2011-2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Principal’s Message 2

From the Counseling Department/College Preparatory Requirements 3-4

Required Courses at MJHS/High School Graduation Requirements 5

English6th, 7th * 8th grade Language Arts Course Descriptions 6

Intervention Support Programs 6-7

Special Education 7

Math6th, 7th & 8th grade Course Descriptions 7-8

Physical Education 9-106th, 7th & 8th grade Course Descriptions

Science & Health 10-116th, 7th & 8th grade Course Descriptions

Electives6th Grade Exploratory Wheel 11-13

7th & 8th Grade ElectivesArt 13Crafts 13Instrumental Music 13-14Drama 14Gardening 14PE Select 14Spanish I 14Teacher’s Aide/Office Aide 15Graphics & Animation 15Video Broadcasting 15Web Design 15Yearbook 15

1

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at Martinez Junior High School. As we prepare for the New Year, each member of our student body and staff must renew their commitment to academic excellence.

Martinez Junior High School has had an outstanding tradition of excellence in academics, fine arts, performing arts and extracurricular programs. We are all very, very proud that we were recognized in 1996 as a California Distinguished Middle School by the California Department of Education. We were also recognized as a Distinguished School in 1988, 1990, and 1992. The rigorous academic programs described in this Course Catalog have helped us to maintain this reputation for excellence in education.

The middle grade years are among the most exciting, important and challenging years, not only for students, but for their parents as well. Choices will have to be made regarding your student’s education, and those choices will affect your student’s educational future. Our challenge is to prepare students for academic and social success in high school.

The description of courses and requirements in this Course Catalog will help to explain the academic program offered at Martinez Junior High School. Each student will pursue a common, comprehensive, academically oriented core curriculum. Included in the core curriculum are elective choices which fulfill students’ individual interests.

Getting started and continuing on a positive track in middle school is extremely important. Throughout the course selection process, I encourage you to contact our counselor (Mrs. Manjarrez) for help with any problem, should one arise, or to answer any questions you may have. The Counseling Office telephone number is 313-0414 ext. 1050 (fax number, 313-0436).

In addition, the Martinez Unified School District has adopted learning standards and benchmarks in language arts, math and science for all grades. A standard is a broad statement of what students should know and be able to do; a benchmark tells specifically what students should know and be able to do at a particular grade level.

The staff and I look forward to working with you and your student(s) throughout the 2011-2012 school year.

Sincerely,

Helen Rossi, Principal

HR:sg

FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE2

Please consider the following when making decisions about your program:

Courses that you list on your Course Selection Sheet are your “reservation” for the fall. Teachers are

assigned on the basis of your selections.

Make sure to list alternative elective classes on your Course Selection Sheet in case of scheduling conflicts. If no alternates are listed, you will be assigned to a class by the counselor.

When you select electives for the year, you have made a commitment. Changes will only be made when there is a conflict with your schedule and when the administration, counselor, student, parent, and teacher agree that a change is necessary. The principal will have the final decision if any of the parties disagree.

College Preparatory Requirements

A – G Subject Requirements

California State University (CSU) University of California (UC)

a. HistoryTwo years of history/social science, including one year of US History or one semester of US history and one semester of American Government.

b. EnglishFour years required.

c. MathematicsThree years required (4 years recommended for UC) to include elementary and advanced Algebra, Geometry, and or Algebra 2/Trigonometry.

d. Laboratory ScienceTwo years required (3 years recommended for UC).

e. Foreign LanguageTwo years required (3 years recommended for UC). Two years of the same language, not English.

f. Visual and Performing ArtsOne year required.

g. College Preparatory ElectivesOne year required. One year, in addition to those required in “a-f” above chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts, history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and languages other than English.

3

Other important college-bound information:

D’s or F’s in any course listed above must be repeated, and will not count towards University course of study.

