Enrichment Classes
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Middle School Electives (2017-2018)
2018/2019 Enrichment offerings coming soon..
Enrichment and exploration are an important part of Carondelet's middle school curriculum. As recommended by the National Middle School Association, Carondelet's 6th, 7th and 8th graders are offered a variety of enrichment electives that provide an exploratory experience for students in various disciplines. Students enroll in two electives per trimester.
Enrichment Offering for Non-Band Students
Non-band students choose one English Language Arts (ELA) enrichment per year as a required course, in addition to an assigned Library and Digital Citizenship course. Students may then select three choice enrichment courses. Students will be asked on the first day of school (via an online form) to provide both their required ELA enrichment preference, as well as their top three preferences for choice enrichments each trimester. The following courses will be offered for Non-Band students to choose from.
ELA Requirement Offerings
Digital Storytelling
Digital Storytelling is a way to write and produce stories using a multimedia approach. The final story uses images, music and the author’s voice to tell a story or share poetry. In this class students will learn the steps to writing, choosing images, incorporating sound and recording their voice over. Several short projects will be completed before the final storytelling project is started.
Writing Workshop
In this ELA Enrichment, you will have the chance to perfect your writing skills. From varying sentence types to writing a clear summary, we will focus on the fundamentals of effective writing. You will work in small groups to peer edit and learn the value of revision. We will read short works of nonfiction and examine what makes writing “good.”
Creative Writing
Do you love writing stories? Is writing poetry your creative outlet? This is the class for you! Join me for a workshop style class, in which we will write, share, and revise. You will be inspired by other art forms, such as music and paintings, and read works by famous authors. You will leave this class with clear ideas about writing styles, from using the active voice to reducing wordiness.
Leadership through Literature
Education. Leadership. Community Service. Sometimes we become accustomed to our own understandings and forget that there are a wide range of perspective on any topic from around the globe. Student?s read and discuss I? Am Malala and explore cultural perceptions around the world. Students will have a chance to reflect upon and express their own understanding of the role of education in the world. Through a possible video letter exchange, students will also look into leadership and the traits of a great leader, while continuing on to explore the role community service plays in the global community.
Trimester 1 Offerings (students will indicate their top three preferences):
Advanced Art - Pop Art (7/8th grade)
Artists and designers use creativity, imagination, and innovation to make a work of art. Advanced lessons on the Elements and Principles of Design are presented to guide students through the process, enhance their understanding of art in the context of personal, public and professional communities, and develop their critical, creative and collaborative reasoning skills and performance. Examples by artists and designers from around the world will be studied, including a fun introduction to the history of Pop Art. Inspired by Pop Art such as the Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, students will create their own Pop Art sculptures using a variety of materials. Repeating students will have new options.Coding & Robotics
Learn the basics of coding through building video games and robots! Mondays class will focus on the basics of coding and exploring the world of online coding. Fridays (led by a Carondelet Alumni and Robotics Master) will focus on the robotics portion; we will build and code robots to perform specific challenges. Those enrolled in this enrichment may join the robotics team to attend the robotics tournament, date to be determined!
Creative Writing (Meets ELA Requirement)
This class is an opportunity for students to explore different genres of writing and gain confidence in their skills. We will work on both fiction and nonfiction pieces. Possible topics include Flash fiction(less than 500 words), feature articles, storytelling, video game writing(the story not visuals), short film or digital stories.
International Relations
We will investigate relations between nations in the modern era beginning in the late 1700s. The main focus will be American foreign policy, but will delve into other major/relevant nations and events. We will make connections between past decisions and how they are still affecting us today.
Library (Meets ELA Requirement)
Discover the wonderful world of books and media. In this class, students will get the opportunity to checkout and read books from the library as well as create book-related projects such as book posters and promotional videos.
Liturgy Team
Students in this enrichment will have the opportunity to hone their creative thinking, public speaking, and peer mentoring skills, all while exploring and enriching their faith! Under the guidance of Mrs. Lee, students will create engaging prayer services, plan and speak at school masses, and assist younger grade level students as they practice for speaking and singing at prayer services and school mass throughout the trimester.
Math ER
Math help for those who need/would like additional support as they progress through their year in math. Mrs. Zastrow can offer a reteach of the concept you may need additional instruction with, or provide support as you complete your math homework.
