J-TermCourse DescriptionsJanuary 6-10, 2020Junior/Senior High

Front Range Christian School

2020

Front Range Christian Junior & Senior High School6637 W Ottawa Ave ● Littleton CO 80128www.frcs.org ● 303-979-4582

January Term, or J-Term, is an opportunity to recapture the curiosity of learning and explore experiential and project-based education. While some classes, like Engineering Bridges, will explore traditional educational applications such as physics, other classes, such as Baking, will explore learning in venues that used to be included in a traditional liberal arts education. J-Term classes will run for 5 days in January: January 6-10, 2020.

Students are expected to sign up for all three sessions A, B, and C. Course space is limited, so we’re asking students to select a first and second choice from the options in each session. If a student’s first two choices fill up, he/she will be contacted and asked for his/her third and fourth choices. NOTE: AP US History, AP Language, AP Literature, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Student Leadership Coalition underclassmen, and Yearbook students will have specific seminars for their courses. Please note the times these are happening and sign up for J-Term courses accordingly.

Students will earn transcript elective credit in the areas of General, Fine Arts, and Physical Education for their J-Term. These courses will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis and punctual attendance, participation, and completion of work are expected, as they are for every one of our class offerings.

The week is intended for students to engage in work that broadens their academic, experiential, and spiritual interests in order to augment the traditional academic experience at Front Range and to further advance our progress towards achieving our mission of training and equipping students to impact the world for Christ.

Introduction

How to Sign Up for the CoursesStudents should review this course catalog and pick two in each time

slot that sound interesting to them. Just as for semester electives at the end of the summer, students will request J-Term courses through Family Portal (formerly ParentsWeb). Course requests for 2020 J-Term open Tuesday, November 19, and close the evening of Tuesday, December 3. NOTE: This is a quick turnaround, therefore please make this a priority so that we can get students all placed accordingly.

When you login to Family Portal during this time period, you will be asked to select a first and second choice from each session. Class space is limited, and we will do our best to enroll each student into at least one of their top two choices.

1. Review courses

2. Select 2 in each time slot (A, B, C), and have 2 in mind as backup

3. Log in to the Family Portal November 19-December 3, 2019, and indicate your selections

J-Term ScheduleJanuary 6-10, 2020

Monday, January 6, will begin with everyone gathering in the PAC at 7:40am for a 15-minute community time to discuss the week. The rest of Monday, and the rest of the week, the schedule is:

• Session A: 8-10am

• Session B: 10:15-12:15

• Lunch: 12:15-1pm

• Session C: 1-3pm

REQUIRED COURSESAP Seminars

• REQUIRED for AP students• Fee: none

This week is an opportunity for AP classes to practice, engage, and sharpen. Due to the rigorous nature of the requirements dictated by the College Board, these seminars allow for further growth in skills required to be successful on the AP Exam. This includes: Extended labs, Practice Exams (Multiple Choice and FRQs), analysis of texts, and advanced discussion. AP instructors will provide further information for their course during class time. AP students should not sign up for any other courses during the appropriate session as listed below.Session Schedule (listed alphabetically):

AP Biology = BAP Chemistry = BAP Language and Composition = BAP Literature and Composition = CAP US History = A

SLC Leadership Workshop• REQUIRED for SLC members grades 9 and 10• Session B• Fee: none• Grades: 9-10

This workshop is required for freshmen and sophomores who are SLC members. They should not sign up for any other B session courses. They will still choose courses for sessions A and C.

Yearbook• REQUIRED for Yearbook students• Session A• Fee: none

Yearbook students are required to take this J-Term option and should not sign up for other courses during the A session. They should still choose courses for sessions B and C.

ALL DAY COURSEDriver’s Education

• Instructor: Steve Rohman, certified education specialist (organized by Dawn Ferrin)

• Elective credit• Fee: $380• Minimum of 10 students are needed to run the

class; cap of 30 students• Grades: Students must be at least 14-1/2 years

old• NOTE: This course is all day; Students who

sign up for this course will not take any othersFor $380 dollars, students will get the required 40 hours of classroom course time, a written permit test, and six hours of behind-the-wheel drive time with an instructor, and the driving test. The 6 hours need to be complete before a license is issued. Students will take the permit test on Friday of the J-term week if they are of the age to do so. The student must be 14yrs-11 months of age to take the permit test. If they are not old enough arrangements can be made to take it at a later date. During the week the students will receive the class room time and permit test if it is applicable. Students can register at www.CommunityDrivingSchool.org.

