Middle
School
7th & 8th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTIONStop
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For information on tuition and fees, click: HERE!
*In addition to the course and material fees listed below, each family will be invoiced for annual registration, building, and administrative fees*
| Let's Write About Maryland History! | ||
| INTRO to Chemistry & Physics |
TUTOR: Trisha Pellegrino
REQUIRED TEXTS: Apologia Exploring Creation with Anatomy and Physiology
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./32 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 1:00-2:30
COURSE FEE: $256 MATERIALS FEE: $50
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Human Anatomy and Physiology is a laboratory-based course that investigates the human body's structure and function. Topics covered will include the basic organization of the body and major body systems and the impact of diseases on certain systems. This course will include dissections, microscope use, short oral presentations, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning. Students will be using the textbook as a foundational resource, and the instructor will provide additional learning resources.
TUTOR: Trisha Pellegrino
REQUIRED TEXT: Apologia Chemistry and Physics Text and Journal Link
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./32 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $256 MATERIALS FEE: $50
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Low to Moderate
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-8th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course, students will study the basic building blocks of creation, atoms, and molecules, and then journey through simple chemicals, the laws of motion, and energy in its many forms, before discovering concepts of electricity and magnetism. Most of the class time will be used to review the topic, labs, and hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts. Homework will include reading, review activities, and chapter quizzes. Grades will be based on homework, lab participation, and chapter quizzes.
TUTOR: Jessica Kruse
CLASS LENGTH: 60 minutes twice a week
CLASS TIMES: Tuesday 2:30-3:30; Thursday 9:00-10:00
COURSE FEE: $370 MATERIAL FEE: $25
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Students must complete homework at least 3 days a week outside of Anchor class time.
PRE-REQUISITE: Students should be working at a 6th-7th grade leve. If you are unsure if your student is ready, please email Caroline Allie at [email protected].com
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will focus on the skills your students need to prepare for Pre-Algebra. Two to three new skills will be taught each week, and the tutor will work closely with students to ensure comprehension of new information. Students must complete assignments outside of class to keep up with the pace of the course. During class time, students will be working independently and in groups and instructed to maximize involvement and understanding. Topics reviewed and reinforced will include: positive & negative numbers, combining terms, equation & inequality solving, graphing, linear equations, and beginning geometry.
TUTOR: Cathy Backhaus
PREREQUISITE: Because this level of IEW moves at a more rapid pace, it is recommended that a student who is new to IEW be able to write an organized paragraph with a clear topic sentence and complete body sentences before enrolling in this course. If there is uncertainty about the placement of a 7th grader in an IEW class, it would be beneficial to speak with Mrs. Backhaus before registering.
REQUIRED TEXT & MATERIALS: IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing) U.S. History-Based Writing Lessons, Second Edition, November 2019 by Lori Verstegen (Student Book Only) Please note that this is a revised edition.
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./32 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 9:00-10:30
COURSE FEE: $276 MATERIALS FEE: $45
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Approximately 30-45 minutes daily; varies from student to student.
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-9th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will develop composition, grammar, and vocabulary skills while students write about U.S. history. Incrementally, instruction will cover all the IEW models of structure and elements of style, including grammar rules, vocabulary, and stylistic techniques. We will be writing narrative stories, poetry, research papers, critiques, formal five-paragraph essays with proper formatting, and summarizing references. Daily journal entries to provide practice of written expression will be assigned every other week throughout the year. Also, we will complete weekly FIX-IT Grammar editing worksheets, which will boost the students’ general ability to communicate through the written word.
TUTOR: Gayla Kingston
REQUIRED TEXTS: TBD by the instructor
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./32 weeks
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 9:00-10:30
COURSE FEE: $256 MATERIALS FEE: $20
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will explore nonfiction and fiction genres of Literature. During the Fall semester, students will utilize essays, speeches, autobiographies, and biographies to explore nonfiction. Students will choose a biography to read and develop a presentation for the class at the Fall semester conclusion. They will also be expected to write a variety of essay types in the Fall semester. During the Spring semester, the focus will shift to fiction as we explore drama, historical fiction, science fiction, and mystery genres. Students will explore creative writing and literary elements in the Spring semester. Goals for this course include familiarization with the two main categories of literature and their respective literary works. Students will also have the opportunity to develop brainstorming techniques for different varieties of writing and presentation preparation and delivery. Students will be expected to complete weekly homework assignments and to read selections in advance of class when required.
