Electives Showcase 2022

Beginning Art

(6th grade Wheel)

Course Description

An introductory class that explores various media and concepts of color theory, shading and the Elements of Art. Students will learn art appreciation through the study of artists from various disciplines and eras.

Grades: 6th grade

Club for this class: Art Club

What to expect

• Be creative and willing to experiment with new techniques

• Work with a variety of media including pencil, colored pencil and watercolor paint

• Maintain a sketchbook

• Produce finished works of art

Beginning Percussion

(6th grade wheel)

Course Description

In this class, students will learn to read basic notes and rhythms using percussion instruments from around the world. Students will play music by oneself, within a percussion ensemble, or even as part of a band class. This course will prepare students to eventually join the advanced band if they are interested in learning more!

Grades: 6th grade

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• You will be issued drum sticks, if you lose them, you will be responsible for purchasing another pair from DRA for $5.

• Drums can be fragile! You will learn to properly handle them so that they do not break

• You will perform in TWO concerts at DRA (December and May)

Visit www.dramusic.org for more details!

Digital Production

(6th grade Wheel)

Course Description

An introductory class that explores a variety of creative outlets on the computer. In this class we will discover an overview of the fundamental skills of graphic design, photography, photo editing, sound, and digital video production. Students will learn about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through various media.

Overview: Being creative through art, design, and editing on the computer.

Grades: 6th grade

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Be creative and willing to experiment with new software

• Work with a variety of media including chromebooks, cameras, photo and video editing programs, pixlr

• Brainstorm in a sketchbook

• Produce finished works of art on a computer

• We will use Photopea (not Pixlr)

Drama

(6th grade wheel)

Course Description

Drama is a collaborative form of performing art that uses live performers, usually actors or actresses, to present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience in a specific place, often a stage. There will be discussion and practice of many styles of theater and character development. Students will complete a Drama Notebook where they will have the opportunity to write and reflect on performances, and write their own material. Students will study various aspects of theater including acting technique, set design, props, costumes, character, movement, voice, and theater history.

Grades: 6th grade

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Theater games

• Improvisation exercises

• Collaboration with fellow actors in class

• A supportive environment where every level is welcome

• Fun, creativity, and a chance to show off your acting skills

Art 1

with Mr. Alles

Course Description

This class builds upon the skills learned in Beginning Art. Students will learn about the Principles of Design and apply them to original works of art as they develop knowledge and skills with new materials. Students will learn art appreciation through the study of artists from various disciplines and eras.

Grades: 7th and 8th grades

Prerequisites: a passion for art

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Be creative and apply your knowledge in art towards projects and assignments

• Work with pencil, charcoal, pastels, watercolor and acrylic paint

• Maintain a sketchbook

• Complete portfolio which includes work and art from the year

• Produce art for Art Show

Art 1 Techniques

with Ms. Shibata

Course Description

This class builds upon the skills learned in Beginning Art. Students will learn about the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design and apply them to original works of art. This class will focus on developing creativity, knowledge, and skills with art materials to become stronger artists. Students will learn how to utilize their art materials and tap into their creativity through new techniques, live tutorials, and practice.

Overview: Being creative through art. Discovering new art techniques and materials to use as an artist.

Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

Prerequisites: a passion for art

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Be creative and apply your knowledge of art towards projects and assignments

• Work with drawing pencils, color pencils, charcoal, pastels, watercolor, and tempera/acrylic paint

• Maintain a sketchbook

• Complete portfolio which includes work and art from the year

• Produce art for DRA’s Art Show

Advanced Art

with Mr. Alles

Course Description

Learn about producing original art with a vision. Students will apply their knowledge of technique and theory while working with watercolor and acrylic paint, paper, canvas, drawing, photography and printmaking. Students will study artists from various disciplines and eras, using them as references for their own works. Students will create a portfolio of work with the goal of exhibiting at the end of the year. Successful completion of this course will result in a recommendation for preferred placement in high school.

Grades: 7th and 8th grades

Prerequisites: Full year of art with a grade of B or better, portfolio review, teacher recommendation.

