All Grade Levels
2
101
Challenge Math
2
102
Literature and Film
2
103
Science Fair
2
104
6th Grade Model U.N.
2
105
Leadership Exploratory
2
106
Jag Paws for Reading
2
107
Reader’s Theater
3
108
Nutrition Voyage
3
109
Getting to Know the Body: Anatomy and Physiology
3
110
From Trash to Treasure: The Art of Upcycling
3
111
We the People
3
112
Literature and Music Connections
3
113
Read a Movie, Watch a Book
4
114
Mystery and Suspense
4
115
Residential Design
4
116
Math Counts: Math and Music
4
117
Rubik’S Cube/ K’Nex/ Wind Turbines
5
118
Geography Alive
5
119
Jazz Band
5
120
Academic Support
5
Grade 8
Only
801
Algebra Support
5
802
Spanish Support
5
803
Mentoring
5
Grade 6
Music Students Only (select at least one of the following)
1390 Drama 6
6
6609 Computer Solutions
6
8481
Introduction to Technology
6
9106
Art 6
6
All Grade Levels
101
Challenge Math
We Have the Problems, You Have the Solutions- Ready, set, solve! Challenge Math is a great opportunity
for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to work together to solve real world problems. The problems are
designed to challenge students in solving problems creatively and critically. Students will explore
problems from all content areas but will especially focus on math.
102
Literature and Film
Get ready to read exciting novels and then compare the written texts to the film adaptations. Possible
novels included The Lightning Thief, Tuck Everlasting, and Sounder. Since some films are rated PG,
paternal permission will be required to view the adaptations.
103
Science Fair
For science fair students need to create and test a scientific question using the scientific method and
experimental design. Students will write a paper, create a display board and enter their project into the
RTMS Science Fair on February 4, 2014. Some projects will be chosen to go to Regional Science Fair in
Charlottesville, VA in March. Please note that additional work outside of ACT class is necessary for this
class. This course is helpful but not mandatory for students interested in attending the Horseshoe Crab
trip in May, since they must complete a science fair project.
104
6th Grade Model U.N.
In Model U.N., students step into the shoes of U.N. ambassadors to debate current issues faced by the
United Nations. Students research relevant issues, deliver speeches, prepare draft resolutions, negotiate
with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the conference rules of procedure. Topics
students may explore include regional conflicts, peacekeeping, human rights, healthcare, economic and
social development, and the environment. Participating in Model U.N. is beneficial to students because it
promotes student interest in international relations, encourages students to engage in problem solving,
and develops research, communication, and conflict resolution skills. This course is only for 6th grade
students.
105
Leadership Exploratory for 6th Grade Students
This course will introduce students to the concept of service-learning and how it relates to serving others
in the community. Students will identify their own leadership skills and strengthen their leadership
capacity. Various forms of literature and media sources will be explored to identify leaders in their Global
Community and engage in service activities. This course will provide students with 21st Century Skills
needed to develop organizations.
106
Jag Paws for Reading
Attention students who are participating in Jaguars Paws for Readings, you may enroll in this special ACT
class! Throughout this class students will learn and apply different reading strategies in order to increase
overall comprehension, fluency, and prepare for their English SOL. Students will be able to demonstrate
their understanding of their books through multi-media projects, AR tests, and reading logs! Come join us
and let’s travel to new worlds together!
107
Reader’s Theater
This course is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are interested in becoming more engaged in
literature though the activity of Reader's Theatre. This activity allows students to utilize their dramatic
side to fully delve into the literature's characters, theme, mood, and author's purpose. The students will
be working collaboratively to read both short pieces of fiction and nonfiction, then identify literary
elements and create their own dramatic portrayal of the piece.
108
Nutrition Voyage
Do your students really know what "healthy eating" is? Most middle school students can tell you that
vegetables are good for you and that cookies are not. However, they don't necessarily comprehend why
that’s the case. We’ll learn how different foods affect their bodies, and what food choices to make at
school, at home, and when eating out. In this course students will journey together through the Nutrition
Voyage program. Using a theme of exploration students will work through three treks of lessons with the
basis being: Engaging ways for students to learn about making health food and physical activity choices,
lessons with standard aligned activities for Math, Science and English and opportunities for students to
investigate, evaluate and reflect of nutritionally and dietary information.
109
Getting to Know the Body: Anatomy and Physiology
The human body consists of several systems that work together to make our bodies function properly.
You will study the skeletal, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems in this hands-on session. You
will also create your own 3-D amusement park to demonstrate the digestive system!
110
From Trash to Treasure: The Art of Upcycling
Do you know how many tons of trash gets dumped into landfills every year? Did you know that many of
the items that you throw away each day can be turned into fun, functional, and unique works of art? In
this class, students will give new life to old magazines, tee-shirts, soda bottles, action figures, and much
more!
111
We the People
Students will be asked broad questions about the Constitution and our government. They will then
produce a creative, evidence-based solution that will be presented in front of a panel of judges. They will
work on persuasive delivery techniques and researching skills to compete in the district-wide We the
People competition, with the opportunity to move on to the statewide competition.
112
Literature and Music Connections
Over the course of the quarter, students will listen to and research different genres of music. We will be
listening to a variety of genres including: pop, rock, rap, classical, country, and many more! The class will
conclude with a soundtrack project describing a story we read. If you love music this is the class for you!
113
Read a Movie, Watch a Book
Many novels have been turned into movies. This class is designed to look into the relationships between
novels and their movie adaptations. In class, we will be reading excerpts from various novels, and we will
be viewing the corresponding movie clips. The novels and movies will range from classic to contemporary
novels. As a class, we will analyze and discuss these two forms of storytelling and the effect that each has
on society and each other. As a final project, each student will choose a novel to read from the list
presented and view a film adaptation. The students will research and analyze the author, the written
novel, and the film to complete a final project in which the students discuss the impact each form has on
society and literacy.* Each child must return a parent permission form for their chosen book; allowing
them to view and read the book for the project.
