The Middle School schedule features an array of enrichment classes known as “electives”. The National Middle School Association recommends, as best practice, an exploratory experience for adolescents so that they may experiment with a variety of disciplines as they grow and learn about who they are. A student may choose one elective each semester. Electives such as band, chorus, Fine Art, Director’s Cut, Debate, Sports Science, Literary Genre’s are extensions of “core” classes and contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. All electives are subject to change.
Study Skills: Students learn strategies on how to deal with the stresses of middle school. Setting goals, organizing school materials, and learning techniques are all implemented within the curriculum.
Introduction to American Sign Language: Students are introduced to the Deaf culture and signing. The purpose of the class to help students become aware of deaf culture and to learn how to use basic signs to communicate in sign language. Students will learn how to greet, count, and sign their name in sign language. Students will learn how to ask questions, describe family and themselves in sign language.
Middle School Intramurals: This course allows students to exercise and work on competitive game skills without the pressure of competing against other teams. We work on skills associated, but not limited to soccer, volleyball, basketball, and ultimate frisbee.
Screen Writing: Students will learn the full process of putting together short film projects. They will write, act out, direct, and edit short skits. Projects include commercials, short comedies, and dramas.
Fine Arts: The Art Elective class is an extension to the regular middle school art curriculum. Students are afforded the opportunity to explore art media in greater depth in a more intimate setting. Past projects include: painting a sports mural, sewing a pillow, constructing a doll house with furnishings, as well as painting pictures of Disney and Sesame Street characters, that were donated to a children’s hospital.
Chorus: Chorus students will learn to sing in harmony with each other, as well as learning basics of good choral sound. The music chosen is in a variety of styles ranging from classical, folk song, spirituals as well as Broadway tunes and pop songs. Students will sing at the Christmas and spring concerts as well as the Baccalaureate service and often at Commencement.
Instrumental Band:
Orchestra – Grades 4-8 string instruments – violin, viola. cello and double bass.
String Quartet – by audition only
Symphonic Band – Grades 7 & 8 – includes woodwind, brass and percussion students.
Concert Band – Grades 5 & 6 woodwind, brass and percussion students.
Beginning Band – open to Grade 4 in the second semester for woodwind, brass and percussion students.
Marching Band – all woodwind, brass and percussion students.
Jazz Band – for qualified 6th, 7th and 8th grade saxophone, trombone, trumpet and rhythm students.
NYSSMA (New York State School Association) – Students are encouraged to participate in the NYSSMA Solo and Small Ensemble Festival. Students can earn ALL-COUNTY designation. Students who have earned an outstanding score at NYSSMA Solo and Small Ensemble Festival, demonstrate superior skills and attitude in school ensembles, and are chosen by the board to participate in the large group festivals.
LISFA (Long Island String Festival Association) for string students who have earned an outstanding score at NYSSMA, demonstrate superior skills and attitude in school ensembles, and are chosen by the board to participate in the large group festivals.
Performances: Barnes and Noble (solos and ensembles), Christmas and Spring Concerts, Broadway Mall Christmas Concert, Chapel Services, Mardi Gras, NYSSMA, Memorial Day Parade, , Fund raising events, and Graduation.