PGMS Course Selection Guide

Purpose

Pleasant Grove Middle School is committed to the general purpose that education should provide appropriate learning experiences for every child in the school. Experiences provide each child the opportunity to continually develop and improve - emotionally, physically, morally, socially, and intellectually. PGMS acknowledges that the students of today will live in a society demanding knowledge and skills related to multiple forms of technology. The school is committed to the development of the "whole" child.

The curriculum is in a state of continuous study and revision, readily adaptable to meet the changing needs of children and provide a foundation of knowledge. Methods of instruction reflect recognition of individual differences among students. Instruction equips students with real world work skills, human relations skills, respect for authority, appreciation of our American heritage and other world cultures. Students are exposed to knowledge of how and where to obtain needed information, and an understanding of computers and other technologies which will enable them to function in an ever changing global society.

Well-trained and highly competent staff members demonstrate pride in their professional learning community. All staff members have a commitment to the intellectual, social, and moral development of school children. Continuous staff development, collaboration with colleagues, and professional growth experiences are encouraged. Discipline is considered vitally important to a vigorous educational program. Overall, the school's efforts are directed to help each student become a productive member of our global society, capable of making a definite and positive contribution to society and to him or herself.

Mission Statement

The mission of Pleasant Grove Independent School District, in collaboration with the community, is to ensure high levels of learning for all students.

Vision

The students and staff of PGMS will ensure a culture of continuous learning for all. The staff will support the development of the whole child in a safe and nurturing environment, so our students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their goals and dreams.

Our Collective Commitments

• order to achieve our shared mission and vision, Pleasant Grove Middle School has made the following collective commitments:
• Implement a guaranteed and viable curriculum, unit by unit for core classes.
• Monitor student learning through an ongoing assessment process that includes frequent, team-developed common formative assessments.
• Use the results of common assessments to improve practice, achieve goals, and intervene on priority standards.
• Provide a systematic process for intervention.

Our District Along with the Community:

• Recruits and retains quality teachers and staff who are well-compensated, highly-trained and skilled
• Provides a safe learning environment
• Is innovative and proactive to meet the changing and diverse needs of our students
• Invests resources to promote student success
• Builds and extends partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations, and educational entities
• Promotes awareness of school and student accomplishments

Social Studies6th Grade	Units	7th Grade	Units	8th Grade	Units
Reading Language Arts	1	Reading Language Arts	1	Reading Language Arts	1
Mathematics	1	Mathematics	1	Mathematics	1
Science/Health	1	Science/Health	1	Science/Health	1
Social Studies	1	Social Studies	1	Social Studies	1
Physical Education	1	Physical Education	1	Technology Applications	1
Fine Arts	1	Elective	1	Elective	1
Technology Applications	1	Elective	1	Elective	1

 

Reading Language Arts (RLA) Grade 6 Course number 1006 
Reading Language Arts students are expected to demonstrate mastery with critical thinking skills in reading and writing. Various types of literature such as poetry, drama, short stories, nonfiction, and novels will be used for analyzing literature requiring open-ended responses. Literary elements will be used as springboards for writing a variety of paragraphs, compositions, and detailed compositions. Students will be exposed to a broad range of relevant and engaging topics of interest. Students will be introduced to new vocabulary and apply it when speaking, reading, and writing.

Advanced Reading Language Arts (RLA) Grade 6 Course number 1016
Students will follow the above course description for RLA 6 with a focus on working independently. Students will implement and master a flexible range of metacognitive reading skills in both assigned and independent reading to understand an author's message. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth in increasingly more complex texts as they become self-directive, critical speakers, readers, and writers. For admission into advanced English in grades 6, the following performance standards shall be recommended. A student shall have: (1) earned a previous year grade average of 90+ in an on-level RLA class or an 85+ in an advanced class; (2) met the standard on the state-mandated assessment.

Reading Language Arts (RLA) Grade 7 Course number 1007 
Reading Language Arts students are expected to demonstrate mastery with critical thinking skills in reading and writing. Various types of literature such as poetry, drama, short stories, nonfiction, and novels will be used for analyzing literature requiring open-ended responses. Literary elements will be used as springboards for writing a variety of paragraphs, compositions, and detailed compositions. Students will be exposed to a broad range of relevant and engaging topics of interest. Students will be introduced to new vocabulary and apply it when speaking, reading, and writing.