TUTOR: Becky Van Rees- [email protected]
REQUIRED TEXTS:
1.) A History of US: From Colonies to Country 1735 - 1791 by Joy Hakim
2.) A History of US: The New Nation 1789 - 1850 by Joy Hakim
3.) Our Constitution Rocks! by Juliette Turner
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins. /32 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 1:00
COURSE FEE: $256 MATERIALS FEE: $35
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate to heavy
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students in this course will investigate the political and cultural forces that made America…America. This course will offer students the opportunity to investigate historical questions by analyzing primary documents. We will take a Socratic approach as we explore U.S. history from the Mayflower Compact to the Civil War seeds. Students will learn to look deeper into text and examine history for themselves through close reading, contextualizing, and collaboration. Students will demonstrate their understandings through rich oral discussions, writing, independent research, historical simulations, blog posts, and digital projects.
TUTOR: Nikki Phillips
TEXT: TBD
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./32 weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-8th Grades
CLASS TIME: Thursday 1:00-2:30
COURSE FEE: $256 MATERIALS FEE: $20
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class can be used as an English and History credit. This course will help students develop and build on their essay researching and writing skills. We will cover thesis statements, paragraph development, and transitions. We will also work on the fundamentals of writing. The assignments will offer structure autonomy to give the writing purpose. The best part is all of our assignments will allow students to focus on Maryland and its rich history. We will accomplish this through written resources and field trips. These trips will require parent chaperones, and some will require admission fees.
TUTOR: Dave Sylvain
REQUIRED TEXTS: TBD by the instructor
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./16 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 9:00-10:30
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $25
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light to Moderate
Description:In this semester-long course, get hands-on experience with lighting, cameras, mics, and editing software so that you can start producing your own videos with confidence. This introduction to the principles of filmmaking will give you a solid foundation to build on as a hobby, a side hustle, or even professionally!
*A laptop with 16gb of RAM highly recommended, but not required.
Taught by David Sylvain. David is the Creative Pastor at NEWLIFE Church overseeing all communications, creative arts, and online elements of the ministry at NEWLIFE
TUTOR: Cathy Backhaus
TEXT USED BY TUTOR ONLY: Mapping the USA by Heart by David Smith. The student does not need to purchase the text.
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Each student will need an atlas, which the tutor will order.
CLASS LENGTH: 60 mins./32 weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 6th-12 Grades
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 3:00-4:00
COURSE FEE: $180 MATERIALS FEE: $60
Please note that a large portion of the Materials Fee will be used to purchase a complete set of student maps for each student and the graphing paper used for this course.
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light
GRADE LEVEL: 6th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students will learn to read and create maps of the world through David Smith's Mapping the USA by Heart. This will be a hands-on class with students learning how to understand maps and will be able to create their own world map by the end of the year. For more information, please refer to www.mapping.com. (No purchase necessary)
TUTOR: Kim Stolarik
REQUIRED TEXTS: Code.org
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./32 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $256 MATERIALS FEE: $20
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Computer Science Fundamentals, designed by code.org, is a comprehensive introduction for students with no prior experience with computer programming. Some topics covered include Digital Citizenship, Sequencing, Loops, Events, Impacts of Computing, Binary Numbers, Data, and many other skills. We will use hands-on activities to introduce abstract concepts concretely before moving to the computer! Students will need a computer for the class that meets the requirements listed by code.org to run their program and videos. For technical requirements, please refer to the Code.org website.
TUTOR: William Pellegrino
REQUIRED TEXT: Beginning Public Speaking Student Work pack link to textbook here!
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./16 weeks
GRADE LEVEL: 7th–12th Grades
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 9:00-10:30
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $10
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will provide students with a foundation in basic public speaking skills applicable to future courses and careers. Skills covered will include constructive critique, expository speeches, content & delivery, impromptu speaking, persuasive oratory, and current events. Students will practice writing and presenting various speeches to their peers to further their public speaking skills. Homework will include writing, memorizing, and preparing speeches.
