Elective Class Curriculums

Art Curriculum

Sixth grade art classes offer a variety of projects that expose students to many different media including pencil, ink, color pencil, oil pastel, chalk pastel, watercolor, tempera, and acrylic. Students also create papier-mâché, collages, and weavings with different textured materials. The seven elements of design are emphasized through each project or assignment, and students learn to critique and evaluate artwork .

Seventh/eighth grade art classes build on the seven elements and basic drawing skills, but more complex projects lead to an understanding of the seven principals and art appreciation as well. These classes offer projects in mask making and hand built clay pieces. Students also learn about different art styles, and master artists through fun hands-on activities.

New to GMMS is the 3-D Sculpture class that offers students a chance to advance their art skills. Students participate in a variety of class projects including jewelry making, wire sculpture, papier-mâché, painting, stained glass or pottery, and other projects including beading, dream catchers, altered books, woven wall hangings or scarves, cultural adornments, altered books, nature sculptures, quilts, and more. These assignments and activities encourage students to use their creativity and problem solving skills.

In addition, students may participate in art shows and art contests, to win awards and cash prizes, as well as the GMMS “art opening” which affords students the opportunity to share their artwork with the public.

Life Skills Curriculum

6^th grade

This is a 9 week class packed with information and hands on exploration of basic cooking, nutrition, recycling, sewing, and citizenship skills. The Character Counts curriculum is stressed throughout the class.

7^th/8^th grade

This is a semester long class designed to go further and deeper into exploring cooking, sewing, nutrition, recycling, and citizenship. We will, in addition, venture into the worlds of personal finance, communication skills, career planning, gardening, and global food awareness.

Computer Curriculum

Students have the opportunity to take computers all three of their middle school years. In 6th grade they explore the basics of computers utilizing the Windows Office programs. We learn how to create a database (Access), spreadsheets (Excel), and develop wordprocessing (Word) skills and drawing skills. We also focus on the fundamentals of Keyboarding and internet safety.

The Computer Applications class uses the industry approved software “Dreamweaver 8” to create web pages, “PhotoShop CS2” to manipulate pictures and Microsoft Publisher to create newsletters and business cards.

The Keyboarding class is a state required class for all students. The goal is to achieve at least 30 words per minute with 90% accuracy. Students will also learn to format letters, memos, announcements, reports and tables. This is a class that the students find extremely useful in our computer oriented world.

Applied Technology Curriculum

The sixth grade Technology program covers three areas of Instruction: Video production, Photography and Aerospace awareness. Students will produce a mini video, build and photograph with a pinhole camera, and construct and launch a small rocket.

Manufacturing Technology involves basic skills in Arc and oxyacetylene welding, bench work and flat pattern development. Students will work on basic fabrication techniques as well as industrial safety procedures.

Communications Technology expands the student’s creativity and technical skills with the production of an informational video. Hands on experience will include developing a storyboard, script writing, and camera and sound techniques and editing methods.

Students will also complete an engineering project incorporating the design, construction, racing and evaluation of a miniature CO2 powered vehicle.

Music

The three areas that are offered include band, orchestra and choir. GMMS has two choir classes, beginning and advanced. One of the highlights of their year is participating in the annual Courthouse lighting in December. This year we added a Choir Club that was well received.

There are two orchestra classes taught: Beginning Strings and String Ensemble. This is one of the largest string programs in Northern Arizona. Last year, the String Ensemble was honored by being featured at the Tri-City Mayor’s ARTS Breakfast. They also received a “superior” rating at the Regional Festival (highest rating possible).

GMMS has three bands: Beginning Band, Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. The bands participate in the Holiday and Light Parades in December. They also perform for pep assemblies.

In addition, GMMS has an established Jazz Band, which requires auditions to participate. Last year the Jazz Band was honored to perform for the Arizona State School Board Association’s conference. Most groups perform regular concerts and at the County Fair. They also perform for the school board, art shows, etc…

Physical Education

Whether it be softball, lacrosse, flag football or extreme team dodge ball, Granite Mountain Physical Education is the place to be. In addition to covering a wide variety of sports, games and contests, the students participate in the President’s Challenge Fitness Tests. This is a battery of five tests consisting of curl-ups, shuttle run, mile run, sit and reach and pull-ups/push-ups. There are also several co-ed activities throughout the year like, capture the flag, an all day soccer match and a boy's volleyball all-star game against the Granite Mountain Varsity Girls. To culminate the program at the end of the school year, we host a day of “Spirit Games”. These games are typically held on a Friday in May. They, not only cover the fitness tests, but are a integral part of our character counts program. It’s a day of sweat and fun for our 7^th and 8^th graders! To see the points awarded for the Fitness test, makeup points and extra credit, click here.

Mrs. Broussard’s Letter to the parents, click here to read.

Contact Us:

Jalyn Bacon- Dorow - ART

Rex Barton - Boy’s PE

Polly Broussard - Girl’s PE

Lori Dahl - Computers

Frank Lawhead - Band

Terry Pemberton - Technology

Terri Dundas- Choir

Mary Timpany - Life Skills

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