English 8

(2 Semesters)

English 8 is a course devoted to developing communication and critical-thinking skills. Coursework is aligned with English language arts state standards. Students will increase their independence as readers by analyzing a variety of literary and informational texts. There is a strong emphasis on recursive writing using text- based evidence to support student analysis. Students will spend time building and strengthening their reading and writing skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and knowledge of other literary elements.

Advanced English

(2 Semesters)

Advanced English is based upon the same curriculum and standards as English 8 but is designed to emphasize the skills and habits that will be needed to take a future Advanced English course. Students will be challenged to do more intensive comparison, composition, and higher order thinking. This course requires a strong commitment of time and effort by the student. Advanced students should be task-oriented, proficient readers that demonstrate their best effort on every assignment and turn assignments in on time, every time.

General Science

(2 Semesters)

General Science is a broad study of Earth, physical, and life sciences with a focus on genetics and human influence. Students must engage in planning and carrying out investigations, making observations, asking questions, analyzing data, constructing explanations, engaging in argument from evidence, and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information to gain the science knowledge and skills to be college, career, and citizen ready upon graduation from high school.

Advanced General Science

(2 Semesters)

Advanced General Science is based upon the same curriculum and standards as General Science. Advanced General Science is designed to prepare students for the high school AP programs. This course is for students who enjoy in- depth exploration of all aspects of science. Students need to be advanced readers and have advanced writing, research, and critical thinking skills. This course requires a strong commitment of time and effort by the student in and out of the classroom. All projects are required. The course is open to all students who desire to do advanced work.

United States History (1760 – 1877)

(2 Semesters)

Students will study United States History, from Colonization through Reconstruction during this year-long course. They will examine the events, factors, documents, significant individuals, and political ideas that led to the formation and expansion of the United States of America. The material will be presented in chronological sequence to enable students to learn about change and continuity in our history. Throughout the year, citizenship skills will be incorporated to develop the students’ understanding of constitutional government and civic responsibility.

Advanced U.S. History (1760 – 1877)

(2 Semesters)

Students will study the same content standards as United States History. However, this course is specifically for students who want to be academically challenged and enjoy exploring history in-depth. Students need to have strong reading and writing skills as they will be expected to read and complete assignments outside of class. Greater emphasis will be placed on tests, quizzes, and projects when determining student grades.

Pre-Algebra

(2 Semesters)

This course is designed to prepare the student for high school Algebra 1. Students will learn to solve and graph linear equations and inequalities, use rational numbers and proportional reasoning to solve problems, and use exponents and their properties to describe the magnitude of very large and very small numbers. An understanding of solid geometry will be gained through classification and modeling to develop formulas for surface area and volume of three-dimensional objects. Students will also use data analysis and statistics to interpret data in a variety of contexts.

ADVANCED MATH COURSES

The goal of Union Public Schools is to place each student in the math class that will yield the greatest opportunity for his or her achievement. Students will be placed in the appropriate advanced math course based on several data points (i.e., Orleans-Hanna score, district criterion-referenced test scores, 7th Pre-Algebra class grade, teacher recommendation, and other district assessment scores).

Advanced Pre-Algebra

(2 Semesters)

In this advanced course some topics will be covered at an accelerated pace, allowing for other concepts to be investigated in more depth. Students will learn to solve and graph linear equations and inequalities, use rational numbers and proportional reasoning to solve problems, and use exponents and their properties to describe the magnitude of very large and very small numbers. An understanding of solid geometry will be gained through classification and modeling to develop formulas for surface area and volume of three-dimensional objects. Students will also use data analysis and statistics to interpret data in a variety of contexts.

Algebra 1

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit

This course is designed for those students interested in pursuing advanced and AP mathematics courses in high school. Students will learn to model and analyze number relationships through the use of expressions, equations, inequalities, relations, and functions. This will include linear, absolute value, exponential, and quadratic functions. Problem solving and critical-thinking skills are emphasized.

