MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES

2020 classes will be posted in February 2020.

Below is a sample offering for students entering grades 6-9 from LAST SUMMER.

Class descriptions are also available in pdf  and you can find an enrollment worksheet here. 

SUMMER 2019 CLASSES

Students are registered by the week and can sign up for a single week, or can elect to enroll for up to five weeks. Each week has different class offerings, and students register for two classes each week. 

​

Period A runs from 8:45am to 10:35am, after which there is a 20-minute break.

Period B runs from 10:55am until 12:45pm.

​

NOTE: all classes will run subject to enrollment. If a class is cancelled due to lack of enrollment, you will be contacted. Instructors are not guaranteed and may be switched without notice.

​

WEEK 1: JUNE 24 – JUNE 28

​

>>PERIOD A<<

#101A & #101B Cooking: Road Trip Across America
**This is a two-period class**

Take a road trip through the United States, making different cuisines from each region of the country. From the Northeast to the Southwest, taste the foods that are considered a staple, depending on where you grew up. Come join us for a yummy and fun week!

​

#102A  Football

Get into football season with a fun-filled class focusing on passing, catching and defense, as well as development strategies, plays, teamwork, rules and scoring. This class is action-packed with mini-games. Players will learn the rules of traditional and flag football, but run drills with flags.

#103A  Drawing Fundamentals

Learn the basic skills of drawing. Learn how to use light and dark shades to show depth of field, as well as different shading techniques: stippling, hatching, cross-hatching and blending. Experiment with different drawing materials like blending stumps, charcoal and conte sticks.

#104A  Marvel vs. DC

Explore comic books and movies from the two leading franchises to see which one reigns supreme. See what there is to love and hate about the characters, worlds, storylines and movie-making skills of your favorite superheroes. Culminate with a multi-galaxy debate to decide if Marvel or DC takes the crown.

#105A  Music Production

Ever listen to your favorite song and wonder how it all came together? Well, now you can be your own music producer while creating a track with techniques like layering, sampling and mixing! Learn how to use Garage Band to bring your musical ideas to life. 

​

#106A  Middle School Masters

This class is designed to help prepare and organize you for middle school, both academically and socially. You will learn how to be a successful student by learning strategies for managing both the triumphs and challenges of middle school. By the end of this course you will feel confident, prepared and excited for the upcoming school year.

#107A  RowLA Team

Have fun while discovering the sport of rowing! Students will learn basic rowing techniques on the ergometer (rowing machine), learn about the boat and oars, get to watch some rowing videos, talk with and meet elite rowers, and participate in a rowing-related art project. 

​

#114A  Volleyball

Join our summer volleyball clinic where you will learn the fundamentals of this fast-paced game, such as underhand serving, passing, setting, hitting and digging.  Practice and play matches while developing good sportsmanship, teamwork and goal-setting in a fun atmosphere. 

>> PERIOD B <<

​

#101A & #101B  Cooking: Road to Trip Across America

**This is a two-period class**

Take a road trip through the United States, making different cuisines from each region of the country. From the Northeast to the Southwest, taste the foods that are considered a staple, depending on where you grew up. Come join us for a yummy and fun week!

​

#108B  Basketball

Come join us for some high-energy game time, where we will focus on the fundamentals of basketball. From dribbling to shooting and passing to guarding, we will cover the core skills and play tournaments to put your practice into action. See you on the court!

​

#109B  Oil Pastel Party

Oil pastel colors are versatile and fun to work with! Learn how to draw with oil pastels by smudging and mixing colors together to achieve different results. We will work on both still-life and landscapes.

​

#110B  Comic Creation

Be the star of your own comic! Take photographs or use sketches to make and transform them into a fun and exciting superhero digital adventure. Use techniques from comic book creators to give your story more POP!

​

#111B  Greek Mythology

Participants will explore the mystical world of Greek Mythology through cooperative and project-based learning. Students will learn about heroines, heroes, goddesses and gods, and the role they played in Greek history through art, literature, role-playing and teamwork.

​

#112B  Coding Racer

Get into the driver's seat as you help Ollie, a racing robot, execute tricks, move about and take on student-created tracks. Race the other robot teams and see if you have what it takes to be a Coding Champion!

​

#113B  Capoeira: Afro-Brazilian Martial Arts

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that incorporates self-defense, dance, music, acrobatics and more! Participants will learn movements, songs, and how to play different instruments. Wear comfortable clothes.

​

#115B  Field Games

Let's hit the field and have a fun day of games, including Kick Ball, Dog Catcher, Capture the Flag, Steal the Bacon, Red Light/Green Light, Relay Races and more! Improve your coordination, stamina and overall fitness in a fun and exciting way.

