Last modified: April 17, 2025
2025 – 2026 Course Catalog
Middle School Course Requirements
7th Grade Requirements
- Language Arts
- Art Foundations 1
- Mathematics
- Performing Arts
- Science
- Physical Education
- Utah Studies
- Electives
- CCA BUS/ Digital Lit.
8th Grade Requirements
- Language Arts
- CCA FACS/TECH
- Mathematics
- Health
- Science
- Physical Education
- U.S. History
- Electives
Course Level Descriptions
Centennial Middle School offers a quality education designed to meet the needs of all students. Our standard honors curriculum meets all elements of the Utah State Core relative to grade-level instruction. For students who desire more rigorous coursework, we offer gifted classes.
Parents and students should thoughtfully consider the options and courses that will provide the most appropriate learning environment. Course changes cannot be made mid-year. Students who enroll in a gifted course should be self-motivated, enjoy challenges, and exhibit interest in the subject matter that goes beyond that of a typical student.
Honors courses address the Utah State Core. Honors classes will provide increased focus on depth and complexity in the subject areas. The coursework will require students to develop a moderate level of academic independence. Additional focus will be placed on problem-based learning and concept-based instruction.
Gifted courses are designed to be accelerated and provide a rigorous, enriched curriculum with the Utah State Core as the foundation for coursework. Students are expected to take an active role in their education and demonstrate individual autonomy and initiative. Gifted courses place a high priority on developing critical and creative thinking skills, with an added emphasis on depth and complexity. The homework expectation in gifted courses is more demanding than that of honors courses. Students will self-select placement in gifted courses based upon their interest, strengths, and potential. Students should have demonstrated mastery of prerequisite courses and be working above grade level in the course(s) they select.
Prerequisites may be required for certain classes. These will be listed in the course catalog under the relevant course(s).
Application Courses are listed on your student registration form and include Latinos in Action, Student Government, Peer Tutor, and Yearbook. Students must complete an application to be considered for placement in these courses. Not all students who apply will be accepted.
Course Fees will be published online at a later time once they are approved by the school board.
DISCLAIMER: Courses are subject to change
- * Additional courses may be offered after enrollment numbers are available.
- * Not every course herein may actually be offered each year due to low student enrollments, a change in teaching assignment, or other such reasons.
Language Arts
7th Grade Requirement – Full Year Language Arts 7
8th Grade Requirement – Full Year Language Arts 8
7th Grade Language Arts Courses
Language Arts 7 Honors
- Duration: Yearlong Double Block (2.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- This course is designed to help students improve their language and communication skills. It will give them grade-level appropriate challenges while ensuring the practice of valuable skills, with special emphasis on argument and informational text, text evidence, author’s point of view, central idea, theme, and collaboration. Since reading, writing, speaking, and listening are interrelated processes, they are taught in connection with each other. Appropriate instruction and assignments will be offered for all ability levels.
Language Arts 7 Gifted
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 4-6 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Above grade level
- This course is designed for students who are highly gifted in reading and writing as evidenced by test scores, prior academic performance and grades, teacher recommendations, and the desire to be extremely challenged. Students need to be self-motivated, organized, strong readers, and exceptional writers in order to handle the rigor and increased homework demands of this class. Students will be expected to read and write inside class as well as at home in a variety of genres, with an emphasis on writing analytically and for argument.
8th Grade Language Arts Courses
Language Arts 8 Honors
- Duration: Yearlong Double Block (2.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- This course is designed to help students of all ability levels improve and extend their language and communication skills. Since reading, writing, speaking, and listening are interrelated processes, they are taught in connection with each other rather than in isolation. Students will read about, write about, and discuss a range of real-life topics as they explore multiple genres, including drama, poetry, short stories, novels, film, creative nonfiction, and informational texts. Reading will be required both in and out of class. Students, no matter their ability level, will be expected to improve their reading and writing skills in a variety of genres.
