Class Descriptions

Art: Drawing and Painting/3D Art (K - 2)  Chris Kroehler

One semester will focus 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 use of clay, wood, plaster, wire, paper, and other materials. Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Big Life (2 - 4) Ursula Bawden
Students develop strong Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and growth mindset skills through inspiring stories from around the world like the children's orchestra in Paraguay which performs with materials recycled from a trash landfill. Engaging guided activities support valuable lessons that include believing in yourself, being persistent, and dealing with challenges. Extended learning for this class may include journaling, podcasts, and videos your family can enjoy together.

 

Chess 4 Life: Pawn Level (2 - 8)
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.
● Pawn level is for beginners and for continuing students still working on their foundational skills..

 

Foundations in Writing (2 - 3)  Ursula Bawden

Learn important skills, write using prompts, and publish mini writing projects. 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. 

Homework Required: 30 minutes/week

 

Jump Start: Kindergarten Required (K - 1) Patty Kreemer

Kindergarten 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 participate in this class.

LEGO Builders (K - 4)  Becky Hamilton 

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 nto follow instructions.

 

Math: Number Sharks (1 - 2)  Jonathan Nessan

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

This is a hands-on, minds-on, voices-on approach to continuing the development of number sense, computational fluency, and mathematical concepts. Each class will include 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 help students discover how enjoyable and fun numbers can be!

 

Music 100: Music & Movement (K - 2)  Elena DeLisle

Students will work to achieve rhythmic and tonal competence through singing, small and large movement activities, and use of various instruments. Emphasis will be on intrinsic learning through play.  

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

PE (K - 2) Jonathan Nessan/Elena DeLisle 

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! 

Full participation in this class meets the PE requirement.

 

 

Science Explorers (K - 2) Lanaya Waldron

In an engaging, hands-on environment, students will explore three units in biological and physical sciences from the FOSS science curriculum. Students will work cooperatively within lab groups to ask  questions, make predictions, collect data, and communicate conclusions. We will learn to manipulate science equipment from microscopes to measurement devices, think critically about science topics, and develop a sound scientific vocabulary. Students will need to write their name and numbers 0-9.

Full participation in this class meets the SCIENCE requirement.

Homework required: <30 minutes/week.

Adventure Club (3 - 5) Becky Hamilton 

Adventure awaits those who are ready to dive into nature! Areas of exploration may include: basic wilderness survival skills, knot tying, tree/plant identification & usage, and more! Students will spend a semester learning basic orienteering, a sport for mind and body. Have fun while learning to read a map, a compass, contour lines, and orienteering symbols! 

Art: Drawing and Painting/3D Art (3 - 5)  Chris Kroehler

One semester will focus 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 use of clay, wood, plaster, wire, paper, and other materials. 

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Big Life (2 - 4) Ursula Bawden
Students develop strong Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and growth mindset skills through inspiring stories from around the world like the children's orchestra in Paraguay which performs with materials recycled from a trash landfill. Engaging guided activities support valuable lessons that include believing in yourself, being persistent, and dealing with challenges. Extended learning for this class may include journaling, podcasts, and videos your family can enjoy together.

 

Book Smart (3 - 5)   Becky Hamilton 

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! We will celebrate books with projects and presentations. Homework Required: 60-90 minutes/week

 

Chess 4 Life: Pawn & Knight Levels (2 - 8)
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.
● 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.

 

Coding (3 - 5)   Becky Hamilton 

Learn to code in a fun and dynamic way! Tell your computer who is boss by giving it commands and watch how it responds to your programming. Kids will learn the fundamentals of computer science by playing games and using problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity. Students completing Coding I will move on to deeper programming topics by finding flexible solutions to 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!

Drama: Creative Acting and Improvisation (3 - 5)  Ursula Bawden

Through the use of theatre games and mini performances, young actors learn a variety of facets of acting and performing. Topics include character development, creative expression 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 and spatial awareness, and have fun!

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Foundations in Writing (2 - 3)  Ursula Bawden

Learn important skills, write using prompts, and publish mini writing projects. 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. 