​

​

​

​

WEEK 2: JULY 1 – JULY 5 (no classes on the 4th of July)

>>PERIOD A<<

​

#201A & #201B  Cooking: Nailed It!

**This is a two-period class**

Come and test your decorating skills in our “Nailed It”-themed class. It’s all about the dessert – let’s see if you have what it takes to be the champion. Come join us for a yummy and fun week!

​

#202A & #202B  Silk Screening & Clay Creation

**This is a two-period class**

Art is a powerful medium for expression and social engagement. We will explore silk-screening while designing an image for a shirt or tote, and we will also get our hands dirty while we learn about working with clay and how to sculpt a pot or vase. This will be a way to engage with issues that are important to you through art.

​

#203A  Soccer

Spend time on the soccer field with our fun-filled activities! Progress through the many stages of the game to develop confidence, passing/shooting/dribbling techniques, and motor skills such as change of speed and change of direction.

#204A  Make a Splash with Watercolors

Watercolors allow artists to expand their creativity with different textures, like making colors bleed, splatting, and even adding rubbing alcohol or salt for cool results. Come and experiment while making paint swatches and creating paintings of nature.

#205A  Comic-Con

Comics are as popular as ever but how did these colorful booklets become treasured by so many? How did they gain the love of millions of fans? Learn about the history of comic books, from the influences of mythology to the reflection of the times, as various characters have changed to meet the new era.

#206A  Video Game Mania!

Fortnite! Super Mario Brothers! Explore various video games and learn more about the story behind the animated world. Use your knowledge to then storyboard your own video game adventure.

#207A  Point & Click Adventures

The classic gamer loves the functionality of the traditional point-and-click game. See if you have what it takes to conquer these games, including Machinarium, Botanicula, and Samorost 2.

​

#213A  Volleyball

Join our summer volleyball clinic where you will learn the fundamentals of this fast-paced game, such as underhand serving, passing, setting, hitting and digging.  Practice and play matches while developing good sportsmanship, teamwork and goal-setting in a fun atmosphere. 

​

>>PERIOD B<<

#201A & #201B  Cooking: Nailed It!

**This is a two-period class**

Come and test your decorating skills in our “Nailed It”-themed class. It’s all about the dessert – let’s see if you have what it takes to be the champion. Come join us for a yummy and fun week!

​

#202A & #202B  Silk Screening & Clay Creation

**This is a two-period class**

Art is a powerful medium for expression and social engagement. We will explore silk-screening while designing an image for a shirt or tote, and we will also get our hands dirty while we learn about working with clay and how to sculpt a pot or vase. This will be a way to engage with issues that are important to you through art.

#208B  Field Games

Let's hit the field and have a fun day of games, including Kick Ball, Dog Catcher, Capture the Flag, Steal the Bacon, Red Light/Green Light, Relay Races and more! Improve your coordination, stamina and overall fitness in a fun and exciting way.

#209B  Painting through Art Movements

From Impressionism to Expressionism to Pop Art, take a journey through different art movements and the artists associated with them. Pick your favorite style and create a canvas masterpiece mimicking the work that inspired you.

#210B  Sidekicks & Villains

The hero can’t have it all. Sidekicks and villains have always served a great purpose in the comic world. Let’s examine various sidekicks and villains to find similar traits and see what each adds to make the story come to life. Create your own villain to a known hero and construct their stats on how they complement/oppose the characters in the world.

#211B  The Game of Life (aka “Adulting”)

Can’t wait to grow up? Ready for your own independence? In this simulation game, you get to be the grown-up. You will be given a yearly income and will have to budget your life in a city while searching for the best deals. Let’s see if you can make the budget work.

#212B  Shuffle the Deck

Practice your poker face and develop your card game skills while working on your critical-thinking skills at the same time. Play your luck with classic card games like Hearts, Spades, Gin, Rummy and Poker. Help strengthen your memory, learn to consider risk, and have fun with a group of your peers, all with a deck of cards.

​

WEEK 3: JULY 8 – JULY 12

>>PERIOD A<<

#301A & #301B  Cooking: Latin Flavors & Foods

**This is a two-period class**

Take a trip from the plazas of Mexico to the streets of Brazil to taste the wondrous dishes of Latin America. Enjoy the ingredients that make Latin food so diverse yet distinct, and master new recipes.

​

#302A  Field Games

Let's hit the field and have a fun day of games, including Kick Ball, Dog Catcher, Capture the Flag, Steal the Bacon, Red Light/Green Light, Relay Races and more! Improve your coordination, stamina and overall fitness in a fun and exciting way.

#303A  Art Design Elements

Explore the basic elements of design: line shape, color, texture, form and more. Incorporate different art media and understanding of brand logos to design and create your own logo or music album cover.