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Be creative and apply your knowledge in art towards projects and assignments

• Work with pencil, charcoal, pastels, watercolor and acrylic paint on canvas

• Maintain a sketchbook

• Complete portfolio which includes work and art from the year

• Produce finished art pieces for Art Show

Advanced Art

with Ms. Shibata

Course Description

Learn about producing original art with a vision. Students will apply their knowledge of technique and theory while working with various papers, drawing materials, watercolor paint, painting on canvas, and photography. Students will focus on learning new art techniques for drawing and painting to incorporate their knowledge into their original art work. Students will create a portfolio of work with the goal of exhibiting at the end of the year. Successful completion of this course will result in a recommendation for preferred placement in high school.

Overview: Strengthening artistic expression through new art techniques, theory, and materials, in order to create meaningful works of art.

Grades: 7th and 8th grades

Prerequisites: Full year of art with a grade of B or better, portfolio review, teacher recommendation.

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Be creative and apply your knowledge of art towards projects and assignments

• Work with drawing pencils, color pencil, charcoal, pastels, watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paint on canvas

• Maintain a sketchbook

• Complete portfolio which includes work and art from the year

Produce art for DRA’s Art Show

ASB

Course Description

ASB stands for Associated Student Body. This is an applied leadership class where you LEARN and DO leadership for the service of others at DRA. This group of student leaders authorizes all activities, sales, events and clubs at Desert Ridge Academy. ASB runs the student store, the on-line store, dances, community events, and activities. They are responsible for monthly inventory, daily deposits, and maintain high accountability and transparency for all ASB actions. We spend our time connecting students to staff, helping our community and serve our students and staff in many different ways all year long.

Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. 6th grade membership is limited to one or two representatives from each feeder Elementary school.

Prerequisites: Service-minded students with a desire to help others. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for executive board.

HERE IS THE LINK TO APPLY for the 2022-23 school year! We need EVERY voice to have a representative in this class - please consider applying. You will need to digitally complete the application, including a contract and social media agreement. PLUS get recommendations from adults who know you well. Leadership can be TAUGHT, but the desire to learn about leadership has to come from YOU!

What to expect

• Lots of sorting, counting, organizing, and cleaning

• Time outside of class is required (summer, before school, lunch, after school, in the community)

• Many opportunities to make Desert Ridge Academy the BEST middle school ever!

• Opportunities to use your creativity

• Public speaking may be required

• Accountability, Integrity and Respect is absolutely required

• Deliver materials to other classrooms

• Ambassadors for the DRA brand

• Key events: Dances, Winter Ball, Haunted Hallway, 8th grade celebrations, spirit events, national celebration days

• Spirit dress up day participation

AVID

Course Description

AVID is an academic class offered to students at Desert Ridge Academy. The purpose of this program is to prepare students for success in high school and college. This course will provide students with appropriate study and organization skills and support for being successful in rigorous high school classes. As a result, students are often able to attend the colleges of their dreams. AVID has a very high placement rate for attendance in four year colleges. This is achieved through student, parent, and school wide teamwork.

Grades: 6-8

Prerequisites: Applicants must fill out an application form and set up an interview.

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Carry an organized binder, complete with supplies, at all times

• Take Focus Notes in all core classes (English, math, science, and humanities)

• Participate in AVID Tutorial twice a week

• Monitor their Synergy and Google Classroom accounts

• Communicate with teachers and complete work, if absent

• Have good attendance (including tardies)

• Attend field trips and community events

• Attend tutoring sessions, if assigned

• Maintaining a GPA of a 2.5 or higher, with no Ds or Fs

• Setting an example that reflects positively upon the school (No discipline issues!)

Advanced Band

Course Description

The Advanced Band is for students who have already learned the basics of a band instrument (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, or Percussion) and want to expand their range on it in order to play more advanced music.

Students will further their studies in how to read music, write music, and perform music either as a solo or within various size ensembles. Students will learn more advanced skills on their instrument which will prepare them for joining a band in high school if they are interested in Marching Band, Concert Band, or Drum Line.

Grades: 7th grade, 8th grade (6th grade ONLY by special recommendation)

Prerequisites: By director recommendation only. Students must successfully complete Beginning Band

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Depending on how many instruments we have, students may be asked to change instruments (if they WANT). In this group, we will probably need volunteers to try TUBA, French Horn, Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Bassoon, or Oboe.

• Instruments can be provided by DRA, but in some cases, you may want to consider renting a higher quality instrument.

