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2023 MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES

Middle school classes are for students entering grades 6 - 9 in August 2023.

Click here for a PDF of all class descriptions. 

Need help mapping out your classes? Click here for a helpful worksheet.

Students are registered by the week and can sign up for a single week, or any number of weeks up to five weeks. Each week has different class offerings, and students register for two classes each week (one in Period A, and one in Period B).

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

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

NOTE: 

All class offerings depend on enrollment. Students can take the same classes each week because the content will change. The only exception is Middle School Masters; students should only sign up for this class one time.

Middle School: Text

WEEK 1:
JUNE  20-23
(NO CLASS 6/19)

Middle School: Text

>>PERIODS A & B (Full Morning)<<

#101AB           Delicious Recipes from our Neighbors: Cook Central & South American Cuisine

**This is a two-period class**

Learn how to cook with the secrets of Central and South America. Explore the use of flavorful herbs, tasty grains and spicy peppers. Make tamales, pupusas, corn, purple potatoes and more! There will always be vegetarian options. NOTE:  Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.


#102AB           Listening Party & Karaoke  **This is a two-period class**

Have you ever wanted to write your own song or compose your own music lyrics? This exciting summer class combines many different aspects of music: karaoke/games, pop cover and folk tunes, creative songwriting, performances, and more. Here, we will spend time sharing and listening to our favorite songs and even create our own! All levels are welcome; you
only need to bring your instrument (or voice) and your ears.


#103AB           Printmaking & Design  **This is a two-period class**

In this class, participants will learn the art of block-printing to create "stamps" that can be used to design t-shirts and other objects. Learn how to create positive and negative space through the process of carving lino blocks to make your design stamps. Wear your art – bringing old t-shirts or sweatshirts is encouraged so we can help our environment by upcycling!

>>PERIOD A<< 


#104A             Crafty Class: Bracelets & Necklaces

Create your own bead bracelets and necklaces. Experiment with various patterns, bead-types and designs. Explore popular styles but work on developing your own. In the end, you can wear your art or give it as gifts to friends and family.


#105A             Cartooning: Tips & Tricks

This class will introduce you to a variety of cartoons with two goals in mind. The first is to understand the secret structure that is hidden in humor writing, including how to "set-up" and "pay-off" a joke. The second goal is to learn tips and tricks that cartoonists and illustrators use to make their drawings look professional, including different pen types, characters design dos and don'ts, and perspective drawing shortcuts. By the end of the class, you will be able to turn any idea into your own cartoon.

  

#106A             Beginning Coding: Make Your Own Game!

Do you want to learn how to code? Do you want to learn how to code games? Learn how to make games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Angry Birds and more! Single player? Multiplayer? No problem! We'll be using the Scratch coding language to program the games that YOU want to play. Prepare to show off your creations to all your friends and create the next best game!


#107A             Dungeons & Dragons

Join us on an epic adventure where we travel from town to town, slay monsters, and find long-forgotten treasures! This course is appropriate for beginners and advanced players, so introduce us to your existing character or learn to create your own character, and embark on an epic adventure. Dungeons and Dragons™ is a role-play, tabletop fantasy game that teaches skills such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and arithmetic, all in a relaxed, fun setting.


#108A             Soccer Fun 1

Play, practice, play! This week of soccer is designed to provide you with a first-class soccer experience, with play at the center of our time together. We will begin our sessions with a game. Next, players will be exposed to creative soccer exercises that will enhance their technical ability. Finally, we will end our time with another game applying what we learned during skill development! This will all be done in a fun and entertaining way, and every player will finish the week with a greater understanding and appreciation of the game.

>>PERIOD B<<

#109B             Drawing & Sketching: Light & Form

We will work in in black and white to develop our drawing skills, focusing first on outline and shape, then moving on to light and form. We will draw from photographs and from real life, using tried-and-true strategies for improving accuracy and adding drama to any drawing. No previous drawing experience is required for this class.


#110B             Photoshop Photography

Do you like taking pictures? Have you ever wanted to use Photoshop or even AI to edit those pictures? In this class we’ll cover the basics of photography and editing images in photoshop. Want to totally mess with pictures and add things that were never there? Take this class and become a Photoshop pro!


#111B             Magic: The Gathering

Are you ready to enter the Multiverse and battle wizards with magic? Magic: The Gathering™ is an extremely popular role-playing card game where you use a pre-constructed deck and battle your friends/opponents. This game was an influence for the creation of Pokémon cards!


