Electives
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6th Grade Elective Courses
Debut Band (Year-long)
This is a beginner-level band that teaches the basic elements of music playing skills and is an introduction to instrumental music. Most Debut Band students are learning to play their first musical instrument, but it is also an option for students with prior musical experience who have not played a band instrument. There is a $25 course fee to purchase a workbook and music. Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and an instrument will be provided if you are unable to cover the cost of instrument rental.
Concert Choir (Year-long)
This ensemble introduces choral concepts as students learn to sing in an environment that fosters community and teaches them how to navigate their developing voices. Literature performed during the year will specifically cater to students’ vocal ranges and interests and will allow us to explore music from cultures around the world. No prior experience or ability to read music is required: this is the class to develop those skills! There is a $25 course fee to purchase a Choir Shirt, folder, and music. Financial assistance is available to cover this fee.
 
Semester-long Courses
Students who do not participate in band or choir will choose two semester-long courses designed to give students variety, help them discover areas of interest, and have experiences in different content areas. The four courses currently offered are:
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Art Exploration – Ready to grow your creativity and imagination? Students will explore a variety of materials, including clay, watercolor, pastel, and charcoal. Discover the visual arts and how to use them as an expressive form of communication. Become a maker through cartooning, collage, ceramics, print making (carving rubber blocks to make your own stamps), and more! Learn about the design process and create projects you'll be proud of and have fun making!
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Digital Design – People use technology to create amazing things! We will explore being both engineers and artists in this class. As engineers, we will code video games, 3D model, and design solutions to problems. As artists, we will use computers to do pixel art, animation, digital painting, and more. Then we can bring our work into the real world with laser cutters, a Cricut cutter, 3D printers, and a giant poster printer. Let’s make something great!
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Drama – Craft imaginary worlds, bring characters to life, and create memorable and meaningful moments. Through research, creative problem solving, and improvisation, students design and perform scenes that explore genres like science fiction, historical fiction, musicals, and more. Students will shape characters, create atmospheres, and develop key performance skills while integrating costume, light, and set design. Field trip opportunities will be explored to introduce students to live theatre.
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Makers Lab – Innovators are the minds behind many of today's technologies. They find new ways to turn imagination into reality. Students will be introduced to engineering concepts and the design process through creating with materials like cardboard, KEVA planks, K’nex, paper, and cloth. Explore building towers, race cars, arcade games, simple machines, and more!
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7th and 8th Grade Elective Courses
2D Art: What is that? Using non-traditional materials to make 2D Art (Semester-long – Grades 7, 8)
Students will gain a deeper understanding of the application of Art Elements and Design Principles as they use non-traditional material to make 2-dimensional art. Printmaking, woodburning, mosaic and collage will be explored using coffee, tape, yam, sand, beans and seeds along with paint, graphite and pastels. Famous artist, art movements, art history and art vocabulary will also be explored.
3D Art: Art with a purpose. Making functional art and art that actually says something. (Semester-long – Grades 7, 8)
Students will focus on the artistic elements of form and space by designing and creating 3-dimensional art. Media will include clay, cardboard, plaster, wire and papier-mache to create functional artworks. Student voice will also be part of the multi-step process-based projects. Installation art, as well as historical and cultural aspects of sculpture and form will be explored.
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Digital Art (Semester-long – Grades 7, 8)
Let's make art using the computer! We'll make pixel art and animations, learn to combine and "Photoshop" images, create smoot and beautiful vector art, model 3D art, enhance hand-drawn art on the computer, and sketch with tablets and pens. We can also bring our arti into the real world with a laser cutter, 3D printer, and sticker cutter.
Concert Band (Year-long – Grades 7, 8)
This class is for students who participated in Debut Band or Premier Band during 6th grade. Concert Band is designed for students with at least one year of previous band experience. In this class, students will begin to be more responsible for individual preparation. There are 3 evening performances during the school year. There is a $25 course fee to purchase a music and cover other expenses; Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and the cost of the instrument.
Concert Choir (Year-long – Grades 7, 8)
This ensemble introduces choral concepts as students learn to sing in an environment that fosters community and teaches them how to navigate their developing voices. Literature performed during the year will specifically cater to students’ vocal ranges and interests and will allow us to explore music from cultures around the world. No prior experience or ability to read music is required: this is the class to develop those skills! There is a $25 course fee to purchase a Choir Shirt, folder, and music. Financial assistance is available to cover this fee.
Debut Band (Year-long – Grades 6, 7, 8)
This is a beginner-level band that teaches the basics of music playing skills and is an introduction to instrumental music. Most Debut Band students are learning to play their first musical instrument, but it is also an option for students with previous musical experience who have not played a band instrument. There is a $25 course fee to purchase a workbook and music. Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and an instrument will be provided if you cannot cover the cost of instrument rental.
