2024 - 2025 ENCORE CLASSES 

 

All encore classes are designed for specific grade levels.  This means – yes – a student can take the same elective class multiple years; the content will be different each year. 

 

BAND

Band is a year-long course that encompasses the music core content, instruction in playing a specific instrument, as well as the performance of the group throughout the year as a grade level band and school band.  Students have the opportunity to also participate in marching band at SK while in middle school.  Drama core content is also covered in band class.  Students are encouraged to participate in music contests throughout the year as a group and in solo/ensemble competitions. 

 

CHORUS

Chorus is a performance-based yearlong class that encompasses the music core content as well as incorporates different aspects of musical theater and drama core content.  Students are exposed to and perform many styles of music that cover a variety of cultures & time periods. In this class, students are expected to perform as a group for many different audiences including our state choral assessment that takes place in the spring. Students are also given many opportunities to grow as a musician. Students may also choose to participate in all-state choir, solo & ensemble, NKY Honor Choir, Kenton Co All-Star Chorus and Twenhofel Honor Choir. 

 

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Instrumental Music is a class that allows students the opportunity to learn about music including learning how to play a specific instrument.  Students learn melody chimes, play music, and learn about other instruments in this class.  Students have the opportunity to perform in front of other students within their class. 

 

ART

In this class, students learn how to evaluate their own and others’ artwork using the elements & principles of design and how art can fulfill a variety of purposes.  This knowledge helps them write and talk about art clearly and also helps improve their artwork.  Media such as pencil, paint, clay and ink are just a few of the various materials used by all grade levels when creating artwork.  Artworks from ancient & modern cultures are also studied. 

 

PROJECT LEAD THE WAY

PLTW is a hands-on, project-based course that incorporates science & math into technology to introduce students to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) School of Study.  Students will study different aspects of design and modeling in modern engineering.  They begin learning about and practicing 3-dimensional design. They take that knowledge and apply it to a computer-assisted drafting program where they design a variety of projects.  Some groups learn student automation and robotics in small group mechanical assembly challenges.  Valuable lessons in problem solving and collaboration give students knowledge that they can use for a lifetime.

  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The PE program is aimed at providing the student an opportunity to learn & experience various aspects of physical fitness.  Various skills and strategies will be taught associated with these activities.  Team play, sportsmanship, and cooperation are emphasized. Participation is required because we “learn by doing”.  Safety & First Aid are also covered.

 

CAREER CHOICES

Students will learn and develop soft skills that will make them desirable candidates for hire in the work place.  They will explore different career paths and build an understanding of what opportunities exist for them in their future.  Career paths, public relations, job applications and interviews are covered.  Class will include research-based projects, collaborative activities, and guest speakers.  They will gain an understanding of what they need to do now, in high school, and in their post-secondary lives in order to be  qualified candidates for their desired careers. 

 

 

STEM

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  It is an interdisciplinary approach where instead of teaching the four disciplines separately, STEM integrates them into a cohesive curriculum.  Students will participate in a variety of hands-on activities and projects that apply the four disciplines in real-world applications. 

  

MATH 180

This is a class for students who need to acquire specific skills in order to reach grade level in math.  Students in this class have been intentionally placed due to assessment scores indicating a need for math intervention.

 

READING INTERVENTION

This is a class for students who need to acquire specific skills in order to reach grade level in reading.  Students in this class have been intentionally placed due to assessment scores indicating a need for reading intervention.

 

LITERATURE

The literature class curriculum is designed for students of all ability levels.  The class will explore different literary genres while engaging in class discussion, literary analysis, and a variety of activities.  The lessons are driven by student interest and intended to instill a love for reading for all kids while enhancing all students’ reading skills.

 

LIFE SKILLS

This class is designed to help students develop skills in adolescence that will make them be successful adults.  A variety of topics will be covered including basic financial literacy and responsibility, healthy decision making, being a responsible digital citizen, problem solving and stress management.  The skills students acquire in this class will benefit them today and well into the future regardless of what they choose to do after high school.  

 

DIGITAL SKILLS

Students will begin this elective with earning their digital citizenship certificates to learn about safe technology use. Students will create a website, write reviews, do book studies, create digital museums, and work on a service project. This class will incorporate both technology and library skills. 

 

HEALTH

In this class, students will learn about living a healthy life.  They will focus on nutrition and what their body needs to function on a daily basis.  They will also engage in physical activities that promote health and wellness.  Our hope is to give students the knowledge they need to be healthy now and continue to make healthy lifestyle choices in the future.

 

INTRO TO ENGINEERING

This class introduces students to the basic principles of engineering.  Students will be exposed to a variety of STEM topics that they will explore in both instruction and research based projects. They will participate in group activities where they will design and build things applying the learned principles.