Course Description Guide

Band (Year Long)

Development of the fundamental instrumental techniques and musical expressions is emphasized and practiced. Students are required to provide their own instrument and method book. Some instruments are available through Liberty for a yearly rental fee. Band instrumentation includes flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion (including bells). Information for rental/purchase of instruments (from retail rental stores) will be given to students at an Instrumental Music night at the beginning of the school year. Concerts are scheduled throughout the year, primarily in the evening hours.  Attendance is required for concerts and is included in the grading criteria. 6^th grade Band is beginning/experienced level.

Orchestra (Year Long)

Development of the fundamental instrumental techniques and musical expressions is emphasized and practiced. Students are required to provide their own instrument and method book. Some instruments are available through Liberty for a yearly fee. Orchestra instrumentation includes violin, viola, cello, and bass. Information for rental/purchase of instruments (from retail rental stores) will be given to students at an Instrumental Music night at the beginning of the school year. Concerts are scheduled throughout the year, primarily in the evening hours.  Attendance is required for concerts and is included in the grading criteria. 6^th grade Orchestra is beginning/experienced level.

This course is all about exploring the world of two-dimensional art through a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. You’ll learn how to develop your skills while focusing on the process of creating art—experimenting, problem-solving, and refining your ideas along the way. You will  be developing visual literacy through art techniques, composition, and the work of artists from different cultures and time periods, you’ll learn how to see, analyze, and create art in a meaningful way. Whether you’re sketching, layering colors, or designing a print, this class is about the journey of creating, not just the final product. You’ll have the chance to express yourself, build confidence, and explore new ways of thinking through art.

This course focuses on developing skills and techniques in 3D art, with opportunities to incorporate 2D design as a foundation for three-dimensional creations. Students will work with a variety of media to explore form, structure, and spatial relationships while building on their prior artistic knowledge.

Through hands-on projects, students will delve into the artistic process, emphasizing planning, experimentation, and problem-solving to bring their ideas to life in three-dimensional form. They will investigate both contemporary and historical artists, with a focus on those who work in sculpture, installation, and other 3D mediums, to draw inspiration and make meaningful connections to their own work.

By observing, analyzing, and reflecting on diverse works of art, students will expand their visual literacy and develop innovative approaches to creating dynamic 3D artwork. This class encourages creativity and adaptability as students transform their concepts into finished pieces.

Physical Education at the 6th grade middle level offers students a variety of physical activities through which they will develop positive attitudes toward group interaction, sportsmanship, effort, fair play, cooperation, initiative and an appreciation for the abilities and limitations of self and others.

PE Individual Sports 6 (Quarter Long) Individual Sports promotes a desire for physical fitness, lifetime physical activity, and healthy habits through individual activities, sports, and games. This course enhances the motor, intellectual, and social development of students through physical movement. Students will learn cooperation and sportsmanship through various activities including badminton, pickleball, hiking, basketball skills, volleyball skills, and more. We integrate fitness components and wellness concepts into all activities.

PE Team Sports 6 (Quarter Long) This course enhances the motor, intellectual, and social development of students through physical movement. Students will learn cooperation, team play, and sportsmanship through various activities including soccer, flag football, lacrosse, wiffleball, kickball, volleyball and more . We integrate fitness components and wellness concepts into the activities as well. 

During this quarter-long course, students will explore topics & careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Students will design, build, and test their own physical & digital creations.  Project topics include: Engineering, Woodworking, and Programming (Video Game Design).  Students will use physical and digital tools such as chisels and saws, 3D printing, and Computer-Aided Design Software.

Students will explore storytelling through theatre with units on ensemble work, staging elements, pantomime, improvisation, the fundamentals of script work, as well as original scene devising. Students will learn about how to create, maintain and truthfully communicate a character during a performance. Students will also learn how to provide and receive instructor and peer feedback in order to implement it into their work

A.V.I.D. (Advancement via Individual Determination) AVID is more than just a class; it is a community of learners that extends beyond the walls of the classroom to support students as they work towards achieving their goals and dreams. AVID teaches students the necessary strategies to be successful in middle school and beyond. The course helps students develop tools to engage in cooperative learning, goal setting, questioning and study skills, writing, note taking, time management, as well as character development.

This is a quarter-long course designed to introduce students to the Spanish language.  Students will learn basic conversational skills as well as basic reading and writing.  This class is designed to introduce students to the language as well as the cultures of the people who speak Spanish around the world.  Students who successfully complete this course will have the opportunity to continue learning Spanish as 7th graders in Spanish 1A.  Enthusiasm and participation are a must to be successful here!

Students in vocal music classes will grow as singers, musicians, and good human beings. As singers, students will establish solid vocal technique, learn to sing as soloists and in harmony, and expand their vocal range, power, and accuracy. As musicians, students will gain proficiency and fluency with reading music, sing a variety of musical genres and styles, and develop a nuanced sense of intonation, rhythm, and expression. As people who are starting to grow up, students will practice self-awareness and personal responsibility, learn the value of hard work and teamwork, and foster friendships and a sense a community unlike any other. All experience levels are welcome in Choir

This course is the first half of Spanish 1. Students work through the second half of the high school level text started in Spanish A. Using a variety of materials, students will focus on cultural appreciation, listening comprehension, oral, reading and writing proficiencies. There is an increased emphasis on the Cherry Creek District World Language Proficiencies of listening, reading, writing, speaking, and culture. Completion of this course prepares students for  Spanish 1B.

This course is the next level of Spanish after completing IA and IB. The content and pacing of this class is the same as a high school level two language class.  Using a variety of materials, students will focus on communication and cultural proficiencies.  There is an increased emphasis on the production of the language in the forms of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Completion of this course should prepare students for Level III Spanish.

