LAS FLORES TK-8

This quarter course will introduce students to the elements of art, principals of design and a variety of art techniques. Students will have fun creating many different projects that they can be proud of while simultaneously learning valuable aspects of creativity and art. The course curriculum will focus on the basic elements of design including line, value, space, shape, and texture. Course work may include symmetrical design, pattern and shape drawings, watercolor paintings, crafts, and styrofoam printmaking.

 

This course may be offered as a rotation in the semester wheel. This course will focus on technical skills in art. Students will explore concepts in art in both a 2D and then 3D format. For example, design a 2D animation character and then build the character out of polymer clay. All students will get the basics in drawing, as well as the elements of art and principles of design. Media will include pencil, pen, pastels, paper mache, wood, clay, mosaics, oil paint and watercolor.

 

Advanced Art - Grades 7, 8 - Year (preference given to 8th graders). [Recommended prerequisite - 7th grade art or portfolio. ]

The Advanced Art program is designed for students that have previous experience in middle school. This course will let students explore and work in a variety of art mediums from drawing and painting to digital art. Students will develop a portfolio that exhibits their art styles and range of techniques. Students will develop strong expressive techniques by using the elements of art and principles of design. This course will also help students appreciate various artists and art movements. 

 

This course may be offered as a rotation in the semester wheel. This course will allow students to develop beginning and intermediate computer skills while learning how to manipulate images using photo and video editing through the use of photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop; basic video production skills; digital camera use; explore elements of graphic design; and online media development. Students will also learn about the basics of storyboarding and scripting to create their own projects as well as group projects using software such as MovieMaker.   

 

This class teaches the principles and dynamics of student leadership.  Students who are elected or appointed to leadership positions will be enrolled in the year long class.  Student body officers will perform a variety of services throughout the school year such as planning a school budget, conducting business meetings and learning leadership techniques.  Students will be responsible for organizing most student activities, magazine sales, dances, assemblies, staff and student recognition, and lunchtime activities.

 

This course will also teach students to develop interpersonal and communication skills, foster community awareness and involvement, and to apply problem solving and critical thinking skills to peer, social and personal situations.

 

 

Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) - Grades 7, 8 - Year  (Course will be a combination class with ASB)

The PAL program is a school-based, peer-to-peer youth development program built upon a philosophy of students helping students. Students will  be preparing for success in college & careers by building 21st century skills in: Communication by welcoming and reaching out to other students and delivering presentations and public speaking; Collaboration by working together toward a common goal, partnering with other campus and community groups, interacting with diverse groups of peers; Character by advocating for a healthy and drug-free lifestyle, implementing strategies to reduce bullying and violence, caring for others; Creativity by utilizing individual talents and imagination in new ways, brainstorming original ideas, developing plans for projects and activities; and Critical Thinking through analyzing issues affecting the campus and community, and creating strategies to address issues.

 

Members of PAL are expected to serve as positive role models for the rest of the student body. As a result, students involved in PAL have many responsibilities and expectations that they should be aware of before committing to the class.

 

Technology Processes Introduction - Grade 6 - Quarter 

This nine week technology segment of the year long Fine and Practical Arts program is an introduction to many common technologies used in today's workplace.  Students will be exposed to such fields as Aerodynamics, Robotics programming, laser measurement, and bridge engineering among others.  Students will complete a model bridge, geodesic dome and create graphic animation projects.  This course may be included as one rotation in the Sixth Grade Wheel Elective.

 

Introduction to Computers - Grade 6 - Quarter  (not offered in 2022-23)

This nine week technology segment of the year long Fine and Practical Arts program is an introduction to many common computer applications used in today's workplace.  Students will be introduced to basic software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Photoshop and other common computer software programs.  This course may be included as one rotation in the Sixth Grade Wheel Elective.

 

This course may be offered as a rotation in the semester wheel. It explores various industrial technology tools in use in the workplace today.  Technology processes in communications, manufacturing, biotechnology, transportation and system of power and energy will be explored.  Students typically rotate among stations, each set up with a specific technology of study in two-person teams.  Each rotation may last from 10 to 15 days depending on the school site.  Tools used in this class may include computers, lasers and robotic arms.  Student projects may include creating a fully raceable CO 2 dragster, building a launchable rocket, and creating an animated cartoon among others.

