Center Class Descriptions

2011/12 School Year

Advanced Drama (all ages)

• Mon. & Wed. 12:00-2:00 OFF SITE (Fall Semester Only)
  Visual/Performing Arts: 5 credits
  Teacher: Ellie Palmer
  
• Students will prepare and perform a full-length production. Admission is by audition and interview. Prerequisites: Beginning Drama or previous stage experience. All classes and performances will be held at Lee Burrows Center for the Arts on 630 E St in Marysville. This class will cost 130 eus

Algebra 1 (7-12)

• Tues. & Thurs.
  Mathematics: 5 credits
  Teacher: Randy Fukumoto
  
• Students learn a variety of ideas building upon their pre-algebra skills, including, but not limited to: Graphing linear and parabolic equations, multiplying and factoring polynomials, and solving and graphing inequalities.

Algebra 2 (9-12)

• Tues. & Thurs.
  Mathematics: 5 credits
  Teacher: Dawn Flinn
  
• This is a traditional Algebra 2 course which includes trigonometry, matrices, exponential and logarithmic functions, and problem solving skills. This class will prepare students for higher mathematics courses and standardized testing. This class is good for students coming out of Algebra 1 or Geometry.

Algebra 2 (9-12)

• Tues. & Thurs.
  Mathematics: 5 credits
  Teacher: Dawn Flinn
  
• This is a traditional Algebra 2 course which includes trigonometry, matrices, exponential and logarithmic functions, and problem solving skills. This class will prepare students for higher mathematics courses and standardized testing. This class is good for students coming out of Algebra 1 or Geometry.

American Literature (9-12)

• Tues.
  English: 5 credits
  Teacher: Mark Yedinak
  
• Students will read important works of American Literature, write about and discuss themes, writing styles, and historical perspectives surrounding the great writers of America.

Art Across America (4-6)

• Wed.
  Extra Curricular Activity
  Teacher: Nancy Socha
  
• Students will learn state history and geography as they do art projects about a new state each week.

Art History (9-12)

• Thur.
  Elective: 5 credits
  Teacher: Joan Norton
  
• This is a comprehensive and intense study of the history of western art with a strong component of art analysis. The highlight of the class is a three day trip to Pasadena to visit two world-class art galleries. Due to some content, this class is recommended for mature students. (150 eus)

Art Through the Eyes of the Masters (4-6)

• Monday
  Extra Curricular Activity
  Teacher: Laura Michel
  
• What better way to learn and enjoy essential art principals than by learning these same artistic techniques used by some of history's greatest artists and their masterpieces. This will include the study and practice of careful analytical observation, color, linear technique, texture, and beyond.

Art With The Masters (7-12)

• Tues. or Thurs.
  Elective: 5 credits
  Teacher: Nancy Socha
  
• Students will study the backgrounds and techniques of famous artists such as Monet, Degas and Renoir, and then create their own masterpiece modeled after the masters!

Basic Computer Skills & Keyboarding (7-12)

• Tues.
  Technology/Life Skills: 5 credits
  Teacher: Mark Yedinak
  
• This is a beginner's course to explore computer literacy, world wide web browsing, and word processing programs by using a textbook, hands-on projects, guest speakers, and more. The second semester will be dedicated to learning and practicing beginning keyboarding skills by using the Mavis Beacon software.

Beginning Cartooning & Art (7-12)

• Tues.
  Elective: 5 credits
  Teacher: Mandy Wilson
  
• This class is for beginners who desire to learn concepts of cartoon drawing for basic shapes, the human body, facial expressions, animals and props. Students will also learn the classic works of art and the techniques to create their own masterpiece.

Beginning Drama (all ages)

• TBA (Spring Semester Only)
  Visual/Performing Arts: 5 credits
  Teacher: Ellie Palmer
  
• Students will learn the fundamentals of stage movement, vocal production, character development and theater protocol. Students will apply what they have learned by performing monologues and duets in class.

