1. Select your ELA option for 7th grade
As part of the English Language Arts curriculum in 7th grade, students will choose one specific topic for their 3rd trimester ELA learning. The following options are available:
Dystopian Worlds
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The Hunger Games and Maze Runner paved the way for dozens of books, movies, and TV shows for us to explore together! Fascination with the end of the world is what it means to be human. From apocalyptic natural disasters to man-made problems, nations have plans in place to overcome the seemingly impossible. But what happens when those plans fall through? What will society do? What would you do? Using Project Based Learning, find answers to these universal questions through the study of futuristic Dystopian Worlds, while making connections to our current day lives!
In this trimester long course, students will be exposed to a variety of reading and writing styles through the lens of Dystopian literature. In addition to reading, writing, and watching snips and clips of film, students will collaborate, debate, and participate in a PBL! By the end of the trimester, students will have used design and creative problem solving to meet grade level standards pertaining to ELA curriculum.
Awesome Literature Phor Adolescents (ALPHA)
51035G070733 (Eng/Lang Arts 7 Ind Study)
In Awesome Literature Phor Adolescents (ALPHA) you’ll be reading a lot of short-format texts - short stories, manga, poems and music lyrics. You’ll be given opportunities to personalize your learning experience and engage in your ever-changing interests.
What’s so cool about a giant, green monster interrupting the Christmas celebration you’re having with your family and friends to BEG you to chop off his head? What’s so cool about learning about the icons who challenged themselves by entering the “Death Zone” where so many had fallen before them? Do you know what a Fisker Karma sounds like when it starts? How does Sherlock case a crime scene for clues? The answer to these questions and many, many more await you in ALPHA. You might even find some answers about yourself along the way. By the end of the trimester, students will meet grade level expectations in English Curriculum. Sign up and enjoy reading.
Fantasy – Conquering Realms
51035G070732 (Eng/Lang Arts 7 Fantasy Lit)
“Fairy tales are more than true not because they tell us that that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten” - Neil Gaiman
Join us on a quest as we dive into imagined worlds that help us learn what it means to conquer evil in all forms. Not only will we read fantasy stories that built the genre, we will explore new fantasy authors from the 21st century. We will come together to fight evil, live in the past, and explore other realms. Perhaps we will redefine what’s real and what’s made up.
Students will be exposed to a variety of reading and writing styles through fantasy stories, poems, and novels. In addition to reading, writing, and watching snips and clips of film, students will explore, create, and conquer worlds! By the end of the trimester, students will meet grade level expectations in English Curriculum.
2. Select your Electives for 7th grade Humanities
Students will select one course from each of the following categories:
- Fine & Performing Arts
- Health & Applied Arts
- Communications
- Language & Cultures
a. Select one course from Fine & Performing Arts
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Fee: $10.00
Choir is open to 7th and 8th grade students—no prior experience is needed. Students learn to sing in a fun, energetic working environment. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, festivals, and contests. Attendance at concerts and activities outside the regular classroom setting and school day are a part of being in the choir program. Curriculum focuses on developing proper technique and singing skills in a variety of music styles. Students with more experience or who have been in choir at least one trimester may audition for Advanced Choir (see course description) in April, or toward their first trimester of Choir in the fall. Students who elect to take choir as a year-long elective have the opportunity to audition for Jefferson County Honor Choir and Colorado Middle All State Choir. Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee.
Concert Band (3 Trimesters)
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Fee: $30.00
Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7th and 8th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.
Creative Art - Sculpture/Jewelry (Metal Jewelry)
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Fee: $17.00
Students will learn how to saw, enamel, cold connect, polish, engrave and mold metal into jewelry pieces, working with nickel, copper and brass. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a portfolio list. This course is not repeatable.
Theatre Arts
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Fee: $16.00
This course allows students to develop self-confidence while learning the basics of acting and directing. Students will explore different theatre styles, including improvisation, and present a short play during the trimester.
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Fee: $30.00
Orchestra is a year-long elective open to students who have previous experience with a string instrument (i.e. violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano). Students who wish to begin a new instrument must discuss this option with Mr. Sudano and strongly consider private lessons. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, regional contests and an overnight trip every other year. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are part of being in the orchestra program. Students must also be willing to practice consistently and improve fundamental skills on their instrument.
Visual Arts 1
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Fee: $10.00
This trimester class will focus on two- and three-dimensional art. Some of the projects will include drawing, painting or printmaking, ceramics/clay, sculpture, fibers and mixed media. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and the portfolio list. Because the projects change each year, students may repeat Visual Arts as 8th graders.
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b. Select one course from Health & Applied Arts
Audio/Visual Production
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Fee: $3.00
Students will be starting off doing sound effects and dramatic audio stories and then move to video editing with animated GIFs, green screen and stop-motion animation. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a short projects list. The fee covers a pair of wired headphones that students will keep in class. This course is not repeatable.
