Middle school at TFA brings new and exciting opportunities for learning! Every Wednesday is elective day where students can dive into topics that are of interest to them. Each student writes down their top choices for the electives they would like to take.
Check out the 1st Semester offerings this year. Thank you teachers for offering these amazing classes.
Creative Writing(class meets in the library): Mrs. Samuel (class meets in the library) Do you love writing but never have enough time to creatively write just for yourself? If so, this is the course for you! In this course you will explore creative writing and get your creative juices flowing having time to generate your own piece of creative work: short stories, poems, etc.
Journaling Using the Senses (class meets in the library): Mrs. Samuel A different take on creative writing, this class will focus on one sense each week, to see what creative stories come out of us using our senses. Students will receive a journal to write their work in and will have a collection of writing to keep at the end of the class. This course is for students who have not previously taken.
Drumming Up the Fun: Mrs. Snyder
Join Mrs. Snyder for an adventure in drumming with tubanos and various classroom percussion instruments. Using a mix of popular music and world music, we will tap into our innate sense of rhythm and further hone our skills. This class is focused on a cooperative and supportive learning experience where students are guaranteed the opportunity to be creative and make a joyful noise!
Service: Chaplain Walters Learn about “looking beyond yourself” through participating in service projects. Students will examine different philosophies of serving, head out and serve our community (both in and out of school), and reflect on their experiences. Possible service projects might include neighborhood cleanup, assisting Lower School students, and interacting with senior living residents.
History of Film: Mrs. Schmidt We have all seen a movie - in fact, we all probably have a favorite movie! Movies not are not only a development of technology, but also a development of artistic vision, skills, and culture. Learn about where movies started, how they’ve changed, and how appreciating film as both history and art can change how we use movies to see the world.
Yearbook: Mrs. Freeman Yearbook is a hands-on course where the students and teacher work closely together to produce The Franklin Academy’s annual yearbook. Students will learn many aspects of the publication process, including teamwork, responsibility, brainstorming, writing, editing, photography, and design as the yearbook is produced. This course is for 7th and 8th graders only.
World of Wonder: Mrs. Freeman This is an exciting course in which students will visit and learn about different countries around the world through virtual field trips. This course is recommended for incoming 5th graders, or students who have not taken this course before.
Math Lab: Mr. Hedahl This class will provide an on-line independent study program for each student. Depending on the level of the student, the program will provide the opportunity to reach grade level, improve at grade level, or go above grade level. Students will mainly be using Savvas or IXL. “Prices” will be offered to students who finish assignments or modules.
Logic and Puzzles: Mr. Hedahl Want to expand your thinking skills? Would you like to play chess, checkers, and other challenging games? How fast can you complete a sudoku puzzle? Are there any other puzzles or games you would like to share with the class? If this is interesting, sign up for this class. Of course, no video games will be allowed, MineCraft, Fortnight etc. Bring your computer, almost all puzzles and games will be online.
Habitudes: The Art of Self Leadership Mr. McMinn Using stories, images and experiences, this course teaches students valuable perspectives and leadership habits, helping them to take initiative in their life, overcome complex problems, capitalize on personal strengths, and develop critical thinking skills that produce better life choices.
Sports Around the World: Mr. McMinn Throughout our existence as human beings on this planet we have found ways to entertain ourselves, play and experience joy. In this course, you will form a research team and journey around the world each week as you discover and learn about ancient sports and the cultures that nurtured them into existence. Don’t forget to remember what you discover and keep a record, there will be daily quizzes to award points. The research team with the most points will become the Sports Around the World Gold Cup Champions!
Digital Design: Ms. Bull Students will learn an array of skills designing digitally. We will focus on integrating individual creativity with practical use while producing intentional digital projects. Projects will include personal branding, mood boards, and designing unique projects (menus, books covers, advertising, maps, etc.)
Mindful Arts: Ms. Bull Students will enjoy a project-based learning environment geared toward igniting their creative side. We will incorporate valuable stress management techniques by blending meditative moments with artistic expression. This is a class meant to build social-emotional skills while working individually and in group situations.
Astronomy 101: Mrs. Harris Students will explore the solar system, the objects in our solar system, the movement of the Earth, the moon, and life cycles of stars. This a repeat of the spring Astronomy Elective.
Makerspace: Mrs. Harris (12 student limit) Makerspace is a course designed to engage students in hands-on engineering activities, challenging students to brainstorm and problem solve, and embrace creativity and innovation. Students will take part in many group challenges such as building landing prototypes for a MARS mission, creating a 21st century wind turbine, and building a rocket ready for launch.
Board Games and Strategy: Mrs. Segebart This class will incorporate some of the fun family board games they grew up with, such as monopoly and chess, along with some new ones! We will focus on one game per week, learn its strategies, and incorporate critical thinking as we play against each other in a fun and exciting environment.
Weight Training: Mrs. Segebart (this class will be held in the weight room in the basement) Students will become familiar with and learn to use a variety of weight lifting equipment while keeping safe and proper form. Students will learn the basic fundamentals of weight training and use those techniques to build their strength over time.
House Council (7th & 8th Grade Only - 12 person limit): Mrs. Schmidt Hello leaders! This year, the House Council will be representing the middle school in both new and familiar ways. Joining House Council will give you an opportunity to plan various events including: assemblies, spirit days, games, outreach events, talent shows, dances, and more (Covid providing)! We'll be a great team!
Piñata Making: Mrs. Smith Piñatas are fun and festive for all seasons. In this elective you and a partner will learn how to craft and design a paper mache piñata. This can be completed in 5 easy steps. From strawberries to the more traditional 7-coned star, you will use your imagination and hands to create your masterpiece! In this elective you will also learn the history of the piñata and how it came to be a centerpiece of Mexican celebrations.
Artists of Latin America: Mrs. Smith Do you love art? Well, this elective will combine Spanish and art! Together we will explore the art masters from Latin America and learn why their art is so special. From Fernando Botero to Frida Kahlo, we will investigate events and circumstances that helped shape their paintings. You will also create your own piece of artwork modeled after a Latin American artist of your choice.