Homework Required: 30 minutes/week

 

HEE School Musical (3 - 8) Jonathan Nessan
“We’re All in This Together”! 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 on YouTube, and public performances of our full play/musical in the spring. Come and be a star!
Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

LEGO Builders (K - 4)  Becky Hamilton 

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)  Becky Hamilton 

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: Numberrific! (2 - 3)  Jonathan Nessan

This is a hands-on, minds-on, voices-on approach to continuing the development of number sense, computational fluency, and mathematical concepts. Each class will include 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 addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division over the course of the year. 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 help students discover how enjoyable and fun numbers can be!

 

Math: Math Badgers (3 - 5)  Laura Brown

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).

Homework Required: <30 minutes/week.

 

Math: Bits & Pieces (4 - 6) Laura Brown

Students will work with fractions and decimals, with additional adventures with place value, problem solving, measurement, and understanding and creating graphs. Content will initially be targeted to fourth grade standards, but will move into fifth grade standards based on student progress.

Homework Required: <30 minutes/week.

 

Music: HEE Choir (3 - 8) Elena DeLisle

For children who love to sing! We will cover the basics of vocal warm ups, solfege (every note of a scale is given its own unique syllable), and singing technique. We will play choir games, sing rounds and basic harmonies, as well as learn some simple choir arrangements. No experience necessary!

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Music 200: Intro to Instruments (3 - 5) Elena DeLisle

Students will work to achieve rhythmic and tonal competence through the use of various instruments, including marimbas, drums, voice, body percussion and ukuleles. Basic music theory, solfege, singing games and folk dancing will also be included.

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

OMG: Organization, Mechanics, and Grammar (4 - 5) Ursula Bawden
Students will deepen their understanding of the mechanics of effective writing. Students will learn to make strong word choices and use varied sentence structure to make their writing more powerful. Grammar and punctuation will be taught within the context of writing. Writing assignments will provide practice with both narrative and expository
writing, and build skills in organization and structure.
Homework Required: 30 minutes/week.

 

PE Games (3 - 5)  Becky Hamilton/Jonathan Nessan

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!

Full participation in this class meets the PE requirement.

 

Science Detectives (3 - 5)  Lanaya Waldron

In an engaging, hands-on environment, Science Detectives will explore three units in geological and physical sciences. Our FOSS science units will include the Ideas and Inventions, Landforms, and Levers and Pulleys units. Students will work cooperatively within lab groups to ask questions, make predictions, collect data and communicate conclusions. We will learn to manipulate science equipment from microscopes to measurement devices, think critically about science topics, and develop a sound scientific vocabulary.
Full participation in this class meets the  SCIENCE requirement.
Homework Required: 30-60 minutes/week

 

World Travelers (3 - 5)   Becky Hamilton 

Travel the world without leaving the classroom.  We will explore the geography, language, festivals, architecture and clothing of over 30 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.

Art: Drawing and Painting/3D Art (6 - 8)  Chris Kroehler

One semester will focus 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 use of clay, wood, plaster, wire, paper and other materials.

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Chess 4 Life: Pawn & Knight Levels (2 - 8)
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.
● 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.

 

Digital Tools/STEM Challenge (6 - 8) Jonathan Nessan.
This class will provide a variety of opportunities for students to learn about photography, video editing, robotics, flight, and more! Students will build 21st century skills, while also getting to tackle fun STEM projects. Build perseverance and problem solving strategies each week!

 

The Great Escape (6 - 8)  Ursula Bawden

Students will develop a growth mindset, strong life-long study habits, and skills they will need for success in life. Study skill topics will include time management, organizational skills, note taking skills, study techniques, and test taking strategies. Students will also practice collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and decision-making. Students will practice applying these skills in both their current school work and in creating and solving escape room challenges.

Homework Required: 30 minutes/week.

 

HEE School Musical (3 - 8) Jonathan Nessan
“We’re All in This Together”! 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 on YouTube, and public
performances of our full play/musical in the spring. Come and be a star!
Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Math: Algebra (7 - 8) Laura Brown
Students will learn to "understand equations, both the simple and quadratical," by completing a full Algebra 1 curriculum (provided). Parents or students will need to check answers during the week so that any difficulties will be found and can be addressed in a timely manner. NOTE: Students should have a solid understanding of fractions, decimals, percents, and integers, and be able to do the related arithmetic.
Full participation in this class meets the  MATH requirement.
* Homework Required: 4+ hours/week in addition to class time.