Digital Design 1
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Fee: $3.00
Students will be creating digital drawings, working on photography skills, editing, manipulating photos, and layout. Other topics will include copyright, career possibilities and digital citizenship. Grades will be based on projects, work habits and a short projects list. The fee covers a pair of wired headphones that students will keep in the classroom. This course is not repeatable.
Engineering & Technology
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Fee: $15.00
Turn your dreams and ideas into real-world solutions as you put your imagination to work in Deer Creek's maker lab. Whether you are into building with your hands, making art, crafting or programming your interests drive the learning. Work in small groups or alone to solve real-world, community-based problems. Build and apply skills with high tech and classic tools from hand saws and drills to laser cutters, 3D printers and micro-controllers.
Exploring Computer Science
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Fee: $5.00
Knowing about computers has never been as important as it is today in the world of technology we’re living in! In this class we’ll create unique websites, apps, and games while learning about programming, physical computing, and data. Computers science opens allows us to be creative, communicate, solve problems, and have fun!
Family and Consumer Science
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Fee: $20.00
Family and Consumer Science is an activity-oriented class that focuses on helping students develop and apply important practical skills for independent living. There are four units during this class, Interpersonal Relationships, Child Development, Cooking and Sewing. Students will learn about the basics of child care, how to build healthy relationships, simple sewing skills, and how to practice kitchen safety and sanitation. During this class students will get the opportunity to take care of their own “egg baby”, work with sewing machines, and participate in cooking labs. This course is not repeatable.
Fitness & Conditioning
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Fee: $11.00
Fitness & Conditioning primarily focuses on personal and physical wellness. Students will be provided an environment that includes teacher-led body weight exercises, cardio workouts, and an introduction to weight training. Game play and team sports may also be included to provide another outlet to improve the fitness level of students within the course.
Foods & Nutrition
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Fee: $20.00
Foods & Nutrition is an introductory course in food preparation and nutrition. Throughout foods lab experiences, students will be learning the principles of cooking and preparing a variety of foods. Students will also learn the importance of healthy eating habits, safety and sanitation, measurement equivalents, and basic kitchen equipment use. Students will also participate in a classroom food competition modeled after Chopped or Cupcake Wars. This course is not repeatable.
History Alive
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No fee
History Alive gives students time to engage and participate in social studies simulations that cannot always be offered during regular social studies classes. Social Studies simulations could include Model UN, mock trials, mock congress, Nobel Peace Prize, civilization simulations, and virtual tours of historical sites and events.
Media Literacy & Production
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No Fee
This course exposes students to various types of social media and how it can influence society. Students will learn skills to critically evaluate and creatively produce media—not just the printed word, but visual and audio media too – and put their skills into action by creating content for the Deer Creek social media accounts.
Recreation Sports
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Fee: $11.00
This physical education class focuses on the skills and strategies of individual and dual sports such as badminton, pickleball, frisbee golf and park games, as well as an introduction to tennis and golf. In addition to games, students will get an introduction to a variety of lifetime fitness activities.
Robotics
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Fee:5.00
Robots are everywhere from our cars to our home, and it's important to understand how and why they work. In this class we'll explore different types of robots and how to program them to perform tasks. We will follow the design process to design, build, and test robots to complete challenges and solve real-world problems.
Specific Sports Activities (Physical Education for Girls)
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Fee: $11.00
This class is designed specifically for female students, offering a mix of both individual and team sports. Students will be provided a unique, gender specific, active learning environment that replicates the way athletics are played in high school. Students will play a variety of team sports that will include an introduction to the game, skill development and game play. In addition to team sports, students will learn about effective approaches to lifetime fitness, as well as how to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
Team Sports
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Fee: $11.00
In Team Sports, students will be provided a competitive environment to learn, practice and perfect their skills in a variety of team based sports. The class will use the platform of team based athletics to help students work on their fitness, sport-based knowledge and sportsmanship. Sports to be played may include, but not limited to, soccer, volleyball, floor hockey, lacrosse, and flag football.
Video Game Design
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No Fee
Do you love playing video games and often wonder how they work? This course will introduce the concept of game design. We'll learn how the structure, graphic design, and code all play a role in making a successful video game for any audience.
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c. Select one course from Communications
Creative Writing
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No Fee
The Creative Writing course provides students an opportunity to develop their technique and style in the genre of fictional writing. Assignments could include: fictional narratives, short stories, picture books, plays, and poetry.
Literature and Film
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Fee: $15.00
In this trimester course students will examine films with books as their source. Students will read a variety of texts including short stories and novels and then analyze the film versions of them. Parent permission is required to participate in this elective for PG-13 rated films.
Mythology & Folklore
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No fee
Mythology & Folklore gives students the time to read and write myths and folktales. Students will analyze and then write a wide variety of mythical genres that could include world mythology, folklore, fairy tales, legends, tall tales, and urban myths.
Short Stories
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No Fee
Short Stories gives students the time to read and write short stories. Students will analyze and then write a wide variety of fiction genres that could include mysteries, realistic fiction, fantasies, action/adventure, and science fiction.
