Exploratory Classes
- Band
- Choir
- Drama
- Forensics Speech & Debate
- Gateway to Technology
- Lead Worthy
- Music Exploration
- Orchestra
- Personal Finance
- Physical Education
- Visual Arts
- World Languages and Cultures
Band
Choir
6th Grade Choir
Length/Credit 1 quarter
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th
Students will learn the fundamentals of good singing, basic theory elements, and an appreciation for what makes the art of good singing in both rehearsal and performance. There is a concert placed toward the end of each academic quarter to demonstrate skills learned, which is considered the final exam for the class.
7th Grade Preparatory Choir
Length/Credit 4 quarters
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 7th
Students will learn/reinforce the fundamentals of good choral singing, as well as elements of theory, ear training, sight-reading, and musical terminology. Students will develop an appreciation for the art of excellence in vocal production, both in rehearsal and performance settings. There is a concert held towards the end of each academic quarter to demonstrate skills learned. There are several additional performance opportunities available, including auditioning for the District 11 Middle School Honor Choir, and participating in the Pikes Peak Area Solo Festival. The 7th Grade Choir competes in the Pikes Peak Area Large Group Choir Festival each year, in April.
8th Grade Chamber Choir
Length/Credit 4 quarters
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 8th
This group has a reputation of excellence, and represents Jenkins Middle School throughout the community. Fundamentals of good choral singing are taken to a more advanced level in this class, working to prepare students for area high school choral programs. A concert is held towards the end of each academic quarter. Additional performance opportunities include auditioning for the District 11 Middle School Honor Choir, auditioning for the Colorado Middle School All State Choir, and participating in the Pikes Peak Area Solo Festival. The 8th Grade Choir competes in the Pikes Peak Area Large Group Choir Festival each year, in April.
Drama
Drama Workshop
Length/Credit 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 7th and 8th
This one semester class introduces the fundamental skills of beginning acting & stagecraft. Units will include stage movement, voice improvement, pantomime, characterization, improvisation, & basic technical work. Course objective is to emphasize the development of the techniques of acting through memorized performances, & the creation of sets & costumes for those performances.
Follow the below link to access the Jenkins Theatre website.
Forensics Speech & Debate
Length/Credit: 1 quarter (6th) 1 semester (7th-8th)
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
This course is designed for students who love to speak, argue, and perform. Forensics provides opportunities to develop and hone those skills. This class is also for students who find it difficult to stand in front of people and talk. This class will help students overcome their fears and be successful. Forensics includes a variety of types of speeches and performances, both individually and with a partner, encompassing everything from debates to monologues. 7th and 8th grade classes will also include units on video, including broadcast journalism and advertising.
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
This course is designed for students who love to speak, argue, and perform. Forensics provides opportunities to develop and hone those skills. This class is also for students who find it difficult to stand in front of people and talk. This class will help students overcome their fears and be successful. Forensics includes a variety of types of speeches and performances, both individually and with a partner, encompassing everything from debates to monologues. 7th and 8th grade classes will also include units on video, including broadcast journalism and advertising.
Gateway to Technology
Intro To Engineering
Length/Credit 1 quarter
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th,7th and 8th
What is engineering? What do engineers do? What is the design process? These are some of the questions that students explore in the Intro to Engineering class as they innovate and invent.
Design and Modeling (3D Printing)
Length/Credit 2 quarters
Prerequisite: Intro To Engineering
Grade Level: 7th
Students get a taste for Computer-Aided Design (or CAD). Students use OnShape, which is a professional 3D modeling program. Students model objects such as kid’s toys, brackets, and even solve real-world problems using CAD. Students at Jenkins also have access to a 3D printer, which they can use to print 3D models of their designs.
Automation and Robotics
Length/Credit 1 quarter
Prerequisites: Design and Modeling
Grade Level: 8th
Students get a chance to design and construct machines that solve everyday problems using VEX robotics.
Gateway - PLTW (Project Lead The Way) Website
Follow the below link to access the Gateway - PLTW website.