Independent colleges generally have the same degrees as UC and CSU schools, therefore, their course of study requirements are usually very similar. One would have to check and verify with each independent college

All college students must have a social security number. Sophomores and/or juniors should take the PSAT and/or NMSQT (National Merit

Scholarship Qualifying Test). Students and parents need to attend all college related presentations and

workshops available at AHS to be informed about college eligibility, applications, and financial aid.

Community college options Requirement for admission are a high school diploma, GED, CHSPE or the age of

18. Placement tests are given in English and mathematics. An Associates of Arts degree is awarded by the community colleges in various

two year programs. A student who plans carefully can enter a four-year college as a junior after two years of community college work. One and/or two year certificate programs are also available in many semi-professional and technical areas.

REQUIRED COURSES AT MJHS4

6 TH GRADE

English Health (1 semester)

Earth Science (1 semester)Physical Education

World History: Ancient CivilizationsMath

Elective Wheel

7 th Grade 8 th Grade

English EnglishMath MathLife Science Physical SciencePhysical Education Physical EducationWorld History: Modern World U.S. HistoryElective Elective

The academic program required at Martinez Junior High School is designed to prepare students for a rigorous high school program. During these three years students need to work diligently to increase their skills in reading, writing, speaking, math and critical thinking.

In addition, parents can help students develop effective time management and study skills so that they become “independent learners” before they begin high school.

2011-2012 High School Graduation Requirements

Social Science 3 years English 4 yearsScience 2 yearsMath 2-3 yearsPhysical Education 2 years (must begin in grade 9)Fine Arts/Foreign Language 1 year

Proficiency Requirement**Students are required to demonstrate proficiency on tests in reading, writing, and mathematics.

California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

All students must pass this exam to graduate. Pursuant to California Education Code 37254, pupils who have not passed one or both parts of the California High School Exit Exam by the end of grade 12 are entitled to receive intensive instruction and services for up to two consecutive academic years after completion of grade 12 or until they pass both parts of the CAHSEE, whichever comes first.

ENGLISHLanguage Arts Course Descriptions

5

2011-2012

6 th Grade Language Arts Sixth graders attend one period each day for a literature and language arts program. All curriculums are directly aligned to the CA grade 6 content standards for English-Language Arts. Reading comprehension is emphasized and taught through a combination of core novels and our literature series. Students participate in outside library reading and book sharing. Recreational reading is strongly encouraged, and in some cases required. Students complete sentence study, parts of speech, review sentence and paragraph structures, and are introduced to various writing genres. The conventions of spelling and vocabulary are taught through grade level cross curricular lists and high frequency words. Class presentation, oral reading, listening and critical thinking skills are also integral parts of the program.

7 th Grade Language Arts The 7th grade curriculum is directly aligned to the CA grade 7 content standards for English-Language Arts. Reading comprehension is emphasized and taught through a variety of reading materials such as the core novels, informational materials, and our literature series. The emphasis is strongly focused on elements of plot, character assessment, figures of speech, point of view and theme. Students participate in outside library reading for recreational and research purposes. Students focus on language conventions of parts of speech, grammar, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, capitalization and spelling. A strong emphasis is placed on word structure especially those words derived from the Greek and Latin languages. Writing standards focus on sentence and paragraph structure and are practiced through a variety of writing genres. Class presentation, oral reading, listening, and critical thinking skills are also integral parts of the program.

8 th Grade Language Arts The 8th grade curriculum is directly aligned to the CA grade 8 content standards for English-Language Arts. Reading comprehension is emphasized and taught through a variety of reading materials such as core novels, informational materials, poems and our literature series. The students focus on plot, comparing and contrasting characters, setting, poetry/literary devices, literary criticism and theme. Writing conventions of parts of speech, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation, capitalization and spelling are emphasized. Writing standards focus on sentence and paragraph structure and are practiced through a variety of writing genres. Writing strategies are covered such as controlling impressions, writing smooth transitions, using supporting evidence and revising work. Class presentation oral reading, listening, and critical thinking skills are also integral parts of the program.

