Middle School Electives

  • Robert C. Fisler School offers electives to middle school students (grades 6-8) three times a week on Monday, Thursday, and Friday. The following elective choices are provided each trimester (with the exception of Band, STEM and Leadership, which are year-round).
     
    Band   

    Learn to play, or improve your skills on any band instrument - flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion.   Students will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of performing concerts in a full band setting. Information will be provided during the first week of class regarding instruments and music.

    Creative Writing

    Students will study the basics of creative writing. They will learn how to develop strong plots, characters and dialogue. We will read and discuss a selection of short stories, poetry, and the novel, Dog Gone. Students will keep a writing journal and will have a chance to share their creative efforts with others.

    Book Club

    Do you love to read? Want to read but haven't found the right book? Join Book Club to find engaging books, share your favorite reads, and explore new literature. We will be spending time reading, sharing novels we love, and creatively sharing read aloud and book reviews with classmates and lower grade levels. We will be mixing the elements of reading, discussion, and creativity to explore novels old and new. Students will have the option to record real-aloud to share with elementary students, creatively change the ending of their novel and share, and so much more!

    Study Hall

    Students will use this time to strengthen their study skills, get ahead on homework, and catch up on makeup work.

    Cultural Connections    

    This course is designed to teach students about World Mindedness, Spain, Mexico, The Caribbean, South America, multiculturalism as well as basic Spanish vocabulary and simple phrases/verb conjugations.

    Forensics

    You are the crime scene investigator. Examine the evidence at the scene of the crime by applying your science skills. Eliminate suspects with the facts.Examine finger prints, compare various samples and take a closer look at ink.  You may never look at a room the same way again. Choose the right suspect and you might get an “A”.   (This class will be a repeat of last year’s CSI class)

    Intramural Sports/Physical Conditioning                                  

    Intramural Sports is an opportunity for students to engage in activities with their classmates in various sports and physical conditioning opportunities. It is open to all students. The purpose of the intramural program is to provide fun, safe and structured play experiences that promote the physical, mental and social development of every student. All levels are welcome.

    Leadership

    Student Leadership will encompass student-elected officers as well as other appointed student positions. The primary goal is to offer students the opportunity to participate in school and community service activities that emphasize the use of leadership skills.  Leadership skills will be taught through the use of the Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) program and  students use their leadership skills by participating in fundraising activities to benefit the school and the community.  Students must apply for this class. All students must fill out the elective form as not all students who apply will be chosen for leadership. 

    Math In Focus

    Who says math has to be boring? This class will continue to explore math through technology, art and music Students will be creating projects that exhibit concepts of math. Join us for a mathtastic time.

    Financial Literacy

    Through project-based learning activities and tasks, students will apply mathematical concepts in realistic scenarios and will actively engage by applying the mathematics necessary to make informed decisions related to personal finance.  Financial Literacy places great emphasis on PROBLEM SOLVING, REASONING, representing, connecting and COMMUNICATING financial data.

    Science Missions: MineCraft Education Edition

    Students will be put in a “Mod” world and given tasks to complete within it. Science, math, and engineering will be integrated. This will be an interactive building, design and problem-solving experience. If you enjoy gaming and cooperative work, this is for you. Space is limited to 30 students. There is a $5 donation to cover your license fee.

    Korean

    This course will introduce the student to the sound system and grammatical structure of the Korean language. The focus will be on developing and increasing skill levels in the areas of oral comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. By the end of the year, students will have a basic understanding of grammar, including word formation, some verb conjugations, some idiomatic expressions, and will recognize cognates. This course will also discuss various cultural aspects of the Korean-speaking world.

    STEM V – Applied Coding

    This is a year-long course for 7th and 8th grade students. Programming/coding emphasizes real life STEM applications. Programming will be the vehicle in which students will have the chance to connect research, math, ELA, and science standards to practical applications in alignment with Computer Science Principles. The emphasis of math practices and ELA standards will help promote the CCSS as well as engage students in real life application. 

    Yearbook

    If you are interested in writing, photography and art as well as creating a permanent lasting memory for you, your classmates and the entire Fisler community, the yearbook elective is for you! Students will learn pre-collegiate communication skills that will include narrative projects, photography and digital art to inform the community about what is happening at Fisler.  For trimester 2 and 3, students will have the opportunity to stay in yearbook elective  while also learning video production skills and digital design.

     


    In addition to elective choices, robotics, photography, html coding, and animation are a part of General Ed. Rocketry and app development opportunities are offered through Compass Time and co-led by parents in the professional field. Students learn relevant, real world skills and how these skills impact the world today. Students are also offered opportunities to join clubs, organizations, and teams, such as National Junior Honors Society, Science Olympiad, Mathena (math club), Math Field Day (for 4-6), and after-school enrichment and sports programs.