Lead Worthy
Length/Credit: 1 quarter (6th) 1 semester (7th-8th)
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
In this class students develop leadership, professional, and business skills. They learn to foster a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, and learn to understand the concept of personal responsibility including social media’s impact on image. Students will develop an understanding of Emotional Intelligence and the skills it measures, which include selfawareness, self-control, self-motivation, and social skills. Students will also develop an understanding of the need for vision in goal-setting, both personally and professionally.
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
In this class students develop leadership, professional, and business skills. They learn to foster a healthy self-concept, healthy relationships, and learn to understand the concept of personal responsibility including social media’s impact on image. Students will develop an understanding of Emotional Intelligence and the skills it measures, which include selfawareness, self-control, self-motivation, and social skills. Students will also develop an understanding of the need for vision in goal-setting, both personally and professionally.
Music Exploration
Music Exploration: The History of Rock and Roll
Length/Credit 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 8th
This course is designed to give an overview of pop culture and/or music history of the 20th and early 21st centuries. We will examine the roots of rock and roll, from the cotton fields of the south, to early blues and jazz music. These traditions formed the foundation for early rock and roll, which has led us to the music we enjoy today. Attention will be paid to the history of various decades, as world events and trends heavily influence the music of the time. We will explore pertinent historical personalities/ groups who greatly transformed the music of various decades. Students will acquire knowledge of how the music we listen to today evolved, and examine the paths which pop culture took to become what it is today.
Orchestra
6th Grade Preparatory Orchestra
Length/Credit 4 quarters
Prerequisite: See Description Below
Grade Level: 6th
Generally students have 1-2 years of experience playing a string instrument with some understanding of reading music. In this course students will extend their reading ability and musical vocabulary. They will gain the mechanics and basic understanding of tuning their own instrument. They will learn when and how to shift out of first position.
*Beginning students are welcome but highly encouraged to take private lessons and seek as much support from the teacher as possible.
7th Grade Symphonic Orchestra
Length/Credit 4 quarters
Prerequisite: See Description Below
Grade Level: 7th
Student should have 2-4 years of experience playing a string instrument. Should be able to read music confidently and understand the mechanics of tuning their own instrument. In this course students will extend their reading ability and musical vocabulary. They will play musical selections which will require them to shift and play in multiple keys while performing more challenging rhythmic patterns.
*Highly self motivated beginning students are welcome but highly encouraged to take private lessons and seek as much support from the teacher as possible as they will need to spend a great deal of time with the instrument to catch up.
8th Grade Chamber Orchestra
Length/Credit 4 quarters
Prerequisite: See Description Below
Grade Level: 8th
This is an advanced orchestra for student with 3-5 years of experience playing a string instrument. Students should be able to confidently read music and tune their own instrument with minimal assistance. They should be able to confidently shift to one other position and play in many different keys. In this course they will learn advanced techniques such as vibrato, and shifting to higher positions. They will extend their reading ability and musical vocabulary and demonstrate this through sight reading.
*Students with less experience are welcome but must be highly motivated to learn at a fast pace on their own and are highly encouraged to take private lessons and seek as much support from the teacher as possible.
Personal Finance
Length/Credit: 1 quarter (6th) 1 semester (7th-8th)
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th, 7th, 8th
Have you ever wondered how to make money as an entrepreneur, save up for a car, or even pay for college? Personal finance is the class for you! Although the topics are similar, you will have a completely different experience in personal finance in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Sixth-grade topics include career and education research and creating your own theme park. Seventh grade topics include budgeting, entrepreneurship, investing, and designing/marketing your own product or service. Eighth-grade topics include the stock market, debit vs. credit, saving for college, career research, interviews with industry experts, and a real-life finance simulation.