Language Arts 8 Gifted
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 4-6 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Above grade level
- This course is designed for students who are highly gifted in reading and writing as evidenced by test scores, 7th grade English performance and grades, teacher recommendations, and the desire to be extremely challenged. Students need to be self-motivated, organized, strong readers, and exceptional writers in order to handle the rigor and increased homework demands of this class. Students will be expected to read and write inside class as well as at home in a variety of genres, with an emphasis on writing analytically and for argument. Students will dig deeply into themes and topics while also learning the language skills necessary for them to appropriately impact their own future and that of their community.
English for Students of Other Languages
English Language Development I
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: varied (minimal)
- This course is for students who are new to the United States and have very limited to no English language skills. Emphasis will be placed on basic interpersonal communication skills. We will build vocabulary by speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English.
English Language Development II-IV
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: varied (minimal)
- This course is for students who are comfortable in BICS (basic interpersonal communication skills) but need help building CALPS (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency). Students are placed in classes based on their scores on the previous year’s ACCESS test. Students will be reading and writing at a higher level using academic language necessary for other core classes.
Mathematics
7th Grade Requirement – Full Year Mathematics
8th Grade Requirement – Full Year Mathematics
7th Grade Mathematics Core Courses
7th Grade Mathematics – Honors
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of numbers. They will learn to recognize that rational numbers can be written as a fraction, decimal or percent. The students will learn to solve one- and two-step equations. Students will extend their understanding of ratios and develop understanding of proportional thinking. They will extend their work with geometric figures including area and circumference of circles. Students will identify statistical samples and populations and use sample results to represent and make predictions concerning populations. They will work with areas and volumes associated with some three-dimensional figures. Students will learn about a variety of angle relationships.
7th/8th Grade Mathematics
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 2-4 hrs/week
- This is a rigorous, advanced math course that covers both 7th and 8th grade math standards, as listed in 7th Grade Mathematics and 8th Grade Mathematics, in one year rather than two. This class is a prerequisite for Secondary Math 1 in 8th grade.
8th Grade Mathematics Core Courses
8th Grade Mathematics – Honors
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Many of the topics covered in 8th Grade Mathematics will be addressed at an enhanced level with extended activities. Students will extend their knowledge of the real number system. They will use linear equations and systems of linear equations to represent, analyze, and solve a variety of problems. Students will grasp the concept of a function as a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output. Students will use ideas about distance and angles, how they behave under translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations, and ideas about congruence and similarity to describe and analyze two-dimensional figures and to solve problems. Students will also learn and apply the Pythagorean Theorem.
Math 8 / SM I
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 2-4 hrs/week
- This is a rigorous, advanced math course that covers the standards from both the 8th Grade Mathematics and Secondary Math 1 classes, in one school year, rather than two. (See descriptions of Math 8 and Secondary Math 1.) Students will learn multiple concepts each day with no extra practice or review time given in class. Any additional help with learning will need to be done outside of class.
Secondary Mathematics I
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 2-4 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Completion of 8th Grade Mathematics
- This course covers traditional Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 topics. These topics include solving equations, inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, functions, descriptive statistics in both one and two variables (categorical and numerical), transformations in the plane, congruence, constructions and coordinate geometry. Students are expected to have access to a graphing calculator for doing some homework.
Secondary Mathematics II
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 3-5 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Completion of 8th Grade Mathematics & SM I
- Students in SM2 will focus on quadratic expressions, equations, and functions, extend the set of rational numbers to the set of complex numbers, link probability and data through conditional probability and counting methods, study similarity and right triangle trigonometry, and study circles with their quadratic algebraic representations. Students are expected to have access to a graphing calculator for doing some homework.
Science
7th Grade Requirement – Full Year Science 7
8th Grade Requirement – Full Year Science 8
7th Grade Science Core Courses
Integrated Science 7 – Honors
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 1-2 hrs/week
- This course focuses on the theme of “structure.” Physical, earth, and life science contents are integrated with two primary goals: (1) students will value and use science as a process of obtaining knowledge based on observable evidence, and (2) students will develop an understanding of structure as a general science concept common to all areas. Classwork will involve investigations and group work. Some work outside of class will be required. Taking this class will help prepare students for high school science classes as well as the end-of-level RISE testing. Appropriate instruction and assignments will be offered for all ability levels. Students have the option to compete in the school STEM fair.