Newsletter (Meets ELA Requirement)
Are you interested in writing articles for the Middle School Newsletter? In this class, you will learn all aspects of publishing a school newsletter. From writing headlines to photojournalism, we will cover it all!
Quiet Study
This enrichment is meant for students who need extra time or support in completing their assignments. Maybe you are heavily booked with sports or after school activities this trimester and need more time to complete your assignments, or perhaps you are needing some time to get organized and work on your study skills. Students will have the opportunity to get to work in a quiet, supportive setting. Students may only take quiet study one time per year (so please think about your extracurricular activities before choosing a trimester!).
Reading Nonfiction (Meets ELA Requirement)
Reading nonfiction requires different skills than reading fiction. In this class we will work on developing and refining the skills needed to read, comprehend, and analyze nonfiction effectively. Strong nonfiction reading skills lead to success in all classes and on standardized tests. We will dive into newspaper articles, essays, and textbooks.
Technology Boot Camp (Required for 6th Graders & New Students)
Basic training for 6th graders and new students: eBackpack, Notability, Educate TADS, email etiquette, Google drive, digital citizenship, and creative academic applications.
Vocabulary Workshop (Meets ELA Requirement)
Enhance your vocabulary and see your comprehension skills soar! This workshop class will use a curriculum that will expand student vocabulary, improve vocabulary skills, and prepare students for the vocabulary strands of standardized tests. This will be fun with words!
Trimester 2 Offerings (students will indicate their top three preferences):
Handbell Choir
Do you love to play music and work as a team? Join the CCS Handbell Choir! We will play in the Christmas concert and at all school Masses in December, January, and February.
Library (Meets ELA Requirement)
Discover the wonderful world of books and media. In this class, students will get the opportunity to checkout and read books from the library as well as create book-related projects such as book posters and promotional videos.
Life Skills/Health
Group learning and practice with everyday life skills: communication, relationships, finances, baking/cooking, study skills, organization, emotional health, and physical health.
Math ER
Math help for those who need/would like additional support as they progress through their year in math. Mrs. Zastrow can offer a reteach of the concept you may need additional instruction with, or provide support as you complete your math homework.
Quiet Study
This enrichment is meant for students who need extra time or support in completing their assignments. Maybe you are heavily booked with sports or after school activities this trimester and need more time to complete your assignments, or perhaps you are needing some time to get organized and work on your study skills. Students will have the opportunity to get to work in a quiet, supportive setting.
Reading Nonfiction (Meets ELA Requirement)
Reading nonfiction requires different skills than reading fiction. In this class we will work on developing and refining the skills needed to read, comprehend, and analyze nonfiction effectively. Strong nonfiction reading skills lead to success in all classes and on standardized tests. We will dive into newspaper articles, essays, and textbooks.
Set Design (7/8th grade)
Learn about set design and create many of the props and sets for the upcoming Carondelet play. Advanced lessons on the Elements and Principles of Design are presented to guide students through the process, enhance their understanding of art in the context of personal, public and professional communities, and develop their critical, creative and collaborative reasoning skills and performance. Students will construct parts of the many scenes and may include a large backdrop.Speech (Meets ELA Requirement)
In this ELA enrichment you will learn the basics of public speaking. We will work on writing speeches, then practice giving the speeches. Topics include presenting original speeches, famous speeches by others, storytelling, humorous speeches, and impromptu speaking. We will analyze some types, others by example only. Tips for becoming a confident speaker as well as effective presentation methods will be covered.
Vocabulary Workshop (Meets ELA Requirement)
Enhance your vocabulary and see your comprehension skills soar! This workshop class will use a curriculum that will expand student vocabulary, improve vocabulary skills, and prepare students for the vocabulary strands of standardized tests. This will be fun with words!
World War II (7th & 8th Only)
We will investigate the causes and consequences of the Second World War both in the European Theater of Operations as well as the Pacific. This will be a deep dive into the major events and battles of the war.
Writing Workshop (Meets ELA Requirement)
In this ELA Enrichment, you will have the chance to improve your writing skills. Not only will you work on fundamentals such as varying sentence types and writing a clear summary, but we will focus on three essay types: narrative, expository, and persuasive. You will work in small groups to peer edit and learn the value of the writing process.
Yearbook
This enrichment is for anyone interested in newspaper or yearbook design! You will be trained in the design program and given a page or more to create, layout, and design for the 2017-2018 yearbook.
