Class Descriptions

Language arts is aligned with the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and collaborative strategies are used purposefully to build knowledge and skills and to help students become independent readers, writers, and thinkers as they continue to progressively build the skills necessary for academic success and transition to the high school. The primary goals of the course are to foster independent learning, encourage in-depth exploration of the content, and develop academic habits of mind. 

Advanced language arts is aligned with the Kansas College and Career Readiness Standards. Reading, writing, speaking, listening, and collaborative strategies are used purposefully to build knowledge and skills at a higher level and with more rigor than the regular language arts class. Through the application, analysis, evaluation, and creation of complex ideas that are often abstract and multi-faceted, students are challenged to think and collaborate critically on the content they are learning. 

Recommended Lexile is 1150+ for incoming 7th graders and 1250+ for incoming 8th graders. Summer reading is required for incoming seventh and eighth graders.

A full year reading course designed to meet the needs of students whose reading achievement is below the proficiency level. The course addresses individual needs through direct teacher instruction, high-interest reading material, and adaptive instructional software. READ 180 classes have no more than 15 students in each in order to promote a small group atmosphere and provide more one on one opportunities. (by permission only)

A comprehensive Tier III intervention program that addresses the key components of effective reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension. (by permission only)

A comprehensive Tier III intervention program that addresses the key components of effective reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension. (by permission only)

Students are accepted into this year long course after interviewing with the advisor.  Students will learn photography, design layout, reporting skills and marketing to create and sell the school yearbook. (by permission only)

The goal of this course is to guide students in understanding & making sense of mathematics.This course is based off the Kansas College and Career Standards. The course will make connections to the Standards of Mathematical Practices and the math standards for 6th Grade. The five areas of study are Ratio and Proportions, Number Sense, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.  

The goal of this course is to guide students in understanding & making sense of mathematics.This course is based off the Kansas College and Career Standards. The course will make connections to the Standards of Mathematical Practices and the math standards for 6th Grade and particular concepts of the 7th Grade Standards.  The five areas of study are Ratio and Proportions, Number Sense, Expressions and Equations, Geometry, and Statistics and Probability. (by permission only)

This course builds upon the skills and concepts learned in Math 6. The Big Ideas include developing an understanding of and applying proportionality (including similarity); developing an understanding of and using formulas to determine surface area and volume of three dimensional shapes; and developing an understanding of operations on all rational numbers and solving linear equations.

This course builds upon the skills and concepts learned in Math 6 Advanced. The Big Ideas include analyzing and representing linear functions and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; analyzing two- and three-dimensional figures by using distance and angle; and analyzing and summarizing data sets. (by permission only)

This course builds upon the skills and concepts learned in Math 7. The Big Ideas include analyzing and representing linear functions and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; analyzing two- and three-dimensional figures by using distance and angle; and analyzing and summarizing data sets.

The purpose of this course is to develop the algebraic concepts and processes that can be used to solve a variety of real-world problems. Topics include the real number system, equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, exponents and polynomials, radical expressions, quadratic functions and equations, radical equations, and rational expressions and functions. (by permission only)

The purpose of this course is to develop the students’ inductive and deductive reasoning skills and to apply these skills in the advanced study of geometric relationships. Course Emphasis: Geometric proofs, definitions; parallel lines, congruent, similar triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, coordinate geometry, area, volumes, constructions, geometry-algebra relations and analytic geometry and transformations. (DHS class, by permission only)

An intervention math class aimed at assisting students who have been identified through a collection of data as having deficits in math. Math Strategies uses a cooperative learning, hands-on approach to improve students’ fact fluency and individual math deficits. (by permission only)

6th grade science will consist of exploring Physical Science and Ecology.  During the exploration of Physics students will focus on energy, force and Newton’s Laws.  Exploring Ecology will continue our study on energy originating from the sun and then transferring to all living things.  During this study Biomes will be studied as well as managing Earth’s resources

7th grade science will consist of an introduction to physical science, life science, and earth science.  The introduction to physical sciences will emphasize matter and its interactions.  An introduction to life sciences will emphasize cells, heredity, and human body systems.  Earth science will also be introduced with an emphasis on weather and climate

Eighth grade science will consist of an overview of Earth Science, Biogeology and Physical Science. An introduction of Earth Science will include the plate tectonics theory, the rock cycle, the history of Earth (including biological and geological history), and climate. An introduction of Astronomy will emphasize the Earth/Moon/Sun system, other planets in the Solar System, and their place in the Universe. Physical science will include theories of interactions between objects in the universe

MS101 is designed as a course to support and instruct students as they make the transition from elementary to middle school. Skills to be developed in this class include well-developed study and organizational skills, selecting and monitoring appropriate goals, exhibiting good time management skills, feeling a strong connection to their school and community, learning and practicing in character education, participate in college and career planning, utilize research skills, and enhance literacy skills. 

