6th Grade Math

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00-11:55 OR Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-12:55

This year-long class requires students to use the Big Ideas Math 6th grade curriculum and regular attendance is a must. Students will meet 2x weekly to receive direct instruction for 6th grade math. The teacher will set expectations for work completion using a 2-week schedule that will be available in Google Classroom and emailed to parents and PLT’s regularly. As primary educators for their students, parents are responsible for grading, daily monitoring and teaching lessons at home. The classroom teacher supports the learning at home by going over examples, reviewing important concepts, answering questions from the book during class, and providing additional skills practice/activities. Parents are welcome to attend class.

7th Grade Math

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00-11:55. OR. Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-12:55

This year-long class will explore foundational 7th-grade math concepts using the Big Ideas 7th-grade curriculum. Parents are still the primary math teacher for their students and are responsible for grading, daily monitoring, and teaching lessons at home. Pacing will be provided by the teacher. Class instruction will support the learning at home by going over examples, reviewing important concepts, and answering questions from the book during class. Regular attendance is a must.

8th Grade High School Prep Math

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00-11:55 OR Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-12:55

This year-long class is designed to prepare students for high school math courses by providing structure, expectations, and assessments that are typical in a high school environment. The class requires students to use the Big Ideas 8th grade math curriculum and follow a teacher provided calendar of assignments. Regular attendance is a must. Parents will correct and check homework at home but assessments will be given in class and corrected by the center class teacher. The teacher will provide a suggested grade at the end of every learning period.

6th/7th Grade ELA - Fix It! Write It! (Writing Class)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00-11:55  OR  Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-12:55

This year-long course will utilize IEW curriculum, and is designed to meet 6/7 grade students' grammar and writing requirements for English Language Arts. The class will incorporate Structure and Style Writing and Fix It! Grammar for our assignments, and students will often have homework as part of this class. We will complete both expository and creative writing assignments, as well as working on editing weekly grammar entries. Students enrolled in this class will complete 2-3 writing pieces each learning period, and will be expected to both participate in the classes as well as complete the assignments. Students who do not attend and complete at least 70% of coursework will be disenrolled from the class (please contact the teacher if special arrangements need to be made). 

8th Grade High School Prep English

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:00-11:55    OR  Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-12:55

This year-long supplementary English class will be using Common Core standards to prepare students for high school English. It will meet twice weekly. It will encompass critical reading and responding to literature, writing, speaking, collaborating, and technology. The class will involve a variety of classroom learning styles and projects. As a class, we will be reading 6 novels throughout the year and completing writing projects each learning period. The classroom teacher will communicate weekly with parents and PLT's with specific classroom assignments, and provide a suggested grade each learning period for each student. Parents will ensure that students attend class regularly and help students complete assignments in writing, reading, and vocabulary at home. Parents will grade work from Grammar and vocabulary books. The PLT will assist the parent in choosing a spelling/vocabulary curriculum. The PLT will issue assignments and a grade for Language Arts including writing, with input from classroom teacher and parent.

6th/7th/8th Grade - Speech & Debate

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-10:55

This year-long class will develop and improve public speaking skills. The first semester students will be asked to compose (during class time) and deliver speeches on topics of the students’ choosing in the following genres: informative, demonstrative, and persuasive.  The second semester students will use the skills they developed to prepare for interesting and lively group debates.  Speech anxiety solutions and active listening skills will be covered as well. Join us as we tackle the fear of public speaking in this fun and interactive class.

7th/8th Grade ~ Digital Media, Journalism, & Yearbook

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-10:55

This year-long class will focus on a number of different digital projects that will be centered around design elements and  editorial writing as well as work toward completing this year’s school yearbook (It’s a big deal and a big responsibility so we really need those students who have a passion to create). Each year the yearbook has a different vibe; however, we look forward to filling it up with the unique learning experiences that this year will bring. In addition to completing the yearbook we will create advertisements, ads and surveys for our students and families. We will primarily use Canva as our design platform and we will rely on navigating google suite as we communicate and stay organized.

6th/7th/8th ~ Making History

Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00-1:55

Do you love to explore topics that you find fascinating and see where the information leads you? In this year-long class, students will determine their own topic of interest and dive deep into learning how to conduct research. They will learn about the importance of different types of sources and how to cite them, brainstorming questions for investigation, how to organize research to build a cohesive "story,” as well as many computer skills.  This class requires some homework and computer access at home is a must.  Students will use their research to create a detailed project that can be submitted in the Butte County National History Day competition in March.  After students have completed their National History Day projects, we will do a variety of fun, smaller projects based on student curiosity.  For more information about National History Day visit www.nhdca.org.  Are you ready to make history?!?

6th/7th/8th Grade - Science: Exploration of Energy

Tuesdays Only 9:00-10:55  or Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00-1:55

FALL: This inquiry-based class will use hands-on activities, experiments, and investigations to explore the phenomenon of energy. The class supports middle school earth, life, and physical science standards through an interdisciplinary approach and will provide students the opportunity to think like scientists, developing their collaboration and critical thinking skills. We will explore concepts such as energy transfers, electromagnetic energy and solar power, chemical energy and chemical reactions, and energy use in technology.