Advanced Reading Language Arts (RLA) Grade 7 Course number 1017 
Students will follow the above course description for RLA 7 with a focus on working independently. Students will implement and master a flexible range of metacognitive reading skills in both assigned and independent reading to understand an author's message. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth in increasingly more complex texts as they become self-directive, critical speakers, readers, and writers. For admission into advanced  English in grades 7, the following performance standards shall be recommended. A student shall have: (1) earned a previous year grade average of 90+ in a grade-level RLA class or an 85+ in an advanced class; (2) met the standard on the state-mandated assessment.

Reading Language Arts (RLA) Grade 8 Course number 1008 
Students are expected to demonstrate mastery with critical thinking skills in reading and writing. Various types of literature such as poetry, drama, short stories, nonfiction, and novels will be used for analyzing literature requiring open-ended responses. Literary elements will be used as springboards for writing a variety of paragraphs, compositions, and detailed compositions. Students will be exposed to a broad range of relevant and engaging topics of interest. Students will be introduced to new vocabulary and apply it when speaking, reading, and writing.

Advanced Reading Language Arts (RLA) Grade 8 Course number 1018
Students will follow the above course description for RLA 8, with a focus on working independently. Students will implement and master a flexible range of metacognitive reading skills in both assigned and independent reading to understand an author's message. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth in increasingly more complex texts as they become self-directive, critical speakers, readers, and writers.  For admission into advanced English, the following performance standards shall be recommended. A student shall have: (1) earned a previous year grade average of 90+ in an on-level RLA class or an 85+ in an advanced class; (2) met the standard on the state-mandated assessment.

 

 

 

Advanced Reading Language Arts (RLA) Grade 8 Course number 1018
Students will follow the above course description for RLA 8, with a focus on working independently. Students will implement and master a flexible range of metacognitive reading skills in both assigned and independent reading to understand an author's message. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth in increasingly more complex texts as they become self-directive, critical speakers, readers, and writers.  For admission into advanced English, the following performance standards shall be recommended. A student shall have: (1) earned a previous year grade average of 90+ in an on-level RLA class or an 85+ in an advanced class; (2) met the standard on the state-mandated assessment.

Consolidated Mathematics Grade 7 Course number 2017 
Consolidated Math is designed as the pathway for students to enroll in Grade 8 Algebra I, which is a high school credit course. Consolidated Mathematics is an accelerated course offering Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills designated for 7th and 8th grades. This course challenges motivated and responsible students to understand and demonstrate mastery of in-depth, rigorous content. Students will demonstrate mastery in the primary focal areas, which are numbers and operations, proportionality, expressions, equations, relationships, and measurement data. Consolidated Math 7 also includes the foundations of functions. Students will demonstrate their mastery of the content through performance based assessments that will be given throughout the year. For admission into Consolidated Mathematics in grade 7, a student must meet at least two of the of the following three requirements:  (1) earned a grade average of 85+ in an accelerated class for the previous school year; (2) met or exceeded the standard on the state-mandated assessment; (3) received a recommendation for accelerated instruction by his or her current mathematics teacher.

Mathematics Grade 8 Course number 2008 
Students will demonstrate mastery in the primary focal areas, which are numbers and operations, proportionality, expressions, equations, relationships, and measurement data. Grade 8 Mathematics also includes the foundations of functions.  The mathematics curriculum follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill adopted by the Texas Education Agency.

Advanced Mathematics Grade 8 Course number 2020 
Students will demonstrate mastery in the primary focal areas which are numbers and operations, proportionality, expressions, equations, relationships, and measurement data. Grade 8 Mathematics also includes the foundations of functions. For admission into advanced mathematics, the following performance standards are required: a student shall have: (1) earned a grade average of 90+ in an on-level math class or an 85+ in an accelerated class for the previous school year; (2) met or exceeded the standard on the state-mandated assessment.

Algebra 1 Course number 2018
*High School Course Credit
Algebra 1 is a high school credit course designed for students who have displayed advanced mathematical ability. For admission into Algebra I, the following performance standards are required:  a student shall have 1) earned a grade average of 90+ in an on-level math class or an 85+ in an accelerated class for the previous school year (current math teacher may make a recommendation for students who do not meet course grade criteria) and 2) met or exceeded the standard on the state-mandated assessment.  The primary focal areas are functional relationships, properties and attributes of functions, linear functions, linear equations and inequalities, quadratic and other nonlinear functions. Students are responsible for taking the STAAR Algebra 1 End Of Course (EOC) exam.  Students enrolled in Algebra I during middle school are required to take the ACT or SAT test while in high school.