This is a required year-long class. Students will explore careers and employability skills while using a variety of technology. Students will learn to successfully navigate and construct projects using both Google and Office programs. They will create Documents, Spreadsheets, Presentations, Forms, and Drawings while focusing on career readiness. Internet Safety, Digital Citizenship, and cyberbullying units will also be career readiness. Internet Safety, Digital Citizenship, and cyberbullying units will also be included.  

• Expanded G Suite skilles (Docs, Slides, Sheets)
• MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Keyboarding Skills 
• Digital Citizenship & Cybersafety
• Internet Literacy and Ethics
• Ramp Up - College and Career Readiness curriculum 
• IPS - Individual Plans of Study 
• Career Exploration
• Character Education
• Social-emotional skills

Students will develop leadership skills in personal and business areas by developing a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, goal setting and understanding the concept of personal responsibility to help them to become better family members and citizens as they apply digital communication tools.

Physical Education is a course designed to teach students skills, activities and games to help practice a lifetime of health and wellness as well as develop skills that demonstrate acceptable and responsible behavior in a social environment. 6th Grade Physical Education will be a required yearlong course with a Health component.

Athletic Conditioning is a weight room based class that teaches proper lifting technique, weight room safety, and the process of creating a  workout routine.

FLEX is the study and introduction to foreign languages and culture in Spanish, German, and French.  Students have an opportunity to get a feel for the three languages so when entering high school, a valid interest for a foreign language can exist.

Introduction to the world of Spanish, a semester long class teaching basics in the language of Spanish. 

Introduction to the world of Spanish, a semester long class teaching basics in the language of Spanish. High School Credit available.

This semester long course, available to 7th and 8th graders, sets the foundation for all Project Lead The Way courses, and is the ideal first PLTW course for a student to take. In the Design and Modeling unit, students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design various items, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using CAD design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions. In the Automation and Robotics unit, students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use robotics systems to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms. 

Through hands-on projects in Magic of Electrons, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design, and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them. The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through Flight and Space. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test an airfoil. Custom-built simulation software allows students to experience space travel. This course is one semester in length and is available to 7th and 8th graders.

In Energy and the Environment, students are challenged to think big and toward the future as they explore sustainable solutions to our energy needs and investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the world. They design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption. Today’s students have grown up in an age of “green” choices. In the Green Architecture unit, students learn how to apply this concept to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using 3D architectural design software. This course is one semester in length and is available to 7th and 8th graders.

This course will allow students to discover computer science concepts and skills by creating personally relevant, tangible, and shareable projects. Throughout the unit, students will learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. They will design and develop a physical computing device, interactive art installation, or wearable, and plan and develop code for microcontrollers that bring their physical designs to life. 

Physical computing projects will promote student awareness of interactive systems, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and broaden their understanding of abstract computer science concepts through meaningful and authentic applications.

This course will expose students to computer science by computationally analyzing and developing solutions to authentic problems through mobile app development, and will convey the positive impact of the application of computer science to other disciplines and to society. 

Students will customize their experience by choosing a problem that interests them from the areas of health, environment, emergency preparedness, education, community service, and school culture. Because problems in the real world involve more than one discipline, the unit will introduce students to biomedical science concepts as they work on solutions for the specific problems they choose to tackle.

Goals for this course are: 1. Explore the concepts of musical styles and genres, 2. Develop basic knowledge of music history, 3. Develop a life-long appreciation of all aspects of music, 4. Build self-confidence and respect for yourself and others.

This class is designed for students who enjoy singing. Goals for this course are: 1. Develop the ability to sight-sing simple melodic lines and rhythms, 2. Learn and apply music theory to all choral literature, 3. Develop basic vocal technique/elements, 4. Explore various genres and styles, 5. Learn, memorize, and perform a variety of quality choral repertoire, 6. Accurately sing their assigned parts: alone and in a group (2/3 part harmonies), 7. Develop concert etiquette skills, as a performer and audience member, 8. Develop healthy vocal habits for life-long voice use, 9. Evaluate musical performances, 10.  Analyze other choral performances to develop and enhance listening skills, 11. Create a positive learning environment by working as a group towards a common goal, 12. Build self-confidence and respect for yourself and others, 13. Strive to become responsible and mature leaders in the Derby community.

