continually enhancing the curriculum at...

The May 2011

Herald A Publication of the MCA Office of Advancement and Development

Millennium Charter Academy Office of Advancement and Development

500 Old Springs Road Mount Airy, NC 27030

336.789.7570 (p) 336.789.8445 (f) www.mcacademy.com [email protected]

MCA continually looks for ways to improve our already rich curriculum and class offerings for our students. Perhaps it’s finding a new online site where kindergartners can practice their reading skills, or developing new hands-on projects for fifth graders, or creating new courses in middle school. Our objective is to always provide our students with timely, challenging, and engaging material for their educational benefit.

This month’s The Herald showcases our increasing array of solid academic elective courses and valuable fine arts electives for our middle school students. These classes are selected based upon the school’s philosophy of education, which requires meaningful, substantive material that promotes evaluation, generalization, and synthesis. Secondarily, but of equal importance, a teacher’s passion for the subject is factored into the selection.

This year, MCA is proud to announce thirty-five elective offerings. These classes present the students with opportunities to explorevarious interests ranging from athletics to the arts to the sciences and philosophies. The passion our teachers have for the various subject areas most definitely carries over in their presentation, creating varied and rich material for our students. Most of the electives are one trimester in length, enabling the students to participate in up to six per year.

Continually Enhancing the Curriculum at MCA

From back to front: Briana Coad, Kaitlin Stevens, and

Alayna Speer enjoy their electives in middle school.Even if you’re a kindergarten parent, and middle school seems far, far away, we hope you take a moment to read about these new classes for next year. They are a continuation and a reflection of the solid academics that provide the foundation for learning at MCA.

Sign Language- Jane Theis

The Beginning Sign Language Elective will include proficiency with a 50-fact background of Deaf Culture, historical overview of American Sign Language, the finger spelling alphabet, and a basic sign language survival vocabulary. Students will have the opportunity to interpret from voice to sign and sign to voice at the word, phrase, sentence and conversational level.

Graphic Design - Bethany Shepherd

Graphic design is powerful in today’s highly visual world. Quality graphic design makes the difference between a top selling item and one that disappears among its competition.•Learn to choose font styles, format layouts, color schemes and art appropriate for topic.•Discover how to utilize contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity to strengthen page design.•Design graphic & informational pages for use by MCA (electronic, print and web-based)•Build unique PowerPoint slide backgrounds (rather than being confined to pre-made templates)•Explore animation to add to presentation repertoire.•Create a new design for MCA’s publicity to use on water bottles, T-shirts, and the 2012 yearbook!

MCA Middle School Elective Offerings 2011-2012

May 2011 of 6The HeraldThe HeraldThe HeraldThe Herald




Science, Religion, and Ethics: Exploring the Controversies- Pam Braley

The brave new world of science presents many ethical dilemmas and often comes into conflict with religious views. In this course, we will explore the points of conflict between science and religion and between science and ethics, delving into topics such as stem cell research, cloning, theories of origins, biomedical ethics, and a host of others.

Physical Conditioning for the Athlete- Steve Braune

An intense physical education class geared towards the physical conditioning of the athlete's body, specifically aimed to improve stamina, strength, speed, balance and overall health. The activities will differ with the weather changes and to keep the conditioning season/sport specific.

Music Composition- Rodney Money

Students will learn to compose original works by exploring both modern and traditional techniques of composition. The students will learn how to compose rhythms, melodies, and basic chord structure while placing their copyrighted works into the software program, Finale Notepad.

Advanced Music- (Yearlong) Rodney Money

This yearlong, high-level course gives focus on performance. Students must be self-motivated, able to work well with other, and able to count eight-note rhythms. Students are required to perform in at least two Christmas concerts, two spring concerts and other events, possibly outside regular school hours. Students may have the opportunity to travel as well. Advanced Music is a very rewarding experience designed for the student who wants to be part of something truly special and progressive. This course also covers the requirements necessary to play percussion in high school bands or orchestra. Students interested in Advanced Music are required to do a light; non-threatening audition to make sure the student understands the basic concepts of reading and counting music.

Fine Art I – Mary McCormick

This course will follow the Core Knowledge curriculum course of study while focusing on 2 dimensional design and traditional art media. Examples of art media used in this course are drawing, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, printmaking, etc.

3- Dimensional Design – Mary McCormick

This course will follow the Core Knowledge curriculum course of study while focusing on creating 3-dimensiomnal forms. Examples of art media used in this course are clay sculpture, wire sculpture, wood/ cardboard, mobiles, books, paper, etc.

Mythbusters - Amanda Haymore

Have you ever wondered, “Is that really possible?” or “How does that work?” During this course you will do what scientists do; question, explore, create, and experiment to find answers to questions that you ask. Much like the show MythBusters we will test claims made in commercials, find out what is myth or fact, learn what things are made of, and how things work. Throughout the class you will design and conduct science experiments and learn how to analyze your findings.