Intervention Support Programs

An MJHS goal is to challenge all students to develop to their maximum potential according to their abilities.

MJHS offers Support Classes- MJHS has a number of special standards based English Language Arts and Mathematics support classes for students who score Below Basic or Far Below Basic on the CST’s. These classes are taught by credentialed teachers and are offered during the school day.

MJHS offers READ 180 and SYSTEM 44 – an intensive reading intervention program.

MJHS offers ELD (English Language Development) - support classes for students in 6, 7, and 8th grades who qualify based on English language proficiency.

6

MJHS offers Instructional Support Classes- for students identified as having learning issues in math and/or English Language Arts. Instructional Support classes are IEP (Individualized Education Program) driven.

MJHS offers Special Day Classes for all grade levels, in all subject areas with the exception of Physical Education. Special Day Classes are IEP driven.

Special Education

Special Education DepartmentSpecial education classes are available to students with intensive educational needs. Placement in such classes is made upon the recommendation of the Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.) Team. The student’s instruction is determined by the I.E.P. and is reviewed at least once a year. Each student is assigned a case manager who works with the student to develop the appropriate program based on their educational needs.

MATHCourse Descriptions

2011-2012

6 th Grade Math This grade level course is offered for students who have mastered the fifth grade standards for mathematics. Students who take this course in the sixth grade could be ready to take Algebra I in the eighth grade. Students will learn about the following topics which meet the California math standards for sixth grade:Rational numbers (including decimal, fractions and integers)Ratio, proportion, and percents Plane and solid geometry (including perimeter, area and volume, and circle geometry)Statistics and probability (including the study of measures of central tendency) Algebra (including solving and graphing linear equations)

Advanced 6 th grade Math (prerequisites required- advanced CST scores and teacher recommendation)This is a rigorous course offered for students who have mastered the fifth grade standards for mathematics, have well-developed work habits and can work independently. Students who take this course in the sixth grade could be ready to take Advanced Algebra in the 8 th grade.

7 th grade Math (Pre-Algebra) This course is offered to students who have successfully completed 6th grade Math. Students who take this course could be ready to take Algebra I in the eighth grade. Students will study Pre-Algebra and learn about the following topics:Number sense including rational numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and exponents.Algebra and Functions including variables, equations, inequalities, system of equations, applying properties, exponents, graphing linear functions, slope, solving two step linear equations and equalities.Measurement and Geometry including the Pythagorean Theorem, different measures and dimensional analysis.Mathematical Reasoning including analyzing problems, justifying conjectures, and sub-problems.Algebra including operations, exponent rules, simplify expressions and multi-step problems.

7

Advanced 7th Grade Math (prerequisites required- advanced CST scores, teacher recommendation)This is a rigorous course offered for students who have mastered the 6th grade standards for mathematics, have well-developed work habits and can work independently. Students who take this course could be ready to take Advanced Algebra in the eighth grade.

Algebra Readiness (prerequisites required- teacher recommendation /CST scoresThis course is designed for the students that need additional time to master pre-algebraic skills and concepts before they enroll in Algebra I. This course will target the Pre-Algebra standards listed for 7th grade. Students that successfully complete this course could be ready to take Algebra I in the ninth grade.

Algebra I- (prerequisites required- teacher recommendation, CST scores)This grade level course is offered for students who have mastered the 7th grade pre-algebra standards for mathematics. Students who take this course in the eighth grade could be ready to take Geometry in the ninth grade. Students will learn about the following topics which meet the California math standards for 8th grade:Linear equations and systems of equations including simplifying expressions, multi-step problems, graphing , point-slope formula, rate, work, and mixture problems.Quadratic Equations including factoring, completing the square, the quadratic formula, x- intercepts, and rational expressions and polynomials.

Advanced Algebra I- (prerequisites required- teacher recommendation, CST scores)This is a rigorous course intended for those students who successfully completed Advanced Pre-Algebra. Students who take this course could be ready to take Geometry in the ninth grade. These students should have well-developed work habits and be able to work independently. Students will cover the Algebra standards in depth.

