Seventh students are given the opportunity to enroll in two elective courses per semester. Some of our electives are full-year courses and others are semester-long courses. Students who enroll in a full-year elective are committed to that elective for the duration of the school year.

 

Advanced Computer Graphics
Prerequisite: Computer Graphics
This class is designed for students who have taken computer graphics and would like to do more! Students will continue to create original digital art with painting and drawing tools, but will build upon the basics learned in Photoshop and Illustrator in the previous. We will also explore animation and create unique animated works.There will be a unit on drawing on the IPAD using Procreate. This all takes place in our beautiful 9th generation retina I-MAC computer lab and students are given access to the Adobe suite of tools. (7/8)

 

Art I
Students will learn the fundamentals of art and design while studying artists from around the world. Students will expand their knowledge of visual arts while making meaningful connections between the arts and their own experiences. The class will focus on drawing with a variety of mediums, color theory, and perspective. (6/7/8)

Prerequisite: Art 1
Art II builds upon the foundation established in Art I. Students will enhance their visual arts proficiency through diverse projects, emphasizing composition, content, balance, and execution. The course delves into advanced 2D techniques like sketching and painting, and extends into 3D with clay hand building. Through challenging assignments, students will refine their artistic skills and foster self-expression. (7/8)

Computer Graphics
It's art on the computer! 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will learn to paint, draw, and create using software that digital artists and professional graphic designers use. Students will use Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to create their own works of art, make art mashups, and edit photographs. Graphic design principles while creating interesting and personalized works of art! This all takes place in our beautiful 9th generation retina I-MAC computer lab and students are given access to the Adobe suite of tools. (6/7/8)

 

Computer Programming
Are you a whiz at computers or do you want to be? Computer science is a huge part of our society today and will continue to play a huge role in the future. In this class students will learn the basics of computer science and about how these machines really work. Students will become versed in the fundamental principles of computer programming. Students will learn basic coding through simple game design. A variety of platforms will be used such as Scratch and Code.org which both focus on Javascript. (7/8)

 

Drama I

Drama II
Prerequisite: Drama I 

 

Makerspace
This hands-on, student-directed learning class fosters innovative thinking by allowing students to use their creativity to design and build projects through experimentation and problem solving. Students will have access to various shop tools, machines, and high tech equipment like Arduino/Raspberry Pi microprocessors and sensors, 3D printers, a CNC router, and a laser cutter/burner. Students will also have access to a myriad of materials in developing their projects, such as epoxy resin, plastics, textiles, clays, metals, glass, soapstone, and wood. Students also engage in Maker Challenge competitions that focus on problem solving and teamwork. Students may repeat this course to pursue new and more advanced projects. (6/7/8)

 

Musical Theater 
Love to sing, dance and act? Each semester, Musical Theater class will pick a musical, audition for roles and rehearse towards a final performance. The performances will include costumes, sets and props. This class is designed to help actors advance skills in auditioning, solo singing, acting, and dancing. Students can choose this elective twice in a year as the musicals will change. (6/7/8)

 

 

Public Speaking & Debate

Sculpture
Students will explore clay techniques and art expression through a series of introductory clay hand-building projects.  The class also includes drawing and painting and may delve into other alternative art making techniques and materials. Students will be evaluated according to effort and attitude. Students may repeat this course and will receive new, advanced projects. (6/7/8)

 

Video Production I
Welcome to the wonderful world of TV and Film!  Fun and learning combine to help beginning video students explore the changing media scene with an emphasis on hands-on work. Students will learn the “language of TV and film” as well as the basics of photography, videography and editing techniques.  This includes an introduction to the professional editing platform, Adobe Premiere Pro.  Students will also work alone and in groups to learn the fundamentals of storyboarding, script writing, performance, and criticism.  Projects include everything from PSAs and news stories to stop-motion and live action movies. Students will be exposed to the elements of visual storytelling, nonfiction writing, public speaking, news gathering, and the tenants of good journalism. (6/7/8)

 

Web Design
Web design elective class for the 7th and 8th graders is an immersion into the exciting world of the web! Students will learn how to effectively create websites. Each student will learn and employ skills that make up the three most important elements of websites: code, content, and design. A major emphasis will be placed on learning HTML and CSS. Students will also learn some basic graphic design skills to enhance their web pages. By the end of the course, each student will create three published sites. (7/8)
 
Woodworking
Students will learn basic principles of woodworking including the proper use and care of hand and power tools. Students will also learn basic shop safety, measuring, common wood joints, fasteners, and the reading and drawing of project plans. This student-directed learning class allows students to design and build projects that are of interest to them. Students may repeat this course to pursue new and more advanced projects. (6/7/8)

 

Chorus 

Competitive Debate

Concert Band 
The OIS Concert Band is an intermediate/advanced level band open to grades 7/8 that performs a wide variety of music at assemblies, concerts, and community events. Concert Band is best suited for students who have achieved proficiency in music reading, rhythmic, and ensemble skills. Band members are eligible to audition for the OIS Jazz Band which meets before school. (7/8)
 
French 1A 
This introductory course in foreign language is the first half of French 1 and  provides students, who have no prior training in the language, an opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. In addition to functional language skills, students are provided an introduction to the culture of the countries whose language they are studying. This course aligns with the high school curriculum.(7)

 

Spanish 1A
This introductory course in foreign language is the first half of Spanish 1 and  provides students, who have no prior training in the language, an opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills. In addition to functional language skills, students are provided an introduction to the culture of the countries whose language they are studying. This course aligns with the high school curriculum. (7)

 
Strings
The String Orchestra is open to violin, viola, cello, and bass students in grades 6/7/8. This course is best suited for students who have at least one year of study experience and can read music. This performance-oriented ensemble performs a wide variety of music at assemblies, concerts, community events. (6/7/8)