In addition to their core classes, students in the Middle School Programs have various elective classes to round out their day. Student participation in these classes is dependent on student need, staffing, schedule, and grade level.
These classes vary year to year.
Currently, the elective classes for our Middle School Program are:
Academic Writing (Teachers Vary)
Students will use the writing process to choose, develop, and write expository, literary response, and persuasive papers. Students will also learn how to give and accept appropriate feedback on writing for the purposes of revision. Ultimately, students will think more critically and communicate more effectively.
Art (Gena Fields)
Students explore different mediums of art and creative expression.
Forensics (Sofia Hussain)
Students analyze evidence using skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and then use the evidence in CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) to solve a case.
Gardening (Gena Fields)
Students learn the principles of environmental stewardship in a variety of ways including recycling, composting and basic gardening skills.
Music (Melissa Carroll)
Students learn the principles of music through song, chant, and beginning instruments.
Podcasting (Melissa Carroll)
Students learn editing and recording skills to create their own podcasts. Students learn about different podcast formats such as interview, documentary, investigative, monologue, and co-hosted.
Reading Support (Teachers Vary)
Students are provided intensive diagnostic and prescriptive instruction in their area of need to support reading achievement.
Robotics (Patti Voelker)
Students explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through a course focused on simple coding and mechanical engineering using the Lego Robotics Program.
Stage Production (Alisha Christiansen)
Students learn about and develop the craft of stage production through hands-on work with the various elements of theatre including costumes, scenery, props, sound design, lighting design, special effects, and projections.
Theater (Alisha Christiansen)
Students explore the basics of stage presence, production, and blocking.
Videography (Dan Kimbro)
Students learn the basics of video creation including scriptwriting, filming, editing, and production.
Yearbook (Gena Fields)
Students will design and create the annual yearbook using graphic design software.
Physical education is considered a core class for Middle School students at Park Academy.