Physical Education
Length/Credit: 1 quarter (6th) 1 semester (7th-8th)
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th, 7th and 8th
Students will participate regularly in physical activity and achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness while demonstrating proficiency in motor skills needed to perform a variety of physical activity. Students will exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in the physical education settings and apply safety knowledge and skills to prevent injury. Depending on the quarter, students will learn and practice specific sports related skills and participate in sports and games that will contribute to their physical as well as their social well-being. These sports and games include but are not limited to; Ultimate Frisbee, Flag Football, Disc Golf, Basketball, Volleyball, Net Sports (such as Badminton, Pickle Ball and Table Tennis), Floor Hockey, Lacrosse, Archery, Softball, and Tennis as well as other indoor and outdoor games
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th, 7th and 8th
Students will participate regularly in physical activity and achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness while demonstrating proficiency in motor skills needed to perform a variety of physical activity. Students will exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in the physical education settings and apply safety knowledge and skills to prevent injury. Depending on the quarter, students will learn and practice specific sports related skills and participate in sports and games that will contribute to their physical as well as their social well-being. These sports and games include but are not limited to; Ultimate Frisbee, Flag Football, Disc Golf, Basketball, Volleyball, Net Sports (such as Badminton, Pickle Ball and Table Tennis), Floor Hockey, Lacrosse, Archery, Softball, and Tennis as well as other indoor and outdoor games
Visual Arts
Introduction To The Visual Arts
Length/Credit 1 quarter
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th
In this class students learn about the Elements of Art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space), develop art vocabulary, focus on the art history of Mexico, Central, and South America (social studies integration) and learn drawing techniques that encourage confidence. Students will create a 2D and 3D project each quarter. The medium we use changes each year, but can include, drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, or papier mache’.
Foundations In Design & Encounter The Visual Arts
Length/Credit 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 7th
Students in both classes will learn the Elements of Art and Principles of Design as they explore various art materials, techniques and processes, creating one 2D and 3D art project each quarter. The art media changes every year and may include drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber art, clay, glass, or papier mache’ sculpture. Drawing Skills are developed as students complete warm-up exercises that encourage confidence in recognizing line and space relationship, light and shadow. The art history of Greece, Italy, Asia, Africa, Australia (social studies integration) are highlighted in seventh grade visual arts.
Intermediate Design, Expanding The Visual Arts
Length/Credit 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 8th
The three classes are different in content and each year the art media changes. Students in each class will create two art projects. The art media for these projects may include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, clay, fiber arts or glass. The students will discuss art appreciation and may explore the art history of Europe and North America, including Contemporary Art. Students will continue to build their drawing ability through lessons that will give confidence and help equip them with the tools necessary to participate in the creation of successful visual arts projects. Students in eighth grade will learn more sophisticated techniques, methods and processes in art, but all classes are success oriented and will encourage individual confidence and will hopefully spark an interest in and passion for the visual arts.
World Languages and Cultures
World Languages and Cultures
Length/Credit 1 quarter
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th
In this class students will be introduced to Spanish and French as well as the countries where these languages are spoken throughout the world. The class is designed to practice conversational language as learned through a variety of vocabulary units. These units include greetings and introductions, school/classroom vocabulary, expressing likes and dislikes, foods, activities, family members, the calendar and more. We will also explore various cultural elements found around the world including music, food, traditions and other topics.
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 6th
In this class students will be introduced to Spanish and French as well as the countries where these languages are spoken throughout the world. The class is designed to practice conversational language as learned through a variety of vocabulary units. These units include greetings and introductions, school/classroom vocabulary, expressing likes and dislikes, foods, activities, family members, the calendar and more. We will also explore various cultural elements found around the world including music, food, traditions and other topics.
Introduction To Spanish
Length/Credit 1 semester
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 7th
This class is designed to be intensive in conversational Spanish while we learn the language through a variety of vocabulary units. These units include greetings and introductions, school/classroom vocabulary, expressing likes and dislikes, foods, activities, weather, the calendar and more. We will also explore various cultural elements found in the Spanish speaking world including music, food, traditions and practices as well as other topics in the Latin world.
Spanish I-II
Length/Credit 4 quarters
Prerequisites: Intro To Spanish
Grade Level: 8th
In Introduction to Spanish we studied topics which included greetings & introductions, school / classroom vocabulary, expressing likes and dislikes, foods, activities, weather, the calendar and more. This class continues to be intensive in conversational Spanish while we will continue to build from your current knowledge base of Spanish and explore new units of vocabulary as well as dive deep into the fascinating world of grammar. We will also explore more of the cultural elements found in the Spanish speaking world including music, food, traditions and practices as well as other topics in the Latin world. This class is designed to be a high school level class. Students will be expected to work at a high level, participate and complete 2-3 homework assignments each week as well as chapter quizzes and unit tests.