Biblical Influence in History, Literature, and Culture (9-12)

• Tuesday
  Elective: 5 credits
  Teacher: Samuel Krouse
  
• This is an academic study of the Bible's influence: (a) in literature, (b) as literature (the literary elements in the Bible), (c) in history (specific historical events, trends, developments, and movements), (d) in cultural connections (music, art, theater, architecture, history, public policy, ceremonies and rituals). Each student is to provide his/her own Bible (any translation is acceptable), because there will be assigned passages to read (that are not in the textbook). This survey course is geared toward student interest and engagement.

Biology Lab (9-12)

• Tuesday
  Lab is required in addition to text for a-g Life Science: 5 credits
  Teacher: Willena Brooks
  
• Students will explore the content and standards of their text through hands-on experiences, learned vocabulary and class discussions.

Calculus (9-12)

• Tues. & Thurs.
  Mathematics: 5 credits
  Teacher: Dawn Flinn
  
• This course will be using the Saxon Calculus text. Topics include calculus, trigonometry, and analytical geometry. Pre-requisites: must have completed Saxon Advanced Mathematics or another Pre-Calculus course with a C or higher.

Circle Time (K-1)

• Monday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Juspreet Baines
  
• Students will begin the class by participating in circle time activities that include song and calendar based activities. Then they will participate in a read aloud story that will lead to an interactive hands-on math lesson.

Classic Literature (7-8)

• Friday
  Literature component of English (combine with Composition for Middle School for full English)
  Teacher: Kathy Kunde
  
• Pre-selected novels will provide the framework for study of character, setting, plot, symbolism, theme and other essential literary devises. In addition, students will study culture and participate in time-period activities such as games, food, music, etc. Students will be expected to read assigned chapters and complete corresponding work at home.

Crafty Critters (4-6)

• Wednesday
  Extra Curricular Activity
  Teacher: Juspreet Baines
  
• Students will have fun making a variety of different art and craft projects.

Composition for Middle School (7-8)

• Friday
  Writing/Grammar component of English (combine with Classic Literature for full English)
  Teacher: Ellie Palmer
  
• In this class students will have opportunities to learn and practice strategies and conventions for specific writing projects.

EAP - Expository Reading & Writing (10-12)

• Thursday
  English: 5 credits
  Teacher: Rotating
  
• Student will learn to read and write non-fiction by developing vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills. Divided into 6 week units; rotating teachers will introduce varied learning strategies and guide students through opinionated conversation. This course fulfills language arts requirements and should successfully enable students to pass reading and writing college placement tests. *Pre-requisite: High School composition or permission from Personalized Learning Teacher.

Earth Science Lab (9-12)

• Thurs.
  Lab is required in addition to text for a-g Academic Elective Science: 5 credits Lab is available in addition to text for Physical Science: 5 credits
  Teacher: Willena Brooks
  
• Students in this class will get the support they need to understand and apply new concepts in a fun and meaningful way through hands-on experiences.

Earth Science Lab (9-12)

• Thursday
  Lab is required in addition to text for a-g Physical Science: 0 credits
  Teacher: Willena Brooks
  
• Students in this class will get the support they need to understand and apply new concepts in a fun and meaningful way through hands-on experiences.

Economics & Government (12)

• Tuesday
  Economics: 5 credits in fall
  Government: 5 credits in spring
  Teacher: Samuel Krouse
  
• This class is designed to meet the requirements for Economics and US Government. Students will earn 5 credits per subject.

Elementary Spanish (4-6)

• Wed.
  Extra Curricular Activity
  Teacher: Rebecca Haun
  
• This class will introduce basic vocabulary through music, class interaction, and hands-on-activities.

