WILLETS ROAD SCHOOL GRADE 7 COURSE SELECTION GUIDE 2014-2015
THE EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION Mr. Mark Kamberg, President Mr. Robert Fallarino, Esq., Vice President Mr. Leonard Hirsch Mr. David P. Keefe Ms. Barbara Slone DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION Dr. Elaine Kanas, Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Jacqueline Pirro, Assistant Superintendent for Business WILLETS ROAD Mr. Stephen Kimmel, Principal Mrs. Danielle Gately, Director of District Curriculum information Services & Middle School Student Life DISTRICT WIDE CURRICULUM PERSONNEL Mrs. Joan Anderson-Foreign Language Dr. Joyce Bernstein-Mathematics and Business Mr. David Casamento-Science and Technology Mr. Stephen Collier-English Mr. Thomas Fitzpatrick-Director of PE, Athletics, Health, and Medical Services Mr. Greg Wasserman-Director of Guidance Mrs. Clare Hayes-Director of Pupil Personnel Services Mr. Brian McConaghy-Social Studies WILLETS COUNSELING STAFF Mr. David Stander, Guidance Counselor Mrs. Karen Stein, Guidance Counselor Dr. Bonnie Gutwirth-Walsh, School Psychologist
WILLETS ROAD SCHOOL REQUIRED GRADE 7 COURSES ENGLISH DEPARTMENT ENGLISH 7 MATH DEPARTMENT MATH 7 SCIENCE DEPARTMENT SCIENCE 7 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT SOCIAL STUDIES 7 FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT FRENCH 7 SPANISH 7 ITALIAN 7 PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7 HEALTH 7 FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCE FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCE 7 MUSIC DEPARTMENT BAND 7 ORCHESTRA 7 MUSIC EXPLORATION 7
GRADE 7 ENRICHMENT CLASSES ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Creative Writing: (alternate day half year) Creative writing is an elective for students who love to write and want a chance to improve and share their writing. We will write poems, both true and imagined stories, and short plays. This elective will run as a workshop, where students work together to create, perfect, and publish their original writing. MATH DEPARTMENT Magnificent Math: (alternate day- full year) This course will incorporate enrichment study opportunities in seventh and eighth grade mathematics. Students will receive support for independent math research projects, leading to participation in a Willets Road Math Fair. This course, rather than after school clubs, will be the preparation venue for National and State Mathematics competitions. Students participating in this elective might also be selected to serve as peer mentors/peer tutors. SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT Conflicts and Controversies: (alternate day- half year) Are you a problem solver? Do you enjoy arguing your point of view? Then this is the course for you! This course will focus on controversial events of the past and the present. You will learn to analyze primary and secondary sources, media, and other credible electronic resources to study significant issues that have had global impact. Activities will include communicating your findings through debates, discussions, and other presentations as well as participating in hands-on projects. SCIENCE Forensic Science: (alternate day- half year) Forensic Science is a hands-on laboratory and activity-based program that will help students understand and appreciate the world of a crime scene investigator. Topics of study will explore crime scene documentation, fingerprinting, handwriting
analysis, forensic bone analysis, hair and fiber analysis with a microscope, blood spatter analysis, chromatography, and DNA analysis. It will also explore the use of technology in the field of forensics. The course will combine hands-on, goaloriented experiences with real world scenarios to show students the Real CSI and how science is applied to the investigation of crimes. As a result, students will learn to practice proper lab techniques and sharpen skills needed for scientific inquiry. ART DEPARTMENT Designing Spaces: (alternate day- half year) Students will explore the design process through an introduction to interior and architectural design. Students will have the opportunity to create interior and exterior spaces by learning to create artwork using single and two-point perspective. Students will use a variety of art materials to create their artwork. Studio Art: (alternate day-half year) Students will explore advanced elements and principles of art and design. A variety of art materials will be explored and mixed media projects will also be incorporated into the curriculum. Technology and traditional art techniques will be implemented. Digital Photography and Art: (alternate day-half year) Students will combine technology and traditional art techniques in the art room. They will be using the art room MacBook digital lab, ipads, and digital cameras. Students will create digital masterpieces using Adobe Photoshop Elements, a variety of online editing websites, and traditional art materials. Drawing and Painting: (alternate day- half year) This course is for students who love to draw and paint. Students will have the opportunity to explore famous artists and art movements through a series of exciting drawing and painting projects. Students will create their own artwork using a variety of art materials inspired by these master artists.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT Broadway Stars: (alternate day- full year) Do you see yourself with your friends under the big lights of Broadway? Join us and be a Broadway Star! Learn how to be the best singer you can be. Participate in special musical performances. Develop your skills as a solo singer and as a member of a vocal ensemble TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Cloud 7 :( alternate day- half year) Technology provides a means for students to acquire information, increase their knowledge, and communicate thoughts and ideas to a variety of audiences. Utilizing online applications, such as Google Apps, will allow students to succeed in school as well as the global economy we live in. Students will learn how to effectively harness the power of Cloud computing to collect and organize information, discover new and expanding learning opportunities, collaborate virtually, and communicate their ideas more efficiently both for school created projects and their own personal lives. Students will create their own website, communicate online with classmates and teachers, utilize online apps and gadgets to create virtual learning environments, collaborate on school projects using web 2.0 tools (Google Docs, Prezi, Weebly, Wordle, Wiki, etc.)