Geometry
(2 Semesters)
High School Credit
Prerequisite: Course grade of 80% or higher in 7th Grade Algebra 1.

This course is designed for those students who are pursuing advanced and AP mathematics courses in high school. Geometry uses math skills previously learned in Algebra 1 and utilizes logical, higher-order thinking and reasoning skills. Some of the topics covered will include points, lines, planes, angles, planar (2D) shapes, solid/spatial (3D) shapes, perimeter, area, volume, coordinate geometry, and formal/indirect proofs. The course is designed to help the student describe, measure, and solve real-life problems from a logical, physical, and mathematical perspective, as well as to help them acquire and refine their logic and reasoning skills.

Spanish 1

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit

This is the first year of a sequential language program through which students begin to develop proficiency in Spanish. This is an academic course which requires regular study outside of class. Instruction will focus on the four domains of language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students will be expected to memorize extensive vocabulary and communicate verbally and in writing using the target language. In addition, the students will gain knowledge and understanding of the culture of the language studied. This course meets the first year of the two years of computer science OR foreign language state requirement for graduation.

Spanish 2

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit

Prerequisite: Passing the Spanish 1 Course or PBP

The course provides a thorough review of basic grammar rules, idiomatic expressions, spelling, and vocabulary. Students improve skills through extensive and varied writing activities. Literacy is improved through exposure to a variety of Hispanic literature, newspapers, magazines, films, music, and current issues. Oral presentations and class discussion settings improve language skills. Hispanic culture and traditions are presented to deepen students’ appreciation of their native language. Spanish 2 meets the second year of the two years of foreign language state requirement for graduation.

Medical Detectives

(1 Semester)

Using a hands-on approach, students learn about the different body systems in this Project Lead The Way introduction to biomedical concepts. Students apply their knowledge to fictional patients in order to determine their illnesses. Students will also investigate fictional crime scenes and test clues to determine the suspect in those fictional crime scenes. There is no prerequisite for this class, but students should have a genuine interest in science and strong work ethic.

Design and Modeling

(1 Semester)

In this Project Lead the Way class, students learn and apply the Design Process to solve simple, real world problems. As part of this design process, students create detailed sketches, use TinkerCAD design software to create virtual images of their solutions, and work in an Engineering Notebook. Working in teams, students will use creativity, innovation, and background knowledge to design and build an orthotic, a puzzle cube, and a therapeutic toy. ***NOTE: This is the same class offered in 7th grade.***

Automation and Robotics

(1 Semester)

Prerequisite: Design and Modeling

In this Project Lead the Way class, students use the Design Process to solve real-world problems. Solutions involve designing, building, and automating objects, such as a traffic light, a windmill, and a lift system, using the VEX Robotics® platform. While solving these problems, students learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems.

Office Procedures

(2 Semesters)

Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA

Among other duties, students will deliver student passes and are expected to strictly adhere to school policy on confidentiality and privacy. Due to the diversity of tasks, student must also follow directions well, along with being highly responsible and flexible. Exceptional attendance, communication, and organizational skills are a must.

Library Aide

(2 Semesters)

Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA

This is a work experience class which allows students to practice skills employers seek. Library Student Aides gain experience in library operations and increased knowledge and understanding of the library and its resources. Student initiative, organization and good alphabetizing are required. Responsibility, dependability and attention to detail are stressed in this course, as well as communication skills.

Yearbook

(2 Semesters)

The major emphasis of this class will be on planning, theme development, interviewing, writing features, headlines, photo captions, editing, copy reading, layout, design, and photography. Students will write in journalistic style, using interviews and research, to acquire information. Students will be required to spend time before and after school during yearbook sales, deadlines, and as necessary to take photos of assigned events or club meetings. Strong writing and grammar skills are needed. Your English teacher approval is required to enroll in this class.