Geometry (9-12)

• Tuesday and Thursday
  Mathematics: 5 credits Teacher: Randy Fukumoto
  
• This is a course examining two and three dimensional geometric figures and their properties, geometric constructions, deduction and induction, making conjectures, drawing conclusions, and development of formal logical proofs. Pre-requisites: 9th-12th must have earned a C or higher in Algebra 1 or the average of a C or higher in an Algebra A/B course. 6th-8th must have earned a B or higher in Algebra 1 or the average of a B or higher in an Algebra A/B course

Great Books Roundtable (7-12)

• Thursday
  Literature component of English: 2.5 credits (combine with HS Composition for full English)
  Teacher: Serene Turner
  
• Students will learn to read for meaning by: Supporting ideas with evidence and weighing different answers, and Developing appreciation for rich, rewarding literature. Students will develop cognitive, social, and emotional intelligences by: Thoughtfully considering different points of view, Listening to others and responding appropriately, creating a collaborative classroom community with support from their peers and teacher.

Hard Math Cafe (6-12)

• Friday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Dawn Flinn
  
• Tutoring is available in a group setting. Students can drop in with their current math curriculum.

High School Composition (9-12)

• Tuesday or Thursday
  Writing component of English: 2.5 credits (combine with Great Books Roundtable for full English)
  Teachers: Mark Yedinak & Joan Norton
  
• "Composition" will involve high school students developing their skills in all aspects of writing: descriptive writing, responses to literature, informational research, summaries, persuasive writing, along with fun writing like poetry and word art. Grammar, sentence structure, and writing styles will also be covered. This class does not include literature component of a required English course.

Interactive US History (4-6)

• Wednesday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Nancy Socha
  
• Students will work in cooperative groups to experience historic time periods by playing the roles of early American colonists during the first semester, and the roles of gold-seeking 49ers during the second semester

Integrated Science Lab (9-12)

• Friday
  Lab is required in addition to text for a-g Academic Elective Science: 5 credits
  Teacher: Willena Brooks
  
• This class will review and build on concepts from previous science subjects, like Cell structure and function, Matter, Atomic Structure, Energy and its applications and a whole lot more. We'll team work on projects, perform labs, keep a notebook and probably have fun (but don't let that get out).

Keynote/Hyperstudio (4-6)

• Wednesday
  Extra Curricular Activity
  Teacher: Lois Langehaug
  
• In the first semester lessons will include inserting photos, video files, graphics, and sound, building tables and charts, working with hyperlinks, transitions, slideshows, and how to export in different formats. In the second semester students will learn to create projects with game-like interactivity, one-click links to Google Earth and Maps, make movies with subtitles and masks, layer animations and multiple movies with different transparencies, and paint with effects and editable brush strokes.

Latin (7-12)

• Tuesday
  Elective: 5 credits
  Teacher: Ellie Palmer
  
• Students will learn verb conjugations and noun declensions along with how to translate Latin to English and visa versa. Latin history and culture will also be introduced.

Life Science Lab (7th)

• Tuesday
  Science
  Teacher: Alessandra Apsley
  
• Through this science laboratory class students will participate in hands-on activities to support the concepts they are learning about in their text. This is a core science class using the Glencoe text.

Math Lab (7-12)

• Monday through Friday
  Mathematics: 5 credits
  Teacher: Dawn Flinn
  
• This class is for students using computer-based math curriculum such as Aleks. Students must sign up for 3 sessions while completing 2 sessions per week at home.

Number Fun (2-3)

• Monday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Michelle Cota
  
• This class will be covering math standards with a big focus on number sense; using games and activities to become familiar with numbers, money, time, adding, subtracting, and introducing multiplication facts.

Number Fun (4-6)

• Wednesday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Michelle Cota
  
• This class will be covering math standards with an emphasis on multiplication facts; using games and activities to learn estimating, decimals, fractions, angles, and geometry.

Oh, the places you'll go! (4-6)

• Monday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Nancy Socha
  
• Sail around the Cape Horn, cross the Oregon Trail in a covered wagon, go to school in New York City, and travel through time-all by reading great novels! Students will analyze characters, plots, and settings. They will also review grammar and vocabulary as they do creative writing projects about each story.

Read Along (K-1)

• Wednesday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Sandy Capell
  
• This class will focus on reading, student interaction, and developing fluency. However, a good story can't be read with out a fun and engaging craft to go along with it!

