Student Activities and Electives
- Athletics Elective
- AVID
- Band
- Choir
- CJSF
- Film Appreciation
- Leadership
- Math Art Games
- Music Production
- Speech and Debate
- Teen Life
Athletics Elective
AVID
AVID for sixth graders: AVID is a nationally recognized program designed to support students in developing the skills and habits necessary for success in high school, college, and life. This elective course provides students with the tools, strategies, and support systems needed to excel in life, especially as students move from elementary school to middle school. All 6th grade students are automatically enrolled in this course that focuses on college and career readiness, time management skills, and social-emotional learning. This class will offer a safe and supportive environment that will encourage all-around growth and college and career readiness. Students enrolling in a music elective during their 6th grade year will opt out of this course.
AVID for 7th and 8th graders: AVID is a nationally recognized program designed to support students in developing the skills and habits necessary for success in high school, college, and life. This elective course provides students with the tools, strategies, and support systems needed to excel in life. We invite all 7th and 8th grade students to join us on this exciting journey of academic growth, personal development, and college readiness in the AVID Elective. This class will offer a safe and supportive environment that will encourage all-around growth and college and career readiness.
Band
Beginning Band is designed for students who either do not have any previous experience in band and would like to learn a new skill! You have the option to learn to play the trumpet, clarinet, flute, trombone, or percussion. The band will perform in 3-4 concerts throughout the year.
Symphonic Band is designed for students who have at least one year of instrumental experience. Play in a large mixed grade band where your skills are developed further. Top musicians lead their sections and help with leadership roles. Perform in many concerts throughout the school year, including field trips exclusive to Symphonic Band. Other performances include playing at elementary schools and possible collaborations with the high schools.
Choir
Middle School Choir is an entry-level choir open to all students wishing to learn the fundamentals of good singing technique and basic musicianship. The choir will provide the student the opportunity to develop their singing voices and practice proper singing technique learning correct breath support, good vocal technique and stage presence. The course will provide the student a broad exposure to many styles of music.
CJSF
Film Appreciation
Students will explore the intricate relationship between cinema and literature through the examination of key literary elements such as character, plot, and setting. By analyzing a diverse selection of films, students will gain insight into how filmmakers craft compelling narratives and develop complex characters within their stories. The course covers the structure and pacing of plot lines, the role of various settings in shaping the story, and the depth of character arcs. Through discussions, screenings, and written analyses, students will learn how these elements work together to create a rich cinematic experience while also understanding how film adapts and transforms literary techniques for visual storytelling.
Leadership
In this class, students explore and develop essential leadership skills through interactive lessons and collaborative projects. The course covers topics such as effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making, with a focus on cultivating empathy, resilience, and integrity. Students learn how to set goals, manage time, and inspire others, while also gaining practical experience in organizing and leading group activities. Course topics will include principles of creating content, publishing, editing, editorials, production, marketing problems, distribution methods, and impact of content within the communities, through projects such as yearbook and promotional materials creation, and event planning. By the end of the course, students will have a stronger sense of self-awareness and confidence in their ability to positively impact their peers and community.
Math Art Games
Throughout this course, students will look at many different types of games and learn the rules, strategies behind them, as well as how to keep score. Students will practice their math capabilities while scorekeeping. Students will practice and develop new strategies as well as explain their strategies to other students. Students will also get to explore math through art and how there is math in everything that is done.
Music Production
Come join us as we learn about all that goes into the world of making music as we compose our very own works! Students with or without prior musical experience are welcome as we learn simple techniques for using keyboards and other instruments to make beautiful music for our community at Brownell! We will be learning about how to read staff notation and use it as our tool to explore such topics as melody writing, harmony, form, orchestration, and more. From learning the origins of music making from composers across thousands of years to exploring the thousands of genres available today, we will aim to compose our own piece in the classical style that reflects our understanding of the different styles of composition. We will also work as a class to compose our very own opus for our advanced band to play, and advanced choir to sing! Come join in on the fun!
Speech and Debate
Welcome to the Middle School Speech and Debate Elective! Students explore public speaking, argumentation, and rhetoric to become confident communicators. Through activities like delivering speeches and engaging in debates, they develop research, analysis, and persuasion skills. Thematic units guide them through various aspects of speech and debate, leading to a final showcase of their growth and accomplishments. Join us on this empowering journey to find your voice and make a difference!
Teen Life
This class is designed to provide life skills for middle school students preparing them for success in high school as productive young adults. Middle schoolers face many challenges involving expressing individuality, dealing with social pressures, communicating with teachers, confronting bullies, bouncing back from disappointments, prioritizing needs and overcoming speed bumps. The curriculum included in this program strengthens the youth’s ability to: Manage anger and stress, manage time, deal with conflicts, build self-esteem, find and keep a job, improve health and hygiene, focus on nutrition and exercise, lead a happy life, stay and prosper in school and manage money.