8th Grade Science Core Courses
Integrated Science 8 – Honors
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 1-2 hrs/week
- This course emphasizes the role of energy through chemistry and changes in matter; the physical science of kinetic energy, potential energy, and waves; energy through ecosystems; and energy through geologic processes and how that has affected the distribution of Earth’s natural resources. This class covers the Utah 8th grade science core. Focus will be placed on experimental design and critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate data. Students should be able to work well with others and be motivated to complete assignments. Students are required to complete an independent science project and will be invited to participate in the district STEM fair if they choose.
Social Studies
7th Grade Requirement – Utah Studies
8th Grade Requirement – U.S. History
7th Grade Social Studies Core Courses
Utah Studies – Honors
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Utah Studies is a required semester course for 7th graders which explores both the history of Utah and Utah as it is today. The class is divided into five units of study: Geography, Early People, Government & Statehood, People & Cultures, and Economy. Current events and literacy are emphasized throughout the course.
8th Grade Social Studies Core Courses
U.S. History I – Honors
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 1-2 hrs/week
- This is a required class that emphasizes historic events from the age of exploration to reconstruction and the western movement. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to: the age of exploration, colonization, the Revolutionary War, the national period, constitutional issues, the Civil War, reconstruction, and the western movement. The emphasis of this course is on the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including analyzing primary source documents and research. The state Civics Test that students must pass to receive their high school diploma will be given in this class.
Core Electives
Science Elective Courses
STEM I
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 0-2 hrs/week
- This course is for those who are problem solvers, are innovative and creative, and love a challenge. After being presented with a problem or challenge, students will work through the Engineering Design Process to design solutions to solve the problem. Students will be expected to work in a collaborative group setting and use problem-solving strategies to design and build solutions. Fast-paced, collaborative, and hands-on, this course will require self-discipline and the ability to work well with others. Topics that are covered include an introduction to engineering, an overview of the fields of engineering, mechanical engineering, art and engineering, and structural engineering.
STEM II
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 0-2 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: STEM I
- Building on what students learned in STEM I, STEM II will more deeply explore each field of engineering. Students will be expected to work in a collaborative group setting and use problem-solving strategies to design and build solutions. Topics that will be explored include: environmental engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering. Students must have STEM I to be enrolled in STEM II.
Social Studies Elective Courses
Current World Issues
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Students will be expected to participate actively in class, apply what they are learning in class to real-world issues, carry out research on countries and topics, and simulate the behavior of real-world diplomats in a mock Model United Nations competition. Students will learn to research a country’s background, government, and foreign policy along with a selection of United Nations issues like security, the environment, or political development. They will learn the basic rules by which United Nations diplomats operate and then put the knowledge they have gained into effect by crafting agreements to solve real-world, real-time issues during the competition.
Revolutions Throughout History
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Revolutions, where governments are overthrown, are chaotic turning points in history; after a revolution, life will never be the same again. This one semester elective class will explore important historical revolutions such as the French Revolution, the Russian Revolution, and the Chinese Revolution. Students will explore why revolutions happen, what sets them off, what conditions exist that suggest revolution could occur, and what makes a successful revolution.
World Civilizations
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Are you interested in Egyptian pyramids, King Tut, Vishnu, Buddha, Confucianism, and the Terra Cotta Army? Then World Civilizations is for you! This class will explore the mythology and history of various world civilizations, including Egypt, India, and China.
Career and Technical Education
Required CCA Courses
CCA Intro Business (combined with Digital Literacy)
- Duration: Quarter (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- The College and Career Awareness Business Class offers exploration and preparation in college and career pathways. It is designed to help students identify their interests, abilities, and skills. This course is a foundation to the digital world that provides a broad understanding of key applications, computing fundamentals, and living online. Students will have opportunities to use technology and develop skills that promote creativity, critical thinking, productivity, and collaboration in the classroom and day-to-day life.
CCA Intro FACS / CCA Intro Technology
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- The FACS course is designed to help students identify their interests, abilities, and skills and begin to make college and career goals for the future. Students will be introduced to the areas of Food Science, Clothing and Textiles, Child Development, Agriculture and Health Sciences with emphasis on careers. The Technology class offers exploration in the many different career pathways related to technology and engineering. It is designed to help students explore the many aspects relating to manufacturing and production technologies, communication technologies, transportation technologies, and much more, with an ongoing focus on the engineering design process and problem-solving.
