Holdrum Middle School

Holdrum Middle School

Elective Course Offerings
2008 -2009

BUSINESS, MARKETING AND ECONOMY:
Students will learn about entrepreneurship first hand by developing a business from scratch. Students will work together to design a business plan that includes all of the significant aspects of a successful operation including staffing, budgets, facilities, accounting, inventory and production. Student groups will also focus on the American economy and devising a marketing kit.

CERAMICS
The course will be organized so that both practical functioning clay pieces (teapots, cup, bowls, plates) and sculptural clay pieces will be built by the students. Students will use what they know about clay to build in slab and coils. Works of sculpture will depend on student direction and plan for what they want to build. Some work on the potter's wheel may be included.

CREATIVE WRITING
In this course students will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity in the written form of their choice. Students will receive general instruction in writing poetry, short stories, plays, and songs. Students will receive a constructive commentary on their work to help improve their writing skills.

DESIGNING ELEMENTS
In this course students will express themselves through the creation of their very own homemade crafts. Various media will be explored such as enameling, jewelry making, weaving, rug making and stitchery.

DRAMA
In this course you will join the Troupe of Traveling Thespians who will explore the world of Drama. Students will view, participate and perform in order to learn style, technique and poise. Challenges, improvisation and other theatre skills will be learned. Students will perform before a live audience.

GUITAR ENSEMBLE
Here's a golden opportunity to learn about playing and performing on the guitar from the comfort of your own school. This classed is designed for all levels, from absolute beginners to more advanced players. Students will learn about guitar technique, as well as performing tips and developing your own style. Learn to pick your favorite tunes and impress your family and friends! We will provide you with a guitar or you many bring in your own instrument.

JOURNALISM
This course is for students who like to write, draw or work on computers. The main focus will be to create editions of the Hawk's Eye newspaper.

KEYBOARDS I: (Beginner)
This course will introduce students to playing the piano and keyboard and gaining a basic understanding of the fundamentals of music. Students will learn to play both classical and popular music, as well as playing the piano by "ear."

KEYBOARDS II: (Intermediate)
This course is intended for students who already have some piano/keyboard experience and a basic understanding of the fundamentals of music. A more rigorous approach to technique will enable students to perform easy classical and popular music. Performance will be stressed with informal student recitals.

MEDIA CENTER/TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP
This course will offer students the opportunity to develop further awareness of computer applications (Microsoft Word, Power Point, Internet and others). The focus will be on exploring and promoting the resources of the Media Center.

MYTHOLOGY
This course will explore ancient myths and stories, including Greek and Roman myths.

PHOTOGRAPHY
This course is limited to those students who want to have a chance to use a camera to take pictures and make enlargements. A camera is required.

PIXELS AND IMAGES
This course is for those students who wish to improve their ability to draw and paint using the computer and electronic drawing programs.

PUBLIC SPEAKING
Students in this course will develop both personal and interpersonal speaking skills. Students will create, practice and present speeches to the class. Types of speeches will include impromptu, informative, narrative and debate. Students will also participate in a two week Greek Forum Project.

READ, REFLECT, AND DISCOVER
In this elective students will choose from a wide variety of novels. Students will explore creative and meaningful writing assignments relating to their books. Discover the joy of reading and reflecting on great young adult literature.

STAGECRAFT
The fundamentals of stagecraft will be explored. Plays will be read and their appropriate set designs will be sketched and critiqued by the students and the teacher. Small models will be built using traditional supplies and "found" items. There will be a lot of cooperative teamwork expected. Students will then learn how to build full sized sets and possibly design and construct the set for the school musical.

TV STUDIO PRODUCTION
The primary function of the TV Studio course is to keep students, teachers, and administrators informed about the events occurring at Holdrum Middle School. The priority for making decisions about what is reported will be school news, local news and world news. Students will be involved in all aspects of television production including writing and broadcasting reports, running a mixer and sound equipment, filming using a professional camera, and lighting the set to produce the WHMS New Show.

WEB PAGE DESIGN AND CREATION
A goal of this course is to update and add content to the River Vale Schools web site. Just bring your enthusiasm, imagination and school spirit. Learn how to use web design/creation software to build, edit and manage a web site. Work with Microsoft Front Page, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Microsoft Access. Learn to capture, edit, and output video to various movie file formats.