• Develop the ability to sight read increasingly difficult melodic lines and rhythms and accurately play their assigned parts; alone and in a group
• Learn and apply music theory to grade level appropriate instrumental literature, explore various genres and styles of music
• Develop concert etiquette skills, as a performer and audience member, listen, analyze, and evaluate music performances
• Manage instrument care and maintenance, 
• Audition, if interested, for a variety of honor groups offered outside of the classroom and opportunities to develop soloistic techniques
• Create a positive learning environment by working as a group towards a common goal, 
• Build self-confidence and respect for yourself and others, 
• Strive to become responsible and mature leaders in the Derby community

6th-grade Band is for beginners. The classes will be kept intentionally small so small group instruction can occur. 6th-grade band performs two concerts per year.

Students in the Symphonic band must have had one-year prior experience in the school band with a passing grade or advanced quickly through the beginning band curriculum to be placed in the advanced band.  Symphonic band students work on advanced musical concepts and techniques and perform 3-4 concerts each year along with other performances when they come available. Students work to perfect their independent music skills by playing a solo or in an ensemble. Private lessons are also encouraged to develop the student's individual musical skills needed to earn scholarships for college or placement in honor groups. Students in the Symphonic band may be asked to play instruments such as oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor sax, bari sax, euphonium or tuba. These instruments are provided by the school and needed to perform music appropriate for this age.

Students in the Wind Ensemble must have had one-year prior experience in the school band with a passing grade or advanced quickly through the beginning band curriculum to be placed in the advanced band.  Wind Ensemble students work on advanced musical concepts and techniques and perform 3-4 concerts each year along with other performances when they come available. Students work to perfect their independent music skills by playing a solo or in an ensemble. Private lessons are also encouraged to develop the student's individual musical skills needed to earn scholarships for college or placement in honor groups. Students in the Wind Ensemble may be asked to play instruments such as oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, tenor sax, bari sax, euphonium or tuba. These instruments are provided by the school and needed to perform music appropriate for this age.

6th Grade Orchestra is for beginners. The classes will be kept intentionally small so small group instruction can occur.  6th Grade Orchestra performs two concerts per year.

In order to participate in 7th grade orchestra, you must have had one year prior experience in school orchestra. Students will be introduced to more advanced techniques such as tuning, shifting, and vibrato. There will be at least one concert per semester. If you are a beginner you may work with the director to be involved in Orchestra.

In order to participate in 8th grade orchestra, you must have had two years prior experience in school orchestra. Students will master advanced techniques in order to be prepared for high school orchestra. There will be at least one concert per semester. If you are a beginner you may work with the director to be involved in Orchestra.

This is a semester class that will explore the elements and principles of design.  A variety of media will be used.  Various cultures and subject matter will be explored. 

Students will study Two-Dimensional Visual Art through a variety of media such as drawing and painting.  Students will learn art elements; line, shape, space, value, color, form, texture and Art principles; rhythm, harmony, balance, movement, unity, and space. Thematic and cultural elements, art history and appreciation will be introduced.

Students will study Three-Dimensional Visual Art through a variety of media such as sculpture and ceramics.  Students will learn the art elements of line, shape, space, value, color, form, and texture.  Students will learn the art principles of rhythm, harmony, balance, movement, unity, and space.  This course will introduce thematic and cultural elements in addition to art history and appreciation. 

This course is designed to give eighth grade students a more concentrated experience with drawing and an introduction to creating digital art. They will explore a variety of mediums for drawing that may include chalk pastels, colored pencils, graphite pencils, etc. Students will be introduced to the world of digital art through photo manipulation and digital drawing. All the while focusing on developing their basic drawing and artistic skills, which will guide them in beginning the Fashion Apparel and Interior Design pathway at the High School level. Unit overview: 

1. Drawing Basics 
2. Creating Texture
3. Color Theory Basics
4. Creating Value 
5. 3D Drawing
6. Audio/Visual Exploration

FACS class will help prepare students for family life, work life and introduce them to careers in the area of Family and Consumer Sciences.  Units for Introduction to FACS students will include:

• Nutrition 
• Healthy relationships
• Human growth and development 
• Consumerism/Personal responsibility
• Advertising
• Careers in FCS
• Textiles and Design
• Hand sewing

FACS 2 class will help prepare students for family life, work life and dive deeper into food safety, sewing and consumerism.  Units for FACS 2 students will include:

• Machine Sewing
• Food preparation
• Food/kitchen safety
• Teamwork
• Consumerism
• Healthy relationships

Teachers may elect to have student helpers, 1 per semester.  Student Helper forms may be picked up at the main office.