At Hill we offer a variety of elective courses for students. As you scroll through the descriptions, please note which classes are open to specific grade levels. 6th grade students take electives with other 6th grade students only while 7th and 8th grade students are combined in elective courses.
Course Description:
Physically educated students will demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform various physical activities. The content of this course includes six standards: Skilled Movement, Movement Principles and Concepts, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, Personal and Social Responsibility, and Affective Concepts. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Comprehensive health is a skills-based course designed for students to become familiar with the fundamentals of health education. Students will participate in practical, project-based learning activities, focusing on acquiring skills and knowledge necessary to promote optimal health and wellness. Skills and activities consist of, but are not limited to, goal-setting, communication, analyzing influences, accessing valuable sources of health information, decision making, and self-management promoting mental, physical, social, and emotional health. Key concepts covered may include nutrition, hygiene, mental and emotional health promotion, sexual health and relationships, drugs/alcohol/tobacco/vaping, school safety, personal advocacy, and essential life skills education.
Explore a variety of materials and art techniques during your time in Visual Arts! Students will need to provide a sketchbook and will use this daily for drawing exercises and planning their major 2D & 3D projects. Learning about and incorporating the elements and principles of art into each project will help students think critically about their artwork. Analyzing professional pieces of art will also be a component of this Visual Arts course.
Open to all interested 6th grade students.
This year-long Visual Arts course will be used to explore a variety of materials and art techniques! Students will need to provide a sketchbook and will use this daily for drawing exercises and planning their major 2D & 3D projects. Reviewing and incorporating the elements and principles of art into each project will strengthen independent artwork. Learn about contemporary and local artists while making your own independent artwork personally meaningful.
Open to all interested 7th & 8th grade students.
In this semester – long class , students will get to learn the basic Spanish skills by reading, speaking and a little writing in Spanish. Students will learn Spanish in context by actively listening, participating, acting out stories,and reading Spanish everyday.
Pre-Reqs & Notes: no previous knowledge of Spanish needed.
In this year-long class, students will develop their foreign language skills by reading, writing and speaking in Spanish. Students will learn Spanish in context by actively listening, participating, acting out stories and reading in Spanish every day. This class is a prerequisite class for Spanish 1B.
Pre-Reqs & Notes: Students who took Exploratory Spanish in sixth grade will have a preference. If you did not have Spanish in 6th grade, wait to see if there is room. Students who already speak Spanish should NOT sign up for this class.
This is a 2nd year Spanish class for students who have already had Spanish before and who are serious about acquiring the Spanish Language. Students will continue to develop their language skills by reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish 90-100% of the time. Students will learn Spanish in context by actively listening, participating, acting out stories, and reading in Spanish every day. We will also cover advanced grammar structures and tenses. The goal of the class is to prepare students for upper level Spanish classes in high school.
Pre-Reqs & Notes: You need to have taken Spanish 1A to take this class or being recommended by the teacher after an outstanding year in 6th grade). Scores of the district test will be taken into consideration. Students who already speak Spanish should NOT sign up for this class.
This course is for beginners who want to learn how to dance or who have little to some dance experience. We will cover various styles of dance, learn dance history, create choreography projects, and perform in shows throughout the school year. No audition is required.
This class is open to any grade level.
In this class 7th and 8th graders will continue or begin their study into dance technique, history, and performance.
We will study many different styles of dance including modern, ballet, jazz, hip hip, and world dance. We will be learning and creating choreography to perform in the winter and spring shows. The students in this class could have some experience with dance either at Hill, outside classes, gymnastics, acro, aerial, or be brand new to dance. Part of the mastery of standards for the class is to perform at the winter and spring dance performances here at the Hill auditorium.
Open to all interested students- 7th and 8th grade
In this class all students in 7th and 8th grade will go further in-depth in their study of dance technique and history. The students will analyze, research and reflect on the many different styles of dance including modern, ballet, jazz, hip hip, and world dance. The students in this class will have had a few years of experience with dance either at Hill or outside classes and can demonstrate very strong dance technique.
The choreography practiced will include high level difficulty in movement, transitions, and technical skills. Part of the mastery of standards for the class is to perform at the winter and spring dance performances here at the Hill auditorium.
Open to advanced students in dance- 7th and 8th grade
Semester: In band, students will choose and develop foundational skills on an instrument – no experience necessary, but if you have experience, we love that too! We will explore flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and mallet percussion, and learn the basics of playing an instrument through games, mini-performances, and a fun variety of music.
