Elective Courses

Please review the course options for the 2026-27 School year. All 6th and 7th grade families will receive an email with the elective choice form, on March 20, 2026. New incoming families will receive an elective choice form in April.

Introduction to Orchestra, Band and Intermediate Choir are available to all students.

All other strands are by audition only, audition schedules posted in April.  Incoming families, instructions will be sent upon request.

Orchestra

(ALL orchestra classes are yearlong. Placement is based on audition and/or SPS teacher.)

Orchestra is for all students. Students that have never played an instrument and students that have several years of musical experience. Depending on the level of Orchestra, students will learn the basic techniques of posture, caring for the instrument and bow, position, bowing techniques, fingerings, and basic reading of rhythms and notes. The ensemble will begin learning songs in unison and progress to playing as a multi-part ensemble. Students will perform in three concerts.

Band

(ALL band classes are yearlong. Placement is based on audition and/or SPS teacher.)

Band is for all students. Students that have never played an instrument and students that have several years of musical experience. The band teacher will reach out to families about band placement. There will be time given to allow students to explore the instrument choices to better help them make the right decision on what they will choose for the year. Students will learn essential concepts and skills and will perform in three school concerts.

Vocal Ensembles

 Choir is open to all HIMS students. Students will rehearse and perform a variety of choral music. There will be an emphasis on using solfege, sight-reading, developing aural perception (ear training), and basic music theory.

Intermediate Choir- Year or Semester long is for students who have never sung in a choir before or who have limited experience in elementary school.

Concert Choir – Year long is for students with multiple years of experience singing in choir.

Vocal Jazz – Year long audition only

We have a very limited number of Piano/Guitar/Drum Set spots in Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz, and Jazz Band, audition only.

Instructions for an Audition will be included on the Elective Choice/Instructions form sent to new HIMS families Late April/Early May.

Please visit our music department website at fomahi.membershiptoolkit.com

Advanced Drama

Year Long, Audition instructions TBA

 Students showing exemplary skills in Intro to Drama are eligible for Advanced Drama the following year, upon approval of the teacher. Advanced Drama classes are production centered with 2 shows per year. The first piece is a full-length show in November with a musical in the spring. .  Past shows include: The Trials of Robin Hood, Alice in Wonderland, Oliver, Legally Blonde Jr. and High School Musical Jr. Next year’s productions are yet to be announced.

Physical Education

(Semester only)

PE – The Physical Education program provides each student with the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive program consisting of skill development, lead up games, team sports, and physical fitness activities. The students receive instruction in skills, rules and strategies associated with the different sports and games as well as learning experiences involving physical conditioning activities, and the components of fitness. The program promotes the spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition.

Physical Education is not just “activities”, but rather a full curriculum, see some highlights below.

• Standard 1: Students will develop a variety of motor skills
• Standard 2: Students will learn strategies to help them be successful in sports and games
• Standard 3: Students will learn physical health strategies on how to live a fit lifestyle
• Standard 4: Students will learn and demonstrate inclusive practices that center on sportsmanship during games and activities
• Standard 5: Students will recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction

Alternative Activities

This course is a hybrid- one (1) day Steel Pan and four (4) days PE. If you are not able to be scheduled into this course, you will be scheduled in PE course. Choosing this course will also assist  in gauging interest level and how many periods would be best each semester as we move forward funding this opportunity.

Visual Arts Beginning

(Semester only)

This course will introduce the elements and principles of design by utilizing a wide variety of arts media. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and skills of visual art concepts through project-based learning.

Introduction to Visual Arts is a studio-based course and provides exploration and experience in the elements (line, shape, form, value, color, texture, space) and principles (unity, variety, contrast, movement, proportion, balance, rhythm) of art and design. Teachers will guide students using the visual arts standards to help them develop artwork that is personally and culturally relevant.  Knowledge of the elements and principles of art will be demonstrated through two-dimensional and three-dimensional media such as but not limited to drawing, painting, multi-media, sculpture, ceramics, and print making. Students will build foundational skills in a variety of art mediums such as tempera, watercolor, acrylics, charcoal, colored pencils, and/or clay.  Students will engage in beginning level self and peer evaluation and will be exposed to various artistic techniques and styles throughout history.

Visual Arts Advanced

(Year long Teacher Recommendation)

This course builds on your skills acquired in Beginning Visual Arts

Grow your Creativity and artistic skills while expressing yourself in Visual Arts Advanced!  Reflect on like experiences, community, and culture while creating individual and group projects that empower you to communicate your ideas, feeling, and unique perspective.  Expand your understanding of the Elements of Art and Principals of Design by creating 2D and 3D projects that may involve drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, clay to mention a few.

Introduction to Drama

(Semester only)

This class is an introduction to dramatic arts. Emphasis will be placed on dramatic techniques and presentation. The class is structured so that students of different levels can progress at their own pace. Units of study include tableaux, clowning, monologues, and parody. This is a high energy, out-of-your-seat, creativity-based class. Everyone welcome!

Intro to Drama is process centered, emphasizing skills in Storytelling, Gestures/Movement, Projection, Inflection and Collaboration. Students showcase their skills in Sketchfest, where they make up original skits.

Technical Theatre

(Semester Only)

Do you like to build things and problem-solve? Technical Theatre is a collaborative, production-oriented class that introduces you to theatre design and construction. You may work on sets, costumes, props, lighting, sound, dramaturgy, hair, make-up, and publicity, all of which will be used in a performance for a live audience. No previous experience necessary.

Design and Modeling (CTE – 7th & 8th)

(Semester Only – Counts as a FINE ARTS course)

A semester long Design and Modeling (DM) course. This unit uses solid modeling software (a sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) as part of the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how design influences their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement and computer modeling. Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas and communicate solutions

Medical Detective (CTE – 7th & 8th)

(Semester Only)

A semester long long exploration of Medical Detectives Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

Comp Sci Tech A (CTE – 7th & 8th)

(Semester Only) – Beginning Coding

A semester long exploration of computer science and technology that emphasizes basic computer applications skills and introduces students to computer programming. Students will use data to solve problems using a variety of digital tools. Students will also explore human; computer interaction, and the legal, social and ethical issues surrounding technology.

Spanish 1A/B 

(Year long – 7th and 8th graders)

Nov Low – Mid. Spanish 1A is the first part of a two-year middle school course or one year high school course that introduces students to Spanish language and Spanish-speaking culture. The course prepares students to carry on basic conversation in Spanish, read and write simple sentences about familiar topics, and explores how and where Spanish-speaking people live.  Earn one (1) high school credit when successfully completing both Spanish 1 A and Spanish 1 B.

Spanish 2A/B

(Must successfully complete Spanish 1 A and B)

Increase and strengthen communication skills by giving opinions and engaging in social conversations.  Read stories and write about familiar topics.  Deepen understanding of customs and history of Spanish-speaking countries..  Earn one (1) high school credit when successfully completing both Spanish 2 A and Spanish 2 B.

World Language Intro

(6th grade only)

Exploratory World Language immerses students in communication and cultural study of one or more world languages. This fun and dynamic class allows students to experiment with one or more languages so they can choose one for further study. Students with a heritage language other than English can work on further developing their communication skills and literacy in that language in anticipation of completing Competency-Based Credit testing for high school credits and the Seal of Biliteracy.

• Be sure to check out our Affinity Groups and Clubs -signup at school available

   September/October 2026

• After School Program information published in October