 

 

Science Grade 6 Course number 4006  
Students will explore and demonstrate mastery of the discoveries and wonders of science with a focus on matter and energy, force and motion, earth and space, along with organisms and environments. Students focus on the differences between elements and compounds based on observations, description of physical properties, and chemical reactions. Students will explore the origins and uses of renewable and nonrenewable resources while considering the ethical/social issues surrounding Earth’s natural energy resources. Students will investigate the relationship between force, motion, and energy using a variety of means, including calculations and measurements. The focus of the Earth and space strand is on introducing Earth's processes. Students should develop an understanding of Earth as part of our solar system. The topics include organization of our solar system, the role of gravity, and space exploration. Students will gain an understanding of the broadest taxonomic classifications of organisms and how characteristics determine their classification. The other major topics developed in this strand include the interdependence between organisms and their environments and the levels of organization within an ecosystem.

Science Grade 7 Course number 4007  
Students will master and study a wide range of topics which are outlined in the TEKS. Those topics are flow of energy in ecosystems, force and motion, factors impacting earth systems, life in our solar system, organisms and the environment, structure and function of cells and living things, physical, chemical and energy changes in digestion, homeostasis, genetics, genetic variations and adaptations.  Students will dissect frogs in the science lab.

Science Grade 8 Course number 4008  
This course is designed to expose the student to different types of lab techniques and to a broad area of the scientific field. Students will master basic principles of chemistry.  Science 8 includes atomic structures and functions, learning to interpret the periodic table, and being introduced to chemical and physical reactions in the lab. Students will learn about force and motion and how that relates to movements of all types. Students will use graphs and calculations to determine acceleration, speed, and velocity. The next section involves earth and space science. Topics under these units include plate tectonics, weather and climate, stars, galaxies, and the people involved in the development of scientific theories. The students will finish the year by studying organisms and their environment.

Social Studies Grade 6 Course number 3006  
(World Geography) Students will demonstrate mastery in the study of people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian republics, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific realm. 

Social Studies Grade 7 Course number 3007  
(Texas History) Students will demonstrate mastery in the study of the history of Texas from early times to the present. Content is presented with more depth and breadth than in Grade 4. Students examine the full scope of Texas history, including Natural Texas and its People; Age of Contact; Spanish Colonial; Mexican National; Revolution and Republic; Early Statehood; Texas in the Civil War and Reconstruction; Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads; Age of Oil; Texas in the Great Depression and World War II; Civil Rights and Conservatism; and Contemporary Texas eras. 

Social Studies Grade 8 Course number 3008 
(U.S. History) Students demonstrate mastery in the study of the history of the United States from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Historical content focuses on the political, economic, religious, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, challenges of the early republic, the Age of Jackson, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction. Students describe the physical characteristics of the United States and their impact on population distribution and settlement patterns in the past and present. Students analyze the various economic factors that influenced the development of colonial America and the early years of the republic and identify the origins of the free enterprise system. Students examine the American beliefs reflected in the U.S. Constitution and other historical documents. Students evaluate the impact of Supreme Court cases and major reform movements of the 19th century and examine the rights and responsibilities of citizens of the United States as well as the importance of effective leadership in a constitutional republic. Students evaluate the impact of scientific discoveries and technological innovations on the development of the United States. Students use critical-thinking skills, including the identification of bias in written, oral, and visual material.

 

Art 1 Course number 7006 (Grade 6)
Students will implement techniques with perception and expression with emphasis on media, creative expression, and performance, mastering the (TEKS). This class is for 1st year Art students. 

Art 2 Course number 7010 (Grades 7,8)
Students will implement techniques with perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage and critical evaluation.  

Art 3 *Art 2 is a prerequisite. Course number 7020 (Grade 8)
Students will implement techniques with In-depth study of art through the four basic strands of perception. Third-year Art students will be creative with expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage and critical evaluation. 