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d. Select one course from Language & Cultures
French 1 (3 Trimesters)
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No Fee
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take French 2 in 8th grade or high school, and will earn high school credit for French 1. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of French-speaking countries.
Spanish 1 (3 Trimesters)
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No Fee
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take Spanish 2 in 8th grade or high school, and earn high school credit for Spanish 1. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
World Languages & Cultures 7
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No Fee
This exploratory language class will introduce students to French, Spanish, German and Mandarin Chinese. Students will learn basic greetings, numbers, colors, objects, people, animals and food as well as celebrations and customs of the people who speak the languages. This class cannot be repeated if World Languages & Cultures was taken in 6th grade.
3. Select two additional courses to complete your 6 trimester elective requests. They can be chosen from any of the above listed courses.
4. Select three alternate courses. These are courses that may be scheduled if any of your original 6 elective requests cannot be scheduled. They can be chosen from any of the above listed courses, but not a duplicate of any of your 6 original elective requests.
5. The following courses require an application or audition. If you are interested in any of these, you must complete the application/audition process described in the course description. If accepted, each of these courses will replace one of your original 6 elective requests.
Advanced Choir (3 Trimesters)
Audition only
Fee: $10.00
Advanced Choir is open to students with vocal and performing experience at a more advanced level. Students must be able to learn music at a faster pace and at the upper middle school/beginning high school level. Students will continue to develop their vocal technique and musicianship at a higher level in this ensemble. Students will be considered for this ensemble based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: vocal skills, tone production, experience, musicianship, and maturity. Auditions will be held the beginning of April for next year’s Advanced Choir. Additional auditions may be held during the year. Students perform throughout the year in school concerts, festivals, and contests, and community performances beyond those offered for Choir. Attendance at concerts and activities outside the regular classroom setting and school day are a part of being in the choir program. Choir uniform shirt is included in the course fee.
Advanced Team Sports
Application required
Fee: $11.00
Advanced version of Team Sports. Students that have been highly successful and experienced in outside team sports, as well as previous Deer Creek PE classes, could participate in a more competitive environment with higher-level fitness expectations. In this course, more time will be spent on specific sports and the advanced competition strategies involved in each. Each sport will include a daily practice skill and strategy, as well as competitive league-based games with a playoff format included at the conclusion of each sport unit. The higher expectations, skill development and in-depth focus on strategy will provide a great introduction to prospective high school student-athletes.
Mentorship
Application required
No Fee
“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” ― Mandy Hale
Mentorship provides support to Deer Creek students who have significant disabilities. As a mentor, you will assist in supporting students as they learn social, vocational, and academic skills. Mentors will need to demonstrate kindness and patience, be willing to learn, be flexible and adaptive, follow directions and take initiative. Mentors will need to be willing to consistently be positive role models in our school community. This elective teaches students strategies for helping make lasting connections between students with and without disabilities in the school community. During mentorship, you might work with students in their SSN classroom or in one of their electives classes. Mentors will be asked to write reflections about their learning and experiences. Interested students must complete an application form expressing their interest and applicable skills. Students selected will be notified the trimester before they are enrolled in Mentorship.
Publication: Yearbook
Application required
No Fee
In this two-trimester course, students will learn layout methods, graphic design, photography skills, and basic computer technology in designing the Deer Creek Yearbook. In addition, students will gain a foundation of basic journalism through researching, interviewing, and writing for publication. Interested students must complete an application form expressing their interest and applicable skills.
Symphonic Band
Audition only
Fee: $30.00
Symphonic Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an advanced level. Students must be able to perform music consistent with late middle school/early high school curriculum. Students will be considered for this ensemble based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to: playing ability, tone production, sight reading capabilities, access to private lessons, and instrumentation needs of the band. Auditions will be held during March for next year’s Symphonic Band. In order to meet instrumentation needs, additional auditions may be offered during the school year. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.
Food & Nutrition 7
7th & 8th Graders
Foods & Nutrition is an introductory course in food preparation and nutrition. Throughout foods lab experiences, students will be learning the principles of cooking and preparing a variety of foods. Students will also learn the importance of healthy eating habits, safety and sanitation, measurement equivalents, and basic kitchen equipment use.
Spanish 1
7th & 8th Graders
Upon successful completion of this course, a student will be prepared to take Spanish 2 in 8th grade or high school. Games, stories and songs as well as simple conversations are used to meet the standards of listening, speaking, reading and writing on topics which include numbers, colors, weather, food, family, places, transportation and pastimes. Students will also learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Concert Band
7th & 8th Graders
Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7th and 8th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.
Concert Band
7th & 8th Graders
Concert Band is available to students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument at an intermediate level. Students must have at least 1 year of experience on their instrument to join, or have approval from the director. Students will be playing middle school level repertoire, suitable for students that are currently in 7th and 8th grade. Attendance at concerts and activities outside of the regular classroom setting and school day are required as being a member in the band program. Students must also be willing to consistently practice and improve fundamental skills on their instrument. For more information, please visit www.deercreekmusic.com.