Geometry- (prerequisites required- advanced Algebra I, teacher recommendation, CST scores)This high-school level course is offered to students who have mastered the Algebra I standards for mathematics.  Students who complete this course in the eighth grade could be ready to take Algebra II in the ninth grade.  Students will study the following topics which meet the California Geometry Standards for grades 9-12: Writing geometric proofs, including proofs by contradiction, proof and use of theorems involving the properties of parallel lines cut by a transversal, the basic properties of quadrilaterals, triangles, and circles, the Pythagorean Theorem and the properties of special right triangles, and the use of basic trigonometric functions. Performing basic geometric constructions with a straightedge and a compass, understanding the effect of transformations of geometric figures on a coordinate plane, solving problems involving perimeter, area, volume and surface area of common geometric figures.

8

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All Physical Education classes at the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade levels require the same dress code and procedure for excuses and medical excuses:

Dress CodeAll students will be required to dress in regulation PE attire each day. The attire consists of plain white solid color top, blue shorts, socks and athletic shoes (Velcro or lace closures). White socks are preferred. Clothes will be identified by last name to prevent loss or theft and to provide easier return to the owner. Sweat pants and sweatshirts must be a solid color, in white, blue, gold or gray with NO LOGO. Sweat pants and sweatshirts are optional wear, but strongly recommended during inclement or cold weather. A supply of MJHS PE logo T-shirt tops and shorts can be purchased through the PE department.

Excuses and Medical ExcusesIt is our philosophy that students participate within their capabilities. If it is necessary that your child be excused for one to three days, we require that your note states what your child’s limitations are. Our lessons vary and there are days when we are doing low to moderate activities. If any student needs to be excused for three or more days, a physician’s note is required. We would appreciate the physician stating the child’s limitation (e.g., no throwing, no jumping, moderate jogging, walking okay, etc.).

6 th Grade In this course, students will be introduced to team and individual sports, stressing cooperation, sportsmanship and the improvement of each student’s physical fitness with continued development of motor skills. Activities will be taken from the following list:

SoccerPhysical Best/Fitness GamesTumblingBasketball3-Pitch SoftballJump RopeTrack and FieldVolleyball

7 th Grade In this course, students will be introduced to team and individual sports, stressing the improvement of each student’s physical fitness. Activities will be taken from the following list:

Physical Best/Fitness GamesSoccerFlag FootballVolleyballGymnasticsBasketballWrestlingFolk and Square DanceSoftballTrack and FieldTumbling Stunts

9

8 th Grade In this course, students will be introduced to team and individual sports, stressing the improvement of each student’s ability and physical fitness. Activities will be taken from the following list:

Fitness/Body ConditioningVolleyballFlag FootballSoccer/Speed ballWrestlingCourt GamesBasketballBadmintonTrack and Field3-Pitch SoftballDancercize/Weight TrainingStep Aerobics

SCIENCE AND HEALTH

These Science and Health courses explore the units of physical, earth and life science (including both biology and human physical and emotional growth and development). Lab experience includes scientific method and proper techniques in a safe learning environment.

6 th Grade Health All health students will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to understand how their current health behaviors and health choices will affect their overall physical, mental/emotional and social well being. The semester in health will start preparing students to take responsibility for their own health choices, and the effects of their choices. The Health Framework for California Public Schools and the National Health Standards drive the health curriculum.

Students will…practice communication skills, stress management behaviors, and practice the decision making process; set realistic health goals; understand health behaviors that can cause and prevent illness and disease; identify pressures to use drugs and learn to resist these pressures and practice resistance skills with peers; understand the importance of healthy food choices and nutrition and understand the importance of fitness and activity in everyday living; understand how the body functions to maintain overall health wellness.

Grade 6: Earth Science (1 Semester)Inner Earth, landforms, and atmospheric features will be studied in relation to natural and human forces continually at work. Lab and cooperative learning are included in teaching strategies with emphasis on safe use of equipment and acquiring challenging cognitive problem solving skills. The overall class theme will be typified by the following Big Ideas:

Earth as a dynamic and ever-changing planet in conjunction with solar energy influences life.