SESSION A COURSESColoring and Conversation

• Instructor: Lia Wiersma• Fine arts elective credit• Fee: $5• Cap: 25 students• Grades: 9-12

Do you hate an awkward silence? Do you wish you had an easier time meeting new people? With the ease of texting, the efficiency of email and the anonymity of social media, many people struggle with face-to-face communication. Come to this class to learn some powerful conversation skills, as well as a few conversation “killers” that you can avoid. To practice our new skills, we will spend time each day . . . coloring and conversing together! Some supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite coloring books and markers or colored pencils.

Course Descriptions

Creating a Podcast• Instructors: Jamie Lyons & Sarah Wright• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 12• Grades: 7-12

The course is an introduction to how to launch a podcast. Students will learn everything that comes with creating a podcast from preparing a content calendar, interviewing guests, recording and editing audio, creating content each episode, and launching.

Harry Potter• Instructors: Kevin Taylor & Phil Schulz• General elective credit• Fee: $15• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 9-12

Books in the Harry Potter series have sold more than 500 million copies worldwide. This course is designed to be both an enjoyable and thought-provoking exploration of these books. We’ll enjoy one another’s company playing quidditch, drinking non-alcoholic butterbeer, and holding trivia contests. We’ll also engage in critical examination of the books in light of the Christian faith. How are good and evil depicted? To what extent is the magic in the books comparable to the magic described in Scripture and by anthropologists in the “real world”? Are there any dangers in reading the books? What are the similarities and differences between the universe created by J.K. Rowling and those of other authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis? How have Christians of different persuasions viewed the genre of fantasy literature more generally over the years? Note: To participate in this course, students must have read all seven books of the original Harry Potter series, plus The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

History through the Lens of Movies• Instructor: Robyn Wise• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 7-8

Students will evaluate historical events/time periods as depicted in movies. Analyzing for accuracy,

stereotypes portrayed, and if they can help with studying history at a deeper, more meaningful level.

Introduction to Chess• Instructors: Rob Stadick & Aaron Bryant• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 25 students• Grades: 7-12

Geared toward beginners and novices, this J-Term introduces students to the basics of one of the oldest and most popular games in the world. We’ll cover rules, tactics, and strategy. To practice what they’re learning, students will face off against each other in both complete games and preset situations. Students will practice the virtues of courage and humility (learning the basics of a game that’s infinitely complex) and balance.

Kitchen Basics• Instructor: Ava Copeland• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 10 students• Grades: 7-8

Students will learn the basics in the kitchen and lessons in simple cooking. This will include appliances, safety, cooking terms, nutrition information, meal planning, manners, table setting, cooking vs. baking, and a “Chopped” Championship.

Learn to Code• Instructor: Jerry Nixon• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: none• Grades: 9-12

Learn the basics of computer programming with a Microsoft Engineer.

Photography• Instructor: Jeremy Wall• Fine arts credit• Fee: none• Cap: none• Grades: 9-12

Course Descriptions

Photography is not just a fun hobby, it goes way beyond by opening your mind and eyes to discover the beauty of nature and humanity. You express yourself through the lens and the world echoes you with more and more wonders to explore. In this course, you will discover more than how to press your camera buttons.

Self Defense and Martial Fitness• Instructor: Darin Carr• PE elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 7-12

Students will cover basic self-defense skills and have a fun workout using kickboxing techniques and strength training exercises.

SESSION B COURSESThe Art of Cooking

• Instructor: Leatha Kuhn• General elective credit• Fee: $50• Cap: 10 students• Grades: 7-12

A glance into the culinary world. The students will learn some of the basic cooking techniques including following and adjusting a recipe, knife skills, food safety and sanitation and proper use of equipment.

Basic Bicycle Maintenance• Instructor: Paul Lowe• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 10 students• Grades: 7-12

Enjoy riding your bike but the tires are flat, the gears grind, or the brakes don’t stop? Students will learn how to fix those problems and more! Also, learn some of the rules of the road and rights that cyclists have so you can feel confident on and off the road.

Bowling• Instructor: Coree Snyder• PE elective credit• Fee: $50• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 7-8

Students will learn different bowling techniques and shots and how to keep score. We’ll bowl at the school and travel to a bowling alley at least three days.