This course emphasizes communication through speaking, reading and writing in the target language. Students work through the first half of a textbook designed for a high school level I Spanish course.  Along with a variety of other materials students will focus on cultural appreciation, listening comprehension, oral, reading and writing proficiencies.  Students who bring a positive attitude and try their best every day will learn a ton!  Completion of this course will help students succeed in high school Spanish 1 classes.

Students in vocal music classes will grow as singers, musicians, and good human beings. As singers, students will establish solid vocal technique, learn to sing as soloists and in harmony, and expand their vocal range, power, and accuracy. As musicians, students will gain proficiency and fluency with reading music, sing a variety of musical genres and styles, and develop a nuanced sense of intonation, rhythm, and expression. As people who are starting to grow up, students will practice self-awareness and personal responsibility, learn the value of hard work and teamwork, and foster friendships and a sense a community unlike any other. All experience levels are welcome in Choir! Every class will have at least two graded performance opportunities per semester, usually in the evening.

Development of the fundamental instrumental techniques and musical expressions is emphasized and practiced. Students are required to provide their own instrument and method book. (Some larger instruments are available through Liberty for a yearly fee.) Band instrumentation includes flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion (including bells). Information for rental/purchase of instruments will be given to students at an Instrumental Music night at the beginning of the school year. Concerts are scheduled throughout the year, primarily in the evening hours.  Attendance is required for concerts and is included in the grading criteria.

Development of the fundamental instrumental techniques and musical expressions is emphasized and practiced. Students are required to provide their own instrument and method book. (Some larger instruments are available through Liberty for a yearly fee.) Orchestra instrumentation includes violin, viola, cello, and bass. Information for rental/purchase of instruments will be given to students at an Instrumental Music night at the beginning of the school year. Concerts are scheduled throughout the year, primarily in the evening hours.  Attendance is required for concerts and is included in the grading criteria.

AVID is more than just a class; it is a community of learners that extends beyond the walls of the classroom to support students as they work towards achieving their goals and dreams. AVID is for students with a desire and determination to challenge themselves to reach their full potential. It teaches students the necessary strategies to be successful in middle school and high school, with the ultimate focus of students being ready for their future, whether that be college or career. The course helps students develop tools to engage in cooperative learning, goal setting, questioning and study skills, writing, note taking, time management, as well as character development. The course also teaches students test taking strategies, how to manage stress, and how to work towards their goals. AVID students are expected to take ownership of their learning, ask questions to deepen their understanding, and be willing to work hard. 

This course is all about exploring the world of two-dimensional art through a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. You’ll learn how to develop your skills while focusing on the process of creating art—experimenting, problem-solving, and refining your ideas along the way. You will  be developing visual literacy through art techniques, composition, and the work of artists from different cultures and time periods, you’ll learn how to see, analyze, and create art in a meaningful way. Whether you’re sketching, layering colors, or designing a print, this class is about the journey of creating, not just the final product. You’ll have the chance to express yourself, build confidence, and explore new ways of thinking through art.

This semester-long course immerses students in the world of three-dimensional art, allowing them to explore form, structure, and spatial relationships through a variety of media and techniques. With an emphasis on 3D design, students will create sculptures, reliefs, and other dimensional works while incorporating elements of 2D design to support their creative processes.

Students will study contemporary and historical artists who work in sculpture, installation, and other 3D mediums to inspire their own artistic growth and connect their work to the broader art world. The course emphasizes the artistic process, encouraging students to plan, experiment, and problem-solve as they transform their ideas into finished, concept-driven projects.

Through observation, analysis, and reflection on diverse works of art, students will strengthen their visual literacy, develop innovative approaches to art-making, and deepen their understanding of the role of 3D art in society. This class fosters creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking as students engage in hands-on exploration and refine their ability to express themselves in three dimensions

Students in vocal music classes will grow as singers, musicians, and people. As singers, students will establish solid vocal technique, learn to sing as soloists and in harmony, and expand their vocal range, power, and accuracy. As musicians, students will gain proficiency and fluency with reading music, sing a variety of musical genres and styles, and develop a nuanced sense of intonation, rhythm, and expression. As people who are starting to grow up, students will practice self-awareness and personal responsibility, learn the value of hard work and teamwork, and foster friendships and a sense a community unlike any other. All experience levels are welcome in Choir!

Students will learn to develop their physical, emotional and social health and wellness to maintain a healthy life balance. Students will practice skills that will help them learn and practice the power of making good choices including accessing valid information, advocacy, analyzing influences, decision making and self management. Class content includes Interpersonal Communication, Mental Health, Nutrition, First Aid & Safety, Substance Abuse & Prevention, Sexual Health & Relationships. 

Physical Education 7 is an engaging and dynamic course designed to foster a love for physical activity while promoting overall health and wellness. This class focuses on building foundational physical skills through participation in a variety of activities, including team sports, individual fitness challenges, and cooperative games.  The course aims to build confidence and promote a positive attitude toward maintaining an active lifestyle, while encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship.

Physical Education 8 builds on the skills and knowledge developed in previous years, emphasizing advanced techniques, strategies, and game play in a variety of sports and fitness activities. Students will refine their motor skills and improve overall physical fitness while learning about the principles of lifelong health and wellness. Teamwork and sportsmanship continue to be integral components of this class. This course challenges students to take greater ownership of their fitness goals through self-assessments, fitness goals, and leadership opportunities.

Students will learn and actively use the Engineering Design Process to bring their designs to life. From fabrication tools to CAD and 3D printing, students are exposed to basic software, tools, and equipment found at the foundation of any CTE STEM pathway.   Students will utilize design software (OnShape), Arduinos, and Power Tools to manufacture new products. The course will end with students using all course skills to collaboratively create a final project.