Human activities impact and alter surface and atmospheric conditions. Heat energy plays a significant role in Earth phenomenon.

10

Grade 7: Life Science (2 Semesters)Hands-on-activities that include experiments, building and working with models, dissections and inquiry action projects build the foundation of the science curriculum in grade seven. All instruction emphasizes the study of life sciences: cell biology, reproduction and genetics, evolution-change over time, Earth-life history and structure, function, and physical properties of living systems. Technology is well integrated into the science classrooms. Student learning emphasizes that students make multiple scientific connections and real world associations to the biological concepts. Course work will be centered on these Big Ideas:

All cells have similar functions because they have similar structures, including DNA: key in the processes of reproduction and the study of genetics.

Living organisms have uniform structures that are repeated throughout nature: cells, tissues, organs, organ systems and organism.

Genetic changes occurring in populations can result in new species, the extinction of species, and organisms suited for different environments.

Geologists use a variety of methods to estimate and determine the age of Earth. Scientific approaches to understanding how the human body structures and

mechanisms allow us to move, breath, see, and hear. Family life encompasses health-based learning of human reproduction, sexually

transmitted diseases, life choices, and an appreciation of family.

Grade 8: Physical Science (2 Semesters)In this lab-based course, students’ experiences will include detailed studies of the structure of matter, density and buoyancy, forces and motion, the periodic table and the chemistry of living systems, and a study of the earth in the solar system. Technology will be integrated throughout the curriculum. Students will continue to employ the scientific method and hands-on cooperative learning experiences to expand their critical thinking skills. Course work will be centered on these Big Ideas:

In chemical reactions, atoms rearrange to form one or more different substances with different physical and chemical properties.

The structure of an element influences its placement on the periodic table. Our solar system’s place in the Milky Way galaxy and our universe. Changes in motion and the affect of the forces acting on them.

Electives

Sixth Grade

Sixth Grade Exploratory Wheel- Students will experience 4 of the 5 offerings over the course of the year (1 quarter each unit.)

ORInstrumental Music- Student may choose Beginning Band, Concert Band (instructor approval required) or Orchestra. Instrumental music classes are year long classes and will be taken in lieu of the Exploratory Wheel.

11

Introduction to ArtGet your passport ready for this introduction quarter art class. You will be taking an exciting trip around the Art World learning about artists and art from different cultures and countries. You will be making a Japanese Fish Kite, a Mexican Tin ware, A Chop from China, a Colonial American Quilt, A Venetian Eye Mask, design a Swiss Swatch, and create many other part projects.

Introduction to ComputersCoursework focuses on the MS Office applications suite of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher resulting in a beginner to intermediate skill level and the development of student-centered projects. Attention is given to file management and software basics as well as the reinforcement of keyboarding skills.

Introduction to Drama This is a quarter-long introductory experience to the fun and fascinating world of the theater. Learn the valuable skills of Improvisation through exciting theater games played with partners or the whole class group. Develop a working vocabulary by gaining familiarity of theater and speech terminology. Practicing puppetry and pantomiming are just a few of the fun ways to help build confidence and stage presence in drama!!

Career Exploration This class is designed to help students learn more about themselves, including their personal interests, skills and educational goals.  They will gain an awareness of various job titles along with the education and training required to attain these careers.  They will research and compare aspects of careers including earnings, job outlook and potential for growth in various fields.  They will learn about the transition of school to work and how it fits into their personal goals. 

Introduction to Spanish The nine week Spanish Elective course is an introduction to the Spanish language and culture. Techniques on how to learn a foreign language will be presented. Students will be exposed to basic Spanish vocabulary including greetings, numbers, colors, days of the week, and months of the year. In addition, they will learn parts of the body, clothing, and food.Since this is an introductory class, most of the work will be done in class. There may be a group culture project which will be due at the end of the course.