114
Mystery and Suspense
In this course, students will be able to learn about the fundamentals of mysterious and suspenseful
stories. Students will study the elements of mystery stories, read classic and modern examples, and write
their own short story.
115
Residential Design
This course is designed for students with a desire to learn about home design, creation of small-scale
blueprint and landscape planning. The goal of this course is for students to understand the basic drafting
skills associated residential design, and to reinforce mathematics skills associated with the Virginia SOL of
Scale & Ratios. Students will research drafting and residential design, county code compliance, and use of
proper symbols to do so. As a product of their learning, students will create a design to include a two
story residence complete with electrical and plumbing fixtures, furnishings, and landscaping design. The
product will be presented to the class and / or the public upon completion. Students will be evaluated on
their appropriate use of scale, design elements, drafting symbols, and presentation of their unique plan.
116
Math Counts: Math and Music
Math Counts is designed to engage and challenge students of all ability levels and interest levels in the
area of mathematics. The students will be presented with fun, challenging problems that will require
critical thinking skills to solve. At the end of the course students will be required to present a problem to
the class and explain its solution. In addition, there will be various competitions throughout the school
year.
The second part of this class will focus on how math is involved in music. Students will begin to explore
how mathematical patterns appear in music. The famous Fibonacci sequence is one of the patterns that
can be seen in music that will be discussed. Additionally, the students will get a hands on experience of
the effect of mathematics in music through the ukulele. Each student will have the opportunity to learn
the basics of playing the ukulele as they make the connections between music and math.
Special Note: This class is designed for students that have little or no musical experience and are
interested in learning how math relates to music.
117
Rubik’S Cube/ K’Nex/ Wind Turbines
This class will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as students will engage in
multiple learning opportunities. Students will learn and apply algorithms using the Rubik's Cube and will
participate in competitions with other schools. Some after school time may be necessary to compete in
competitions. Students will learn engineering and science principles as they build using the K’Nex system
to create models and systems. This course is designed for students who truly enjoy math and science.
118
Geography Alive
This class will include the study of World Geography. The goal of this ACT class is to enrich the student’s
understanding of the Geography curriculum. It will be discussion based. Participants must be open to
communicating with their peers. Some of the various activities that we will use are movies, current
events, Geography Alive, multi-cultural novels, cultural poems, global issues, and content research. *Due
to the mature content of some of the subject matter, we would prefer only eighth grade students.
119
Jazz Band
This is a group of musicians playing jazz, pop, rock, funk, and Latin music in a traditional jazz band format.
Membership is selective based on instrumentation needed. Students interested must be able to read
music notation and be proficient on their instrument.
120
Academic Support
This course is for students who love to read and need more time for work completion. During the course
students will have an opportunity to complete assignments, read, and write. Students must obtain a
recommendation from a current teacher in order to participate.
Grade 8 Only
801
Algebra Support
Students currently enrolled in Advanced Algebra I are eligible to sign-up for this class.
Students will individually wok on their current Algebra assignments and may also receive individualized
assistance with Algebraic concepts. The course is designed for students in need of additional daily
practice or instructional support. Students may also practice the problem solving skills they will need for
the multiple solution and free response format on the Algebra SOL test.
802
Spanish Support
Students currently enrolled in Spanish I are eligible to sign-up for this class. Students will individually work
on their current Spanish assignments and may also receive individualized assistance with Spanish
concepts. The course is designed for students in need of additional daily practice, instructional support,
and speaking and communication skills. If a student demonstrates mastery of Spanish vocabulary and
material, he or she may complete assignments/homework from other disciplines.
803
Mentoring
Students will be assigned to various classroom teachers to work as tutors/mentors. The guidance
department staff will oversee the placement of Mentors based on their academic strengths. Students
interested in mentoring will need a recommendation from one of their teachers before being placed in
Mentoring.
Grade 6 Music Students Only
1390 Drama 6
This course strives to develop creative potential in students by providing opportunities for students to
produce and participate in dramatic and theatrical experiences. Through activities that require students
to work cooperatively, students begin to develop their internal and external personal resources and form
aesthetic judgments. They are exposed to dramatists and their works, in addition to other key theatrical
players and participants. Students begin to integrate drama with other academic disciplines.
6609 Computer Solutions
This course is designed for students to use the computer as a problem-solving tool to complete a variety
of projects. Students participate in team-building activities that include both academic and business
competencies. Topics include problem-solving in word processing, database, spreadsheet, emerging
technologies, telecommunications, ethical and security issues, and computer maintenance.
8481 Introduction to Technology
Students first study the basic elements of all technology, including processes, energy, information, and
people. They explore up to four systems of technology, including construction, transportation,
communication, and production/manufacturing. Finally, they relate the impact of technology on society,
environment, and culture to future consequences and decisions
9106 Art Grade 6
This course includes a framework that aids the student in learning the characteristics of visual arts by
using a wide range of subject matter, symbols, meaningful images and visual expressions. As the student
gains knowledge and skills, he or she will gain the ability to apply knowledge and skills in the visual arts to
his or her widening personal world. In classroom discussions, the student will continue to use an
expanding art vocabulary while describing his or her work and the work of others. Artwork should reflect
increased manual and creative skills in addition to expanded knowledge of the use and application of the
elements of design. The student should be able to classify two-dimensional and three dimensional images
and construct a three-dimensional form. An introduction of color theory should give the student an
ability to identify and construct a simple color wheel.