TUTOR: Angela Somers
REQUIRED TEXT: Provided by the tutor
CLASS LENGTH: 60 mins Tuesday and Thursday
GRADE LEVEL: 7th–12th Grades
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 Thursdays 2:30-3:30
COURSE FEE: $370 MATERIALS FEE: $20
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Moderate
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The primary focus of the course is to introduce students to American Sign Language. In addition to learning ASL, students will be exposed to the fundamental aspects of the Deaf community. By following the historical development of the Deaf community in America as its foundation, this interdisciplinary course will explore Deaf history, Deaf culture & community, American Sign Language, literature, and art. In level 1, students should greet others, describe basic activities, types of weather, basic daily and weekly routines, tell where you live, name family members, friends, types of relationships, and I am happy to be adding Christian signs!
TUTOR: Tina Jenkins
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: A computer with photo editing software of the student's choice; a DSLR Camera (IMPORTANT: Point-and-shoot cameras are not allowed. The camera must have manual mode.)
CLASS LENGTH: 60 mins./32 weeks
CLASS TIME: Thursdays 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $180 MATERIALS FEE: $35
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light to Moderate
GRADE LEVEL: 8th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a fun, hands-on class with lots of activity. We will begin the year with the history of photography and quickly progress to using our cameras in manual mode. Students will be required to upload images weekly to a class site. We will work through photography basics in the first part of the year by composing technique photos. These will be compiled in an album created by the student on the Shutterfly website. In the last part of the year, the students will collaborate to create a photo story utilizing their techniques. This photo story will also be created on the Shutterfly site, and a copy will be printed for each student to use in their portfolio review. We will end the year with a photography exhibition. Each student will be required to submit two 8x10 matted prints for this end-of-year event. This class will be graded by the tutor to encourage students to complete their assignments on time. Important Note: Students will be required to print their own album containing their technique photos at their own cost from Shutterfly.com. The tutor will print the album with the collaborative photo story for the class. It will be an additional cost at the end of the year and depends on the length of the album and other factors, but the cost will be kept to a minimum.
TUTOR: Kayla Handly
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Comfortable clothing and sneakers
CLASS LENGTH: 40 mins
CLASS TIME: Thursday 2:30-3:15, 3:15-4:00
COURSE FEE: $85/semester
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This class will be 40 minutes of high-energy and fun-filled activity, starting with a dynamic warm-up, a series of exercises, and ending with games. By making exercise fun, students get excited to move around. Moving around results in becoming physically stronger and more energetic. It's a great first step on the road to cultivating a lifetime of health and fitness!
TUTOR: Kayla Handly
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Comfortable clothing and sneakers
CLASS LENGTH: 40 mins.
CLASS TIME: Thursday 1:00-1:45; 1:45-2:30
COURSE FEE: $150/semester
MAX CLASS SIZE: 6
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Fitness Bootcamp is for anyone wanting to improve strength and stamina for any activity. This fun workout consists of sports drills, lightweights, jump rope, boxing, circuits, fun games, and interval training. A total of six individuals will be in this session for a more personal training experience.
TUTOR: Laura Thompson
REQUIRED MATERIALS: The tutor will send a supply list via email.
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./17 weeks Spring semester
CLASS TIME: Thursdays: 9:00- 10:30 or 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $55
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A deeper exploration of the creative process with tools of drawing, painting, wood-burning, and clay. return to top
TUTOR: Laura Thompson
REQUIRED MATERIALS: The tutor will send a supply list via email.
CLASS LENGTH: 90 mins./17 weeks Spring semester
CLASS TIME: Thursdays: 9:00- 10:30 or 10:30-12:00
COURSE FEE: $140 MATERIALS FEE: $55
HOMEWORK LEVEL: Light
GRADE LEVEL: 7th-12th Grades
COURSE DESCRIPTION: A deeper exploration of the creative process with tools of pen and ink, paper collage, printing, and weaving.