Beginning Band This group is for students with no musical experience that wish to learn how to play a band instrument. There are some students who join this band that have already been playing several years to brush up on their skills.

Concert Band

12

This group is open to all students that have been playing a band instrument a minimum of one year. Students must know how to play the following pitched scales and arpeggios: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, & B. Entrance into this group is based upon instructor approval.

Orchestra This group is for students who have been playing a string instrument and to those with no musical experience that would like to learn how to play a string instrument.

Seventh & Eighth Grade Electives

Art I - 7th & 8 th Grade (one semester) This beginning semester visual art course will use cultural and historical connections as a basis for learning techniques for art. You will be introduced to art from different movements and styles as you explore the basics in Art. You will create a Name Creation, design a Baseball Card or Bug car, master a Spin Art Design, become a Fabric Artist for the Fashion Designing World, and learn about such artists as Mondrian and Seurat.

Art II - 7th – 8 th Grade (one semester) This is a course for the creative students who want to do hands-on exploration with two and three-dimensional materials. Basic designing, drawing and painting skills, as well as some craft-type projects are included in this advance course. You will learn about Pop and Op Art, become a city planning with a one-point perspective approach, design a pair of Vans or a Cellphone, and learn to mix colors for your wild and creative color chart. Special projects are a Venetian Masquerade Wall Mask and a Mirror Tile!

Crafts I - 7th & 8 th Grade (one semester) This Arts and Crafts course is for the beginner. You will work with various materials and craft techniques such as chalk, paper crafts, yarn, and paints. You will create your own Name Kaleidoscope, fold an Origami Quilt, stitch a String Art Card, create a paper weaving and Looper Potholder Weaving, enjoy the a Holiday Arts, and learn about Chalk Stenciling and many more craft-oriented projects. Special projects include a Coin Catcher Sock Bank, a Scratch Art Panel and a To-Sew Pillow.

Crafts II - 7th & 8 th Grade (one semester) This advanced course will continue the exploration into the Craft World. You will learn the basics of Art while creating a paper-folding Texture Panel, make a Beadie Baby, stitch a needlepoint Initial Keychain, create an Amish Quilt, make a Tile Trivet, create a Pueblo Art Panel, and experience a crayon resist technique, celebrate the holidays and many more projects. Special projects include a Sock Puppet and a Dream Catcher.

Beginning Band (year long)This group is for students with no musical experience that wish to learn how to play a band instrument. There are some students who join this band that have already been playing several years to brush up on their skills.

13

Concert Band (year long) This group is open to all students that have been playing a band instrument a minimum of one year. Students must know how to play the following pitched scales and arpeggios: Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, & B. Entrance into this group is based upon instructor approval.

Orchestra (year long) This group is for students who have been playing a string instrument and to those with no musical experience that would like to learn how to play a string instrument.

Drama I –7th & 8 th Grades (one semester) During this semester class, students will review theater and speech terminology, including: stage areas, body positioning, floor plan symbols and tongue twisters! There will be a group pantomime unit, complete with evaluation and critique, followed by a story telling unit and mask-making workshop! Performance practices and procedures, as well as general stage practice will be the focus as we perform various comedy skits and mini-plays. What could be more fun???

Drama II –7 th & 8 th Grade (one semester) This semester class is designed for students who’ve had some experience in drama and desire to continue “Honing their craft.” Mastering theater and speech terms are stressed, along with refining the rules and responsibilities of Improvisation. We will investigate the history of the theater by producing and performing a “Period Play” from one of the famous playwrights, during one of the many significant time periods, which helped to shape today’s theater.

Gardening- 7 th & 8 th Grade (one semester) The Art and Science of Gardening is a year long elective where students get their hands and brain busy learning about plants and art. Students will grow and eat organic vegetables grown here on campus. Students will also help with the flower garden beds on campus; planting, weeding and watering. Finally, students will learn to interpret growing seasons, nutritional value of foods, ecology and explore new vegetables. Art projects with botanical themes as well as exploring art in the garden through color, texture, plant choice and garden design rounds out this standard based course.