Brain Talk and Brain Games• Instructor: Kelly Murray• General elective credit• Fee: $5• Cap: 15 students• Grades: 7-12

Overview of the 6 cognitive functions of the brain, including attention, categorization, memory, executive function, and meta-cognition. Discussion and exercises in gratitude, mindfulness, and optimism. Review of brain chemicals and how our choices stimulate these neuro chemicals. Plus, some fun and interactive games that enhance positive brain function without any screen time.

Computer Game Design• Instructor: Alex Probst• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 25 students• Grades: 7-12

Learn the basics of computer game design including event-driven programming, sprites, timers, random paths and debugging. The game maker development environment will be used to develop simple games. Students will gain a working understanding of programming. No experience necessary.

Fantasy and Fairy Tales• Instructors: Sam Butler & Rob Stadick• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 9-12

Together, we will read, watch, and create our own EPIC fairy tales. We will explore the fantastical

Course Descriptions

minds of writers such as Tolkein, Lewis, Rowlings, and many more. Goblins, Trolls, and Wizards beware.

Oogies Popcorn Product Launch• Instructors: Gary Keyfauver & Cassie Peterson• General elective credit• Fee: $10• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 7-8

Junior Achievement in partnership with Oogies Popcorn (sold at Whole Foods) created a program for a product launch of a new line of popcorn. The students will compete in teams to learn research and development, product development, market testing, pricing, and presentation. The last session will be a “Shark Tank” type of presentation where each team will compete for funding and a real CASH prize.

Racquet Sports• Instructors: Eric Osberg & Dave Hiltman• PE elective credit• Fee: $20• Cap: 22 students• Grades: 9-12

Want to learn and play some racquet sports? In this class we will be focusing in on racquetball, pickleball, tennis, speedminton, badminton, and more. We will take some time to understand the sport and then spend the majority of our time playing and competing in the sport. We will be going to recreation centers to play some of these sports and be trained by the local professionals. The cost covers the use of the recreation centers and travel.

Sculpting• Instructor: Melissa Leapley• Fine arts elective credit• Fee: $20• Cap: 14 students• Grades: 9-12

This course covers the basics of sculpting with clay. Students will learn about the exciting world of clay and how to create an artwork that explores new media art. Creating a functional piece of art of your own, you will see how clay, your mobile phone, and music can all relate… Sign up and find out how!

Spikeball 101• Instructor: Collin Sutherland• PE elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 16 students• Grades: 7-8

Have you ever been interested in trying out Spikeball or improving your game? Whether you have some experience or not, this course is designed to introduce you to, or enhance your fundamentals of Spikeball, strategy, communication, & build community.

Your Voice Sends a Message• Instructor: Sharon Payne• Fine arts elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 15 students• Grades: 9-12

Students will exercise effective vocal skills, evaluate the voice and apply techniques in order to be more interesting to listen to and to use vocal expression well.

SESSION C COURSESBeauTEAful Community

• Instructors: Daelyn Fognani & Phil Schulz• General elective credit• Fee: $10• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 9-12

Everyone wants good community. It’s something we pursue, regardless of our years. However, what makes good community and how do we pursue it? In this BeauTEAful J-Term experience, we will enjoy tea and games together. All the while, learning about the impact good community has and how we can create spaces where community can thrive.

Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Board Games• Instructors: Ava Copeland, Dave Hiltman, &

Kevin Taylor• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 30 students• Grade: 7-8

Learn and play a variety of board games, from world-builders like Settlers of Catan to cooperatives such as Forbidden Island, from word and logic games like CodeNames to monster battles like King of Tokyo. We guarantee you will find some new games you have never played before! No experience necessary, just a good attitude.

Engineering Bridges• Instructors: Lydia Hines & Andre Stablein• General elective credit• Fee: $15• Cap: 15 students• Grades: 9-12

Men have built bridges since antiquity. Advances in physics and materials allow engineers to create some fantastic structures. In just a week you’ll be able to construct and test a bridge’s efficiency. It is assumed that you will come to J-Term with an approved design. The rules for bridge construction will be available in December. You will first submit four generic bridge designs based on this year’s rules as supplied by the Colorado Professional Engineers Society. Before Christmas vacation you will submit two full-scale blue-prints. When you return from vacation and begin construction you will have 2-3 hours per day to construct your bridge. Day one is typically cutting out the wood; day two is sub construction; day three is final assembly; and day four is fine tuning and testing of bridge. All wood and glue and cable will be supplied though you may use your own glue and cable if desired.