#112B             Middle School Masters

Is the thought of going to Middle School giving you the jitters? Then this class is for you! Middle School Masters will prepare and organize you for your middle school experience, both academically and socially. You will begin to master 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.


#113B             Flag Football 1

Flag Football 1 is the perfect program for athletes who want a complete introduction to America's Game or for those who simply want to brush up on their skills in preparation for league play. Athletes will learn skills on both sides of the ball, including the core components of passing, catching, and de-flagging or defensive positioning -- all presented in a fun and positive environment.

Middle School: Academics

WEEK 2:
JUNE  26 - 30

Middle School: Text



>>PERIODS A & B (Full Morning)<<


#201AB           Cooking Asian Cuisine  **This is a two-period class**

Discover the amazing food from the continent of Asia. Create savory appetizers and full meals. Explore the similarities and differences in cuisine from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, India and Indonesia. Make dumplings, samosas, sushi and more! There will always be vegetarian options. 

NOTE:  Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.


#202AB           Song Covers & First Improvisation  **This is a two-period class**

In this class we'll explore musical improv techniques used by the best in the business. Learn to mirror others in fun activities, improvise playing/singing based on key and pitch, and jam on your favorite songs. We'll also learn to sing, "riff" or freestyle to various song instrumentals and beats.


#203AB           Printmaking & Design  **This is a two-period class**

In this class, participants will learn the art of block-printing to create "stamps" that can be used to design t-shirts and other objects. Learn how to create positive and negative space through the process of carving lino blocks to make your design stamps. Wear your art – bringing old t-shirts or sweatshirts is encouraged so we can help our environment by upcycling!

>>PERIOD A<< 

#204A             Crafty Class: Fuse Beads

In this class participants will create colorful and beautiful designs using heat-activated fuse beads (Perler beads). Recreate your favorite characters, animals, or whatever design catches your eye, turning them into coasters, mini-boxes, earrings and more!


#205A             Cartooning: Gags, Strips & Caricatures

Cartooning is back! We will draw single panel “gag” cartoons (like The New Yorker), multi-panel “strip” cartoons (like Charlie Brown) and political cartoons (including caricature). We will learn drawing techniques cartoonists use like perspective, anatomy and how to work effectively with ink. No previous drawing experience required.


#206A             Coding & Website Development

In this class we’ll learn how to use HTML, CSS, and Javascript to program an interactive website. We'll be using actual coding languages used by professionals to make your very own website. Make a website for your business, blog or gaming. Learn the basics of programming and apply them in this class.


#207A             Dungeons & Dragons

Join us on an epic adventure where we travel from town to town, slay monsters, and find long-forgotten treasures! This course is appropriate for beginners and advanced players, so introduce us to your existing character or learn to create your own character, and embark on an epic adventure. Dungeons and Dragons™ is a role-play, tabletop fantasy game that teaches skills such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and arithmetic, all in a relaxed, fun setting.


#208A             The Greatest Sports Games

Let's go out to our amazing field and play simple but fun games: Kickball, Capture the Flag, BasketBase (combination of Baseball and Basketball), Steal the Bacon, Team Handball, Gasketball (Combination of Soccer and Basketball), Volleyball, Soccer, Flag Football and more! Fitness + fun = the perfect combination!

>>PERIOD B<<


#209B             Drawing & Sketching: Realism & Imagination

Take your doodling to the next level. Combine drawing strategies with your creativity to create real life-looking characters and detailed backgrounds. Use proven art techniques to meld realism with your imagination. No prior experience is necessary.


#210B             Film Production 101

Do you want to be a famous filmmaker? Have you ever wanted to make your own movie, or at least make quality videos worthy of millions of likes? In this class we'll learn the basics of filmmaking -- from acting, writing, directing and editing – so that you can create your own short films that may one day be seen on the silver screen (or at least on YouTube). Get ready to amaze your friends with your work created in this class.


#211B             Games of Strategy & Chance

Have you ever wondered why some people are so good at chess, or always win their card and board games? Are some people just lucky? In this class we will play chess, card games, board games and a game called Pig with a focus on strategic game play. Learn how to use a specific opening gambit in chess, how to maintain a "poker face" when playing cards, or how sometimes luck/probability works in your favor. Play for fun, but also learn to play to win! 


#212B             Middle School Masters

Is the thought of going to Middle School giving you the jitters? Then this class is for you! Middle School Masters will prepare and organize you for your middle school experience, both academically and socially. You will begin to master 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.