PE Select- 7 th & 8 th Grade (one semester) This semester class covers a variety of activities including weight training, golf, Frisbee golf, badminton, pickle ball, dodge ball games, ultimate Frisbee, tug of war, jump rope, obstacle courses, football, relays, volleyball, track and field events, whiffle ball, hockey, basketball and soccer. The activities will depend on availability of facilities and equipment. The units will be short in duration, usually 1-2 weeks with little instruction and a focus on game play and neuromuscular development.

Spanish I - 7th / 8 th Grade This is an 18 month Spanish language program. This course begins in the spring semester for 7th graders and continues through the entire 8th grade for 7th grade students who successfully finish the spring semester with a grade of C+ or above in Spanish. This course mirrors the Spanish I program at Alhambra High School. Like the high school, we will be using the Realidades level I materials. Students will be instructed on all coursework needed to continue

14

at Alhambra with Spanish II, provided they earn an average grade of C+ or above and pass the Spanish I exit examination.

Teacher’s Aide/Office Aide- 8 th Grade (8 th grade only, one semester) Teacher’s Aide is a semester elective course where students work closely with a classroom teacher assisting with the daily operation of a classroom. Student aides may be asked to assist with photocopying, filing, record keeping or other classroom maintenance activities. They may also serve as a peer tutor as requested by the teacher. Teacher Aides are required to have a GPA of 3.5, have the approval of the assigned teacher, as well as excellent attendance and discipline. The class is for pass/fail credit and is only available to 8 th grade students. Students and parents must sign a code of conduct/confidentiality contract.

Office Aide is a semester elective course where students are assigned to either the Main Office or the Student Services Office working to assist office staff in a wide variety of tasks. Office Aides may be asked to deliver passes or notices to classrooms, maintain the signboard in front of the school, sort and file, collate materials or other office related duties as needed. Office Aides are required to have a GPA of 3.5, as well as excellent attendance and discipline. The class is for pass/fail credit and is only available to 8th grade students. Students and parents must sign a code of conduct/confidentiality contract.

Graphics and Animation - 7 th & 8 th Grade (one semester): Graphics coursework focuses on Adobe Software’s image editing application Photoshop Elements 8 with students obtaining a beginner to intermediate skill level. Students utilize the basic features and functions of the program such as selection tools, image enhancement, and working with layers to name a few and use them to develop projects such as a collage and “micro-photo” murals. The animation coursework begins with a brief history and then overview of animation and its impact on the motion picture industry. Students then utilize the stop motion software Frames 4 by Tech4Learning to create video snippets and longer works involving the use of hand-drawn images, clay, action figures and real people.

Video Broadcasting -7 th & 8 th Grade (year-long): Course begins with a brief history and overview of video and its impact on modern culture. Students are then immersed in the finer details of the three stages of video production—pre-production, production and post-production—resulting in the creation of such video projects as student-focused public service announcements (“PSAs”), personal video blogs (“vlogs”) and documentaries highlighting the various clubs and activities at MJHS. Detailed attention is given to the daily airing of “The Morning Announcements” where students produce a morning news program which is then put “on-the-air” via the school network.

Web Design - 7 th & 8 th Grade (one semester): Course begins with a brief history of the Internet, an overview of web browsers and a short primer on HTML. Evaluating websites is emphasized prior to beginning web design projects utilizing Coffee Cup Software’s Visual Site Designer. Eventual projects vary from the development of a fictitious “product” website, to an “online” personal student portfolio and the creation of a website promoting their own theme-based school.

Yearbook- 7 th & 8 th Grade (year long):

15

The Yearbook Class creates the yearbook for MJHS. We learn about basic photo techniques, how to write a story or article for the MJHS newspaper, and how to come up with a theme and layouts for the yearbook. It is a full year class open to 7th and 8th graders. 

16