8th Grade Scheduling

Students interested in the study of art will experiment with various materials and processes using many two‐ and three‐dimensional art forms, such as drawing, painting, textile/fibers, printmaking, digital art and design, and ceramics. Emphasis is placed on learning and application of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Students should expect appropriate reading, writing, vocabulary, and the study of art history and contemporary visual arts.

This class rotates through various content areas: foods, finance, computers, and textiles (hand sewing). The kitchen unit covers using kitchen equipment correctly and safely to prepare basic recipes from scratch while demonstrating correct food handling, sanitation, and kitchen terminology. In finance, students will practice financial skills by completing a finance portfolio. Basic computer skills, coding, and typing are to be covered. The textile unit will focus on hand-sewing basics and completing a final project using those skills.

This information will be coming soon.  Colony Middle School and Colony High School are working together to identify classes students may attend during the 1st period next year.

Beginning Band - Both Semesters

Beginning band is for students who have never played or have only had one year of playing time in the previous school year. The beginning band offers Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Horn (depending on ability and interest), Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion (there are limitations to Percussion that will be discussed with Mr. Lambert). All students who are taking the beginning band must schedule a “Fitting meeting” with Mr. Lambert before the start of the school year. Contact Mr. Lambert to set this up.

Beginning Choir - Both Semesters

The class works on developing skills in singing while learning about many aspects of music (reading notation, history, singing in different styles, etc...). 6th graders will automatically be placed into the beginning choir. Please note that this class is year‐long.

Orchestra - Both Semesters

This class is for 6th to 8th‐grade students who are interested in string instruments (Violin, Viola, and Cello) (Upright Bass is also possible, but they are expensive). The class works on developing skills on the student’s instrument while learning about many aspects of music (reading notation, history, playing in different styles, etc...).  Advance players (with at least one full year of experience playing) will work on full literature at the start of the school year.

Guitar - 1st Semester Only

This music class is for students who play guitar (electric or acoustic) or electric bass. The class will be divided by ability levels, and students will work in groups on pieces of music to perform. Students will be working on proper techniques, learning to read traditional music notation and TAB notation (chord symbols), and working in a team setting. Performances will be in class and possibly for other classes in our school.  This class may only be taken once while the student is at Colony Middle School.

Acting & Theater - 2nd Semester Only

This is a two‐part class spread over the semester. Part 1 is drama acting. Students will spend a large chunk of the class's 1st half, working on and improving their acting skills, developing character, understanding and analyzing scripts, and learning how to develop working relationships with other actors. There will be games, role‐playing, and written character work that will be part of the class. Part 2 is the musical theater part of the class. Students will learn about the ins and outs of musical theater by working to create a full scene from a show. Students will learn how to audition and deal with costumes, lights, audio, set design, actor blocking, stage timing, and many other aspects of working in a theater. Students will be broken into small groups to create an entire scene from a show and present it to the class. They will have a “director” and “actors” with “stagehands” in their group. They will develop the blocking, light design, sound design, and choreographing for the scene they are working on.  This class may only be taken once while the student is at Colony Middle School.

This course provides knowledge of basic rules and terms of team, dual, and individual sports. Students will be introduced to the application and benefits of life activities and fitness. The concepts of self‐discipline and team camaraderie are enforced.  Proper use and care of equipment is taught and practiced, as well as safety, rules, and procedures. The 6 National Physical Education Standards are implemented in the physical education program.

Colony Middle School 8th graders take one semester of high school level Civics and one semester of 8th grade US History.  Civics is a high school course that’s required for high school graduation.  Students who earn a passing grade will not need to take Civics when they get to high school.  This will allow them to take additional courses that interest them.  Their earned grade will be reflected on their high school transcript. 

STEM focuses on learning engineering and the design process engineers and inventors used to improve and create new products. Students will create various hands‐on projects using the tools available in class. They will receive instruction on properly and safely using various power tools such as the bandsaw, scroll saw, drill press, and belt/disk sander. Students will be introduced to planning and design work using a 3D modeling program called Onshape. They will create various projects throughout the semester. These may include, but are not limited to, sail cars, maglev vehicles, bridge and truss building, rockets, and more.

8th-grade students can apply to be a student aide in the front office or for a teacher in the building.  Students can submit their applications once schedules are made available in the fall.  The following guidelines are required for a student to be considered to be an aide:

• 3.0 or higher GPA for the previous semester.
• No SRC referrals from the previous quarter.
• No dress code violations from the previous quarter.
• Good attendance and behavior.
• Must be responsible, trustworthy, and an independent worker.
• Referral from a teacher about character.

Please get in touch with your student's counselor if you have any additional questions about being a student aide for next school year.