Class Descriptions 2026-27

HEE classes are designed to support your Student Learning Plan (SLP). Unless otherwise noted, these classes do not take the place of, but are meant to enrich, your core learning at home.

Classes may have a homework requirement for participation, as noted in the class description. By requesting one of these classes, you are agreeing to provide time to complete this requirement.

Classes meet throughout the school year and are held on campus.
See the Weekly Class schedule at a Glance for days & times.

Class List A to Z

Adventure Club (4-5)
Becky Hamilton - Elective: STEM/PE
In the first semester, students will learn orienteering: a sport for the mind and body! Have fun while learning to read a map, a compass, contour lines and orienteering symbols. Second semester is all about adventuring! Areas of exploration may include, knot tying, basic wilderness survival skills, tree identification, camp crafts, pioneering and more.

Art (K-8)
Chris Kroehler - Fine Arts
One semester focuses on drawing and painting, exploring the use of a variety of materials and techniques to develop basic drawing and painting skills. The other semester will explore 3D art through the use of clay, wood, plaster, wire paper, and other materials.

Book Nook (2-3)
Patty Kreemer - Elective: ELA
Read great books together in class! Each book will last an average of three weeks, so students will experience a variety of stories over the year. We will start with titles written at the second grade reading level, such as Charlie and Mouse, and work up to books at the 3rd grade level (such as Tornado) in the spring. We will review a reading skill each week (vowel teams, bossy r, word endings, etc.), and develop fluency with partner-reading. We'll respond to the elements in the books: setting, characters, plot, and themes, through writing and response activities. Homework is required.

Book Smart (3-5)
Becky Hamilton - Elective: ELA
Reading is fun! Book Smart is a great opportunity to read, share, and discuss books with peers. Students will be introduced to a wide range of genres through new books and maybe some old favorites! Weekly homework includes reading and comprehension questions. Expect some games and an occasional movie too. Homework Required: 60 - 90 minutes/week.

Chess 4 Life (3-8)
Susan King - Elective: Critical Thinking/Social Skills
The study of chess provides a great vehicle for learning life lessons. Chess teaches us sportsmanship, good decision making, patience, planning, and how to learn from mistakes. Chess 4 Life students will partner with others in their skill level. Pawn level is for beginners and for continuing students still working on their foundational skills. Knight level is for students at an intermediate skill level. These students will know how to develop their pieces, use major pieces to create fences, and how to advance their position.

Choir (3-8)
Elena Delisle - Fine Arts
For children who love to sing! Join this enthusiastic group of singers! We will sing rounds and warm ups, learn how to harmonize and learn some simple choir arrangements. The HEE Choir will have opportunities to perform throughout the school year. No experience necessary!

Coding (3-5)
Becky Hamilton - Elective: STEM
Learn to code in a fun and dynamic way. For the first semester, kids will learn the fundamentals of computer science on Code.org by playing games and using problem solving skills, logic and creativity. Khan Academy is our computer science platform for the second semester. Students will use JavaScript to find flexible solutions for more complex problems. This beginner course is intended for kids who have never coded but are ready to dive into the fun and excitement of coding!
Occasional Homework: < 20 minutes/week.

Digital Tools (6-8)
Jonathan Nessan - Elective: STEM
Digital Tools explores a revolving array of topics including digital photography, video editing, digital drawing pads, Arduino microcontrollers, robotics, stop-motion animation, and more! Students will get to learn the basics of how each component works, and build foundational skills that they can draw from later in life. An enjoyment of digital creation and a sense of perseverance are all that is required!

Foundations in Writing (2-3)
Susan King - Elective: ELA
The foundations of writing include language, grammar and organization. In simpler terms ... What you want to say, how you should say it and in what order it should be said. Classroom activities and projects focusing on these areas will help young writers learn important skills to achieve the goal of writing better paragraphs. While this class doesn't "teach to the test”, it will help students feel better prepared and more confident when taking the spring assessment starting in 3rd grade. Students will
have a better experience in this class if they can read at a 1st grade level or higher. Occasional homework.

Guitar 1 & 2 (6-8)
Elena Delisle - Fine Arts
Students will have opportunities to learn some of their favorite songs in addition to what is introduced in class. Practice at home during the week is expected.
Guitar 1: Beginner students will work toward competence on the guitar by studying the basic chord shapes and learn to strum and sing many songs. Some note reading, tab reading, lead playing, and composition will also be included. Younger students accepted on a case by case basis.
Guitar 2: For students who know all the basic chords and can switch between them fairly easily, and/or have already taken Guitar 1. They will learn more challenging songs, chords, strumming patterns and leads in Guitar 2. Students will also dive into finger picking, lead playing, pick technique, music theory, scales, triads and improvisation and will have the opportunity to compose their own song.
NOTE: Guitars are NOT provided by the school. Please discuss best options with Ms. Elena BEFORE purchasing a guitar. Guitars may be available for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

HEE School Musical (3-8)
Jonathan Nessan - Fine Arts
HEE School Musical is a Performance oriented drama, singing, and production group. We will learn short skits, write and perform mini-plays, sing songs, and rehearse and perform a full play/musical. Students will need to memorize lines and be eager to perform. Performances will include videos published privately on YouTube, and public performances of our full play/musical in the spring. Come and be a star!