#213B             Flag Football 2

Flag Football 2 is a continuation of Flag Football 1, but you're welcome to attend this class without having attended Flag Football 1. Flag Football 2 will continue with the development of fundamentals, as well as game-play. This includes learning skills on both sides of the ball, like the core components of passing, catching, and de-flagging or defensive positioning – all presented in a fun and positive environment.

Middle School: Academics

WEEK  3:
JULY  3 – 7
(NO CLASS JULY 4)

Middle School: Text

>>PERIODS A & B (Full Morning)<<


#301AB           The Italian Chef: Learn to Cook Delicious Italian Food  **This is a two-period class**

Move beyond pizza and pasta and cook authentic Italian Food. Yes, we love pizza and pasta, but let's explore the deliciousness of homemade ravioli, pondosas, polenta and more! There will always be vegetarian options. 

NOTE:  Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.


#302AB           Creative Songwriting & Intro to Composing  **This is a two-period class**

Let's write, sing and perform songs/pieces! In this class we will learn how to create melodies and harmonies and put our own lyrics and poetry to music. Work with partners and form duets or trios. If you play an instrument, feel free to bring it and play along.


>>PERIOD A <<

#303A             Crafty Class: Fuse Beads & Succulents

In this class, participants will use fuse beads to create colorful and practical succulent plant holders, and will get their very own succulents to give as gifts or keep for themselves. Succulents are like pets, and the fuse bead plant holders are like colorful houses for their plants.


#304A             Cartooning: Gags, Strips & Caricatures

Cartooning is back! We will draw single panel “gag” cartoons (like The New Yorker), multi-panel “strip” cartoons (like Charlie Brown) and political cartoons (including caricature). We will learn drawing techniques cartoonists use like perspective, anatomy and how to work effectively with ink. No previous drawing experience required.


#305A             Pop Piano: Playing the Hits

No experience necessary, but even the most experienced musicians will enjoy it. Are there songs and song hooks that get stuck in your head, or songs that just make you want to sing along every time you hear them? In this class, you can learn to play the best parts of these songs on a keyboard/piano, taught by an experienced professional musician. Using an innovative and rather simple process of focusing on triads, chord progression, key, and harmony, you can learn to play measures of the songs of your choice through hearing/listening rather than reading notes. By the end of the week, you will be able to jump on any piano and play tunes that everyone will recognize.


#306A             Beginning Coding: Make Your Own Game!

Do you want to learn how to code? Do you want to learn how to code games? Learn how to make games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Angry Birds and more! Single player? Multiplayer? No problem! We'll be using the Scratch coding language to program the games that YOU want to play. Prepare to show off your creations to all your friends and create the next best game!


#307A             Games of Strategy & Chance

Have you ever wondered why some people are so good at chess, or always win their card and board games? Are some people just lucky? In this class we will play chess, card games, board games and a game called Pig with a focus on strategic game play. Learn how to use a specific opening gambit in chess, how to maintain a "poker face" when playing cards, or how sometimes luck/probability works in your favor. Play for fun, but also learn to play to win! 


#308A             Basketball Fun 1

Dribble, pass, shoot, score (and more) in Basketball Fun 1. The class will begin with the basics and progress to complex skills and theory. Emphasis will be on individual skills and how to incorporate them into a team setting. Competitions will include Hot Shot, 3-Point Shootout, One-on-One, and more!

>>PERIOD B<<

#309B             Drawing & Sketching: Realism & Imagination

Take your doodling to the next level. Combine drawing strategies with your creativity to create real life-looking characters and detailed backgrounds. Use proven art techniques to meld realism with your imagination. No prior drawing experience is required.


#310B             Podcasting is the Future

Podcasts are suddenly everywhere, and now you can learn how to make your own. Learn how to write, record and produce your very own podcast. Hold discussions about current events, play music, talk sports or whatever you find interesting and publish it for the world to hear.


#311B             Hip Hop and Music Production

Want to record your own hip hop beat, complete with beats, melody and samples? Or create a bedroom pop or dance song that you can post on Soundcloud or Spotify? This is the class for you -- learn how to create and produce your own songs, taught by a professional musician/producer. Learn how to program drum patterns, record vocals or live instrument loops, and produce amazing music tracks that will get people's heads nodding and feet tapping, and maybe even inspire new dance moves.


#312B             Werewolves of Miller's Hollow

Do you like solving mysteries, especially ones that involve you? Werewolves of Miller's Hollow encourages communication, critical thinking, and working together in order to solve a mystery. This is one of the games that led to Among Us. Are you clever enough to find the werewolf before the werewolf finds you?