Elective CTE Courses
Creative Coding I / Robotics I
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- This is a combination course with one term spent in both coding and robotics. The Coding I portion of the course is an introduction to coding and programming and is designed to attract and reach a broad and diverse range of students, including those who may have never before considered programming. Students learn how to code by working in a real software development environment to design, program, and publish mobile apps and games. Learning to code by creating real products, students discover how to make amazing things and have an impact on their world. The Robotics I portion of the course uses VEX IQ Robotics. This course serves as an introduction to the basics of robotic technologies. Students will learn to design, build, program, and control robotic devices. Students will create fundamental programming of robots and automated systems. Students will experience hands-on curriculum combining electrical, mechanical, and programming skills.
FACS Exploration – Foods
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- This course will provide students the opportunity to develop essential skills in the various career pathways related to Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS). Students will explore and cultivate skills in food and nutrition sciences, such as kitchen safety and sanitation, kitchen equipment, cooking terms, proper measuring, and microwave cooking. They will also explore aspects of child development, consumerism, family relationships, etiquette and manners, personal responsibility, entrepreneurship and other career and job related skills. This course will strengthen comprehension of concepts and standards outlined in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.
Keyboarding / Multi-Media
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- This is a combination course where students will learn various computer skills. The keyboarding portion of the course will focus on correct fingerings by touch and good techniques for mastering the keyboard. During the Multi-Media portion of the course, you will learn about internet safety & good digital citizenship, play around with pixel art, as well as create a digital flipbook, and an interactive trivia Jeopardy™ style game.
Performing Arts
Band
Band I – Beginning
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 100 mins/week
- This class is for students with no prior experience playing a band instrument. Students may choose from clarinet, trombone, tuba, flute, trumpet, euphonium, or saxophone. Students do not need any prior experience playing an instrument or reading music. Students are encouraged to rent or purchase an instrument from a local music store. A small number of school instruments are available for students on fee waivers or those interested in playing larger instruments. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Band II – Concert
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 100 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This class is for flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba players with previous experience playing their instrument who have passed the placement audition. Audition materials can be obtained from Mr. or Mrs. Werner. Auditions will be held in April at the student’s elementary schools. Students interested in switching to a new instrument—oboe or bassoon—can join this class. They should talk to Mr. Werner about switching and attend the Instrument Switching Camp held at the end of the previous school year. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Band II – Symphonic
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 125 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This is the second-highest band at Centennial. This class is for woodwind and brass players with previous experience playing their instrument who have passed the placement audition. Audition materials can be obtained from Mr. or Mrs. Werner. Auditions will be held in April at the student’s elementary schools. Students interested in switching to a new instrument (like the tuba, euphonium, horn, oboe, or bassoon) can join this class. They should talk to Mr. Werner about switching and attend the Instrument Switching Camp held at the end of the previous school year. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Band III – Wind Symphony
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 150 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This is the top band at Centennial. Students perform at festivals around the state and are expected to maintain high levels of dedication and achievement. This class is for woodwind and brass players with previous experience playing their instrument who have passed the placement audition. Audition materials can be obtained from Mr. or Mrs. Werner. Auditions will be held in April at the student’s elementary schools. Students must have prior experience on their instrument. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Band I – Percussion
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 125 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This class is for students with no prior experience who have passed the audition requirements. Percussion students will learn mallet instruments, auxiliary percussion, snare drum, bass drum, and timpani. Students are required to rent a bell kit from a music store for home practice. Students interested in this class must have previous music experience (preferably two or more years of piano lessons) and understand how to read notes and rhythms well. Interested students must audition with Mr. Werner and receive permission to register for this class. Auditions will be held on Thursday, March 24 from 4–6 PM in the Centennial Band Room. Auditions will consist of a music theory test (note reading and rhythm reading), a short piano excerpt (if applicable), and a basic aptitude test. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Band II – Advanced Percussion
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 125 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Band I – Percussion & Teacher Approval
- This class is for percussion students who have played for one year and passed the placement audition. Percussion students will learn mallet instruments, auxiliary percussion, snare drum, bass drum, and timpani. Students are required to rent a bell kit from a music store for home practice. Students interested in this class must have previous music experience (preferably two or more years of piano lessons) and understand how to read notes and rhythms well. Interested students must have completed beginning percussion and receive permission from Mr. Werner to register for this class.