Improv, Inc. (3-5)
Jonathan Nessan - Fine Arts
Young actors learn to perform through movement, improv games, and scene work. Class activities will help students learn to be positive, focus on the people they are working with, take risks, and overcome shyness. Students will have an opportunity to perform for each other and will work together to develop self-confidence, team/group dynamic, body & spatial awareness, and have fun!

Jump Start (K-1) Kindergarten Requirement
Patty Kreemer - ELA/Math
Students will participate in activities that support the instruction you do at home in reading, writing, and math. They will listen to a story each week and develop their writing skills through some letter formation practice and responding to the story. This class will also focus on reading skills such as letter sounds, sound blending and reading beginner books. We’ll have fun building
math skills with manipulatives and games. For the kindergarten students, the class will coincide with the administration of the WaKIDS assessment during the first quarter. This assessment gives families a nice snapshot of their kindergartner’s skills, strengths, and areas for growth. If space is available, first grade students may also participate in Jump Start.

LEGO Builders (K-4)
Becky Hamilton - Elective: STEM
Keep the LEGO bricks off your floor and in the classroom! Students are assigned LEGO kits to complete at their own pace in this STEM class. Students will also increase their fine motor skills and learn to follow instructions.

LEGO Robotics (3-5)
Jonathan Nessan - Elective: STEM
Robotics is the future! Electronics, mechanics and software are brought together by Robotics. Students will imagine, design, construct, program, improve upon, cooperate, and inspire in LEGO Robotics. This hands-on class is designed to develop curiosity to solve real-life problems through engaging STEM projects.

Math: Algebra (6-8)
Laura Brown - Math
Students will complete the “Understanding Algebra 1” curriculum from The Critical Thinking Company. Weekly class meetings provide lesson instruction and homework materials to be finished before the next class. Students will take mid-year assessments and an end of year exam. Parents will be provided with a correction key and are required to check answers during the week so that any difficulties will be found and can be addressed in a timely manner. Students should successfully complete 7th grade math/Pre-Algebra before registering for Algebra 1 or you may contact Cheryl about completing a math diagnostic through I Ready to assess if this class is the best fit for your child. Homework Required: 4+ hours/week.

Math: Bits & Pieces (4-6)
Laura Brown - Elective: Math
Fill in the math gaps that often need additional practice before successfully starting Pre-Algebra. Students will focus on decimal place value, fraction and decimal equivalent values, fraction and decimal operations, measurement (including simple conversions, area, and volume), area/volume, and graphing on the coordinate plane. Proficiency in math facts (or proficiency using a fact chart if accommodation is needed) is strongly recommended before taking this class.

Math: Geometry (7-8)
Laura Brown - Math
Students will complete the Geometry level from Math U See as their main curriculum , along with supplemental work from “Understanding Geometry” from The Critical Thinking Company. Weekly class meetings provide lesson instruction and homework materials to be finished before the next class. Students will take three unit assessments and an end of year exam. Parents will be provided with a correction key and are required to check answers during the week so that any difficulties will
be found and can be addressed in a timely manner. Students should successfully complete Algebra 1 before registering for Geometry or you may contact Cheryl about completing a math diagnostic through I Ready to assess if this class is the best fit for your child. Homework Required: 4+ hours/week.

Math: Math Badgers (3-5)
Laura Brow - Elective: Math
Students will have opportunities to learn and practice with multiplication and division facts and number relationships, basic place value with whole numbers, fraction basics, and measurement (inc. area/perimeter).

Math: Number Sharks (1-2)
Jonathan Nessan - Elective: Math
Students will develop foundational number sense, build confidence, learn to verbalize mathematical ideas, increase perseverance, and have fun! This is a great supplemental class for any math program. Lessons are geared toward a 1st grade math level, so students who can count by 1s accurately and have some beginning addition and subtraction should feel successful. 2nd grade students who are still learning number concepts or feel that they 'don’t like math' are also a perfect fit.

Math: Numberrific! (2-3)
Jonathan Nessan - Elective: Math
This is a hands-on, minds-on, voices-on approach to continuing the development of number sense, computational fluency, and mathematical concepts. Each class includes a variety of discussions, activities, and games, and will support the content of any at-home math program. We will explore and develop strong strategies for multi-digit addition and subtraction, and introduce multiplication and division concepts. Content will initially be targeted to second grade standards, but will move into third grade standards as the year progresses. Each class will include extensive use of manipulatives and game-based learning to show students how enjoyable and fun numbers can be!