#304A  Comic Character Evolution

Superman, Spiderman, Batman…so many heroes have stood the test of time. Take a journey through history to see how each of your beloved characters started and evolved to the modern look we see across screens and comics everywhere. Then make your own profile card for your favorite hero or villain or design your own.

#305A  Middle School Masters

This class is designed to help prepare and organize you for middle school, both academically and socially. You will learn how to be a successful student by learning strategies for managing both the triumphs and challenges of middle school. By the end of this course you will feel confident, prepared and excited for the upcoming school year.

#306A  Coding Racer

Get into the driver's seat as you help Ollie, a racing robot, execute tricks, move about and take on student-created tracks. Race the other robot teams and see if you have what it takes to be a Coding Champion!

#307A  Party Games

Play the best party games as rated by Board Game Geeks, including Dixit, Codenames, Avalon, Apples to Apples, Werewolf and BANG! Have some laughs, socialize and enjoy a little fun competition.

​

>>PERIOD B<<

​

#301A & #301B  Cooking: Latin Flavors & Foods

**This is a two-period class**

Take a trip from the plazas of Mexico to the streets of Brazil to taste the wondrous dishes of Latin America. Enjoy the ingredients that make Latin food so diverse yet distinct, and master new recipes.

​

#308B  Basketball

Come join us for some high-energy game time where we will focus on the fundamentals of basketball. From dribbling to shooting and passing to guarding, we will cover the core skills and play tournaments to put your practice into action. See you on the court!

#309B  Oil Pastel Party

Oil pastel colors are versatile and fun to work with. Learn how to draw with oil pastels by smudging and mixing colors together to achieve different results. We will work on both still-life and landscapes.

#310B  Marvel vs. DC

Explore comic books and movies from the two leading franchises to see which one reigns supreme. See what there is to love and hate about the characters, worlds, storylines and movie-making skills of your favorite superheroes. Culminate with a multi-galaxy debate to decide if Marvel or DC takes the crown.

#311B  Greek Mythology

Participants will explore the mystical world of Greek Mythology through cooperative and project-based learning. Students will learn about heroines, heroes, goddesses and gods, and the role they played in Greek history through art, literature, role-playing, and teamwork.

#312B  Engineering 101

Roller coasters and bridges don’t build themselves. They need dreamers. Problem solvers. Tinkerers. In other words…engineers! Put your engineering skills to the test as we tackle fun and hands-on challenges. Design your own roller coaster and take your marble car through many twists and turns.

#313B  Strategy Games

CALLING ALL SETTLERS! Play the best strategy games as ranked on Board Game Geek including Settlers of Catan, Agricola and the #1-rated Pandemic. Learn how to be a cooperative player, taking on different roles, and see if your team has what it takes to win.

​

​

​

WEEK 4: JULY 15 - JULY 19

>>PERIOD A<<

#401A & #401B  Cooking: Taste of the Middle East

**This is a two-period class**

Send your taste buds on a journey and explore the authentic flavors of the Middle East. Be introduced to classic ingredients and spices that make Middle Eastern cuisine so uniquely delicious. Enjoy making hummus, tabbouleh and couscous.  

#402A & #402B  Silk Screening & Clay Creation

**This is a two-period class**

Art is a powerful medium for expression and social engagement. We will explore silk-screening while designing an image for a shirt or tote, and we will also get our hands dirty while we learn about working with clay and how to sculpt a pot or vase. This will be a way to engage with issues that are important to you through art.

#403A  The Game of Life (aka “Adulting”)
Can’t wait to grow up? Ready for your own independence? In this simulation game, you get to be the grown-up. You will be given a yearly income and will have to budget your life in a city while searching for the best deals. Let’s see if you can make the budget work.

​

#404A  Make a Splash with Watercolors

Watercolors allow artists to expand their creativity with different textures like making colors bleed, splatting, and even adding rubbing alcohol or salt for cool results. Come and experiment while making paint swatches and creating paintings of nature.

#405A  Comic Creation

Be the star of your own comic! Take photographs or use sketches to make and transform them into a fun and exciting superhero digital adventure. Use techniques from comic book creators to give your story more POP!

#406A  Point & Click Adventures

The classic gamer loves the functionality of the traditional point-and-click game. See if you have what it takes to conquer these games, including Machinarium, Botanicula and Samorost 2.

#407A  Football

Get into football season with a fun-filled class focusing on passing, catching and defense, as well as development strategies, plays, teamwork, rules and scoring. This class is action-packed with mini-games. Players will learn the rules of traditional and flag football, but run drills with flags.

>>PERIOD B<<

#401A & #401B  Cooking: Taste of the Middle East

**This is a two-period class**

Send your taste buds on a journey and explore the authentic flavors of the Middle East. Be introduced to classic ingredients and spices that make Middle Eastern cuisine so uniquely delicious. Enjoy making hummus, tabbouleh and couscous.  