• Students in the advanced band will be expected to have concert attire which is simply “all black” (black dress/ or blouse that covers the shoulders, black slacks/black collared button-down shirt, black shoes).

• The advanced band will participate in multiple performances throughout the year:

  • 2-3 performance dates will be on Saturdays in Feb/March at local schools within DSUSD

  • December & May Concerts at DRA

  • October/November may include evening performances as well (TBD)

  • Attendance is REQUIRED at all performances!

• NO STUDENT WILL BE TURNED AWAY IF THEY CANNOT PURCHASE THESE THINGS!

• IMPORTANT! DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING THE DIRECTOR FIRST!

• Students will be expected to find time to practice their instruments daily on their own. This could be at home, or at school before or after school when available. A good number to aim for is at least 20-30 minutes daily.

• Visit www.dramusic.org for more details!

Beginning Band

Course Description

This is an introduction to musical instruments. Students will learn to read music, and how to play an instrument of their choice. Most students who complete the beginning band go on to the DRA Advanced Band to play more challenging music. Opportunities in music will extend to ANY high school in the district which includes marching band, drum line, and concert band. All of those students started in the Beginning Band in Middle School! A whole world of opportunities to travel and perform all over the state (and literally the world) may open to you through music - but it all starts here!

Grades: All Grades

Prerequisites: None

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Learn to read music

• Choose an instrument (click the text to see/hear it): Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion

• Like clothes - certain instruments may “fit” better than others. You will have an opportunity to test out different instruments to see which “fits” you the best!

• DRA Can provide certain instruments, but it is recommended that you rent an instrument (more details can be found on www.dramusic.org

• Please note - this class is NOT for guitar or drum set

• Students will be expected to find time to practice their instruments daily on their own. This could be at home, or at school before or after school when available. A good number to aim for is at least 20-30 minutes daily.

• You will perform in at least TWO concerts at DRA (December and May)

• Visit www.dramusic.org for more details

Broadcast & Advanced Broadcast /KDRA News

Course Description

Learn about the craft of writing, editing, filming, and documenting news for Desert Ridge Academy. You will be responsible for the production of the online school news network,,public service announcements (PSAs), educational shows, covering school events/clubs, sports, renaissance rallies, and the KDRA news broadcast. You will use film editing applications such as WeVideo, iMovie, and Final Cut Pro.

Grades: 6-8

Prerequisites: No prerequisite for Broadcast. There is prerequisite for

Advanced Broadcast Class: application & interview

Club for this class: Yes

Expect to ...

• be creative and innovative

• make new friends

• learn to use new technology

• have fun

• develop communication skills

Teacher: Ms. Flaherty

Grades: 6th, 7th, 8th

Prerequisite for Broadcast: None

Prerequisite for Advanced Broadcast: Application

What to expect

• be creative and innovative

• make new friends

• learn to use new technology

• have fun

• develop communication skills

• explore new opportunities

• expand your horizons

CA Cadet Corps

Course Description

The program strives to develop leadership, citizenship, patriotic spirit, fitness and personal health/wellness, and academic success in its members, as well as promoting knowledge of basic military subjects such as military drill, map reading, first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness.

Grades: 6th, 7th and 8th

Prerequisites: None

Club for this class: Cadet Club meets daily at lunch. Attendance is not mandatory.

What to expect

• This is an applied leadership program that introduces you to leadership skills, self discipline and teamwork.

• During the school year cadets, learn how to properly and correctly drill.

• After school training operations allow cadets to be drilled and tested on cadet regulations with Shadow Hills High School cadets

Cheerleading

Course Description

An introductory class that teaches the fundamentals of cheerleading and dance along with leadership training, team bonding, and perseverance. Cheerleaders are an invaluable part of every community, leading by example and paving the path to success. This class focuses on the technical elements of conditioning, motions, jumps, stunts, and dance routines. Students will collaborate together to create cheers, chants, and dances. Throughout the course, we will also focus on physical fitness, the use of voice and crowd involvement, football and basketball rules, proper safety techniques, and interactive team building.

Grades: 6th-8th Grade

Prerequisites: No cheerleading experience is required. Submission of Tryout Paperwork including parent approval by May 23rd, 2022. Mandatory Virtual Tryout Submission by May 31st, 2022. Click here to visit website.

