H Period Activities

Middle School students may choose to enroll in optional H period activities that will spark creative, innovative thinking and broaden students’ perspectives about the world around them. These optional, ungraded electives take place during H period and are available to all Middle School students. Each class will meet two to four days per week, and students will take one class per semester/quarter. Students will spend the remaining days of the week in a supervised study hall. If a student does not choose to take one or more electives, he/ she will be assigned to a study hall. Procedures for selecting these courses will be outlined on the course selection form.

All H period electives are quarter electives with the exception of Model UN, Technology Survey, and Computer Science, which are semester electives. Exploring Music is Quarter 2. H Period Activites are determined based on student interest. Students should reflect their interests on their course selection form and they will be informed of the options at the start of each quarter.

The Art Of Communication

Grade Level: 6-8

Type: Quarter elective

This elective develops the students’ skills, knowledge, and understanding of the communication process. It will have both artistic and psychological value for the students by fostering confidence and a strong skill set, which will, in turn, benefit other academic skills. Emphasis is on the oral presentation of well-written speeches using technology when appropriate. The course also focuses on projection, diction, phrasing, timing, expression, and listening. The course will incorporate interpersonal skills as a vibrant and interactive process between audience and speaker. Students will be given the opportunity to self-evaluate and critique peers.

Creative Writing Workshop

Grade Level: 6-8

Type: Quarter elective

This elective introduces students to the skills of creative writing, helps them find their voice, and guides them on a path of personal growth and exploration. Taught through a workshop environment, the course focuses primarily on writing prose and verse. Students share their work — learning how to give and receive effective, constructive feedback. Students read contemporary fiction and learn dramatic structure as well as focus on enhancing their ability to develop a character, establish conflict, create setting, and convey a clear point of view. Students are introduced to multiple genres and analyze what it means to be a writer: the trials, triumphs, and responsibilities. Students will develop the confidence to brainstorm and develop their creative ideas into stories and poems.

Exploring Music

Grade Level: 6-8

Type: Quarter elective

Exploring Music is offered one quarter during the year during H period. Activities will include singing, basic music reading and aural skills, and an introduction to playing piano. Middle School is a time for students to try different things, and this non-graded elective provides a great way for students to discover new interests and/or continue developing their talents. This elective is offered Quarter 2 only.

Model United Nations

Grade Level: 8

Type: Semester elective

Have you ever wondered how countries work together to solve some of the world’s most important issues? Now is your chance to learn firsthand! The purpose of the Model UN (MUN) is to increase your knowledge about international issues, policy making, and the activities of the United Nations. Students will also gain valuable skills in public speaking, research, and writing, negotiation and powers of persuasion, leadership, organization, and interpersonal communication. Students will obtain these skills through course assignments, club activities and, most importantly, by playing the role of United Nations delegates at MUN conferences! You will have the opportunity to represent St. Johns Country Day School as a MUN delegate at Model UN conferences locally, nationally, and internationally.

Model United Nations Course Standards

1. Students will represent St. Johns Country Day School as a MUN delegate at Model UN conferences locally, nationally, and internationally.

2. Students will develop public speaking skills.

3. Students will acquire knowledge about international issues and policy making at the United Nations.

4. Students will learn how to collaborate effectively in groups.

5. Students will draft proposals about international policies.

6. Students will learn effective discussion techniques.

7. Students will negotiate issues related to global crises.

8. Students will develop solutions to real world problems, such as climate change, wealth inequality, and civil strife.

9. Students will conduct in-depth research on global issues.

10. Students will deepen their understanding of the countries of the world.