9th Grade

*Students in the 9th grade get 2.5 elective credits to be filled with a combination of full year and semester courses. 
Required Courses
English (one of the following)

• English 9 (1.0 credit)

English 9 covers the different aspects of the language arts - specifically reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing - and how we can incorporate them into our lives. Some aspects include, writing workshops, research methods, persuasive writing, literature analysis, discussion, peer evaluation, grammar and vocabulary.

• English 9 Honors (1.0 credit)

This is a difficult and accelerated literature-based writing course for students with well-developed reading and writing skills. The course is built around the following: 8-9 works of literature (novels and plays); an essay and creative writing assignment to accompany each work of literature; year-long units on grammar, poetry, and vocabulary; and research skills. There will be a summer reading/writing project as well as reading/writing projects during school breaks.  The following courses are recommended prior to taking this class: English 8H, English 7 (with an A or B grade average).  This is a full year course.
Math 

• Secondary Math I (1.0 credit)    

This course includes study of relationships between quantities, linear and exponential relationships, reasoning with equations, descriptive statistics, congruence, proof and constructions, and connecting algebra and geometry through coordinates.
Science (one of the following) 

• Earth Systems (1.0 credit)

Earth Systems is a high school level course that counts towards science graduation credit. The areas of study are astronomy, meteorology, oceanography, plate tectonics, and ecology. 

• Biology (1.0 credit)

During the course of the school year will be focusing on the following areas of Biology: ecosystems and environments; cells, cells and more cells!; organs and systems of organisms; DNA, RNA, proteins and genetics; and biological diversity and evolutionary processes. Prerequisite for this course:  (1)  3.7 or higher GPA in Math 8, (2) 3.7 or higher GPA in Integrated Science 8, (3) Proficient Score (3 or 4) on the Integrated Science 8 CRT.
Healthy Lifestyles

• Participation/Skills/PE (1.0 credit)

Students will continue to develop sports skills learned in 8th grade.  While the emphasis is on getting activity, strategies and teamwork will be a key component. 
Social Studies

• Geography (.5 credit)

Students will learn to understand and appreciate how the histories of diverse peoples and cultures around the world have been affected by the geography of their countries and regions. In addition to interpreting maps, charts, and graphs, students will consider thoughtfully the impacts of technology, diminishing resources, and industrialization on world systems. They will examine similarities and differences of human experience in the following spheres of activity: social, scientific, technological, economic, religious, philosophical, geographic, and political.
Computer Tech.

• Exploring Computer Science (.5 credit)

Exploring Computer Science is designed to introduce students to the breadth of the field of computer science through an exploration of engaging and accessible topics. Rather than focusing the entire course on learning particular software tools or programming languages, the course is designed to focus the conceptual ideas of computing and help students understand why certain tools or languages might be utilized to solve particular problems. The goal of Exploring Computer Science is to develop in students the computational thinking practices of algorithm development, problem solving and programming within the context of problems that are relevant to the lives of today's students. Students will also be introduced to topics such as interface design, limits of computers and societal and ethical issues.
Elective Options

• Applied Skills (1.0 credit)

Applied skills is a class available to students with an individualized education plan in need of basic organization skills and individualized attention addressing core curriculum needs. Additionally,there is an emphasis on students building general literacy and mathematical skills.

• Beginning Band (1.0 credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will learn to play a woodwind instrument or brass instrument.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on tone production and rhythm.  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is expected. Parents should expect to provide an instrument.  Students with previous experience in either Elementary Band or previous middle school experience should sign up for this class after which advanced placement will be considered.  (Two years of Elementary Band = one year of Seventh Grade Band.)

• Concert Band (1.0 credit)

This class is designed for students who wish to expand their woodwind or brass playing techniques.  At least one full year of successfully completing Beginning Band is recommended (two years Elementary Band.)  There will be some public performance required.  Home practice is required as well.

• Concert Orchestra (1.0 credit)

This class is for string players who have either participated in Elementary Orchestra or wish to continue their string playing experience in a school ensemble.  Students will play basic ensemble literature and take part in required public performances.  Home practice is expected.

• Honors Band (1.0 credit)

This is an audition-only band for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in musical performance.  At least two full years of successfully completing both Beginning and Intermediate levels of band are highly recommended.  There will be required public performances throughout the school year.  Home practice is required.

• Jazz Band (1.0 credit)

This is an audition-only band for advanced woodwind, brass and percussion students who have demonstrated exceptional ability in musical performance.  This band practices and performs Jazz music pieces.  At least two full years of successfully completing both Beginning and Intermediate levels of band are highly recommended.  There will be required public performances throughout the school year.  Home practice is required.

• Beginning Guitar (.5 credit)

This class is for students with little or no experience in music.  Students taking this class will earn to play the guitar.  Parents must provide guitars and books.  Home practice is required.  Basic playing techniques will be stressed with emphasis on reading music and chords.

• Boys Chorus (1.0 credit)

Boys Chorus is a beginning level class open to all 7th, 8th and 9th grade boys. Students enrolled in Boys Chorus will learn to sing many different types of music with proper vocal technique. Students will also learn to read music, sing in languages other than English, and will participate in concerts.

• Girls Chorus (1.0 credit)

Girls Chorus is an intermediate level class open to all 8th and 9th grade girls.  Students with no musical experience may take this class, as there is a comprehensive review at the beginning of the year.  Students enrolled in Girls Chorus will learn to sing many different types of music with proper vocal technique.  Students will also learn to read music, sing in languages other than English, attend one competition and will participate in concerts.

