Students at Stella Schola Middle School take a solid course of rigorous classes which are integrated on specific chronologically organized historical themes. Students may choose from the following age-appropriate electives which are currently taken at Rose Hill Junior High. Based on our charter agreeement, band and fitness are guarenteed to be available every year, other electives may be subject to change.
SIXTH GRADE:
A. Year-long Fitness
B. Elementary band option during reading period
twice a week with elementary peers
SEVENTH GRADE:
A. Year–long Fitness
OR
B. Year-long Cadet Band (orchestra only if available)
EIGHTH GRADE:
A. Team Sports (sem 1) & Fitness (sem 2)
OR
B. Year-long Symphonic Band (orchestra only if available)
OR
C.Team Sports (sem 1) & Foods for Fun (sem 2)
ELECTIVES
PEH 673/674: Sixth Grade Fitness (2 semesters required)
The Fitness elective at the sixth grade is taken because students no longer have recess. This course provides active 6th graders with wonderful physical activity, especially since they no longer have recess. The goal of the course is to develop a lifetime appreciation of one’s physical health and to enhance the students’ physical development. It is also the goal of the course to develop an understanding of how physical activity is a positive emotional release. The Physical Education curriculum emphasizes participation in active units and in cardiovascular conditioning through running.
PED 725/726: Seventh Grade Fitness (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: open to 7th grade students only, Track A choice
The goal of the course is to develop a lifetime appreciation of 7th grader’s physical health to develop an understanding of how physical activity is a positive emotional release. The curriculum emphasizes team sports, lifelong recreational activities, and cooperative activities that involve students of all ability levels in participation. Social interaction fosters good sportsmanship and increases mental and physical health. Students recognize that physical activity should be a lifetime interest in remaining physically, mentally and socially healthy. Students, through participation, develop a positive self-concept, self-discipline, team building and leadership skills. Each student’s fitness level is assessed via a standardized fitness test after which students will set personal goals.
PED 895: Eighth Grade Team Sports (1st semester)
Prerequisite: open to 8th grade students only, Track A or C choice
Eighth grade students participate in daily activities that will enhance healthy lifestyles. The class provides knowledge and activities to promote personal fitness. The goal is to provide opportunities for all students to develop the athletic ability, self-management and team building skills by working in groups. Emphasis is on improving individual skills thought participation and practice. Physical fitness supports lifelong physical, emotional and mental wellness. Sports include; lacrosse, volleyball, speed Away. Slo-Pitch Softball, Ultimate Frisbee, Flag Football, Soccer, Team Handball, and Basketball.
MUS 413/414 Cadet Band (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: open to 7th grade students only, Track B choice
Basic musical concepts are discussed and rehearsed in daily warm ups using I Recommend. Students perform in class with their instruments every day in rehearsal seating. Students participate by playing their instrument, listening to recordings of themselves in rehearsals as well as to professional recordings, and by giving critical feedback for the purpose of improving their skills. Students are required to play in groups as well as individually during rehearsal. Students also run sectional rehearsals and learn to conduct the entire group periodically. Students work toward proper tone production, rhythmic accuracy, and note accuracy through individual practice, large ensemble rehearsals, and performances. Dress clothing is required for performances.
MUS 417/418: Symphonic Band (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: Prior musical experience or Cadet Band, Track B choice
The goal of this course is to continue to develop the students’ performance on their chosen instrument. Basic musical concepts are discussed and rehearsed in daily warm ups using Exercises for Ensemble Drill and 16 Chorals for Band by J.S. Bach. This course will also continue to develop the students’ understanding and appreciation of music. Students work toward proper tone production, rhythmic accuracy, and note accuracy through individual practice, large ensemble rehearsals, and performances. The students strive to perform on their instrument proficiently as they evaluate their own proficiency. The students will be able to perform on their instruments at a higher level in solo work and ensemble performance. Student will begin analyzing and using the elements of music through listening, simple composition and basic improvisation. Quarterly seating tests are given. Numerous concerts are performed throughout the year, including assemblies, at Harborview Medical Center, and in the community. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in solo and ensemble. Dress clothing is required for performances.