Traditional Logic – Christie Speer

This is an in-depth study of the classical syllogism. The course covers the three acts of the mind: simple apprehension, judgment, and inference. Students will then learn the four kinds of logical statements, the four ways propositions can be opposed, the three ways in which they can be equivalent, and the seven rules for the validity of syllogisms.





Spanish Ia (Yearlong)- Christy Plumback

Students study language that can be used in everyday conversation. Listening and speaking skills are emphasized, although the reading and writing of Spanish are also introduced. Students communicate about such topics as greetings, telling time, school subjects, foods, family and friends and leisure activities. This class is conducted in Spanish as much as possible and an emphasis is placed on becoming a competent communicator. Students expand their understanding of culture by studying about the countries of the Hispanic world. This is the first of two courses in Spanish. With the successful completion of this class and Spanish Ib the following year, students have the opportunity to start Spanish II in high school.

Journalism

Learn how to get the "scoop," conduct an interview, dig out important information, and hook your reader. Dive into the who, what, when, where, how and why of the big story. Then, work as part of a news team to format and publish your writing, making it clear and attractive to your readers.

Model United Nations/Mock Trial (Understanding the global world and our law)- Nicole Kesler

MCA students who are interested in competing in both Mock Trial and Model UN will have the opportunity to work and prepare for these opportunities in a full class. In Model UN we examine three world issues and prepare to represent a country in light of the issues that we have been presented with. This requires strong research on both the countries perspective and our current global politics. Additionally, the opportunity to present in a UN council to students from other schools is an excellent opportunity. Mock Trial is a full court simulation where we will be assigned a case where we must present both the prosecution and the defense and our witnesses. This event allows every participant to learn more about the rule of law while having fun preparing a witness, learning how to cross-examine, and arguing! We will then travel to the fall competitions in both arenas, including the High School Model United Nations at Appalachian State.

Second Trimester

Computer Skills- Mandy Dean

The Computer Skills elective is a course that covers the North Carolina Eighth Grade Technology Proficiency Standards. Students will learn such things as how to use different tools, collaborate with peers, identify and solve hardware / software problems, as well as create multimedia projects. Topics covered in core classes, along with current events, will be explored more deeply. Most of the assignments in Computer Skills will be project-based.

Dance- Cassie Robacker

Dancing is enjoyed in every human society and by every age. Whether you secretly dance in your bedroom, or on stage, this introductory class is for you! Students will spend three weeks learning three basic styles of dance, Ballet, Jazz, Tap. The last three weeks will focus on different types of Social Dances such as Ballroom, Latin, Jive, and Jitterbug. Students will gain an understanding of the history of dance as well as its impact on the present day. Students will learn dance terminology and dance combination. Students will dance everyday. Students will increase their self-confidence, flexibility, and coordination. This class will get you moving! This elective is for students who have never danced before or for those who are avid dancers.

Yearbook- Bethany Shepherd

Document your 2011-2012 school year in photos. This class will be privileged & responsible for creation of MCA’s yearbook. From page layout to electronic design, we will capture classes (K-8), sports teams, important events and much, much more. This year two students (who have previous yearbook experience) will serve as co-editors of this student created publication. Editors will work closely with advisor to create task-oriented teams and then monitor their progress. Students new to this class will learn design basics and how to utilize the web based yearbook site. Graphic design and photography experience a plus but not required. New and returning students all welcome. Anyone interested in being a co-editor, see Mrs. Shepherd for application. Co-editors will be chosen by June 10.





Introduction to Philosophy- Pam Braley

Behind every action is an idea; behind every idea is a philosophy. Ideas have consequences. In this course, we will study a range of philosophies, from the Greeks to the post-modernists, and the consequences of their ideas. We will learn how to approach actions and ideas through the philosophies behind them.



Drawing – Mary McCormick

This course will follow the Core Knowledge curriculum course of study while focusing specifically on drawing techniques and media with the goal of improving drawing skills (whatever your skill level). The course will be based on the traditional model for drawing courses including contour, gesture, still life, figure, and fantasy; using a “how-to”style of teaching. Different media include: charcoal, pencil, oil pastel, soft pastel, colored pencil, etc.

Fine Art II – Mary McCormick

This course is open to students who have taken Fine Art I and would like to continue using traditional art media: drawing, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, printmaking, etc. This course will follow Core Knowledge curriculum expectations. Please note: this course will not repeat lessons.

Science Olympiad- Amanda Haymore

During this class you will explore different areas of science, which may include engineering, forensic science, environmental science, food science, and geology. We will design and construct towers, bottle rockets, and aquifers (to name a few!). We will explore the chemistry of food, learn about the environment around us, and different diseases. Our goal will be to prepare for the Science Olympiad competition by learning about various areas of science and practicing experimental design.

Traditional Logic – Christie Speer

This is an in-depth study of the classical syllogism. The course covers the three acts of the mind: simple apprehension, judgment, and inference. Students will then learn the four kinds of logical statements, the four ways propositions can be opposed, the three ways in which they can be equivalent, and the seven rules for the validity of syllogisms.