#313B             Middle School Masters

Is the thought of going to Middle School giving you the jitters? Then this class is for you! Middle School Masters will prepare and organize you for your middle school experience, both academically and socially. You will begin to master 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.


#314B             Soccer Fun 2

Soccer Fun 2 is a continuation of Soccer Fun 1, but you're welcome to attend this class without having attended Soccer Fun 1. Designed for players of all abilities, this class emphasizes both team play and individual skill development. Through skills, drills and thrills, we will work to develop the full range of soccer techniques, including dribbling and passing with different surfaces of the foot, receiving the ball on the ground and in the air, and shooting techniques.

Middle School: Academics

WEEK 4:
JULY 10 – 14

Middle School: Text

>>PERIODS A & B (Full Morning)<<

#401AB           Making Party Food: Nachos, Dips & Hors d’Oeuvres  **This is a two-period class**

Let's party! We're going to create yummy food combinations that we all love to have at parties. We'll make nachos, sliders (veggie and meat), dips and chips and more! There will always be vegetarian options.

NOTE:  Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.


#402AB          Performance Practice  **This is a two-period class**

Following on from Week 3, we will continue to craft songs and practice performing. We will learn how to record ourselves and begin putting together actual performance pieces. Don't worry -- if you're too shy to perform, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to be part of the show! Feel free to join the class even if you have participated in prior weeks; no experience necessary!

>>PERIOD A<<

#403A             Crafty Class: The Etsy Shop

Take your crafty ideas to the next level. Create craft-based products that are worthy of displaying on Pinterest or selling on Etsy. From bracelets to bookmarks, plant holders to crocheted items, this class will give you space to work creatively with others.


#404A             Pop Piano: Playing the Hits

No past experience necessary, but even the most experienced musicians will enjoy it. Are there songs and song hooks that get stuck in your head, or songs that just make you want to sing along every time you hear them? In this class, you can learn to play the best parts of these songs on a keyboard/piano, taught by an experienced professional musician. Using an innovative and rather simple process of focusing on triads, chord progression, key, and harmony, you can learn to play measures of the songs of your choice through hearing/listening rather than reading notes. By the end of the week, you will be able to jump on any piano and play tunes that everyone will recognize.


#405A             Coding & Website Development

In this class, we’ll learn how to use HTML, CSS, and Javascript to program an interactive website. We'll be using actual coding languages used by professionals to make your very own website. Make a website for your business, blog or gaming. Learn the basics of programming and apply them in this class.


#406A             Dungeons & Dragons

Join us on an epic adventure where we travel from town to town, slay monsters, and find long-forgotten treasures! This course is appropriate for beginners and advanced players, so introduce us to your existing character or learn to create your own character, and embark on an epic adventure. Dungeons and Dragons™ is a role-play, tabletop fantasy game that teaches skills such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and arithmetic, all in a relaxed, fun setting.


#407A             The Greatest Sports Games

Let's go out to our amazing field and play simple but fun games: Kickball, Capture the Flag, BasketBase (combination of Baseball and Basketball), Steal the Bacon, Team Handball, Gasketball (Combination of Soccer and Basketball), Volleyball, Soccer, Flag Football and more! Fitness + fun = the perfect combination!

>>PERIOD B<< 


#408B             Podcasting is the Future

Podcasts are suddenly everywhere, and now you can learn how to make your own. Learn how to write, record and produce your very own podcast. Hold discussions about current events, play music, talk sports or whatever you find interesting and publish it for the world to hear.


#409B             Hip Hop & Music Production

Want to record your own hip hop beat complete with beats, melody and samples? Or create a bedroom pop or dance song that you can post on Soundcloud or Spotify? This is the class for you -- learn how to create and produce your own songs, taught by a professional musician/producer. Learn how to program drum patterns, record vocals or live instrument loops, and produce amazing music tracks that will get people's heads nodding and feet tapping, and maybe even inspire new dance moves.


#410B             Games of Strategy & Chance

Have you ever wondered why some people are so good at chess, or always win their card and board games? A some people just lucky? In this class we will play chess, card games, board games and game called Pig with a focus on strategic game play. Learn from others how to use a specific opening gambit in chess, how to maintain a "poker face" when playing cards, or how sometimes luck/probability works in your favor. Play for fun, but also learn to play to win! 


#411B             Middle School Masters

Is the thought of going to Middle School giving you the jitters? Then this class is for you! Middle School Masters will prepare and organize you for your middle school experience, both academically and socially. You will begin to master 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.


#412B             Volleyball Fun

Bump, set, spike! You'll learn the basic fundamentals of this wonderful game and progress to game play, including indoor 6 v 6, 3 v 3, and beach-style 2 v 2. This class is for all levels.