Trimester 3 Offerings (students will indicate their top three preferences):
Intro to Music Notation Software
Have you ever wanted to write a song and make it look professional? Have you ever wanted to put the chord markings above your lyrics on paper? Have you ever wondered what it would sound like to have a computer play it back? How about just writing a simple melody or scale on paper and then transferring it to a computer? Intro to Music Notation Software will use Finale Notepad to learn the basics of how to write and use music notation software. Students must have basic knowledge of written notes (eighth, quarter, half, whole notes and rests), and the ability to read either Treble or Bass clef.
iPad Photography (7/8th grade)
The photographer Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a picture, you make it.” In this advanced art class, students learn how to make a photograph through lessons about composition, light & shadow, speed, aperture, creativity, and placement using an iPad camera. Advanced lessons on the Elements and Principles of Design are presented to guide students through the process, enhance their understanding of art in the context of personal, public and professional communities, and develop their critical, creative and collaborative reasoning skills and performance. Students will use this knowledge to better create esthetic black & white and color photographs while also exploring a variety of photo apps.
Leadership through Literature (Meets ELA Requirement)
This course is a partnership through a Level Up Village program called “I am Malala”. We will deliver a pioneering Global STEAM (STEM+ Arts) enrichment course that promotes one-to- one collaboration on real-world problems between our 6-8 grade students along with any one of 30 Global Partner organizations in 20+ countries. After reading the novel, I am Malala, students discuss topics based around education and leadership and then share their ideas with a global partner somewhere in the world. There is an additional cost to this course to support this partnership.
Library (Meets ELA Requirement)
Discover the wonderful world of books and media. In this class, students will get the opportunity to checkout and read books from the library as well as create book-related projects such as book posters and promotional videos.
Liturgy Team
Students in this enrichment will have the opportunity to hone their creative thinking, public speaking, and peer mentoring skills, all while exploring and enriching their faith! Under the guidance of Mrs. Lee, students will create engaging prayer services, plan and speak at school masses, and assist younger grade level students as they practice for speaking and singing at prayer services and school mass throughout the trimester.
Math ER/Quiet Study
Math help for those who need/would like additional support as they progress through their year in math. Ms. Daugherty can offer a reteach of the concept you may need additional instruction with, or provide support as you complete your math assignments.
This enrichment will be combined with quiet study and is meant for students who need extra time or support in completing their assignments. Maybe you are heavily booked with sports or after school activities this trimester and need more time to complete your assignments, or perhaps you are needing some time to get organized and work on your study skills. Students will have the opportunity to get to work in a quiet, supportive setting.
Newsletter (Meets ELA Requirement)
Are you interested in writing articles for the Middle School Newsletter? In this class, you will learn all aspects of publishing a school newsletter. From writing headlines to photojournalism, we will cover it all!
Poetry Plus! (Meets ELA Requirement)
In this class, we will explore different forms of poetry and create poetry! Considerable time will be spent on how to express poetry in writing and through spoken word! The culmination project will be a Poetry Slam!
Speech (Meets ELA Requirement)
In this ELA enrichment you will learn the basics of public speaking. We will work on writing speeches, then practice giving the speeches. Topics include presenting original speeches, famous speeches by others, storytelling, humorous speeches, and impromptu speaking. We will analyze some types, others by example only. Tips for becoming a confident speaker as well as effective presentation methods will be covered.
STEM
Explorative activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. Hands-on, team activities to enhance creativity and foster problem-solving skills. This class requires some student responsibility for materials/preparation for STEM challenges.
The Vietnam War
We will investigate the causes and consequences of America’s decision to become militarily involved in Southeast Asia for over a decade. We will cover some of the major engagements of the war and how it was fought by each side. Additionally, we will look at how it forever changed the United States politically and socially.
Waves
LOVE science?!? Learn about the fundamental characteristics that describe wave behavior and properties. Manipulate springs and lasers to determine properties that eventually will be used to explain how your cell phones work. A great enrichment for those curious about how the world works around them.
Writing Workshop (Meets ELA Requirement)
In this ELA Enrichment, you will have the chance to improve your writing skills. Not only will you work on fundamentals such as varying sentence types and writing a clear summary, but we will focus on three essay types: narrative, expository, and persuasive. You will work in small groups to peer edit and learn the value of the writing process.