Choir
Chorus I – Beginning
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 mins/week
- This class is for all boys and girls who love to sing, especially those who haven’t learned to read music yet or are just getting started. Besides reading music, we will also learn good vocal techniques and listening skills and we will have two evening concerts throughout the semester. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Chorus II – Concert
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This is an advanced mixed choir for boys and girls who have past choral experience. If you love to sing, this year-long class is for you. We will sing music encompassing a variety of styles, cultures, and languages, as well as continue to develop rhythm and note reading skills. An evening concert will be presented at the end of each term. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Chorus II – Aria
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This is an advanced girls ensemble full of fun; a class for those who have past choral experience. If you love to sing, this year-long class is for you. We will sing music encompassing a variety of styles, cultures, and languages, as well as continue to develop rhythm and note reading skills. An evening concert will be presented at the end of each term. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Chorus III – Chamber
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This is the top mixed choir for boys and girls who have past choral experience. If you love to sing, this year-long class is for you. We will sing music encompassing a variety of styles, cultures, and languages, as well as continue to develop rhythm and note reading skills. An evening concert will be presented at the end of each term. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Chorus III – A Cappella
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1.5 hrs/week
- Requirement: Students who are accepted into A Cappella will also be required to take Chamber Choir
- Love Pentatonix? Love BYU Vocal Point and Noteworthy? This is an elite mixed group comprising 10–12 individuals. If you love to sing and perform, this year-long class is for you. We are in need of vocal percussion, all voice parts, and a huge enthusiasm for a cappella music. An evening concert will be presented at the end of each term. This class fulfills the state music requirement.
Orchestra
Orchestra I – Beginning
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 100 mins/week
- In this year-long class, you will be able to learn the basics of playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. All students will need their own playable instrument or an instrument provided from the school for a small fee. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared to join the advanced classes the following year.
Orchestra II – Concert
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 30 mins/day
- Prerequisite: One year of experience
- This class is open to those who have completed a beginning level of orchestra in the elementary school or at the middle school. After a solid review of the basics of playing an instrument, this class focuses more on playing songs than working out of a book.
Orchestra III – Chamber
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 30 mins/day
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This class is for orchestra students who have played for two or more years. This class will be focused on learning concert repertoire and more advanced technique.
Orchestra III – Symphonic
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 40 mins/day
- Prerequisite: Audition
- This class is the most advanced orchestra. This class is by audition only, and students must have the consent of the director. Students can be in either 7th or 8th grade. Students will play challenging music that pushes them to rehearse and perform in a professional manner.
Other Performing Arts Course Options
General Music (Music Connections)
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1–2 hrs/week
- In this class, students will learn about how music has evolved over the years starting in the 1600’s until now. Students will study famous composers, learn about different musical instruments, and listen to all kinds of music genres from classical to jazz to pop music.
Film – Film and Literature
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 mins/week
- Interact with film and literature throughout the semester. Read and analyze stories and other texts and compare and contrast with their film adaptations. Students will learn and exercise analytical skills for text and film. They will learn and be able to identify good staging, filming, and writing techniques.
Theatre Foundations I
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 mins/week
- Students will create theatre using techniques learned in the class. Examine theatre history, auditioning, technical theatre, improv, storytelling, staging techniques, theatre terminology, script analysis, and proper performance practices. Students will give in-class performances and presentations throughout the semester along with a student-planned performance near the end of the semester for invite-only audiences.
Musical Theatre (The Musical)
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 min/week, with after-school mandatory rehearsals as outlined in audition packet
- If you want to participate in the school musical as an actor, you must take this class! The school musical rehearsals will be done during the school day. Create a full musical using theatre techniques rehearsed in class. Learn about staging techniques, theatre terminology, practice script analysis, and practice proper performance practices in this class. Students will perform the musical in either December or April. Audition information and submission details can be found at bit.ly/cmsmusicals. Stage managers for the musical will also be a part of this class. For upcoming 8th graders interested in being stage managers, contact Miss Brown (melissabr@provo.edu). All other tech positions will be part of the after-school tech club.