8th Grade Art

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

In this class, emphasis will be placed on Elements of Design and Principles of Art. Students will engage in a variety of two- and three-dimensional projects that range from painting to creating ceramic sculptures. Each project will build on previous lessons, scaffolding essential skills transferable to today’s job market. Students will learn about art and culture throughout history, building a lexicon of ideas to infuse into their own work. Through hands-on demonstrations, examples and exercises, students will fine-tune their efforts through stem-based problem-solving. The only requirement for this class is a willingness to bring abstract ideas into the physical world.

Band

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

Prerequisite: Teacher approval and at least two years of previous band experience or comparable proficiency.

This class continues to develop the instrumental music talents and skills of students as part of the ongoing district band program. Band students will perform at concerts, contests & festivals, pep rallies, and a high school varsity football game. Extra-curricular performances are mandatory. Additional performance opportunities such as District Honor Band and Solo/ Ensemble are also available.

Orchestra

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

Prerequisite: Must have at least two years of experience or comparable proficiency.

This orchestra will work on basic rhythm and technical studies that are appropriate for a third-year string player. Students will perform at least three times during the year (once in the fall and twice in the spring). The students will have the opportunity to compete in OSSAA District solo and ensemble contest and perform at a regional orchestra contest.

Treble Choir

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

Prerequisite: Teacher Approval

The Treble Choir is designed to push students beyond their normal expectations for singing and their musical abilities. This class will enhance the basic fundamentals of singing such as breath control, proper tone, posture, diction, and sight-reading. All repertoire learned will be concert-and-contest based. Students will be given the opportunity to audition and participate in the OCDA All- State choirs, YouthArts, OSSAA District Choir Contest, and national competitions. The Treble Choir will have required performances throughout the community and Union Public Schools outside of the normal school day. A uniform is required for concerts, contest, and other special performances. *If you are unsure which choir is best suited for your voice please contact the choir director.

Tenor/Bass Choir

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

Prerequisite: Teacher Approval

The Tenor/Bass Choir is designed to push students beyond their normal expectations for singing and their musical abilities. This class will enhance the basic fundamentals of singing such as breath control, proper tone, posture, diction, and sight-reading. All repertoire learned will be concert-and-contest based. Students will be given the opportunity to audition and participate in the OCDA All- State choirs, Youth Arts, OSSAA District Choir Contest, and national competitions. The Tenor/Bass Choir will have required performances throughout the community and Union Public Schools outside of the normal school day. A uniform is required for concerts, contest, and other special performances.*If you are unsure which choir is best suited for your voice please contact the choir director.

Theatre Arts (Drama)

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

This is a fun and exciting project/performance-based class that provides students with opportunities to build performance skills and gain confidence. This drama class explores the fundamentals of ensemble acting focusing on communication as it relates to theatre. Units include improvisation, stage movement, character development and script reading and analysis. Students will learn theatre history and the basics of theatre production. Students will also explore the importance of collaboration and community in small group settings with games and fun team-building activities. This class will cover basic auditioning skills and give students the opportunity to audition for various productions within the incredible Union Theatre Department at the middle and high school levels.

Select Theatre Arts

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

Prerequisite: Audition Only

The purpose of the class will be to identify students who have a passion for performance, demonstrate a higher skill level, and desire to further develop their performing talent. The Select class will differ from other drama classes at the eighth grade by receiving more opportunities to perform and gain more stage experience. Students will learn the art of ensemble acting, focus on character development and characterization, and learn how to put a show together for the stage. All Select students are cast in Union’s fall middle school musical and spring show and can audition and perform in the all-school musical with the high school theatre group. This class will go on field trips for exposure to live theatre experiences and performances.

Intro to Theatre Production and Design

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

This class will explore the basics of theatre design through hands-on class projects. A variety of design elements will be introduced such as costuming, makeup, color, scenery, sound, props, and lighting for a theatrical production. Students will also be introduced to the variety of careers available in theatre and will be given the opportunity to participate in running technical elements of a live school production. This is not an acting class and no after school rehearsals are required unless students elect to participate in the school production.