Middle School Band 1 Course numbers - 0001 for Percussion, 0002 for Trombone, 0004 for French horn, 0005 for Trumpet, 0006 for Baritone/Tuba, 0007 for Clarinet, 0008 for Flute, 0009 for Saxophone (Grades 6,7,8)
Instrument specific, basic musicianship and performance techniques are learned on individual woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Beginning band emphasizes proper performance technique, breath control, tone, quality, range, and proper posture. Students are assigned a musical instrument based upon a student assessment.  Performance opportunities are included. 

Middle School Band 2 Course number 0010 (Grades 7,8)
Performance techniques and fundamentals are reinforced, adding new material to repertoire by learning new music and mastering additional technical exercises and advanced musical expression; built upon previous knowledge and skills, continue to advance musical abilities.  Performance opportunities are included.

Middle School Band 3 Course number 0003 (Grade 8)
Performance techniques and fundamentals are reinforced; adding new material to repertoire by learning new music and mastering additional technical exercises and advanced musical expression; built upon previous knowledge and skills, and continue to advance musical abilities. Performance opportunities are included. 

Introduction to Guitar Course number 1012 (Grades 7,8)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the guitar.  Students will learn to read music, study music history, and play beginner chords on the guitar.  They will learn to tune the guitar, as well as practice strumming and picking techniques.  Students will demonstrate their skills with both solo and ensemble performances.

Middle School Dance 1 Course number 7026  (Grade 6)
Students are expected to master four basic strands- perception, creative expression/performance, historical and cultural heritage, and critical evaluation.  Through a variety of interpretive dance experiences, students will learn to communicate in a dramatic form, make artistic choices, solve problems, and build positive self-concepts. Students will increase their understanding of the heritage and traditions of dance. Student response and evaluation will promote critical thinking and further discriminating judgment, developing students who are appreciative of all forms of dance. Students will earn fine arts credit for this class.

Middle School Theater 1   Course number 7106 (Grade 6) 
Students will be given an overview of dramatic and theatrical arts that will increase their communication and interpersonal skills, critical and creative thinking, and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team. The course develops students who are appreciative and evaluative of theater, film, and other storytelling techniques by promoting a cultural and historical understanding of theater; using theater to master and cultivate reading, writing, and public speaking skills; and inspiring creativity and problem-solving through physical and vocal expression.

Middle School Theater 2  Course number 7117 (Grades 7,8)
Students will be given an overview of dramatic and theatrical arts that will increase their communication and interpersonal skills, critical and creative thinking, and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team. The course develops students who are appreciative and evaluative of theater, film, and other storytelling techniques by promoting a cultural and historical understanding of theater; using theater to master and cultivate reading, writing, and public speaking skills; and inspiring creativity and problem-solving through physical and vocal expression.

Middle School Theater 3 Theater 1 or 2 is a prerequisite.  Course number 7108 (Grade 8)
Students will continue their study of dramatic and theatrical arts and increase their communication and interpersonal skills, critical and creative thinking.  Students will demonstrate a  willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team. This course builds on prior knowledge of the history and culture of Theatre, film, and storytelling.  Students will study advanced reading, writing, and public speaking skills.  Students will continue to use creativity and problem solving skills through physical and vocal expression.

Middle School Ovation Company *Theater 1 or 2 is a prerequisite. Course number 7118 
(Grades 7,8)
The purpose of this course is to allow advanced middle school Theatre students the opportunity to participate in joint community performances with the high school, as well as Middle School UIL competition.  Students will continue to study all aspects of theater: performance, history, and design.  After school rehearsals and some weekend rehearsals are a requirement of this course.  Admission into this course requires an application and selection process, as well as successful completion of Theatre I.  

 

 

Athletics Course number 9007 (Grade 7, Boys); Course number 9002 (Grade 7, Girls), Course number 9008 (Grade 8, Boys); Course number 9001 (Grade 8, Girls)
Athletics requires rigorous physical training, daily participation, and regular UIL competition in up to three sports; after-school practice will be required. Boys may participate in football, basketball, and track and field events. Girls may participate in volleyball, basketball, and track and field events.

Cheerleading Course number 9010 (Grade 7); Course number 9012 (Grade 8)
The focus of cheerleading is to create school spirit and promote a sense of pride and dignity in PGMS.  While experiencing teamwork, we will strive to develop a sense of fair play and learn the importance of doing one’s best. Cheerleaders will cheer at pep rallies, PGMS sporting events, and other special events and competitions as required. Tryouts are held during the spring semester for the upcoming school year.

