Apologetics

Apologetics will be based on the biblical command to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15) In this class students will learn the basic principals of biblical interpretation. They will then use these principals to address common apologetic issues related to various religions, cults, and ideas. This class will be introductory in nature covering only broad subjects.

Art (7th Grade)

Art is an introduction to art history and its role in human creativity.  Projects based on different eras of art history help reinforce the role art plays in history.  The course provides for exploration in areas of drawing, painting, Fimo and linoleum block printing, exposing students to art media they may have never previously explored.  Students will be encouraged to continue their artistic development through additional art courses and extracurricular activities.

Art (8th Grade)

This course is an introduction to basic procedures in the artistic areas of drawing, color, pastel and collage.  Students will receive ‘ hands on’ experience in these areas, and be guided to improve their standards of aesthetic judgment.  Through personal application, Art will no longer be an “I can’t” situation for the student, but an “I can” expression of life.  Students with a new skill and interest will be encouraged to move on to the next step of learning, High School Art I.

Band (Concert)

No audition required. This intermediate ensemble will primarily serve Jr. High School students. The developing student musician will explore challenging, concert band literature as well as serving the special indoor music requirement for marching band. Along with performances throughout the year Concert Band will prepare and perform at the ACSI and AMEA concert festivals. $75.00 activity fee, $25.00 Smart Music kit.

Band (Marching Band - Zero Hour Before School)

The largest performing unit representing the instrumental program.  Comprised of all members of the band department with primary classroom operations on the athletic field. The marching band does serve to meet P.E. credits and will also require extra rehearsals outside of regular class time. Requirements: $75.00 activity fee and $25.00 Smart Music kit. Instrumental music and physical proficiency evaluation, music memorization, and perfect attendance.  Regular attendance of home football games, seasonal concerts, and ACSI and AMEA festivals is expected. .

CAD I & II (Computer Assisted Design)

A one quarter elective class consisting of computer assisted design with construction of a bridge (CAD I) and bird house (CAD II). 

Choir

Jr. High choir is an introduction to the components and group performance of vocal music.  Emphasis is placed on the introduction and practice of musical artistry, music theory, sight-reading, music history and appreciation, and vocal technique.

History of Sports

This course will teach a history of sports through a visual means using movies, documentaries, and historical depictions of actual events. The movies, depictions and documentaries have been selected on the basis of their accurately portrayed historical content.

History Through Movies

This course will teach different periods of history; Ancient History, WWII, Civil War, etc… through a visual means using movies, documentaries, and historical depictions of actual events. The movies, depictions and documentaries have been selected on the basis of their accurately portrayed historical content.

Honors Class (7th & 8th Grade) 

The Honors Class is an elective class that gives students an opportunity to learn strategies for how to learn as the teacher facilitates learning.  Cooperative and collaborative skills are developed through group projects and team competition.  An interdisciplinary focus is part of the curriculum. Learning has real-world application.  The course is structured so as to increase students’ knowledge of a topic or expose them to experiences that might otherwise be overlooked.  The instructional process, at times, includes parents and community members.  Each quarter class explores a different topic to give a student an opportunity to take two quarters of the Honors Elective each year if he/she desires.  Examples of topics covered may include:  the Stock Market, Debate Skills, Young Authors/Writer’s Forum, National Youth and Government Program/Model AZ Legislature Conference.

***A student must be enrolled in at least two Honors courses to qualify for the Honor’s elective.

Independent Living I & II

Students will have the opportunity to learn basic hand stitching while making a variety of projects. They will sew aprons, pillows, and stuffed animals. The course also includes learning to read recipes for basic meal planning and cooking skills. Independent Living II will build upon the skills learned in Independent Living I.  This course offers the opportunity to develop practical skills, in a comfortable classroom setting where students are encouraged to socialize and co-operate with one another.

Life Skills

Offers information and tools on the following topics: etiquette, nutrition, personal finances, stress management, anger management, assertiveness training, self-esteem, boundaries, personal health habits, goal setting, and much more. These basic skills and knowledge help students assume responsibility for personal health and safety, and make intelligent decisions that will enhance the quality of their lives and overall well-being.

Online Journalism

This is a quarter class.  This class seeks to incorporate good writing habits and to give students an outlet for expressing personal views in a Newspaper written to their peers.  The paper will also include Bible trivia and important spiritual lessons taught by today and yesterdays leading spiritual authors. The first semester involves working with the High School Yearbook staff and the second semester is primarily Newspaper.

P.E. (Boys & Girls)

In this class, students will learn the importance of proper physical fitness.  This goal will be accomplished through various physical activities that promote overall general health and physical fitness; increase muscle strength and endurance; improve flexibility and cardiovascular system; promote a positive self image; and teach the value of teamwork through participation.  Finally students will learn proper ways to play as well as the general rules of popular athletic games.  There is a girls P.E. class and a boys P.E. class.

Spanish I

Junior high Spanish I is the equivalent of high school Spanish I, and students who pass the course with a grade of C or higher may enroll in Spanish II as Freshmen.  The course will provide a solid basis for speaking Spanish via the Total Physical Response Storytelling Method (TPRS).  In addition to lesson content, students will receive input in culture and geography.  They will be able to converse at a first year level, and emphasis will be given to practical application using the present and near future tenses.

Speech/Drama I

Speech and Drama I explores the world of communication with speeches and dramatic activities. It includes fun activities such as mime, pantomime, human videos, oral readings, behind the podium work, serious and humorous impromptus, news casting, sign language, tongue twisters, jokes, eulogies, human machines, commercials, and much more. The history of Greek, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance Theater will be explored. Field trips to view quality theatre productions are planned for each quarter.  Performance assessments, as well as daily participation assignments, will constitute the course grade. 

Student Council 

Student Council is a class dedicated to teaching students leadership skills during their time at P.C.  This will be accomplished in planning school activities and helping organize and lead those activities.  Students that have been elected as officers or representatives must take at least one semester of this class.

Study Skills

This course will present basic and advanced study skills for the Junior High students. Such skills will include: productively reading texts, making note cards, creating outlines, taking notes, creating a study plan/schedule, preparing for tests/quizzes, how to best utilize study time, etc.  Hands-on skills and modeling lessons will prepare the students to be more successful in their academic classes, as well as in their home study time.