Theatre Production Design (Theatre Foundations II)
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 mins/week
- Prerequisite: Application
- Students will apply to work on the design of the musical. They will create sets, props, advertisements, and help with costumes for the musical. Students will learn about backstage theatre design and what it takes to put on a musical. This is a full-year 1 credit class. Students will create and implement designs for two full musicals. Applications are due to Miss Brown by the last day of school.
Physical Education & Health
7th Grade Requirement: 1 Semester PE
8th Grade Requirement: 1 Semester PE & 1 Semester Health
Physical Education
Physical Education
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 30 mins/week
- This class is designed to encourage students to increase their lifetime participation skills in a wide variety of activities. Teaching units and activities are designed to improve their teamwork and cooperation skills and help students improve and maintain personal fitness. This class will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical fitness components. Students will also be taught the personal benefits of proper nutrition and exercise, as well as the importance of setting and achieving personal fitness goals.
Beginning Dance
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 15–30 mins/day
- This class is for anyone who is wanting an introduction to dance. You will learn about the elements of dance including body/movement, space, energy, and time. You will explore shapes, footwork, levels, partnering, movement quality, and rhythms. You will also learn to work together as a class to showcase what you have learned at the end of the semester in a concert. This class introduces beginning techniques and helps you discover skills as a performer and dance artist.
Hip-Hop Dance
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 15–30 mins/day
- This class is for anyone who is wanting an introduction to hip-hop. You will learn about the various styles of hip-hop and the pillars of hip-hop. You will also learn to work together as a class to showcase what you have learned at the end of the semester in a concert or dance battle. This class introduces beginning footwork and helps you discover skills as a performer and dance artist.
Intermediate Dance
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 15–30 mins/day
- Prerequisite: Dance 1A or Teacher Approval if 7th grader
- This class is for students who want to further develop their dance skills. They will explore different dance genres including contemporary/lyrical, hip-hop, ballet, jazz, and more. Students will work together to create dances that will be performed in the Winter and Spring dance concerts. This class introduces intermediate techniques and helps students refine their skills as performers and dance artists.
Advanced Dance (Pre-Company)
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 15–30 mins/day
- Prerequisite: Intermediate Dance or Teacher Approval if 7th grader
- Advanced/Pre-Company is a full-year performing dance class for students who are serious about performance and choreography. They will learn self-discipline, commitment, and teamwork. For the first semester, students will focus on technique and composition. In the second semester, students will choreograph pieces and learn multiple dances for the spring concert. Styles may include contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, etc.
Dance 1B – Dance Company
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 15–30 mins/day
- Prerequisite: Audition
- Dance Company is a full-year performing class for students who are serious about performance and choreography. They will learn self-discipline, commitment, and teamwork. Students will choreograph and perform multiple dances throughout the year, including school and community events. Styles may include contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop.
Social Dance Ballroom I
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 15–30 mins/day
- This class is designed to help students increase their social skills, get up and move, and learn basic social dance. No experience necessary. Styles include world and cultural dance, Cha-Cha, Waltz, Triple Swing, and more. Students will perform in a concert at the end of the semester.
Health
Health
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 30 mins–1 hr/week
- Health is a required class. Health Education provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge, practice skills, and develop attitudes that can benefit them throughout life. Students are encouraged to set and achieve personal goals that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Topics include: Health Triangle, Diseases, Nutrition and Fitness, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Social Health, Human Development, and First Aid and Safety.
Student Government
This full-year elective class is for 8th graders who have been elected and appointed to leadership positions in different school groups (Student Body Officer, National Junior Honors Society, Latinos in Action, Kindness Club, and Hope Squad). Student Government is designed to teach leadership, cooperation, and other social skills. Students will learn and practice important leadership skills through presentations, group work, and classroom activities.
Student Government will plan and direct school activities and two assemblies during the year. They will work with school groups to help promote school spirit, sponsor a school-wide service project, and implement other activities as assigned by the administration.