In orchestra, students will choose and develop foundational skills on an instrument – no experience necessary, but if you have experience, we love that too! We will explore violin, viola, cello and bass, and learn the basics of playing an instrument through games, mini-performances, and a fun variety of music.
Year Long: In this band, students will choose and develop beginning skills on a new instrument – no experience necessary! We will explore flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, and mallet percussion, and learn the basics of playing an instrument through games, mini-performances, and a fun variety of music.
Year Long: In this advanced band, students will develop skills on their instruments by building independence and having more opportunities for unique musical roles within the ensembles. The class digs into more complex music while also exploring composition, elements of expression and music theory through games, performance opportunities, and field trips near and far.
At least one semester of experience on an instrument is required to join this course.
Year Long: In this orchestra, students will develop skills on their instruments by building independence and having more opportunities for unique musical roles within the ensembles. The class digs into more complex music while also exploring composition, elements of expression and music theory through games, performance opportunities, and field trips near and far.
Experience preferred for this ensemble.
Get ready to become a designer, engineer, and innovator! In Design and Modeling, 6th grade students dive into the world of creativity and problem-solving by using the engineering design process to imagine, sketch, model, and test their ideas. From building 3D prototypes with cutting-edge software to hands-on projects that bring concepts to life, students will learn how to think like real-world engineers while building skimmers, rockets, robots, and Microbit computers. Whether you’re brainstorming a new product or designing a solution to a challenge, you’ll gain skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and precision. This course is all about turning your imagination into innovation—and having a blast while doing it!
Step into the world of innovation with Introduction to Engineering—a hands-on adventure where your ideas take flight (literally)! In this exciting course, you’ll explore the amazing world of engineering through real projects like building smart devices with Microbits, programming robots to complete challenges, and even designing the cities of tomorrow in the Future City competition. You’ll learn to code, create, test, and problem-solve just like real engineers while diving into projects that explore space, flight, and futuristic technology. Whether you’re launching rockets, designing sustainable cities, or programming robots to race, this class is all about creativity, teamwork, and turning bold ideas into real-world solutions. Get ready to build the future—because it starts with you!
Welcome to Advanced Media and Design, where creativity meets cutting-edge technology in a fast-paced, project-based environment! In this dynamic course, you’ll level up your skills through esports challenges, AI-powered storytelling, and hands-on coding projects that bring your digital ideas to life. Dive into the world of professional television production, filmmaking, and live broadcasting using industry tools like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and green screen studios. You’ll explore the future with AR/VR design, create immersive experiences, and collaborate with teammates just like in real-world media and tech careers. Whether you’re building games, producing news segments, or designing in 3D, this class is your launchpad into the future of digital design and media innovation!
Prerequisite- must have taken Design and Modeling
This course introduces 6th grade students to the world of theater through fun, creative, and interactive activities. Students learn the basics of stage presence, voice projection, movement, character development, and storytelling. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, expressing emotions, and working cooperatively. No prior theater experience is needed—just curiosity and willingness to play.
Key Features:
Recommended for: all 6th grade students interested in exploring drama and developing communication and performance skills.
This course is designed for 7th and 8th grade students with prior experience or strong interest in acting, performance, and collaboration. Students build on foundational skills through advanced character work, monologues, scene studies, and full-length performance projects. Emphasis is placed on ensemble development, script analysis, voice and movement, and public presentation. Students will engage in performance-based assessments and help shape productions that may be showcased for school-wide or community audiences. While prior experience is encouraged, students new to theater who are enthusiastic and willing to learn are also welcome.
Key Features:
Recommended for: students with one or more years of theater experience or those ready to commit to performance at a higher level.
Creative Writing invites students to explore self-expression through multiple literary forms including poetry, fiction, memoir, and playwriting. Through writing workshops, peer reviews, and publication opportunities, students learn to develop their unique voices while exploring themes relevant to identity, community, and justice. This mixed-grade format fosters mentorship, empathy, and vibrant creative exchange.
Key Features:
Recommended for: writers of all levels who are passionate about storytelling and eager to explore their voice in a supportive, dynamic environment.
Stagecraft is a hands-on technical theater course where students design, build, and manage the behind-the-scenes elements of live productions. From set design and construction to costumes, props, lighting, and sound, students develop practical skills while contributing to real performances. This rotating lab also functions as a rehearsal support block, allowing students to work alongside performers and gain a comprehensive understanding of theater production.
Key Features:
Recommended for: students interested in technical theater, design, or production support, especially those who enjoy hands-on work and creative problem-solving.