Speech & Debate

(2 Semesters)

High School Credit/Fine Arts Competency

This is a full-year course where students will be introduced to the competitive world of speech and debate! They will learn the basics of debate as well as other public speaking and acting events that teach skills that students will use throughout their lives. Speech and debate builds confident leaders and team members. Students will learn communication, presentation, and performance skills while learning the basics of research, expanding their vocabularies, increasing their reading comprehension, and becoming more logical thinkers. Students will be required to attend speech and debate tournaments each semester. Tournaments are held on the weekends (specifically Friday nights and/or Saturdays) depending on the events. Come join our award-winning team!

Winter Guard

(2 Semesters)

Through a competitive performance activity, this course will provide the basic fundamental training of equipment, movement, and performance techniques. This course also helps promote students’ growth in time management, personal accountability, musicality, and teamwork. This course will help prepare students for the High School Marching Band/Color Guard and High School Winter Guard. This course involves outside of class rehearsal time, including weekends. Second semester students will incur travel and equipment expenses. Fund-raising opportunities are available to offset the cost.

Physical Education

(2 Semesters)

The purpose of this course is to provide each and every student with a variety of activities to invoke success, self-confidence, and enthusiasm. The class provides a wide range of activities: individual, team, competitive, non-competitive, creative tournaments, and written tests. Lifelong sports will be introduced in addition to other leisure, competitive, and conditioning activities. Students are required to dress out everyday.

SPORTS

(2 Semesters)

All 6th Hour athletics require after school practice and there is no school-provided transportation home after practice. Course descriptions designate the specific pickup time and location for each sport.

A Physical Exam is required. Dated after May 1st of the current year and completed before tryouts and/or the first day of practice or the first day of school, whichever comes first.

Football

8th Grade Football is a year-long 6th hour class for a grade. No tryouts are required but practice does begin prior to the start of the school year and is expected for students participating in football. While football competes in the fall, practice will occur daily at the Union 8th Grade Center. Students are expected to dress out and attend practice every day. Parents/guardians are required to pick up students from practice as there is no bus available to take students home after practice, unless the students are released at the bell in the off-season. For more information, please contact harris.patrick@unionps.org.

Basketball

8th Grade Basketball is a year-long 6th hour class for a grade. Tryouts are required. While basketball competes in the winter, practice will occur daily to the Union 8th Grade Center gymnasium. Students are expected to dress out and attend practice every day. Parents/guardians are required to pick up students from practice as there is no bus available to take students home after practice, unless the students are released at the bell in the offseason. For more information regarding girls’ basketball, please contact davis.chaun@unionps.org and for boys’ basketball, please contact garcia.rudy@unionps.org.

Wrestling

8th Grade Wrestling is a year-long 6th hour class for a grade, open to both girls and boys. There are no tryouts required. Students enrolled in wrestling will be bused to the Union HS Stadium wrestling facility daily. Parents/guardians are required to pick up students from practice as there is no bus available to take students home after practice. While the wrestling team competes in the winter (same season as basketball), there is daily practice that is required both in the fall and the spring semesters. Wrestling practice can last, on average, from 1-2 hours. Your athlete may play more than one sport and wrestle as long as the other sport does not conflict with wrestling season. For more information regarding the boys wrestling program, please contact jefferson.daniel@unionps.org or the girls wrestling program, please contact harris.gerald@unionps.org.

Tennis

8th Grade Tennis is a year-long 6th hour class for a grade, open to both girls and boys. Students will be expected to dress in athletic clothes and will need a racket. Students enrolled in tennis will be bused to the Union High School Freshman Academy tennis facility daily. Parents/guardians are required to pick up students from practice at 3:15 pm as there is no bus available to take students home after practice. While the tennis team competes in the spring, there is daily practice that is required in both the fall and spring semesters unless the student in participating in a different fall sport. If participating in a different fall sport, the student will transition to tennis after that sport season is over. Boys enrolling in tennis need to email gannon.kevin@unionps.org for approval. Girls enrolling in tennis do not need any prior tennis experience or coach approval, but are welcomed to email ashley.tyler@unionps.org any questions.

