Dear Parents/Guardians:

Our Clawson Middle School 2021-2022 schedule consists of two semesters, with six periods each day. Four of the six periods are filled with academic classes that meet daily throughout the year.  The four academic classes are Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies (6th & 7th grade), and US History (8th grade).

In another of the six periods, students will choose from one of the following all-year, every-day classes:  Band, Choir, and Strings are available to all grades. Spanish I is available to 8th-grade students in good academic standing, and Spanish II is available to 8th-grade students who have successfully completed Spanish I as determined by the administration. The course descriptions and requirements for these classes are listed below.

In the last of the six periods, some students will be getting additional Math and/or Language Arts instruction in Strategies-Math and/or Strategies-Reading while other students will take Physical Education, Art, and Link (6th & 7th grade only) and Mustang Leadership (8th grade only). There is limited space in Link. If we receive more requests than spaces available we will do a drawing. The course descriptions for these classes are listed below.

While the above information covers the vast majority of our students, elective schedules for some students may be determined by specific individual needs.  For instance, some students may be placed in Strategies-Math and/or Strategies-Reading which are specially designed to enhance basic math or English.    

Overall, student interest and teacher availability determine whether a particular course is offered or not.  We want to provide you with the elective classes you most want, but this is not always possible.

ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

BAND (Full year) 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Students:  The Band participates in all MSBOA activities including Solo & Ensemble Festivals.  It is a competitive group and has a fine tradition of superior ratings at state and district festivals.  Middle school band is a feeder group for the high school instrumental program.  Seventh and 8th-grade enrollment is limited to players with previous experience (minimum one year) playing a band instrument.

CHOIR (Full year) 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Students:  In Choir, students will become experts at reading music at a more advanced level.  We work on and perform music and choreography.  In addition to concerts throughout the year, we also prepare for and participate in Solo & Ensemble Festival, Choral Festival, and field trips where we perform throughout the community.  Singing is the perfect way to have your voice be heard!  

CMS Beginning Spanish (Full Year) 7th & 8th Grade Students: This online course will teach you to recognize and understand vocabulary and grammar and includes 'Culture Activities' and stories to help you learn to communicate. It is a good precursor for high school Spanish I.

CMS CAREER EXPLORATION (Full year) 7th & 8th Grade Students: This online course is designed to teach students how to assess their own skills and interests to help lead them toward career pathways and develop academic plans to reach their career goals.

CMS ONLINE LEARNING AND DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP/CMS NOTE TAKING AND STRATEGIES (Full year) 7th & 8th grade students:  In the first semester, CMS Online Learning and Digital Citizenship will cover topics including how to get motivated, setting goals, managing your time, practicing healthy study habits, learning in the Digital Age, digital leadership, netiquette, cyberbullying, staying safe online, reading and note-taking, online research, writing and presenting, and studying and test-taking.  CMS Note Taking and Strategies will follow in the second semester. You will learn how to take high-quality notes, memorization techniques, five steps to test preparation, test-taking strategies, and reading techniques.

SPANISH I (Full Year) 8th GRADE STUDENTS ONLY:  This is a high school course available to 8th-grade students who are in good academic standing as defined by the administration.  Students who successfully complete this class will fulfill a high school requirement.

SPANISH II (Full Year) PREREQUISITE: SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF SPANISH I: This high school course is available to students who have successfully completed Spanish I as defined by the administration. Students who successfully complete this course will receive high school credit.

STRINGS (Full Year) 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Students:   Students in strings class will learn the musical and technical skills necessary to perform a variety of musical styles using the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, or bass.  Musical decision-making, self-expression, and teamwork are emphasized.  Students will participate in several performances throughout the school year.  Seventh and 8th-grade enrollment is limited to players with previous experience (minimum one year) playing a string instrument.

ART (1 Semester) 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Students:  Various mediums will be explored, such as paint, chalk, and clay, as well as artists from various styles and time periods.  

LINK (1 Semester) 6th & 7th Grade Students:  If you enjoy helping people, this is the class for you.  Link provides an opportunity for you to help our students in the Autism Spectrum Disorder Program.  Students will develop leadership skills, team building, and diversity awareness.  There are limited seats available for this class.  

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (1 Semester)  6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Students:  This class will focus on core fitness and stretching to promote healthy habits for lifelong learning.  It will also focus on skill development and progression as well as game strategies/rules and sportsmanship.

Please review this information with your child and complete this form.