6th/7th/8th Grade ~ Project-Based C-STEM

Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-2:55

FALL: This semester-long class will provide students with small-task conundrums to solve in groups as well as individual semester-long projects.  Students will be given the opportunity to use creativity in design and problem solving using mini lessons from computing, science, technology, engineering, and math education (C-STEM).  Students solve tasks by using design processes to identify and investigate, create and implement, test and improve, and explain the solution.  Desired outcomes for students are to develop creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, communication and collaboration, and to teach new technology skills that can be applied in a variety of settings.

6th/7th/8th Grade ~ Nutrition and Food Science

Thursdays Only 9:00-10:55

FALL: Each semester holds a look at staple crops of a select continent with a consideration of  today’s agricultural processes and food preparation.  Students will understand locally sourced ingredients and experience a variety of spice blends of the cultures.We will work with hands-on experiences in food science, considering macro and micro nutrients and the quality of various foods, food safety, and the effects of foods on human health.

6th/7th/8th Grade ~ Moving & Cartooning

Tuesdays Only 1:00-2:55

FALL: For this semester-long class, each weekly class session consists of both Physical Education and Art. Part of the time the class will include teaching students foreshadowing, sketching techniques, visual perspective, and creative cartoon-style drawing. The other part of the class will include fun traditional classroom PE games and sports activities. Non-competitive.

6th/7th/8th ~ G.R.I.T.  (Growth-Resilience-Integrity… Together)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-2:55

FALL: Calling all middle schoolers! Come join us as we puzzle our way through mind benders, team-building activities, and competitive games! This course will explore a series of visual metaphors (different between semesters) to foster problem-solving and resilience skills. Join us for hands-on activities as we build a toolkit to navigate challenges and build character!

6th/7th/8th ~ Logic & Critical Thinking

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-10:55

FALL: What is a fallacy? A fallacy is an error in logic – a place where someone has made a mistake in his thinking.

“A cloud is 90% water. A watermelon is 90% water. Therefore, since a plane can fly through a cloud, a plane can fly through a watermelon.”

This class is for detectives - fallacy detective! This class is designed for spotting the fallacies you meet in the street, in the news, or in yourself. The goal is to answer the question: What is bad reasoning? We will start with why it is important to stretch and exercise your mind and then look at the most common errors in reasoning.

6th/7th/8th ~ Studio Arts

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00-9:55

FALL: For this semester-long class, students will explore foundational arts skills and vocabulary while creating a portfolio of artistic compositions.  They will demonstrate foundational skills and knowledge in drawing, painting and other mediums.  They will explore their personal creative process, aspects of 2-D, art history, design theory, and critique through verbal and written responses to their art, peer work, and professional works.  Students will investigate various applications of art in career fields such as communications, marketing, graphic design, architectural design, engineering, artisanship, museums/galleries and education.  An emphasis will also be placed on the creative process as a means of personal expression, identity development, wellness, and in building connections  within and between local or global communities.

6th/7th/8th ~ Theater 

Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00-1:55

FALL: This semester-long class will provide students with collaborative rehearsed and improvisational theater activities that will help develop presentational and acting skills. Students will learn about creative movement, voice in performance and public speaking, and scene studies through published dramatic works as well as student generated playwriting. Desired outcomes for students are to develop a lifelong creative process, empathetic approaches to relationships, and abilities to effectively convey ideas, express feelings, and solve problems through storytelling and the dramatic process. 

6th/7th/8th ~ Money Smarts & Career

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00-9:55

FALL: Dollars & sense… gain a general exposure to the world of money within the context of projects, simulations, digital education, and games. Students will gain the confidence and skills to make sound financial decisions for their own future.  Money (and economic) concepts are everywhere you turn!  What makes someone on the other side of the world poor? What would you do with $100,000 in the stock market? Future minded discussions related to personal development and career awareness are woven throughout the lessons. Concepts will cover, What is money?, How do you save and spend it?, What impact can money have?, and How can it be generated through a business?

6th/7th/8th Grade - Science: Exploration of Matter

Tuesdays Only 9:00-10:55   or   Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00-1:55

SPRING: This inquiry-based class will use hands-on activities, experiments, and investigations to explore matter. The class supports middle school earth, life, and physical science standards through an interdisciplinary approach and will provide students the opportunity to think like scientists, developing their collaboration and critical thinking skills. We will explore concepts such as Earth’s systems and the cycling of matter, resources in an ecosystem, and photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

6th/7th/8th Grade ~ Project-Based C-STEM

Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-2:55

SPRING: This semester-long class will provide students with small-task conundrums to solve in groups as well as individual semester-long projects.  Students will be given the opportunity to use creativity in design and problem solving using mini lessons from computing, science, technology, engineering, and math education (C-STEM).  Students solve tasks by using design processes to identify and investigate, create and implement, test and improve, and explain the solution.  Desired outcomes for students are to develop creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, communication and collaboration, and to teach new technology skills that can be applied in a variety of settings.