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Plan, learn and execute cheer and dance routines

• Perform in front of crowds outside of class

• Frequent grade checks (cheerleaders must obtain at least a 2.0 GPA to participate in events)

• Participation in after-school events including weekly practices and football/basketball games

• Participation in fundraising and performances including pep rallies

• Daily conditioning and team building activities

• Fitness goal setting

Choir

(at Shadow Hills High School)

Course Description

DRA Mixed Choir is a group of mixed voices in grades 6-8. This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of singing and vocal production. In addition, this course is designed to introduce students to the study of music through music reading, the understanding of musical terminology, and the performance of music in individual and group settings. Students will perform in 2 concerts per year.

Grades: All Grades

Prerequisites: None

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Spirit Pack - $20.00

• Polo Purchase Required - $30.00

• Students will sing daily, learn how to read and write music.

• 2 concert performances at Shadow Hills High School - December and May.

• Rehearsals will take place outside of the school day in preparation for the concert performances. These rehearsals and performances are mandatory and are graded events. Rehearsal/Performance dates will be given at the start of the school year. Rehearsal dates are subject to change based on needs. All date changes will be given at least two weeks in advance.

• Students are expected to practice at home daily.

• For More Information visit our website: SHHS Vocal Music

Grades: 6-8

Color Guard

Beginning

Course Description

Color Guard is a team that learns choreographed routines using dance and equipment like a flag. The Color Guard performs regularly at school events like pep rallies like a dance team. The color guard is coached by Clarissa Peréz who also graduated from DRA!

Grades: 7th grade, 8th Grade (6th grade ONLY by special recommendation)

Prerequisites: None

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Students will be doing physical activity and physical conditioning during their class time

• Students will be given a DRA flag to use throughout the year

• Students will be expected to practice at home

• Students will perform as a team at DRA Rallies

Color Guard

Varsity

Course Description

Color Guard is a team that learns choreographed routines using dance and equipment like a flag. The Varsity Color Guard will perform regularly at school events like pep rallies like a dance team. The Varsity Color Guard may have more performance opportunities on Saturdays in February, March, and April (and/or evenings). The color guard is coached by Clarissa Peréz who also graduated from DRA!

Grades: 7th and 8th Grades

Prerequisites: Completion of 1 year of Color Guard at DRA, Only on recommendation by Coach Clarissa.

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Students will be doing physical activity and physical conditioning during their class time

• Students will be given a DRA flag to use throughout the year

• Students will be expected to practice at home

• Students will perform as a team at DRA Rallies

• Students may have evening and/or Saturday performances locally within DSUSD school sites

Digital Production

Course Description

This class builds upon the skills learned in Beginning Art and/or Digital Production Wheel. Students will learn about the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design and apply them to original works of art as they develop knowledge and skills utilizing digital media. Students will learn art and design appreciation through the study of graphic artists and famous design work. In this class we will grow in the fundamental skills of graphic design, photography, photo editing, sound, and digital video production.

Overview: Being creative through art, design, and editing on the computer.

Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

Prerequisites: a passion for art and editing on computers

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Be creative and apply your knowledge of art and design towards projects and assignments

• Work with a variety of media including chromebooks, cameras, ipads/tablets, photo and video editing programs, photopea, Adobe products, or something similar to Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Maintain a sketchbook for brainstorming

• Produce finished works of art and design on a computer

• Complete an online portfolio which includes projects from the year

• Produce projects for DRA’s Art Show

• We will use Photopea (not Pixlr)

Course Description

Commercial Art & Design introduces students to authentic experiences in creating original artwork using computers and digital media. Topics will include the design and production of digital imagery, graphics and photography, animation, multimedia, and video. Students will use creative software applications such as, or similar to Adoble Illustrator and Photoshop and WeVideo to explore techniques and styles relating to graphic and web design, and commercial advertising. Students will develop a digital portfolio to showcase their artwork. Final projects will be shown in a culminating Art Show at the end of the year. This class builds upon the skills learned in Digital Production.

Overview: Being creative through art, design, and editing on the computer.