Middle School: Academics

WEEK 5:
JULY 17 – 21

Middle School: Text

>>PERIODS A & B (Full Morning)<<


#501AB           Crazy Creations for the Adventurous Chef  **This is a two-period class**

The rage in fancy restaurants now are the creative “chef's specials.” It's like cooking blended with delicious science experiments. Learn how to mix up sweet and savory flavors and see what happens. From peppery lemon olive oil cake, flatbreads with fruit, Asian tacos, chocolate avocado ice cream and more, take your cooking to another level.

NOTE:  Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.


#502AB           Music Appreciation: How to Talk About Music  **This is a two-period class**

This class will serve as a deeper dive into topics covered in #102AB: “Listening Party & Karaoke” to bring closure to our five-week exploration of music. We will be looking at some of
your favorite songs and dissecting what makes them enjoyable. The skills developed in this class will give you a better idea of how to talk about music with your friends, and how to express
why you like the music that you do.

>>PERIOD A<< 

#503A             Crafty Class: The Etsy Shop Part 2

This class is a space for creating craft-based items, from necklaces to crocheted bucket hats. We will also learn how artists sell their items on Etsy, setting prices and using photos to make their items look appealing (though we won’t actually sell; you have to be 18 to have an account). Join us in a relaxing and creative atmosphere where we produce beautiful craftwork and learn a little about running our own business along the way!


#504A             Funk Band

Funk Band is like School of Rock, but with less rock and more groove. Pick up an instrument, from bass guitar to percussion to keyboards, and learn the art of rhythm and listening to create live grooves with friends. The “band” will be led by a professional musician who has toured the world with real funk bands. His approach to teaching music focuses on the foundational aspects of tempo/rhythm, chord progressions and listening to one another -- finding the vibe and groove that moves the music forward. The goal is to give a live performance for the rest of the Summer Adventure students at the end of the week.


#505A             Coding & Website Development

In this class we’ll learn how to use HTML, CSS, and Javascript to program an interactive website. We'll be using actual coding languages used by professionals to make your very own website. Make a website for your business, blog or gaming. Learn the basics of programming and apply them in this class.


#506A             Dungeons & Dragons

Join us on an epic adventure where we travel from town to town, slay monsters, and find long-forgotten treasures! This course is appropriate for beginners and advanced players, so introduce us to your existing character or learn to create your own character, and embark on an epic adventure. Dungeons and Dragons™ is a role-play, tabletop fantasy game that teaches skills such as creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and arithmetic, all in a relaxed, fun setting.


#507A             Basketball Fun 2

Basketball Fun 2 is a continuation of Basketball Fun 1, but you're welcome to attend this class without having attended Basketball Fun 1. Basketball Fun 2 will continue with the development of fundamentals, as well as game play. More games will be included, like H-O-R-S-E, 3-on-3, Around the World, and more!


>>PERIOD B<< 

#508B             Podcasting is the Future

Podcasts are suddenly everywhere, and now you can learn how to make your own. Learn how to write, record and produce your very own podcast. Hold discussions about current events, play music, talk sports or whatever you find interesting and publish it for the world to hear.


#509B             Hip Hop & Music Production

Want to record your own hip hop beat complete with beats, melody and samples? Or create a bedroom pop or dance song that you can post on Soundcloud or Spotify? This is the class for you -- learn how to create and produce your own songs, taught by a professional musician/producer. Learn how to program drum patterns, record vocals or live instrument loops, and produce amazing music tracks that will get people's heads nodding and feet tapping, and maybe even inspire new dance moves.


#510B             Werewolves of Miller’s Crossing

Do you like solving mysteries, especially ones that involve you? Werewolves of Miller's Hollow encourages communication, critical thinking, and working together in order to solve a mystery. This is one of the games that led to Among Us. Are you clever enough to find the werewolf before the werewolf finds you?


#511B             Middle School Masters

Is the thought of going to Middle School giving you the jitters? Then this class is for you! Middle School Masters will prepare and organize you for your middle school experience, both academically and socially. You will begin to master 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.


#512B             Volleyball Fun

Bump, set, spike! You'll learn the basic fundamentals of this wonderful game and progress to game play, including indoor 6 v 6, 3 v 3, and beach-style 2 v 2. This class is for all levels.


PLEASE NOTE: All class offerings depend on enrollment. Students can take the same classes each week because the content will change. The only exception is Middle School Masters; students should only sign up for this class one time.

Middle School: Academics
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