Drama (Semester-long – Grades 6, 7, 8)
Step into the spotlight and unleash your creativity in our Drama class! You'll craft imaginary worlds, bring characters to life, and create unforgettable moments. Through research, creative problem-solving, and improvisation, you'll design and perform scenes in exciting genres like science fiction, historical fiction, musicals, and more. Shape unique characters, create immersive atmospheres, and develop essential performance skills while incorporating costume, lighting, and set design. Plus, we'll explore field trip opportunities to experience the magic of live theatre. Join us and let your imagination soar!
Engineering and Design (Semester-long – Grades 7, 8)
Get ready to bring your ideas to life in our Engineering and Design class! You'll start with brainstorming and sketching your concepts on paper, then model them using computer software. Learn to code minicomputers called Arduinos to control lights and musical instruments. Use design software to create the perfect house or city, and with the help of a laser cutter, you'll build your creations. Join us and watch your ideas come true!
Leadership (Semester-long – Grades 7, 8)
Are you ready to become a leader and make a positive impact at Tolt? In this class, you'll develop your leadership strengths, build your character, and learn to serve others. You'll gain real-life experience in showing kindness, compassion, and empathy. We'll have fun while learning how to be inspiring leaders both in school and in our community. Join us and get ready to transform lives!
Lifetime Fitness - Physical Education (Semester-long – Grades 6, 7, 8 – 1 semester (or equivalent class) required for each grade)
This class is designed for students who want to stay active without the pressure of traditional team sports. This course focuses on movement that feels good, reduces stress, and supports lifelong health. Students will explore activities like walking fitness, mindfulness, flexibility and recreational sports that emphasize participation over competition.
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Physical Education General (Semester-long – Grades 6, 7, 8 – 1 semester (or equivalent class) required for each grade)
Step into a world of movement, fun, and personal growth in our Physical Education class! Tolt PE is for students of all athletic skill levels and will provide the opportunity to discover your strengths, set goals, and build confidence in a supportive setting with both competitive and non-competitive play. With a curriculum designed to foster physical skill development and personal wellness, you'll explore fitness activities, engage in exciting games, and build habits for a healthy lifestyle. Join us and discover the joy of movement and the camaraderie of sportsmanship in Tolt PE!
Spanish 1 (Year-long – Grade 8)
Students learn Spanish by listening, speaking, and writing with the use of a textbook, workbooks, CDs, DVDs, PowerPoint presentations, interactive partner-based activities, and one-on-one presentations aimed at teaching basic vocabulary and grammar. Spanish culture is also studied. Please take into consideration: Students earn high school credit for this course and grades impact high school GPA. Students must maintain a passing grade in this class and their ELA class to continue in Spanish at the second semester. This class is not intended for heritage/native speakers of Spanish. If you are a heritage/native speaker of Spanish, please talk to your counselor about alternative language placement and high school credit options.
Symphonic Band (Year-long – Grade 8)
This upper-level ensemble class is for students who participated in Concert Band. Symphonic Band is designed for students with at least two years of previous band experience. In addition to musical skills, this class teaches students leadership skills and how to work as part of a team. There are evening performances throughout the year, including a performance with the Cedarcrest HS Band! There is a $25 course fee to purchase music and participate in festivals; Financial assistance is available to cover the course fee and the cost of the instrument.​
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Unified Physical Education (Semester-long – Grades 7, 8 – 1 semester (or equivalent class) required)
This course brings together students of all abilities to develop physical fitness, build teamwork, and create meaningful social connections. You'll pair up with peers, both with and without disabilities, to engage in cooperative activities, team sports, and individual fitness challenges. Our curriculum emphasizes understanding, empathy, and leadership while promoting physical activity and wellness for everyone. Through shared experiences, you'll develop a strong sense of community, improve communication skills, and celebrate diverse abilities. Unified PE is perfect for general education students who want to be PE peer mentors and make a positive impact. Come be a part of something special! (Peer mentors selected through an application process)
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Robotics (Semester-long – Grades 7, 8)
In this class we will design, build, and program robots. We will build robot pets, robot racecars, robot sumobots, and robot rescue systems. We'll program robots to use sensors, be controlled by a game controller, keep track of votes, and run carnival games. We'll also make 3D motel Wall-E, make a catapult simulation, and design a 3D Tiny Home. Learn to engineer by building robots!​
Yearbook/Publications (Year-long – Grades 7, 8 – Selection through application process)
This class focuses on using technology and creativity to complete a variety of projects. While the making of the TMS yearbook takes center stage, other projects include websites and videos. Students will develop professional skills while learning and using design, digital photography, resume writing, and video production.  Team members must be able to manage time and stress well, work independently and in groups and, above all, have a positive attitude and a strong desire to create. Students can retake this course. There is a $35 course fee to purchase the yearbook. Financial assistance is available.
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