Requirements for All Student Government Members:
- Must maintain a B or higher in all classes during the year while serving as an officer (3.0 GPA).
- Must show exemplary behavior and attendance. Students may only have one lunch detention per term while serving.
- Must be enrolled in a minimum of six out of ten classes during the year of service.
- Must attend mandatory meetings as listed on the application, including three days at the beginning of August and the day before school starts.
Students will be required to complete three hours of service outside of class each month. Other homework time will vary depending on activities and projects that happen throughout the year.
Process to Become a Student Body Officer:
- In April, all students will be asked to nominate names of their peers (7th graders nominate 7th graders for the next school year; 8th graders nominate 8th graders for Timpview).
- The list of nominated students is given to the faculty and staff, who endorse 10 in each grade they feel would be great representatives.
- Students who receive 5 or more staff endorsements are contacted and invited to apply to become a student body officer.
- Interviews are conducted with advisors and administration. Those chosen are assigned the office they will hold by the advisors.
Admission to Student Government is by invitation only. Students should contact the advisors below for the school group they would like to become an officer for. Applications and deadlines typically take place in April and May.
- Student Government: Kristin Soerensen ( kristins@provo.edu) & Nicole Murray ( nicolemu@prov.edu)
- National Junior Honors Society (NJHS): Nicole Murray ( nicolemu@prov.edu)
- Latinos in Action: Julissa Cooper ( julissac@provo.edu)
- Kindness Club: Ben Young ( beny@provo.edu)
- Hope Squad: Ben Young ( beny@provo.edu)
Student Services
AVID
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Application
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an in-school academic support program for grades seven through twelve. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for college eligibility and success. AVID places academically average students in advanced classes; levels the playing field for minority, rural, low-income, and other students without a college-going tradition in their families; and targets students in the academic middle (B, C, and even D students) who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.
AVID students generally fit into one or more of the categories below:
- Middle to high academic range
- Under-represented college bound group
- A desire and willingness to succeed in college prep and Pre-AP/AP courses
- A desire to go to a higher institution of learning upon graduation from high school
- Individual determination to be successful in each of their scheduled classes
Basic Academic Skills
- Duration: Semester/Yearlong (0.5/1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
This class is for students who feel they could use extra help with their classes or could use more time for homework. Students will have time to work on homework, ask questions, and get the extra help that they need. It is designed for students to raise and maintain their GPA.
Debate (Mock Trial)
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Application
Mock Trial is an association that looks at debatable cases of law. Both sides of a case are presented through evidence, witness affidavits, and case law. Students act as lawyers and witnesses representing both sides of the case. The team participates in competitions during the year. Members are selected to present the case in a real courthouse in front of a real judge in a real courtroom.
Latinos in Action
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Application
This class empowers youth to lead and strengthen their communities through college and career readiness. Students develop leadership and mentoring skills, serve in leadership roles and committees, and mentor elementary school students. Students must maintain high academic and behavioral standards. For questions, contact Ms. Cooper at julissac@provo.edu.
Peer Tutor
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Application
This class is open to responsible students who enjoy helping others. Students assist classmates with significant disabilities by teaching social, academic, and friendship skills. Peer tutors also help students navigate elective classes. Tutors are graded based on interactions, reading, and writing assignments. Many peer tutors consider this their favorite class.
Yearbook
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Application
This course is for 8th graders who want to produce the annual Centennial yearbook. Students will develop skills in journalism, photography, layout design, and publishing logistics. They will be assigned specific tasks and expected to meet realistic deadlines.
Visual Arts
7th Grade Requirement – Art Foundations I
Art Foundations I
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: up to 30 min/week
This is a foundational visual arts course for seventh grade. This course is designed to build foundational drawing skills through project-based learning. These projects are structured and centered around the principles and elements of art. In addition, this course is meant to help students discover how to work with a variety of mediums. This course is designed to help students creatively problem-solve, develop fine motor skills, and communicate by giving and receiving feedback.