 

Math: Bits & Pieces (4 - 6) Laura Brown
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 thecoordinate plane. Proficiency in math facts (or proficiency using a fact chart if accommodation is needed) is strongly recommended
before taking this class.
Homework Required: < 30 minutes/week

 

Math: Pre Algebra (6 - 8)  Laura Brown 

Students will learn and practice some of the basics needed to prepare for Algebra 1. In addition to strengthening arithmetic skills developed in prior years, students will learn to use integers, variables, percents, and extend their understanding of area and volume, probability, percents, and much more. This is a full course; Instruction will accompany weekly assignments that will require families to work on and correct the material at home to provide timely feedback to the student. There will be tests/quizzes (either in class or take-home) to ensure comprehension and recall. 

Full participation in this class meets the 2022-23 MATH requirement. 

Homework Required: 4+ hours/week in addition to class time.

 

Music: Choir (3 - 8)   Elena DeLisle

For children who love to sing! We will cover the basics of vocal warm ups, solfege (every note of a scale is given its own unique syllable), and singing technique. We will play choir games, sing rounds and basic harmonies, as well as learn some simple choir arrangements. No experience necessary! 

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Music: Guitar 1 (6 - 8) Elena DeLisle

For beginners. Students will work toward competence on the guitar. They will study the basic chord shapes and learn to strum and sing many songs. There is opportunity for the students to learn some of their own favorite songs, in addition to the songs provided by the teacher. Some note reading, tab reading, lead playing, and composition will also be included. Younger students accepted on a case by case basis. Practice at home should be expected.

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

 

Music: Guitar 2 (6 - 8) Elena DeLisle

For students who know all the basic chords and can switch between them fairly easily, or who have already taken Guitar 1. They will learn to strum and sing many songs. There is opportunity for the students to learn some of their own favorite songs, in addition to the songs provided by the teacher. They will study the basics of music theory, scales and triads and how it applies to the guitar. Students will dive into finger picking, lead playing with a pick, and improvisation and will have the opportunity to compose their own song. Students provide their own guitar in this class. Practice at home should be expected.

Full participation in this class meets the FINE ARTS requirement.

NOTE: Guitars may be available for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Page Turners (6 - 8)  Patty Kreemer

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 Games (5 - 8) Jonathan Nessan

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! 

Full participation in this class meets the PE requirement.

 

Science Innovators (6 - 8) Lanaya Waldron  

Organisms and structures, macroscopic and microscopic, inferences and observations - we will explore them all from a scientist’s eye with the FOSS Diversity of Life biology unit. Join us as we learn serious science in a fun way! This course emphasizes the use of knowledge and evidence to construct explanations for the structures and functions of
living organisms. Students observe protists, plants, and animals in the classroom and study their characteristic features. The study progresses from macroscopic to microscopic observation to discover the fundamental unit of life, the cell. Students then investigate organism subsystems and behaviors and consider their diversity of adaptive structures and strategies. In an engaging, hands-on environment, Science Investigators will work cooperatively within lab groups to ask questions, make predictions, collect data and communicate conclusions. We will learn to manipulate science equipment from microscopes to measurement devices, think critically about science topics, and develop a sound scientific vocabulary. 

Full participation in this class meets the SCIENCE requirement, though additional at-home learning is recommended. See Curriculum Room for suggested materials. 

Homework Required: 30-60 minutes/week.

 

Speech and Debate (6 - 8)  Ursula Bawden

Students 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. Class activities will also help students learn to organize their thoughts and to synthesize and use new information to construct effective arguments. Students will learn to structure and support arguments, research evidence, write persuasive speeches, articulate their ideas, listen carefully, prepare rebuttals, and refute opponents.

Homework Required: 30-60 minutes/week.

 

Word Wizards: Journalism and Blogging (6 - 8)  Ursula Bawden 

Students will learn elements of journalism, strengthen their writing skills, develop their voice, connect with their audience, and learn digital citizenship through writing and publishing their own blogs in a secure platform.

Homework Required: 30-60 minutes/week.