Softball

8th Grade Softball is a year-long 6th hour class for a grade. Tryouts are required. While fast-pitch softball competes in the fall and slow-pitch competes in the spring, athletes will be bused daily to the Union High School Freshman Academy softball complex to dress out and attend practice. Parents/guardians are required to pick up students from practice as there is no bus available to take students home after practice. For more information, please contact girty.courtney@unionps.org fast-pitch or robison.brittany@unionps.org slow-pitch.

Volleyball

8th Grade Volleyball is a year-long 6th hour class for a grade. Tryouts are required. While volleyball competes in the fall, practice will occur daily at the Union 8th Grade Center gymnasium. Students are expected to dress out and attend practice every day. Parents/ guardians are required to pick up students from practice as there is no bus available to take students home after practice, unless the students are released at the bell in the offseason. For more information, please contact mckee.chadd@unionps.org

Cheer/Pom/Highsteppers

8th Grade Cheer, Pom, and Highsteppers are a year-long class that occur before school and during 1ST HOUR for a grade. Tryouts are required. Tryouts are in March-April and the exact dates can be found on the Union website via the athletic page. Attendance at basketball and football games are required as well as a few competitions throughout the year. For more information regarding 8th grade cheer, please contact danzy.tamarah@unionps.org , for pom, contact friske.brittany@unionps.org and for Highsteppers, contact posey.kristi@unionps.org

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS

Cross Country

8th Grade Cross Country is an after school sport, open to both girls and boys, that competes in the fall. Summer practice is expected for students running cross country. As an after school sport, cross country is not a class for a grade but attendance is mandatory for participation on the team. There is an after-school shuttle that will bus students to practice as needed. Practice is usually over by 5:15 pm. Parents will need to arrange to have child picked up on time at the end of practice. For more information regarding the cross-country program, please contact dial.timmy@unionps.org

Track

8th Grade Track is an after school sport, open to both girls and boys, that competes in the spring. As an after school sport, track is not a class for a grade but attendance is mandatory for participation on the team. There is an after-school shuttle that will bus students to practice as needed. Practice is usually over by 5:15 pm. Parents will need to arrange to have child picked up on time at the end of practice. For more information regarding the track program, please contact granger.james@unionps.org or dial.timmy@unionps.org

Golf

8th Grade Golf is open to beginners all the way up to experienced players! Golf is an after-school activity, therefore it is not a class for a grade and is open to both girls and boys. There is no school transportation for golf. Students wishing to participate will need to have a ride to LaFortune Park Golf Course immediately after the school day, two to three days a week. Parents/ Guardians will then need to pick students up at the golf course at the conclusion of practice. Practice will last, on average, from 1-2 hours. While the golf team competes in the spring, there is 8 weeks of practice in the fall and then 8-10 weeks in spring. Students are still able to participate in a fall sport as the season does not conflict with spring golf. Students are required to have their own set of golf clubs. For more information regarding the girls golf program, please contact jones.lindsay@unionps.org and for the boys golf program, please contact bushyhead.jonathan@unionps.org

Swimming, soccer, baseball are offered beginning in the 9th grade.

English Learners (EL)

Prerequisite: Counselor Approval

This class is for students whose primary language is one other than English and who are in need of improving their academic language proficiency. The focus of this course is on speaking, writing, and reading the English language. American culture and traditions are also highlighted.

Special Services

Prerequisite: Referral/Response to Intervention Process

Union Public Schools makes every effort to contact, evaluate and educate, in the least restrictive environment, each handicapped child following the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and State Department of Education guidelines. Union Public Schools ensures that parents/guardians may inspect and review any educational records of their child maintained at the school. Such records are kept in limited access confidential files. The Union Public School District Plan for Special Education has been filed with the State Department of Education, and copies are available for public inspection in the Education Service Center. Inquiries concerning special education programs may be directed to the Special Services Director at 918-357-4321.