• ​Concert Choir (1.0 credit)

Concert Choir is an advanced class for 9th grade boys and girls.  Audition is required.  Students enrolled in Concert Choir are expected to know the basics of reading music, vocal technique and concert etiquette.  Students in this class continue their experience of music in multiple genres and languages and participate in concerts and competitions.  Students in this class are expected to purchase a uniform.

• French 1 (1.0 credit)

French I is a first year high school equivalent course which aligns with the Utah State Office of Education Standards for Foreign Language offered to eighth and ninth grade students. Students will understand, interpret and respond to written and spoken language on a variety of topics.  Real-world activities are offered to promote cultural awareness.

• French 2 (1.0 credit)

French II is a second year high school equivalent course which aligns with the Utah State Office of Education Standards for Foreign Language offered to eighth and ninth grade students.  Students further understand, interpret and respond to written and spoken language on a variety of topics. Students explore France and French-speaking countries and are offered a variety of activities that promote cultural awareness.

• German 1 (1.0 credit)

German I provides students with the opportunity to explore the German language and culture. Although this class is focused on oral communication, it is nonetheless an academic class which requires diligent study at home. This class is an excellent preparation for German 2.

• German 2 (1.0 credit)

German II provides students with the opportunity to continue their exploration of the German language and culture. This class continues its focus on oral communication but integrates more writing, and grammatical instruction than German I. It is highly recommended that non native German speakers take German I prior to this class.

• Spanish 1 (1.0 credit)

Beginning Spanish will focus on developing the five language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. You will begin building vocabulary, working through grammar and simple sentence structures, as well as conducting simple conversations in Spanish. You will be introduced to Hispanic culture and geography.

• Spanish 2 (1.0 credit)

In this course you will continue your study and development of the five language skills. You will build on your vocabulary, grammar, and verb tense foundation. We will focus on speaking proficiency. You should be able to speak in real-life situations. More of the Hispanic culture will be introduced.

• Art Foundations 2 (.5 credit)

This class is an extension of Art Foundations 1 providing further study of art tools and materials.  Emphasizing studio production, this course is designed to further develop higher-level thinking, art related technology skills and aesthetics.  It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 before taking this course.

• 3-D Design (.5 credit)

3-Design provides students with an opportunity to build three dimensional artwork through the manipulation of a variety of art media. The class will be an overview and introduction to fine crafts, their media and the cultures they represent. It is recommended to complete Art Foundations 1 or 2 before taking this course.

• Construction Intro A (.5 credit)

This course is a beginning woodworking class that teaches the basic use of many different woodworking tools. This class will focus on the safe use of power machines, wood technologies, and measuring skills, while building small projects. Projects built in this class may include a screw tray, cutting board, pen turning, and a small box. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)

• Construction Intro B (.5 credit)

This is an intermediate woodworking class that builds on the fundamentals taught in the Construction Intro A class. This class is for students that have successfully completed Construction Intro A. Here the focus will also be on the safe use of woodworking tools, wood technologies, and measuring skills while building projects with more advanced skills. Projects may include bent wood fish nets, woodturnings, and box jointery. Students will also be able to choose personal project to build. (To take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro A and Construction Intro B)

• Construction 1 (.5 credit)

This class is for those students that have successfully completed Construction Intro B. This class will focus on safety, woodworking technologies, design, and building small pieces of furniture. Students will also have time to build personal projects of their choice. (If you have already taken Construction Intro A, and would like to take woodworking for the full year, sign-up for Construction Intro B and Construction I)

• Food & Nutrition 1 (.5 credit)

Learn to Cook! This is a basic foods and nutrition class. The purpose of this course is to help you learn the fundamentals of food preparation as well as how to incorporate good nutrition and better eating habits.  This course counts as Applied Technology high school credit for graduation.

• Creative Writing (.5 credit)

In this class students can explore and enhance their creative writing through a variety of writing projects, such as poetry, short stories, personal narratives, journal entries and more. 

• Dance 1 (.5 credit)

This class is for anyone interested in taking dance. You will learn dance technique and terminology. You will be taught how to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination, and be introduced to different forms of choreography. You will work in small and large groups on your own compositions.

• Dance 2 (.5 credit)

This class is a higher level dance class offered to those who have completed Dance 1 or to those who have not taken Dance 1 but qualify through an audition with the teacher. In this class you will learn dance technique and terminology. You will be taught how to increase flexibility, strength, and coordination, and be introduced to different forms of choreography. You will work in small and large groups on your own compositions.

• Theater 1 (.5 credit)

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of theatrical performance, reading, viewing, and analyzing plays. Students will be required to attend one play per quarter and read two plays per quarter.

• ​Theater 2 (.5 credit)

This course is designed to give students advanced training in the areas mastered in the beginning theater course. In addition, students will participate in activities which develop proficiency in acting styles, writing, auditioning, and preparing resumes. Students will be required to attend one play and read one play per quarter.

• Government and Law (.5 credit)

Government and Law is a semester elective social studies class for 9th graders. This class focuses on the nature and need for law, civil and criminal law, juvenile law, and the courts. The class is centered on a series of problems students solve after acquiring the necessary information for each topic.

• School Success 9 (.5 credit)

The School Success class supports struggling learners by increasing their organization skills, study skills and life skills.  Grades and attendance are monitored weekly.  One class period a week is devoted to homework completion.