Grades: 7th and 8th grades

Prerequisites: Full year of Digital Production Wheel with a grade of B or better, or portfolio review and teacher recommendation

Club for this class: No club

What to expect

• Be creative and apply your knowledge of art and design towards projects and assignments

• Work with a variety of media including chromebooks, cameras, ipads/tablets, photo and video editing programs, photopea, Adobe products, or something similar to Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Maintain a sketchbook for brainstorming

• Produce finished works of art and design on a computer

• Complete an online portfolio which includes projects from the year

• Produce projects for DRA’s Art Show

Esports

Course Description

ESports is a thrilling new class at DRA. However, most students think it’s just about playing games. Those students who are interested in all aspects of ESports should consider this class. We will cover the ideas behind game play, organizing events, making money and creating content for viewers. You don’t have to be a gamer to join the class but you do have to be someone willing to learn about gaming and all the aspects that come with it. This class is brand new so expect surprises along the way.

Overview: Gaming, Creating Content, Making Money, Event Organizing

Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

Prerequisites: none

Club for this class: Yes

What to expect

• Gaming

• Competition

• Fun

• Hard Work;

• Something Completely Different

Foods Class

Course Description

This class introduces students to Healthy Foods and Healthy Living. In this class, students will learn about nutriton, where our foods come from and food preparation, as well as health and wellness. As an intoductory class, the Foods Elective will cover topics further explored in the various health, medical, culinary and agricultural programs offered at our various high schools in DSUSD.

Grades: 6th, 7th and 8th grades

Prerequisites: a passion for food and healthy living

Club for this class: yes

What to expect

• Learn about FOOD!!!

• Maintain a Food Journal

• Collaborate with fellow classmates

• Fully participate in all class activities

• Maintain safe food handling practices when preparing food

• Read, Write and Speak about issues related to Food, Nutrition and Health

Guitar Band

Course Description

In this class, students will learn basic chords on the guitar, and also have the option to learn to play bass guitar, drum set, piano, and/or sing. Students will learn simple popular songs from artists like Bob Marley, Bruno Mars, The Black Eyed Peas, and others. If you really take to this stuff, there may be a before school (or after school) rock band club available to join where you can take your skills to the next level and jam with your friends! This group may have community performance opportunities throughout the year.

Grades: All Grades

Prerequisites: None

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• All instruments are provided by DRA (you don’t need to buy anything but you may eventually want to!)

• All students will have the opportunity to try guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele.

• Students throughout the year will perform in a recital setting within the class period.

• Visit www.dramusic.org for more details!

Intro to Coding

Course Description

In the Intro to Coding course, we will explore the beginning parts of computer programming using the RoboBlockly website. We will begin with drag-and-drop block-based coding and transition to text-based programming in Ch/C/C++. RoboBlockly is an integrated learning environment (ILE) for learning mathematics, computer science, science, technology, engineering, and art with robotics. The RoboBlockly curriculum supports students for both personalized and collaborative learning of Mathematics with Robotics and CS/STEAM with Robotics. The activities are presented in English and several other languages such as Spanish for support with our English language learners. If you haven’t programmed before, no problem I’ve got you covered. We can do this together.

Grades: 6 - 8

Prerequisites: No coding/programming experience

Club for this class:no

What to expect

With the RoboBlockly curriculum, we will do hands-on computing and robotics activities to boost students’ interest and engagement in learning math. In this course we will:

• Make meaningful connections between abstract math concepts and real-life applications

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Start with drag-and-drop block-based coding and transition to text-based programming in Ch/C/C++

• Program robots in both a physical and virtual environment

• Learn to debug programs

• Explore lower-level coding skills such as drawing shapes and transition into medium-level programming skills such as basic animation of images

• Create your own animations and games

Advanced Coding

Course Description

In the Advanced Coding course, we will explore the more advanced parts of computer programming using the RoboBlockly website. We will begin with drag-and-drop block-based coding and transition to text-based programming in Ch/C/C++. RoboBlockly is an integrated learning environment (ILE) for learning mathematics, computer science, science, technology, engineering, and art with robotics. The RoboBlockly curriculum supports students for both personalized and collaborative learning of Mathematics with Robotics and CS/STEAM with Robotics. The activities are presented in English and several other languages such as Spanish for support with our English language learners. If you a bit of programming experience this is the course for you.