Drill Team Course number 9027 (Grade 7); Course number 1228 (Grade 8)
Drill Team is a physical conditioning and performance-oriented course. Drill Team includes various areas of performance preparation for athletic events, parades, pep rallies, and other school and community related functions. Such preparation shall include the following areas of concentration: warm-up and stretching techniques, dancing techniques, and marching techniques. Tryouts are held during the spring (second) semester for the following school year.

Physical Education (P.E.) Course number 9006 (Grade 6); Course number 9020 (Grades 7,8)
Students will master and acquire the knowledge and skills for movement that provide the foundation for enjoyment, continued social development through physical activity, and access to a physically-active lifestyle. The student will exhibit a physically-active lifestyle and understand the relationship between physical activity and health throughout the lifespan. Students understand in greater detail the function of the body, learn to measure their own performance more accurately, and develop plans for improvement. Students learn to use technology such as heart rate monitors to assist in measuring and monitoring their own performance. Identifying the types of activities that provide them with enjoyment and challenge and that will encourage them to be physically active throughout life is reinforced during instruction in these grades. 

Pre-athletics Course number 9016 (Grade 6, Boys); Course number 9026 (Grade 6, Girls)
Students prepare to participate in competitive UIL sports in 7th and 8th grade. Boys will master fundamentals and foundations of good sportsmanship to participate in football, basketball, and track and field events. Girls will learn the fundamentals and foundations of good sportsmanship to participate in volleyball, basketball, and track and field events.

Tennis Course number 9025 (Grade 6) Course number 9028 (Grades 7,8)
The goal for Tennis class is to educate, build character, and help develop skills from hard work . Players will learn the basics and scoring, and progress to matches and prepare them for high school tennis.   The mission is to  expose all players to the importance of working together for a common goal and to create a high level of teamwork. 

 

College & Career Readiness  Course number 8058 (Grade 7)
This course introduces students to the various career pathways that are available at Pleasant Grove High School.  Students will learn about future vocations, job opportunities, and fields of study.  This course prepares students for success in college by teaching entrance requirements, course selections, and study skills.  Students will also learn real-world success skills, such as budgeting, wellness, goal setting, public speaking, and time management. Students will demonstrate competency through group and individual projects.

Digital Communications in the 21st Century Course number 8018  (Grade 8)
*High School CTE Course Credit
Digital Communications in the 21st Century will prepare students for the societal demands of increased civic literacy, independent working environments, global awareness, and the mastery of a base set of analysis and communication skills. Students will be expected to design and present an effective product based on well-researched issues in order to thoughtfully propose suggested solutions to authoritative stakeholders. The outcome of the process and product approach is to provide students an authentic platform to demonstrate effective application of multimedia tools within the contexts of global communication and collaborative communities and appropriately share their voices to affect change that concerns their future. 

Digital Audio Technology I Course number 8039 (Grade 8) *High School Credit
Digital Audio I is the fusion of creative and intellectual skills with technological innovations to create interactive and participatory media products. It connects traditional journalism skills and ethics with expertise in video production, audio mastering, podcasting, and convergent media packages for the web. A strong foundation in production methods including pre-production, production, and post-production will be developed. This course incorporates project-based and cooperative learning to develop the next generation of writers and news media entrepreneurs.

Dollars & Sense  Course number 7010 (Grade 8) 
*High School CTE Course Credit (0.5)
Dollars and Sense focuses on consumer practices and responsibilities, the money management process, decision-making skills, impact of technology, and preparation for human services careers. Upon completion of the course, students will gain a better understanding of the expectations for college admission requirements and entry into the workforce.

Journalism Yearbook  Course number 8020 (Grade 8)
Students will demonstrate and master creativity, responsibility, and cooperation in producing the school yearbook. While learning desktop publishing, they will have the opportunity to plan theme concepts, design and photography coverage as well as writing and editing copy. To be eligible for this class, students must have an 85+ average for the first semester in English Language Arts courses, submit a writing sample, and get teacher recommendations. Limited space. Spring application required.

