The HMS art classes have an emphasis on drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, altered books, and art history. We follow the scope and sequence which includes some of the national art standards. We will have weekly sketching assignments, artists of the week, art shows, and more. We will also have local artists come in and share their craft with us. We will focus on increasing the creativity level and pushing for higher-level thinking as it relates to art.

6th Grade Band

The band program offers instrumental instruction to all interested sixth-grade students. The students begin to learn music notation, ear training, dictation, as well as the basics of their instrument(s). These objectives are strengthened as students continue through the band program. Performances include Winter and Spring concerts, Solo & Ensemble Festival, and spring sporting events.

7th Grade Band

Open to all seventh-grade students with at least one year prior instrumental experience on the instrument chosen to play in the band. (Special permission must be granted by the director if a student wishes to join the ensemble with no previous experience on the chosen band instrument.) This class will concentrate on developing tone production, rhythmic proficiency, individual and ensemble intonation, and technical accuracy, as well as preparation and performance of intermediate band literature. Performances include Winter and Spring concerts, Solo & Ensemble Festival, Mid-State Band, All-County Band, Pep Rallies, a football game, and a basketball game.

8th Grade Band

This class is open to all eighth-grade students with at least two years prior instrumental experience on the instrument chosen to play in the band. (Special permission must be granted by the director if a student wishes to join the ensemble with no previous experience on the chosen band instrument.) This class will concentrate on advanced tone production, advanced rhythmic proficiency, individual ensemble intonation, and technical accuracy, as well as preparation and performance of intermediate/advanced band literature. Performances include Winter and Spring concerts, Solo & Ensemble Festival, Mid-State Band, All-County Band, WCBDA Marching Festival, Pep Rallies, a football game, basketball game, and spring sporting events.

The major emphasis of this course is on singing activities and vocal production. This national standards based course develops the skills necessary for ensemble singing of choral literature appropriately arranged for middle school voices, and in reading music notation.
The course also provides opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements (rhythm, melody, form, harmony, expressive elements, and style) as applied to the music performed. Students will learn to enjoy participating in vocal music; work cooperatively with other students in the musical organization and serve the school by participating in selected performances.

In digital music, students will create digital music products by utilizing MIXCRAFT music production software. Students will learn to manipulate the software to create original works. These works will be created using the following methods: Organizing pre-recorded music loops, Creating unique music loops using virtual instruments(synthesizers), Recording & importing live performances of musical instruments and voices, Improvising melodies using virtual and acoustic instruments, Creating and incorporating audio & video clips, Re-mixing existing works, and Creating podcasts. Students will have the opportunity to publish their works.

Guitar is a nine-weeks course covering the basics of the instrument and an application of essential music fundamentals. Students will learn the basics of playing guitar at a beginning level through studying music notation, chord symbols, and peer modeling.

The main objective of this course is to create an enhanced appreciation for music through playing the guitar. Students will learn how to read music notation, chord symbols, and tablature. Students will also gain a better understanding of many different musical genres including classical, blues, jazz, rock, and pop music.

Orchestra students will prepare three concerts and one competition during the school year. Students will learn proper string instrument position and set-up, and develop their left hand and bow techniques throughout the course of the year. Techniques include finger patterns for the left hand, as well as marcato, staccato, and legato bow strokes. In addition, orchestra students will have the opportunity to be mentored by local professional guest artists. Students will also learn and practice rehearsal etiquette and ensemble skills in a team-building atmosphere.

This course provides students with the opportunity to learn a variety of sports and sport-related movements as well as fitness concepts. Students become aware of the social benefits of physical activity through participation. The mental and emotional benefits of physical activity become evident when an active role in physical activity is encouraged. With a strong emphasis placed on active participation and positive social interaction during fitness and sports activities.

The total development of students is the goal of the educational system. Physical Education is a vital part of reaching this goal. A variety of activities are incorporated into the physical education program. Activities vary from creative movement to lifetime sports. The age level of the individuals is a factor determining what activity is to be provided, but the outcome at any level should be the same.

All students have the need and right to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Through a creative and well-rounded physical education program, students will benefit.

6th, 7th, and 8th Grade:  Robotics 1

This course introduces students to Robotics. Students work in pairs to program Vex IQ robots using RobotC software. This course uses the Engineering Design Process to develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as develop their ability to communicate and work with other students. Throughout the course, students program their robots to complete a variety of tasks, using simple commands and input from the robot’s sensors. No Robotics experience is necessary (9 weeks).

In 7A Spanish students will develop the ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment through the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, presentational). Students demonstrate proficiency in the communication modes by listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language.

In 8B Spanish students will continue to develop their ability to communicate about themselves and their immediate environment through the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal, presentational). Students will continue to demonstrate proficiency in the communication modes by listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language.

This STEM course designed to educate students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world. A lesson or unit in a STEM class is typically based around finding a solution to a real-world problem and emphasizes project-based learning.

• Focus on real-world issues and problems
• Guided by the engineer design process
• Immerse students in hands-on inquiry and open-ended exploration
• Involve students in productive teamwork
• Apply math and science content students are learning
• Allow for multiple right answers and failure as a necessary part of learning

Grade 6: Introduction to Theatre is designed to familiarize students with acting and speaking skills. Students will learn and be able to exhibit good Audience etiquette. Students will participate in various activities that may include puppetry, plays, pantomime, storytelling through these activities, they will learn physical and vocal presentation skills and develop basic knowledge of theatre arts. All students participate in performances.

Grade 7: Students develop acting skills and speaking skills. Acting activities focus on developing character, vocal expression, stage movement, memorization skills, and script writing. Students use costumes, props, and scenery to add to their performances. Students will learn and will be able to exhibit good Audience etiquette. Students will build self-confidence in performing in front of their peers. Activities will include individual and group performances, group Theatre games, and script writing. All students participate in performances.

Grade 8: Students explore aspects of theatre including acting, Theatre history, and successful monologue, and character creation work. Students will learn and will be able to exhibit good Audience etiquette. Students learn basic acting skills through activities such as improvisation, Theatre games, monologues, and scene work. All students participate in performances.