Grades: 6 - 8

Prerequisites: 1 year of coding/programming experience

Club for this class:no

What to expect:

With the RoboBlockly curriculum, we will do hands-on computing and robotics activities to boost students’ interest and engagement in learning math. In this course we will:

• Make meaningful connections between abstract math concepts and real-life applications

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Start with drag-and-drop block-based coding and transition to text-based programming in Ch/C/C++

• Program robots in both a physical and virtual environment

• Learn to debug programs

• Explore lower-level coding skills such as drawing shapes and transition into higher-level programming skills such as loops and functions

• Create your own animations and games

Journalism

Course Description

Journalism student leaders do research and interviews for weekly stories. Students will take photos and learn about leads, layout, ethics, and news gathering. Our primary source will be events at Desert Ridge Academy. However, students will also learn about community, state, national and global news and may create commentary about world events and how they impact our Diamondbacks. These student leaders plan, design, produce and publish a weekly newsletter for distribution. Students in this class will also produce the activity calendar and flyers for our community when needed. We are responsible for creating the Quarterly Literary Magazine. This is an applied leadership class where you LEARN and DO leadership for the service of others at DRA.

Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Prerequisites: Service-minded students with a desire to help others. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for executive board.

HERE IS THE LINK TO APPLY for the 2022-23 school year! We need EVERY voice to have a representative in this class - please consider applying. You will need to digitally complete the application, including a contract and social media agreement. PLUS get recommendations from adults who know you well. Leadership can be TAUGHT, but the desire to learn about leadership has to come from YOU

Junior Master Gardening

Course Description

Grades: 7 & 8

Prerequisites: Must be interested in plants and food and enjoy being outside. You will be required to work with plants and soil every day.

Club for this class: No

What to expect:

Students will practice urban agriculture and gain an appreciation for the environment and an understanding of where food comes from.

Through hands-on learning, students will learn about the interactions of living and nonliving things that sustain all life.

Students will work in the garden on most days, turning the soil, watering crops, planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, weeding, mulching and composting.

Students learn what plants will grow in our ecosystem, how best to care for them, how to maximize crop success and also learn about the parts of plants, how plants reproduce, and how soil is nourished so plants can grow.

Mariachi Band

Course Description

The Mariachi Band is for students who want to experience, study, and perform the beautiful music that originates from Mexico. Students will learn how to read music, write music, and perform music as part of the mariachi band using traditional mariachi instruments. Students will learn more advanced skills on their instrument which will prepare them for joining a band in high school if they are interested in Marching Band, Concert Band, or Drum Line.

Grades: All Grades

Prerequisites: None, however prior experience with guitar, trumpet, or violin will be helpful

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Instruments can be provided by DRA, but in some cases, you may want to consider renting a higher quality instrument.

• The mariachi band will participate in multiple performances throughout the year:

  • Dates will go out in the beginning of the year & attendance is REQUIRED at all performances!

• NO STUDENT WILL BE TURNED AWAY IF THEY CANNOT PURCHASE THESE THINGS!

• Students will be expected to find time to practice their instruments daily on their own. This could be at home, or at school before or after school when available. A good number to aim for is at least 20-30 minutes daily.

• Visit www.dramusic.org for more details!

Mock Trial

Course Description

An introduction to various roles and responsibilities of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and juries. Learn how the law applies to real life situations.

Grades: 7th and 8th Grade

Prerequisites: Introduction to Mock Trial, 3.0 GPA, Excellent Attendance, interest in law

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Watch and participate in practice trials.

• Play the role of judge, prosecutor, defense attorneys and jurists

• Learn from professionals in the legal field (guest speakers)

• Conduct school discipline trials

Percussion

Course Description

In this class, students will learn to read basic notes and rhythms using percussion instruments from around the world. Students will play music by oneself, within a percussion ensemble, or even as part of a band class. This course will prepare students to eventually join the advanced band if they are interested in learning more!

Grades: All Grades

Prerequisites: None

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• You will be issued drum sticks, if you lose them, you will be responsible for purchasing another pair from DRA for $5.

• Drums can be fragile! You will learn to properly handle them so that they do not break

• You will perform in TWO concerts at DRA (December and May)

• Visit www.dramusic.org for more details!

