came from. Students will learn how to confidently lead/
follow a partner as well as have the opportunity to express their own individual flare in each
dance. This class will make students want to dance their socks off!
Vive Lingua Latina!
I.e., etc., ibid, ad nauseum, et al...Who says Latin is a dead language? Wow your friends and
family with your knowledge of the language of the ancient Romans! This nine week
introductory Latin course will focus on the basics of Latin vocabulary and syntax, while enabling
students to see the connection between Latin and modern languages. See how Latin is alive and
well with a look at Latin roots in the English language and a study of phrases still commonly
used. In addition to the study of the language, units will focus on Roman culture, cuisine,
numerals. Carpe diem (seize the day) and seize this opportunity!
YEAR LONG
Enrichment Class Descriptors
Band
Band is open to all students, regardless of whether or not they have music experience. Students
will learn to play band instruments, read and write music, and perform in public at least four
times per year. The skills we will focus on will include reading and writing music, learning
concert songs and conducting cues, fingering, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, concert etiquette, and
teamwork.
Instruments offered: Students have the option to play flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone,
baritone/tuba, electric bass, or percussion (this means bells and drums). String instruments are
not taught in band. If you are a string player, please see Mrs. Mischel for strings options off
campus. There are no guitars in band.
Choir
Choir is for students who have interest or experience in singing in a choral ensemble. Students
will perform in public at least three times per year. Students will be taught the following
techniques throughout the course: sight singing using the moveable "Do' solfege system (do, re,
mi, etc.), rhythm skills, learning the correct notes for each piece of music, production of uniform
and tall vowels, tone production using head and chest resonance, singing posture, breathing
technique, blend across all sections of the choir, intonation, proper and uniform diction in a
variety of languages, the artistic use of dynamics and changes in tempo to make each piece
expressive, and performance techniques and etiquette.