Professional Communication Course number 1074 (Grade 8)
*High School CTE Course Credit (0.5)
Professional Communications blends written, oral, and graphic communication in a career-based environment.  Careers in the global economy require individuals to be creative and have a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong and solid academic foundation, and a proficiency in professional oral and written communication.  With this context, students will be expected to develop and expand the ability to write, read, edit, speak, listen, and apply technology skills to communicate effectively.

Principles of Applied Engineering  Course number 8060 (Grade 8)
*High School CTE Course Credit 
Principles of Applied Engineering provides an overview of the various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and their interrelationships.  Students will develop engineering communication skills, which include computer graphics, modeling, and presentations, by using a variety of computer hardware and software applications to complete assignments and projects.  Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of the various fields of engineering and will be able to make informed career decisions.  Further, students will have worked on a design team to develop a product or system.  Students will use multiple software applications to prepare and present course assignments.

Principles of Business, Marketing & Finance  Course number 8059 (Grade 8)
*High School CTE Course Credit 
In Principles of Business, Marketing, and Finance, students gain knowledge and skills in economies and private enterprise systems, the impact of global business, marketing of goods and services, advertising, and product pricing.  Students analyze the sales process and financial management principles.  This course allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, problems, and settings in business, marketing, and finance.

Robotics Programming and Design Course number 8071 (Grade 7,8) 
Robotics Programming and Design will foster students' creativity and innovation by presenting opportunities to design, implement, and present meaningful robotic programs through a variety of media. Students will collaborate with one another, their instructor, and various electronic communities to solve problems in designing and programming robots. Through data analysis, students will identify task requirements, plan search strategies, and use robotic concepts to access, analyze, and evaluate information needed to solve problems. By using robotic knowledge and skills that support the work of individuals and groups in solving problems, students will select the technology appropriate for the task, synthesize knowledge, create solutions, and evaluate the results. Students will learn digital citizenship by researching current laws and regulations and by practicing integrity and respect. Students will gain an understanding of the principles of robotics through the study of physics, robotics, automation, and engineering design concepts.  

Robotics I  Course number 8072  (Grade 8)
*High School CTE Course Credit
Using robots, students will learn fundamentals of problem solving, program design, algorithms and programming using a high-level language.  A robot is an embedded system of software and hardware.  Programming and building robots applies science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts.  This course introduces the fundamental concepts of programming and robotics.

Web Communications: Course number 8028 (Grade 8) *High School Credit
In Web Communications, students will learn to make informed decisions and apply the decisions to the field of IT. Students will implement personal and interpersonal skills to prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace environment. The knowledge and skills acquired and practiced will enable students to successfully perform and interact in a technology-driven society. Students will enhance reading, writing, computing, communication, and critical thinking and apply them to the IT environment.

 

 

Exploratory Foreign Language Spanish Course 8047 (Grade 7); Course 8049 (Grade 8)
The purpose of the course is to provide opportunities for mastery and improvement in student self-development through the study of Spanish language and culture. The content includes, but is not limited to exploration of basic principles of Spanish language, cultural concepts related to the Spanish-speaking world, and comparisons between the students' own language and culture and that of Spanish-speaking countries. Exploratory Spanish introduces students to the target language and its culture. Students will learn beginning skills of listening and speaking and be introduced to basic skills in reading and writing in Spanish. Also, culture and comparisons are included in this course.

Leadership Course number 8837 (Grades 7) Coure number 8847 (Grade 8)
This course introduces students to the qualities of effective leadership and allows them to practice leadership skills on campus and within the community.  Students will focus on character traits such as good citizenship, trustworthiness, integrity, responsibility, courage, caring, and gratitude.  Students will learn to communicate effectively with others and practice conflict resolution through role playing, group activities, and special assignments.  They will also serve as ambassadors for new students on the campus and for various school events.  

Spanish 1 Course number 8040
*High School Credit
Spanish 1 is a high school credit course designed for students to master skills who have displayed accelerated English Language Arts and reading abilities at the middle school level. Students will gain knowledge of the Spanish language and culture through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Spanish 1 is a rigorous high school level course that will require study time outside of the classroom and regular homework assignments. Spanish I may also be taken at Pleasant Grove High School. For admission into Spanish 1 at the middle school level, the following performance standards shall be recommended. In English and Reading a student shall have: (1) earned a previous year grade average of 90+ in an on-level class or an 85+ in an accelerated class; (2) met the standard on the state-mandated assessment; (3) obtained permission from his or her parent(s) or guardian.