Renaissance

Course Description

Renaissance is the class that Respects, Reinforces, Rewards, and Recognizes positive events at Desert Ridge Academy to get the Results we want to see on and off campus. This group of students connects staff and students through spirit events, activities, clubs, and community service. This is an applied leadership class where you LEARN and DO leadership for the service of others at DRA. This group of student leaders create and produce the Josten’s Renaissance Rallies each quarter (1st Q, 2nd Q, 3rd Q, and Testing Rally). This includes developing a theme, collecting recognitions, creating a slide show, music plan, dance performance, group organization, decorations, and delivery of merit awards.

Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Prerequisites: Service-minded students with a desire to help others. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for executive board.

HERE IS THE LINK TO APPLY for the 2022-23 school year! We need EVERY voice to have a representative in this class - please consider applying. You will need to digitally complete the application, including a contract and social media agreement. PLUS get recommendations from adults who know you well. Leadership can be TAUGHT, but the desire to learn about leadership has to come from YOU!

Club for this class:

What to expect

• Lots of sorting, counting, organizing, and cleaning

• Time outside of class is required (summer, before school, lunch, after school, in the community)

• Many opportunities to make Desert Ridge Academy the BEST middle school ever!

• Opportunities to use your creativity

• Public speaking may be required

• Accountability, Integrity and Respect is absolutely required

• Deliver materials to other classrooms

• Ambassadors for the DRA brand

• Spirit dress up day participation

Robotics

Course Description

This course introduces students to the working principles of robotics through block-based computer coding. We will learn the languages C and C++ through a block-based coding website called RoboBlockly. Students will explore fun applications, such as robotic soccer and robotic drawing by controlling a single robot on their computer, and continue on to coding real life robots. Students will write robotics programs to perform various tasks. With robots, students will explore their creativity in writing, art, music, choreography, and design. This course emphasizes hands-on robotics activities to explore robotics and gain effective communication and teamwork skills.

Grades: 8th grade

Prerequisites: 7th Grade Math. This course is not to be taken at the same time as computer coding.

Club for this class: Robotics club meets Tuesdays at lunch

What to expect

With the RoboBlockly curriculum, we will do hands-on computing and robotics activities to boost students’ interest and engagement in learning math. In this course we will:

• Make meaningful connections between abstract math concepts and real-life applications

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Use drag-and-drop block-based easy to use coding language, accessible to all students

• Program robots in both a physical and virtual environment

• Learn to debug programs

• Explore lower-level coding skills such as drawing and animating shapes

• Create your own animations and games

Spanish 1.1

Course Description

This is a Spanish class for beginners. Students will be introduced to daily life vocabulary in Spanish as well as culture. They will learn common phrases. They will learn how to read and write simple sentences.

Grades: 6-8

Prerequisites: Make sure you are a beginner (you don’t understand Spanish at all, or know very little)

Club for this class: No

What to expect:

• Class participation is required

• Create projects

• Daily assignments

• Weekly quizzes

• Get familiar with vocabulary words

Spanish 1.2

Course Description

This is our advanced class for beginners. Students will continue to acquire more vocabulary in Spanish. They will also be able to develop their reading and writing skills in the target language. In order to take this class students need to have taken Spanish 1.1 previously and have As or Bs in all four quarters.

Grades: 7-8

Prerequisites: Having As or Bs in all four quarters of Spanish 1.1

Club for this class: No

What to expect:

• Class participation is required

• Create projects

• Daily assignments

• Weekly quizzes

• Get familiar with vocabulary words

Spanish 1.3

Course Description

This is a class designed for Spanish speakers (if you speak Spanish at home this is the class for you). The class will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Students will be able to improve their grammar skills. There will be a strong focus on reading comprehension and writing.

Grades: 6-8

Prerequisite: Be a Spanish speaker

Club for this class: No

What to expect:

• Class participation is required

• Create projects

• Reading and writing in Spanish

• Speak Spanish in class

• Group work

• Weekly quizzes

Speech and Debate

Course Description

Thank you for considering Speech and Debate as one of your electives for next year. In this class you will learn about the foundations of argument, techniques for persuasion, and develop public speaking skills. Debaters will participate in class debates as well as tournaments sponsored by NextGen Debate League. (NGD). Debate @ DRA = Arguably the best!

Grades: 6-8

Prerequisites: application

Club for this class: Yes

Expect to...

• make new friends

• learn about the foundations of argument, techniques for persuasion, and develop public speaking skills.

