Rising 6th - 8th Grade Registration Information

Primary Contact at HRMS:

Sarah Carter, Lead Counselor
Email: scarter@wcpss.net
Phone: 577-1389

Course Registration

During the end of April, counselors visited classrooms to share information with rising 7th and 8th graders. Students were given a registration sheet that contains elective options and recommended math placement for 2009-2010. These forms are due to the Guidance Office.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the electives registration form.

CLICK HERE to view the Middle School Planning Guide prepared by Wake County Public Schools.

Elective Options

Career & Technical Education Department

1. Keyboarding (All grade levels) - Semester Course
   All students are strongly encouraged to take this course. It is the first of two courses that prepare students for the NC Computer Skills Test.
   This course offers general keyboarding instruction that is essential in our technological society. Students develop touch keying skills and learn proper use and care of hardware and software. General computer literacy includes terminology and computer usage. Word processing concepts are presented in a method that is transferable to all subject areas. Language Arts skills are reinforced as students format, compose, and proofread documents. Students are required to take a state-mandated secure CTE post-assessment at the end of this course.
   
   
2. Exploring Careers (All Grade Levels) - 9wks Course
   This course is designed to provide an orientation to the world of work. Experiences introduce students to the technical nature of today’s world and the role of productive workers. Activities enable students to increase self-awareness and make wise educational and occupational decisions as they plan for careers. The formal career development planning process often begins within this course.
   
   
3. Business Computer Technology (Grades 7 & 8 only; Keyboarding is a prerequisite course)
   All students are strongly encouraged to take this course. It is the second of two courses that prepare students for the NC Computer Skills Test.
   This course is designed to build upon and enhance the Keyboarding course. It provides hands-on instruction in basic computer hardware concepts, computer ethics, and software applications. Emphasis is placed on reinforcing touch-keying skills while providing hands-on experiences for learning word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, multimedia, and telecommunication applications. Language Arts skills and basic mathematical concepts are reinforced in this course. This course helps supplement skills students need to pass the NC Computer Skills test, which is a requirement for high school graduation. It is strongly recommended that students enroll in this course while in the 7th grade. Students are required to take a state-mandated secure CTE post-assessment at the end of this course.
   
   
4. Exploring Business Technology (Grades 7 & 8 only; Keyboarding & BCT are prerequisite courses)
   This is a new, excellent class that is project based and encourages students to use higher level thinking skills that they've learned in CTE and other curriculm areas.
   This course is designed to explore the nature of business in an international economy and to study related careers in fields such as financial services, office systems technology, information technology, marketing management, and entrepreneurship. Simulated activities, computers, and independent work habits will be used in the instructional approach. Core subject areas such as Language Arts and Math are integrated throughout the curriculum.
   
   
5. Exloring Life Skills I (Grades 7 & 8 only)
   This course explores life skills essential for teens, now and in the future. Units include resource management, sewing skills, decision making skills, relationships, nutrition and wellness, child care, and career pathways.
   
   
6. Exloring Life Skills II (Grades 7 & 8 only, Exloring Life Skills II is a prerequisite course)
   The focus of this course is developing a foundation for the application of life management skills. Skills in applying basic academics, problem solving, decision making, and creative and critical thinking are reinforced. Students further explore resource management, sewing skills, relationships, nutrition and wellness, childcare, and career pathways.
   
   
7. Exlporing Technology Systems (Grades 7 & 8 only)
   This course introduces basic technological principles, processes, and skills such as safety, design and problem solving, team decision making, and information gathering. A systems model of communication, manufacturing, energy and transportation, and structures is presented. Students explore sketching, technical drawing, model rocket and bridge building, computer-assisted graphics, computer-aided design, and electronic devices. Core concepts in math, science, and language arts are integrated throughout the course. Students also research various careers related to each technology.
   
   
8. Exlporing Technology - Modular Systems (Grades 7 & 8 only)
   This course allows students to learn basic technological concepts through a computer-based lab. The stations or modules contain a computer and hands-on activities used to explore concepts of technology. Students research various topics such as audio/visual production, engineering and aerospace technologies, manufacturing systems, laser/fiber optics, technical drawings, environmental issues, and energy production. Students work with a partner to investigate the development of these technologies. Core concepts in math, science, and language arts are integrated throughout each module. Students also research various careers related to each technology.
   
   

Fine Arts Department

Visual Arts

1. Visual Arts Exploratory (All Grade Levels) -- 9 wks course
   This course introduces students to the elements of art through painting, printmaking, pottery, and weaving. Application of these elements to the students’ own original art work is the major emphasis.
   
   
2. Visual Composition (Grades 7 & 8 only) -- Semester Course
   Students can take this course more than once, but should definitely note that they have previously taken it on their registration form.
   This course is an in-depth study of the elements and principles of art. Drawing (including simple perspective), painting, and cut paper are among the techniques used in completing pictures with oil, pastels, markers, paints, colored paper, and other media.
   