 

Students will rotate every 10-12 days between learning Computer Application skills to completing modules in Tech Processes as described in the semester course description for Tech Processes. The Computer Applications skills will have students develop communication skills through such units as video production, multimedia presentations, digital animation, graphic design and web page creation.  This portion of the course emphasizes advanced video creation and editing techniques utilizing computers and explores fundamentals of web page design with an emphasis on advanced techniques used on the web. This course requires students to have a working knowledge of computers as well as an attitude to learn.

 

In this class, students will learn the basics of video production, storyboarding, layout, lighting, recording and editing.  Students will work hands on with the sophisticated process as they go step by step through the process of producing a periodic video broadcast.

Requirements:  Annual application process in spring of each prior year includes recommendation from teachers, grades, interview from the Instructor and outstanding citizenship and work habits.

Performance based year-long groups participating in both school and community events. Acting based course that may include: pantomime, improvisation, Reader's Theatre; creating and performance of skits and plays; learning about different genres of media and dramatic arts puppetry: learning about related careers including behind the scenes. One production during the year may include a musical theatre based production. No prior experience required. 

Intro to Foreign Languages - Grade 6 – Quarter  (not offered in 2022-23)

This class provides students with the opportunity to study Foreign Language on an introductory level.  The course covers basic conversational skills, vocabulary building, history, customs and geography of the countries.  It does not cover any of the languages in great depth as the course is designed to be a first exposure to foreign languages.  This course may be included as one rotation in the Sixth Grade Wheel Elective.

 

B average or better in English is highly recommended.

 

This class provides students the opportunity to study Spanish grammar, pronunciation, simple conversation and practical expression.  Spanish 1A is paced to allow for building a strong foundation for future foreign language learning.  This course is the first year in a two year sequence.  Students enrolling in Spanish 1A are making a commitment to continue in Spanish 1B in their eighth grade year.  It is highly recommended students earn at least a “B” each quarter to continue on to Spanish 1B. Students earning less than a B average in this course may be recommended for Spanish 1 in 8th grade.

Grade 8 students who do not meet the minimum requirements for Spanish 1 (B average in English) but would like to build a strong foundation in Spanish before entering Spanish 1 in high school may also be considered for this course if space permits. This course is the equivalent of one semester of Spanish 1 and thus will not meet the A-G requirements toward a year of foreign language and will need to enroll in Spanish 1 in high school.

 

B average or better in Spanish 1A is highly recommended.

 

This class continues the skills developed in the Spanish 1A prerequisite course.  The main emphasis of Spanish 1B is placed on (1) mastery of the sound system (which is basic to pronunciation), (2) simple conversation and practical expression, (3) basic grammatical concepts necessary in speaking, and (4) an introduction to short and simple reading selections.  Students must earn at least a “B” each quarter to be recommended for Spanish II in high school.   

Students who successfully complete both Spanish 1a and 1b will meet one year of the high school graduation requirement for foreign language as well as one year of the college 'A-G' foreign language  requirement.  Students will not receive unit credit toward meeting the required 220 units for high school graduation.  Grades shown on the 2nd quarter report and 4th quarter reports are semester grades and will be shown on a student's high school transcript although neither the grade nor the credits are calculated toward the high school grade point average or credits earned.  

 

 

 

The main emphasis of the language is placed on (1) the mastery of the sound system, which is basic to pronunciation, (2) simple conversation and practical expression, (3) basic grammatical concepts necessary in speaking and (4) and introduction to the short, simple reading selections.  Students who receive a yearly cumulative grade of “A” or “B” will be recommended to advance to the second year of the language.  These students will receive one year of “course credit” toward meeting the foreign language requirement for college admission.  Students will not, however, receive “unit credit” toward meeting the required 220 units for high school graduation.  Grades shown on the 2nd quarter report and 4th quarter reports are semester grades and will be shown on a student's high school transcript although neither the grade nor the credits are calculated toward the high school grade point average or credits earned.  The course is shown as it meets one year of the high school graduation requirement for foreign language as well as one year of the college 'A-G' foreign language requirement.

 

Students will learn the phases of yearbook publication through the planning and production of the school yearbook.  Students will become familiar with the technology used in desktop publishing, including PageMaker 6.5.; Writing, photography, page layout and a supplementary CD ROM incorporating video, music and images.  Students will compare journalistic styles of newspapers, magazines and broadcast news.  They will create mock-newscasts in the spring semester.

 

Requirements:  Annual application process in spring of each prior year includes recommendation from teachers, grades in Language Arts, interview from the Instructor and outstanding citizenship and work habits.