Physical Science Lab (8th)

• Thursday
  Science
  Teacher: Alessandra Apsley
  
• Through this science laboratory class students will participate in hands-on activities to support the concepts they are learning about in their text. This is a core science class using the Glencoe text.

Physics Lab (9-12)

• Friday
  Lab is required in addition to text for a-g Physical Science: 5 credits
  Teacher: Alan Stahler & TBA
  
• Students will explore the content and standards of their text through hands-on experiences, learned vocabulary and class discussions.

Pre-Algebra (6-10)

• Tuesdays and Thursdays
  Mathematics: 5 credits/18 weeks
  Teacher: Michelle Cota
  
• Class will focus on math standards, which include Geometry, Probability and Statistics, Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Data Interpretations, Graphing, Problem Solving, Order of Operation, Proportions and Ratios, Algebraic Expressions, and Linear Equations.

Psychology (9-12)

• Thursday
  Elective: 5 credits
  Teacher: Samuel Krouse
  
• This class includes discussion of text and research on current events related to topics. The text simplifies complex psychological concepts for students. The class' philosophy is to make psychology relevant, fun, interesting, and approachable. Understanding Psychology is an interactive book with hands-on activities, case studies, current issues, and readings about the field psychology.

Reader's Theater (K-1)

• Monday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Mandy Wilson
  
• Each week we will explore a new story, make character puppets using different arts and craft material, and act out the story using their made puppets. This is great class for improving reading fluency, vocabulary, and fine motor skills.

Reader's Theater (2-3)

• Wednesday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Serene Turner
  
• This class will focus on reading, student interaction, discussing literature, and increasing fluency. Part of this course will be developed around Great Books Anthologies. We will read stories and discuss them, using interpretive questions and the Shared Inquiry (Socratic) method. Students will read scripts as well as stories, and we will do several interactive readings until fluency is developed.

Science (2-3)

• Monday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Rachel Biggs
  
• Students in this Science class will learn about physical sciences, life sciences, and earth sciences, along with investigations and experiments. Students will be able to experience hands on learning in the class by completing projects and working cooperatively on experiments during class time.

Science Mania (4-6)

• Monday 9:00 or 10:30
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Alessandra Apsley
  
• Students in this Science class will learn about physical sciences, life sciences, and earth sciences, along with investigations and experiments. Students will be able to experience hands on learning in the class by completing projects and working cooperatively on experiments during class time.

Spanish II (9-12)

• Tuesdays & Thursdays
  Foreign Language: 5 credits
  Teachers: Rebecca Haun
  
• This course will be a continuation of the previous year's Spanish I course. It will offer a more in-depth coverage of Spanish grammar, writing, and speaking. We will also have fun studying geographical divisions in the Spanish speaking world & different aspects of Spanish speaking cultures.

Web Design (7-8)

• Friday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Lois Langehaug
  
• Students will be designing their own password protected web page using Google sites.

Where in the World? (2-3)

• Wednesday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Ellie Palmer
  
• Students will learn basic map reading and cartography skills. General knowledge of boundaries and landforms will also be developed through interactive class participation.

Word Play (K-1)

• Wednesday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Juspreet Baines
  
• This class will focus on early literacy skills: students will participate in phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, and writing activities.

World Religion (9-12)

• Thursday
  Elective: 5 credits
  Teacher: Samuel Krouse
  
• Students will be introduced to the major religions of the world including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and many more. Class participation will include reading and group discussion on world religions, worldviews and current issues.

Writer's Expressions (4-6)

• Monday
  Supplemental Support
  Teacher: Laura Michel
  
• Young budding authors will develop the skills and ability to have ideas evolve into a written product worthy of publication. This workshop will energize self-expression through use of active communication with writing partners. Work time will also be spent on grammar, accompanied by drills and skills, thus providing a well-rounded approach to greater success in the written form.

Yearbook (9-12)

• Thursday
  Technology: 5 credits
  Teacher: Rachell Biggs
  
• Yearbook staff will be completing page layouts, design, special projects, and advertisements.

If you have questions, please call our main TCA Office (530) 742-2786