#402A & #402B  Silk Screening & Clay Creation

**This is a two-period class**

Art is a powerful medium for expression and social engagement. We will explore silk-screening while designing an image for a shirt or tote, and we will also get our hands dirty while we learn about working with clay and how to sculpt a pot or vase. This will be a way to engage with issues that are important to you through art.

​

#408B  Music Production

Ever listen to your favorite song and wonder how it all came together? Well, now you can be your own music producer while creating a track with techniques like layering, sampling and mixing! Learn how to use Garage Band to bring your musical ideas to life. 

#409B  Drawing Fundamentals

Learn the basic skills of drawing. Learn how to use light and dark shades to show depth of field, and learn different shading techniques: stippling, hatching, cross-hatching and blending. Experiment with different drawing materials like blending stumps, charcoal and conte sticks.

#410B  Sidekicks & Villains

The hero can’t have it all. Sidekicks and villains have always served a great purpose in the comic world. Let’s examine various sidekicks and villains to find similar traits and see what each adds to make the story come to life.

#411B  Shuffle the Deck

Practice your poker face and develop your card game while working on your critical-thinking skills at the same time. Play your luck with classic card games like Hearts, Spades, Gin, Rummy and Poker. Help strengthen your memory, learn to consider risk, and have fun with a group of your peers, all with a deck of cards.

#412B  Soccer

Spend time on the soccer field with our fun-filled activities. Progress through the many stages of the game to develop confidence, game understanding, passing/shooting/dribbling techniques, and motor skills such as change of speed and change of direction.

WEEK 5: JULY 22 – JULY 26

>>PERIOD A<<

#501A & #501B  Cooking: Amazing Asian Adventures

**This is a two-period class**

Embark on an amazing adventure through Asia sampling foods that have become popular all over the world. Combine salty and sweet flavors to make delicious dishes like fried rice, spring rolls and sushi.  

#502A  Art Design Elements

From Impressionism to Expressionism to Pop Art, take a journey through different art movements and the artists associated with them. Pick your favorite style and create a canvas masterpiece mimicking the work that inspired you.

#503A  Comic-Con

Comics are as popular as ever but how did these colorful booklets become treasured by so many? How did they gain the love of millions of fans? Learn about the history of comic books, from the influences of mythology to the reflection of the times as various characters have changed to meet the new era.

#504A  Field Games

Let's hit the field and have a fun day of games, including Kick Ball, Dog Catcher, Capture the Flag, Steal the Bacon, Red Light/Green Light, Relay Races and more! Improve your coordination, stamina and overall fitness in a fun and exciting way.

#505A  Engineering 102

Roller coasters and bridges don’t build themselves. They need dreamers. Problem solvers. Tinkerers. In other words…engineers! Put your engineering skills to the test as we tackle fun and hands-on challenges. Design your own roller coaster and take your marble car through all the twists and turns.

#506A  Party Games

Play the best party games as rated by Board Game Geeks, including Dixit, Codenames, Avalon, Apples to Apples, Werewolf and BANG! Have some laughs, socialize and enjoy a little fun competition.

>>PERIOD B<<

#501A & #501B  Cooking: Amazing Asian Adventures

**This is a two-period class**

Embark on an amazing adventure through Asia sampling foods that have become popular all over the world. Combine salty and sweet flavors to make delicious dishes like fried rice, spring rolls and sushi.  

​

#507B  Painting through Art Movements

From Impressionism to Expressionism to Pop Art, take a journey through different art movements and the artists associated with them. Pick your favorite style and create a canvas masterpiece mimicking the work that inspired you.

#508B  Comic Character Evolution

Superman, Spiderman, Batman…so many heroes have stood the test of time. Take a journey through history to see how each of your beloved characters started and evolved to the modern look we see across screens and comics everywhere. Then make your own profile card for your favorite hero or villain or design your own.

#509B  Basketball

Come join us for some high-energy game time where we will focus on the fundamentals of basketball. From dribbling to shooting and passing to guarding, we will cover the core skills and play tournaments to put your practice into action. See you on the court!

#510B  Video Game Mania

Fortnite! Super Mario Brothers! Explore various video games and learn more about the story behind the animated world. Use your knowledge to then storyboard your own video game adventure.

#511B  Strategy Games

CALLING ALL SETTLERS! Play the best strategy games as ranked on Board Game Geek including Settlers of Catan, Agricola and the #1-rated Pandemic. Learn how to be a cooperative player, taking on different roles, and see if your team has what it takes to win.

​

NOTICE: ALL CLASS OFFERINGS DEPEND ON ENROLLMENT.

​