Art Foundations II
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: up to 30 min/week
- Prerequisite: Art Foundations I
This advanced course builds on skills from Art Foundations I and offers students an in-depth exploration of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Through painting, sculpture, and mixed media, students will develop technical proficiency and conceptual understanding using traditional and contemporary art practices. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, creative problem-solving, collaboration, and visual communication. Students will engage in both individual and group projects that challenge them to reflect on personal experiences and broader societal themes.
Ceramics
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
This foundational course introduces students to the unique way artists interact with and study the world through ceramics. Students will learn the three hand-building methods: coil, pinch, and slab. This course is designed to help students creatively problem-solve, develop fine motor skills, and communicate by giving and receiving feedback.
Honors Art
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: up to 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Teacher invite or approval
This advanced course creates opportunities for students to expand their artistic voice and personal art practice. Students will be challenged to examine their lives and the world around them through traditional and non-traditional art practices. It will push students further in thinking both critically and creatively, in collaborating with others, in communicating their ideas, and in having the abilities and confidence needed when using artistic methods. Students in this course should have a strong commitment to art and have previously demonstrated this in at least two foundational courses.
World Languages & Dual Language Immersion
Chinese
Chinese 1
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
Students in Chinese 1 will develop interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational language skills as they interact through the Chinese language in culturally authentic settings. Students will focus on improving comprehension, comprehensibility, vocabulary usage, cultural awareness, communication strategies, and language control. The class will focus on Novice communicative tasks and functions.
DLI Chinese 3
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This course is a continuation of the Elementary Dual Language Immersion program that promotes the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Chinese. It focuses on cognition skills and deepening cultural competencies. Narratives and dialogues are used to teach grammar structure and vocabulary. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading sections.
DLI Chinese 4
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This course is a continuation of the Elementary Dual Language Immersion program that promotes the development of advanced speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Chinese. It focuses on cognition skills and cultural competencies.
Chinese Culture, History, & Media
- Duration: Semester or Yearlong (0.5/1.0)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This project-based course helps students build cultural-linguistic competencies through media, authentic texts, and exploration of Chinese cultural practices and perspectives. Students develop the necessary skills for successful communication with native speakers across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Spanish
Spanish 1
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
Students in Spanish 1 will develop interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational language skills as they interact through the Spanish language in culturally authentic settings. Students will focus on improving comprehension, comprehensibility, vocabulary usage, cultural awareness, communication strategies, and language control. The class will focus on Novice communicative tasks and functions.
French
French 1
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
Students in French 1 will develop interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational language skills as they interact through the French language in culturally authentic settings. Students will focus on improving comprehension, comprehensibility, vocabulary usage, cultural awareness, communication strategies, and language control. The class will focus on Novice communicative tasks and functions.
Dual Language Immersion - French
DLI French 3
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This course is a continuation of the Elementary Dual Language Immersion program that promotes the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in French. It focuses on cognition skills and deepening cultural competencies. Narratives and dialogues are used to teach grammar structure and vocabulary. Culture and geography of the native country are taught through reading sections.
DLI French 4
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This course continues to develop students’ ability to understand, speak, read, and write in French. Instruction includes whole class, group, partner, and individual work. Narratives and dialogues are used to teach grammar and vocabulary. Cultural content is emphasized through reading and project-based learning.
French Culture, History, & Media
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This project-based course builds cultural-linguistic competencies for successful communication with native speakers. Students explore cultural products, practices, and perspectives of the French-speaking world through authentic media and texts.
Dual Language Immersion - Spanish
DLI Spanish 3
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 7
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This course is a continuation of the Elementary Dual Language Immersion program that promotes the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. Students explore grammar, vocabulary, and cultural geography using narratives and dialogues.
DLI Spanish 4
- Duration: Yearlong (1.0)
- Grade(s): 8
- Homework: 2-3 hrs/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This course continues the development of advanced language skills in Spanish. Instruction includes class, group, and individual activities. Students study grammar and culture through a variety of texts and projects.
Spanish Culture, History, & Media
- Duration: Semester (0.5)
- Grade(s): 7 & 8
- Homework: 1 hr/week
- Prerequisite: Dual Language Immersion Students Only
This project-based course builds cultural-linguistic competencies through the study of authentic Spanish-language media and texts. Students explore diverse cultural practices and perspectives in the Spanish-speaking world.