Beginning Music-Rodney Money

This beginning music course is for students wishing to continue their musical journey through middle school and play in an ensemble setting. The students will learn how to read music, gain an appreciation for music through games, acquire rehearsal techniques, understand beginning composition, and participate in performances, This course is for students who enjoy music but feel that they are not yet ready to be in an advanced setting.

Creative Writing

Let your creative genie out of the lamp as you explore the power, beauty, and fun of words. Learn to write poetry, stories, and many other types of writing. Put a new twist on writing in this class where everyone loves to write.

M-POWER – Nicole Kesler

Designed for MCA students who are interested in reaching out and empowering our community. Students will be required to take on a large community outreach or community awareness project as a class. At a maximum the class will undertake two projects. These projects will allow students to follow a particular interest or passion and pursue it through a number of avenues.





Third Trimester

Dance Choreography- Cassie Robacker

Could you be the next Kenny Ortega (choreographer for High School Musical) and have your choreography shown in movies all around the world? Could you choreograph the next music video? Dance Choreography is designed for students who have basic levels of skill, technique, and knowledge in ballet, jazz, tap and social dance. Students will be responsible for choreographing many pieces throughout the trimester through solos, duets, small groups and large groups. Students will explore different type of dance notations in order to record their work. Along with the choreography, students will be responsible for designing costumes, choosing music, and design lighting that complements their choreography. Students will get an opportunity to perform their work. By the end of the trimester students will have portfolios of their work.

Journaling through Nature- Bethany Shepherd

Use a loupe to study ants as you discover how they use chemicals to lead others to their food source. See and draw a caterpillar’s spiracles. Learn how to determine the gender of a moth and record in your journal along with other fascinating facts based on intense observation. This class uses in-depth daily observations and research to create individual nature journals from blank books. Plan to spend time absorbing the miniscule details of nature that are too often overlooked. Daily outdoor excursions on our school’s campus provide an abundance of nature based observation experiences. We will grow an intense attention to details and ability to record sights, sounds and smells while working individually. Grade not based on artistic skills.



Advanced 3-D Design – Mary McCormick

This course will follow the Core Knowledge curriculum course of study while focusing on creating 3-dimensional forms & fine crafts. Examples of art media used in this course are clay sculpture, wire sculpture, wood/ cardboard, mobiles, books, etc. This class does not repeat course assignments from 3-D Design but terminology & instructional information will be reviewed. Students will be expected to have taken at least 1 art elective to take this course.

Claymation Photography- Mary McCormick

This course will follow the core knowledge curriculum course of study while using sculpture skills and photography to create an animated movie. Storyboard preparation & script writing will be incorporated into the curriculum. Each student will complete a Claymation movie as his or her final project.

Sport Science and Statistics- Amanda Haymore

This course will focus on learning about spring sports and the math related to them. We will study your favorite professional, college, and MCA teams all while learning about data analysis, probability, and inference. You will learn how to keep a stat sheet on a player and keep the books of various spring sports. We will analyze game film and stat sheets as a coach would do to make decisions about a team. We will study athletes and learn what makes them so good at what they do. This class will increase your knowledge of sports and math!

Economics and the Stock Market – Christie Speer

In this course, students will be involved in a Stock Market simulation in order to learn about investing. Students will also learn about supply and demand, opportunity cost, GNP, and other economics content.





Beginning Music-Rodney Money

This beginning music course is for students wishing to continue their musical journey through middle school and play in an ensemble setting. The students will learn how to read music, gain an appreciation for music through games, acquire rehearsal techniques, understand beginning composition, and participate in performances, This course is for students who enjoy music but feel that they are not yet ready to be in an advanced setting.

Contemporary Literature-Do you enjoy the classics or just a good read? We read a variety of new releases and popular literature to evaluate them for content, writing, and style. The goal of this class is to read while having fun!

The World, History, and Health: Through our stomachs! – Nicole Kesler

Through this course we will explore the world, look at important historical events, and discuss important changes in nutritional awareness all while having fun and learning in the kitchen. We will make a minimum of one recipe each week and focus on expanding our palette both culturally and nutritionally. There will be a participation fee of $25 for this course to help cover the cost of ingredients. This course will be limited to 12 participants as well, due to the size of our kitchen.

Living Well – Steve Braune & Susan Gunter

Get ready to get healthy! Join Coach B. and Mrs. Gunter for an exciting approach to a life long healthy lifestyle. This elective introduces students to various forms of fun fitness, such as zumba, yoga, and kickboxing. Healthy cooking, label reading, and dealing with teenage self- esteem and peer pressure are also incorporated. Special eventsinclude visits to or from the following: fitness specialists, nutrition experts, grocery stores, farmers market, restaurants, and health/fitness facilities. Healthy habits developed at an early age reap the most benefit!

Public Speaking – Pam Braley

Many people have a great fear of speaking in front of a group, but everyone is called upon to do so at some point. In this course, you will learn strategies for delivering a comfortable, convincing speech. The course will focus on both delivery and content, with each student eventually presenting a speech of his or her own choice in a public forum.

continually enhancing the curriculum at...

Documents