The Falcon Football Way• Instructors: Paul Lowe• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 25 students• Grades: 7-12

Football at FRCS is unique from other schools. There is an emphasis on excellence, sportsmanship,

commitment, and discipleship. This class will discuss how Front Range football has developed a championship atmosphere. We will learn the relentless “Gyrfalcon” defense as well as the “Peregrine” fast tempo offense and the nimble “Kestrel” special teams philosophy. Although football is primarily a male sport, females are welcome to join this class. Students will also learn the rules of the game and basic strategies by breaking down video, diagramming plays. We will go in-depth into the X’s and O’s of football as well as technique. Students will learn basic offensive and defensive game plans and strategies as well as intermediate technique. Students will be required to participate in non-contact drills either indoor or out outside.

Flight Science• Instructor: Collin Sutherland• General elective credit• Fee: $15• Cap: 12 students• Grades: 7-8

Do you know what causes an airplane to fly or how to influence the flight of an airplane? Through hands-on modeling in this project-based course, students will learn about fundamentals of flight and some principles of engineering and design. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience with airplanes, this course will allow you to individualize your experience and your level of challenge.

Foodies• Instructor: Tami Bigandt• General elective credit• Fee: $20 and students will also have to bring a

minimum of $20 per day (cash or credit card) to pay for their meal

• Cap: 12 students• Grades: 9-12

“A foodie is a person who has an ardent interest in food and seeks new food experiences as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger.” Each day we will visit a restaurant that not only has unique cuisine, but also a unique ambiance and learn how to make dining out an “experience.” Your taste buds will experience cuisines such as Indian (Sherpa House Restaurant); Cajun/Creole (Lucile’s Creole Cafe); Mediterranean (Ali Baba Grill); Cuban (Frijoles Colorado Cuban Cafe). We will also

Course Descriptions

visit Denver’s original steakhouse (founded in 1893), The Buckhorn Exchange. There we will feast on various meats, such as elk, buffalo, alligator tails, and quail just to name a few. We will also take some time to learn about the culture of the food in which we are indulging.

Hip Hop and Breakdancing• Instructor: Connie Rice• Fine arts elective credit• Fee: $50• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 7-12

To learn basic footwork steps for hip hop including: Top Rocks, Pony Steps, Appaches, Kick Steps, Indian Step, Brookly Rocks; to practice breakdance elements including: 2 Step, 3 Step, 4 Step, 6 Step, Side Freezes, Tripod Freezes, Swipe Balances, Swipes, Handstands, Cartwheels; to stretch, strengthen, and work it all together in choreography.

History through the Lens of Movies• Instructor: Robyn Wise• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 9-12

Students will evaluate historical events/time periods as depicted in movies. Analyzing their accuracy, what stereotypes are portrayed, and if they can help with studying history at a deeper, more meaningful level.

Quantum Leap - Business for Good• Instructor: Dave Umphress• General elective credit• Fee: none• Cap: none• Grades: 10-12

This course is based on two things:1. the instructor’s personal journey from a vocational missionary transitioning in to the mission field of business, accepting his calling (and everyone’s calling) to view his life as his mission field, instead of only viewing full-time “Christian workers” as the ones who carry hope, joy, and Gospel of Jesus.2. The Quantum Leap material for high school students, creating big-thinking conversations around

young people about living intentionally, acting bold, self-control towards a goal, setting those goals, etc.

Sew What?• Instructor: Lia Wiersma• Fine arts elective credit• Fee: $25• Cap: 20 students• Grades: 9-12

Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew by hand? Then this course is for you! We will learn a few different stitches and work on several projects, including felt ornaments and hand warmers. The course fee will cover all supplies needed. We will not be using a sewing machine. When finished with this course, students will have learned a new skill/hobby.

Woodworking• Instructor: Aaron Bryant• Fine arts elective credit• Fee: $50• Cap: 10 students• Grades: 9-12

Students will spend four days learning the fundamentals of woodworking. This J-Term will introduce and train students in the safe use of woodworking tools and equipment (i.e., the wood lathe, table saw, mitre saw, bandsaw, drill press, and hand tools). Each student will have the opportunity to complete a small project that they will take home with them. Students will also work together in teams towards a larger project.

FRONT RANGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

1994

Front Range Christian Junior & Senior High School6637 W Ottawa Ave ● Littleton CO 80128

www.frcs.org ● 303-979-4582