Math: Pre-Algebra (6-8)
Laura Brown - Math
Students will complete the “Understanding Pre-Algebra” curriculum from The Critical Thinking Company. Weekly class meetings provide lesson instruction and homework materials to be finished before the next class. Students will take mid-year assessments and an end of year exam. Parents will be provided with a correction key and are required to check answers during the week so that any difficulties will be found and can be addressed in a timely manner. Students should have a solid understanding of fractions, decimals, percents, and integers before taking Pre-Algebra. Homework Required: 4+ hours/week.

Minecraft: Education Edition (6-8)
Jonathan Nessan - Elective - STEM
The Education Edition of Minecraft provides Computer Science/Coding lessons via the popular game platform. Students use coding to solve puzzles and quests in the familiar world of Minecraft, but are also introduced to a character called “The Agent” which is programmed to perform tasks. Weekly lessons are made up of coding tutorials and challenges using simplified Block Code, and include basic commands, conditional statements, loops, etc. While designed for grades 6-8, younger students who have completed the HEE Coding and LEGO Robotics classes may be enrolled based on space availability.

Music 100: Music & Movement (K-2)
Elena Delisle - Fine Arts
Students will work to achieve rhythmic and tonal competence through singing, small and large movement activities, and use of instruments. Emphasis will be on intrinsic learning through play.

Music 200: Intro to Instruments (3-5)
Elena Delisle - Fine Arts
Students will work to achieve rhythmic and tonal competence through the use of various instruments, including xylophones, drums, voice, body percussion and ukuleles. Basic music theory, solfege, singing games and folk dancing will also be included.

Page Turners (6-8)
Patty Kreemer - Elective: ELA
Let’s read some great books together! We’ll read an assigned book, and discuss it together in class, touching on the characters, the plot, the themes, and the author’s purpose in writing the book. There will be weekly homework centered around comprehension of the book, including the vocabulary, literary elements and devices, and thought questions. Homework Required: 60-90 minutes/week.

PE (K-8)
Elena Delisle, Becky Hamilton & Jonathan Nessan - PE/Health
Students will participate in a variety of physical education games and activities to exercise, gain coordination, and develop team-building skills. Play hard, play fair, and have fun!
• PE Fun (K-2) Elena Delisle
• PE Games (3-5) Becky Hamilton
• PE & Rec (6-8) Jonathan Nessan

Science (K-8)
Lanaya Waldron - Science
Students will work cooperatively within lab groups to ask questions, make predictions, collect data, and communicate conclusions. We will learn to manipulate science equipment, think critically about science topics, and develop a sound scientific vocabulary.

Explorers (K-2) In an engaging, hands-on environment, students will explore three units in biological and physical sciences. Our FOSS science curriculum will include the Fabric, Air & Weather, and Insects units. Students should be able to write their name and numbers 0-9. Homework Required: < 30 minutes/week.

Detectives (3-5) In an engaging, hands-on environment, Science Detectives will explore three units in life and physical sciences. Our FOSS science curriculum will include Earth Materials, Human Body, and the Variables units. Homework Required: 30 minutes/week.

Innovators (6-8) Phase changes, chemical reactions, and energy transfers - we will explore them all from a scientist’s eye with the FOSS science Chemical Interactions unit. Join us as we learn serious science in a fun way! Full participation in this class meets the 2026-27 SCIENCE requirement, though additional at-home learning is recommended. See Curriculum Room for suggested materials. Homework Required: 30-60 minutes/week.

Washington State History (6-8)
Susan King - Social Studies
Students will complete the “Washington Journey” curriculum. Lesson topics include: Government - Local, State, and National; Washington State Geography; Historical Events; Native Tribal studies. Successful completion of this class and all homework assignments meets the state requirement for graduation. First priority goes to 8th graders. Homework Required: Up to 2 hours/week.

World Travelers (3-5)
Becky Hamilton - Elective: Social Studies
Travel the world without leaving the classroom. We will explore the geography, language, festivals, architecture and clothing of over 20 countries throughout the year. Cultural games, art, music, dancing, cooking and folklore provide “world travelers” with hands-on experiences that lead to a better understanding of each week’s country. Grab your passport and get ready for take off.

Write On (4-5)
Susan King - Elective: ELA
This class will cover four main areas over the course of the year: Creative Writing, Poetry, Word "Detectives", and Journalism. Students will learn to use strong word choices and varied sentence structure to make their writing more powerful. Grammar and punctuation will be reinforced within the process of editing and revising writing assignments. Comfort with a computer keyboard will help your student successfully participate in this class. Homework Required: < 30 minutes/week.

Writer’s Lab/Public Speaking (6-8)
Susan King - Elective: ELA
Students will spend the first semester participating in class writing projects that strengthen their skills in writing styles such as personal and fictional narrative, autobiographies, fantasy, sci-fi and more. Second semester will be spent learning to write and present a variety of Public Speaking styles, such as "How To", "Persuasive", "Informative" speeches and more. Students will build confidence in their ability to communicate ideas. They will learn to write effective speeches with proper introduction, body, and conclusion and will practice strong delivery with smooth, proper pacing, voice and body control. Homework Required: 30-60 minutes/week (second semester).