6th/7th/8th Grade ~ Nutrition & Food Science

Thursdays Only 9:00-10:55

SPRING: Each semester holds a look at ancient staple crops with a comparison to today’s agricultural processes, planting and harvesting in the school garden, and cooking foods from a group of countries from a select continent. Spice profiles and a survey of the culture that surrounds each country will be explored and enjoyed while developing basic culinary skills and a deep dive into nutrition.

6th/7th/8th Grade ~ Moving & Cartooning

Tuesdays Only 1:00-2:55

SPRING: Each weekly class session consists of both Physical Education and Art. Part of the time the class will include teaching students foreshadowing, sketching techniques, visual perspective, and creative cartoon-style drawing. The other part of the class will include fun traditional classroom PE games and sports activities. Non-competitive.

6th/7th/8th ~ G.R.I.T.  (Growth-Resilience-Integrity… Together)

Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00-2:55

SPRING: Calling all middle schoolers! Come join us as we puzzle our way through mind benders, team-building activities, and competitive games! This course will explore a series of visual metaphors (different between semesters) to foster problem-solving and resilience skills. Join us for hands-on activities as we build a toolkit to navigate challenges and build character!

6th/7th/8th ~ Intro to Ukulele

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-10:55

SPRING: Anyone can be a ukulele player! This semester-long class is an introduction to the ukulele instrument and will provide students with instant access to making music in a collaborative group setting. No prior music experience necessary for this class.  We will focus on the basics of music from tuning, strumming and rhythms, reading music to play songs, improvising, and beginning songwriting

6th/7th/8th ~ Studio Arts

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00-9:55

SPRING: For this semester-long class, students will explore foundational arts skills and vocabulary while creating a portfolio of artistic compositions.  They will demonstrate foundational skills and knowledge in drawing, painting and other mediums.  They will explore their personal creative process, aspects of 2-D, art history, design theory, and critique through verbal and written responses to their art, peer work, and professional works.  Students will investigate various applications of art in career fields such as communications, marketing, graphic design, architectural design, engineering, artisanship, museums/galleries and education.  An emphasis will also be placed on the creative process as a means of personal expression, identity development, wellness, and in building connections  within and between local or global communities.

6th/7th/8th ~ Theater 

Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00-1:55

SPRING: This semester-long class will provide students with collaborative rehearsed and improvisational theater activities that will help develop presentational and acting skills. Students will learn about creative movement, voice in performance and public speaking, and scene studies through published dramatic works as well as student generated playwriting. Desired outcomes for students are to develop a lifelong creative process, empathetic approaches to relationships, and abilities to effectively convey ideas, express feelings, and solve problems through storytelling and the dramatic process.

6th/7th/8th ~ Money Smarts & Career

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00-9:55

SPRING: Dollars & sense… gain a general exposure to the world of money within the context of projects, simulations, digital education, and games. Students will gain the confidence and skills to make sound financial decisions for their own future.  Money (and economic) concepts are everywhere you turn!  What makes someone on the other side of the world poor? What would you do with $100,000 in the stock market? Future minded discussions related to personal development and career awareness are woven throughout the lessons. Concepts will cover, Investing, Your Financial Future, and Money Management. 

7th/8th ~ Health Class

FALL SEMESTER ONLY: October 24th - December 14th

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00-9:55

The class is designed to promote awareness of social-emotional and physical developmental needs so students can make educated and responsible personal health decisions. This is the classroom version of our Positive Prevention Plus sexual health curriculum.

6th/7th/8th ~ Middle School Events Team

ALL YEAR - Modified Schedule (two class periods per LP and one event per LP)

Select Thursdays 3:00-4:00

This class will meet twice per learning period to plan and execute middle school events held each learning period.  Middle school events are such an integral part of our middle school community.  We look forward to building a team that will help us to plan and execute these events.  We are looking for middle school students who are responsible and eager to build community.  We ask that students commit to the class schedule and attend the events.  We also ask for parent involvement in executing the events.  We will have an information meeting in August to go over expectations.  If you are interested in being on the Middle School Events Team, please reach out to Kristi Harper (kharper@corebutte.org) or Katrina DuVal (kduval@corebutte.org).

6th/7th/8th - Study Lab

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-10:55   or   11:00-11:55    or   12:00-12:55    or    1:00-1:55

FALL & SPRING: This semester-long one-hour class will provide students with an opportunity to build their study skills and develop strong work habits, while completing their assigned work. Students will learn and utilize tools to support organization, planning, self-advocacy, time management, goal-setting, and effective communication.  Students are expected to bring a completed “Study Lab Plan” daily (completed/signed by parent) with all materials needed to complete the assignments on their plan. If technology is needed to complete assignments, students will have access to school laptops (no cell phone use during class). Please note: This will be a quiet, studious environment for students to focus on their work - this is not a class for socializing or “hanging out” between classes.