   
3. Pottery / Sculpture (Grades 7 & 8 only)
   Students have the opportunity to use a wide variety of media such as paper, wood, clay, plaster, papier mâché, and/or fabric to create three-dimensional forms. Specific techniques for these media are taught. Functional and decorative clay pots are shaped and formed, using either the raku kiln or electric kiln firing method.

Music

1. Music Exploratory (All Grade Levels) -- 9wks Course
   This course is offered in an option that requires performance and in a purely exploratory, non-performing option.
   This course introduces students to the elements of music through singing, playing instruments, and moving. Students study basic theory concepts in order to read and perform a variety of musical styles from classical to contemporary spanning a number of cultures.
   
   
2. Chorus (Grades 7 & 8 only)
   This course provides a variety of singing opportunities for students with limited formal choral experience. Vocal techniques and music reading are emphasized.
   
   
3. Concert Chorus (Grades 7 & 8 only)
   Students sing three-part and/or four-part music in this performing choral music group. Students have the opportunity to sing solos and participate in small ensembles. Some after-school rehearsals and evening performances may be required.
   
   
4. Beginning Band (Mainly a 6th Grade class, but may be options for other grades depending on demand) - Yearlong Course
   Emphasis is on the acquisition of basic musical skills as students learn to play a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Band classes prepare several concert compositions that are performed for an audience. Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances.
   
   
5. Intermediate Band (Grades 7 & 8 only) - Yearlong Course
   This class is a continuation of the skills taught in Beginning Band with further development of tone production, breath support, and music reading. Students are introduced to performance skills and techniques. They are encouraged to perform as individuals and as members of an ensemble. Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances.
   
   
6. Advanced Band (Grades 7 & 8 only) - Yearlong Course
   Technical drills, scale studies, rhythm studies, and sight reading exercises are used to advance the student's skills, knowledge, and reading ability in music. A wide variety of band literature is studied to give the students experience in various musical styles. A reasonable number of performances by this band is encouraged, and students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances.
   

Dance

1. Introduction to Dance (All Grade Levels) - 9 wks course
   This course introduces creative movement, improvisation, and choreography through basic modern dance techniques.
   
   
2. Dance I (Grades 7 & 8 Only) - Semester Course
   This course continues developing skills and creativity through modern dance. Students may participate in formal and informal performance activities.
   
   
3. Dance II (Grades 7 & 8 Only) - Semester Course
   Students will further develop their modern dance technique skills through a rigorous, class with more complicated performance and choreographic projects. Students should anticipate some after-school practices and evening performances.

Languages Department

1. Beginning Spanish (All Grade Levels) - 9 wks course or Semester Course
   This course is an introduction to Spanish language and culture. Major topics include greetings, colors, numbers, classroom objects, the calendar, telling time, weather expressions, the house, transportation vocabulary, feelings, animals, foods, questions and interrogatives, the family, holidays, art, and clothing. Students who complete this course successfully should next take Intermediate Spanish or Spanish A.
   
   
2. Intermediate Spanish (Grades 7 & 8 only) (Semester of Beginning Spanish is a prerequisite)
   This course continues the study of the Spanish language and culture. Major topics include the present tense of verbs, direct object pronouns, the future tense, two-verb phrases, adverbs, present progressive tense, imperatives, reflexive verbs, shopping vocabulary, prepositions, foods and meals, and geography. Students who complete this course successfully should next take Advanced Spanish, or Spanish II at the high school level.
   
   
3. Advanced Spanish (Grades 7 & 8 only) - Yearlong Course (Intermediate Spanish is a prerequisite course)
   This course continues the study of the Spanish language and culture, refining grammatical and vocabulary topics. Major topics include the preterit and imperfect tenses, relative pronouns, demonstrative adjectives, double object pronouns, sports vocabulary, travel vocabulary, hobbies and games, the car, medicine vocabulary, and object pronouns Students who complete this course successfully may take Spanish II at the high school level.
   

Other Options

1. Yearbook (Grades 7 & 8 only) - Semester-long course
   This will be a spring course. Students who have interest in the course must work with the teacher in the after-school club in the fall. This work is required to take the course.
   This course allows students to examine journalistic writing and publishing. Students learn the fundamentals of yearbook design from theme development to marketing and distribution. Communication skills are developed through the use of oral language, written language, and other media/technology to complete activities including: interviewing, organizing information, writing various journalistic pieces such as feature stories, sports stories, student and faculty profiles, etc. Additionally, students refine their revision, editing, and proofreading skills and learn the basics of page layout and design. Collaborative work efforts, the use of technology as a publishing tool, and development of responsibility are emphasized. This course may be taught in combination with Newspaper.