• gain comfort speaking in front of small and large groups of people.

• examine logical fallacies

• be challenged

• develop flowing/note taking during a debate

• examine the role of research in the preparation of public speaking.

• evaluate famous speeches and watch inspirational TED talks

• prepare for and participate in both informal and formal debates

• participate in NextGen debate tournaments (optional)

• have fun!

Sports Application

Course Description

This course is to prepare middle school students for life as a student athlete in high school and college.

Grades: 6-8

Prerequisite: prior sports training or an interest in playing organized sports

Club for this class: No

What to expect:

• higher level of competition in sports and a basic understanding on how to get to the next level and be successful.

WEB

Course Description

WEB is a student campus connection class for 7th & 8th graders. This group of student leaders develop programs, connections, and activities to help 6th grader thrive as students at Desert Ridge Academy. This is an applied leadership class where you LEARN and DO leadership for the service of others at DRA. Fostering connections for our new Diamondbacks is our paramount mission. Developing events to serve our new students is how we help lead the way on campus.

Grades: 7th, and 8th graders ONLY

Prerequisites: Service-minded students with a desire to help others. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for executive office.

HERE IS THE LINK TO APPLY for the 2022-23 school year! We need EVERY voice to have a representative in this class - please consider applying. You will need to digitally complete the application, including a contract and social media agreement. PLUS get recommendations from adults who know you well. Leadership can be TAUGHT, but the desire to learn about leadership has to come from YOU!

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Time outside of class is required (summer, before school, lunch, after school, in the community)

• Many opportunities to make Desert Ridge Academy the BEST middle school ever!

• Opportunities to use your creativity

• Public speaking may be required

• Accountability, Integrity and Respect is absolutely required

• Deliver materials to other classrooms

• Ambassadors for the DRA brand

• Close relationships with several 6th graders and new to DRA students

• Spirit dress up day participation

Yearbook

Course Description

Yearbook student leaders record the voices and stories for every person at Desert Ridge Academy. These student leaders plan, design, produce and publish a hard copy yearbook. Sales, marketing, and promotion of the Venom Yearbook are requirements for this class. These students also take photos, organize materials and coverage, and edit content for the hard copy yearbook. This is an applied leadership class where you LEARN and DO leadership for the service of others at DRA. These students also produce the digital expansion of the yearbook, and create the 8th grade slideshow.

Grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Prerequisites: Service-minded students with a desire to help others. Maintain a 2.0 GPA for executive board.

HERE IS THE LINK TO APPLY for the 2022-23 school year! We need EVERY voice to have a representative in this class - please consider applying. You will need to digitally complete the application, including a contract and social media agreement. PLUS get recommendations from adults who know you well. Leadership can be TAUGHT, but the desire to learn about leadership has to come from YOU!

Club for this class: No

What to expect

• Lots of sorting, counting, and organizing

• Time outside of class is required (summer, before school, lunch, after school, in the community)

• Many opportunities to make Desert Ridge Academy the BEST middle school ever!

• Opportunities to use your creativity

• Public speaking may be required

• Accountability, Integrity and Respect is absolutely required

• Deliver materials to other classrooms

• Ambassadors for the DRA brand

• Photography

• Writing

• Collection of data, quotes, and stories

• Sales, marketing, and promotion materials will be created and distributed by students.

• Spirit dress up day participation

3D Printing

3D Printing is a class where you not only get to print random things but you get design ideas and make them real. You will learn how to combine squares, circles and other pre-made shapes into objects you want to print. You will also learn how to send those designs to a printer, load the printer and check to see if it is printing correctly (sometimes it doesn’t). It looks very technical and difficult but it just looks that way. There are second graders designing and printing in schools across the country. Throughout the year, we will have design challenges and contests to see who can make the best design or best use of space but your grade will be based on how hard you try. See our video assignments here - https://bit.ly/3DTeacher The one thing about 3D printing is that you will rarely get it right the first time. If you’re willing to make mistakes and keep trying, this is the class for you.

Grades: 6th, 7th and 8th grades

Prerequisites: You have to be ready to fail and learn from your mistakes.

Club for this class:yes

What to expect

• Design challenges

• Safety procedures

• Learn new software

• Be able to load and change filament (plastic for 3D printing)

• Show off to your friends all the cool things you created