MUS 215/216: Jazz Band (2 semesters)
Prerequisite: must be enrolled in either Cadet or Symphonic Band, open to 7th or 8th grade students only, Track B choice
This course is non-audition and meets before school each morning at 6:45am (zero period). Although students are encouraged to perform on instruments that fit into standard jazz instrumentation, all instruments are accepted. Students participate by playing their instrument, listening to recordings of themselves in rehearsals as well as to professional recordings, and by giving critical feedback for the purpose of improving their skills. Students work toward proper tone production, rhythmic accuracy, and note accuracy through individual practice, large ensemble rehearsals, and performances. Dress clothing is recommended for performances. Students will evaluate their own proficiency on their instruments as well as the ensemble’s performance. Standard blues progressions are studied blues scales, and charts pf various styles (Blues, Latin, Swings, etc.). Jazz Band has a demanding schedule for performances and events throughout the year as well as performing for various school functions upon request.
MUS 553/554: Orchestra (2 semesters)
*** This course is only available if the Rose Hill Junior schedule is compatible with the Stella Schola schedule because it was not in our original charter. If this course is not available, students can participate in music by taking up a band instrument or joining a local youth symphony.
Prerequisite: two years of playing experience on a stringed instrument, open to 7th or 8th grade students only, Track B choice
Students rehearse daily and perform Grade I level music or higher in sectionals and/or in the full orchestra. By playing their instrument daily and listening to self-made recording of pieces they wonk on, students achieve a higher level of performance, Students use their advanced playing and listening skills to critique various styles of music, Above all, students have fun working as a team to create a high quality musical performance.
Elementary Band/Orchestra (2 days a week, 7:30am)
Prerequisite: open to 6th graders only, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Stella Schola Middle School sixth graders have the opportunity to participate in the Lake Washington School District elementary band/orchestra program with their peer group right on the Rose Hill Junior campus. Sign ups occur after a short presentation has been made to students in Miss Warren’s class, with sessions commencing around the second/third week of school (7:30 am - 8:15 am). Students check into their sixth grade classroom before school, and then head to their elementary music class in the third hall. Since these sessions occur during the class reading time, sixth graders who opt to participate in music commit to reading for one hour extra every week in addition to their regular homework time.
Please note, that band (guaranteed) can be selected as an elective in lieu of Fitness for 7th and 8th graders, however orchestra (since it was not part of the original charter and due to scheduling difficulties at RHJH) is not a guaranteed elective in the 7th or 8th grades.
ICS Music Ensemble (2 days a week, 2:30 – 3:30pm)
Prerequisite: 7th and 8th grade Stella students, must already play
Registration Fee: around $200 per semester.
The ICS Music Ensemble is lead by accredited Music Director, Michael Chapin, former Music Director at Tillicum Middle School in Bellevue. This unique ensemble combines any band and orchestral instruments to produce a rich sound. Students can take other course offerings at their local choice school and still maintain & improve their music abilities through the ICS Music Ensemble! Students learn the ensemble skills of socialization and cooperation and gain the flexibility that comes from understanding how to to listen, match, and blend sound. Music ranges from classical to jazz and students can also to work with specialist volunteers to learn more challenging music. Performance opportunities include a winter & spring concert, various district, regional and community events.
Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at ICS. Fall Semester usually starts in mid-September and ends at Winter Break. Spring Semester starts at the beginning of January on the first Tuesday after Winter Break and goes until the end of May/beginning of June.
HEC 805: Foods for Fun (2nd semester)
Prerequisite: 8th graders only, Track C choice
Lab Fee: $10 paid to Rose Hill Junior High
This class is designed to help students plan and prepare a variety of foods, including choices from foreign countries. While working cooperatively in “Kitchen Groups”, students will learn to demonstrate organizational skills, personal responsibility and leadership roles. Critical content includes; nutrition facts, nutrients and vitamins, foods notebook, and persuasive writing.
PED 896: Eighth Grade Fitness (2nd semester)
Prerequisite: 8th graders only, Track A choice
All students participate in daily activities that will enhance healthy lifestyles. The class provides knowledge and activities to explore personal fitness. Each students’ personal fitness level is assessed via a standardized fitness test and students will establish fitness goals based on those results. Significant time is devoted to develop cardiovascular fitness, and each student will participate in a variety of aerobic activities once a week. Fitness and sports concepts that promote a lifelong healthy lifestyle will be emphasized. Activities include: flag football, soft lacrosse, speed away, team handball, badminton, strength training, basketball, volleyball, tennis, aerobics and golf.