Encore-7 Courses

Encore-7 Courses

Athletics-7/8

During the year, seventh and eighth grade students are required to participate in three sports seasons (with the limited option of petitioning to be excused from one season a year for an “alternate outside activity”). There are usually two or three teams for each sport. Practice is held Monday through Friday from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. (fall and spring), 2:30-4:00 p.m. (winter). Games usually begin at 3:30 p.m. and end at approximately 5:30 p.m. (Sixth grade students take physical education, which includes units in all of the sports offered at Friends).

Fall (practice daily, 2:45 - 4:15, later end time on game days) • Soccer (boys’) • Football (boys’, see A and B team weight designations below) • A Team Division Weight Limit: • • Offensive Linemen—unlimited from tackle to tackle • • Offensive Ends—145 lb. limitation • • Offensive Backs and Ball Carriers—125 lbs. limitation • • Defensive Down Linemen—unlimited weight • • Defensive Linebackers, Ends, and Backs—145 lbs. limitation • B Team Division Weight Limit: • • Down Linemen—145 lbs. limitation • • Backs and Ends—125 lbs. limitation • Field Hockey (girls’) • Volleyball (girls’, limited to 24 players) • Cross Country (coed team)

Winter (practice daily, 2:30 - 4:00, later end time on game days) • Basketball (boys’ and girls’, limited to 30 players each team) • Wrestling (boys’) • Indoor Track (coed team)

Spring (practice daily, 2:45 - 4:15, later end time on game days) • Baseball (boys’, limited to 16 players) • Lacrosse (girls’ and boys’) • Soccer (girls’) • Tennis (coed team—limited to 24 players)

Computer Science-7

The seventh grade Computer Science curriculum emphasizes computational thinking, data collection, data manipulation, data presentation, and data analysis using both internally generated and external data sets. Methods and tools used to query and store data are also explored. Students continue to program in Scratch with more of an emphasis on math-related programming activities. STEM experiences continue as students work with sensors and circuits to create objects with specific functions using Snap, along with extended Scratch programmingenvironment and Hummingbird technologies. To balance the physical programming portion of the class, students begin understanding how the computer works at its “lowest” level. From this foundation, students learn how computers store and manipulate documents, images, video, and other types of data. As the course progresses, students learn how computers share information by building a web site and investigating basic computer system and networking concepts that underlie the Internet. By exploring Internet topics such as cybersecurity, students learn the global and ethical impacts of computer science.

Human Dynamics and Development-7: “Conflict Resolution”

This course invites students to investigate, analyze, understand, and practice strategies to manage inter and intrapersonal conflicts. Some of the topics discussed include trust, friendship, conflict starters at home and school, conflict makers vs conflict solvers, choosing vs reacting to conflict, suicide, the power of calming statements and deep breathing, listening strategies, I-messages, taking responsibility, courage, brainstorming solutions and choosing what is fair, apologizing, thanking, forgiving, empathy, compassion, and how to manage anger and avoid violence. The goal of the course is to equip students with skills to handle conflict in their lives and to help them view conflict as an opportunity for growth.

Information and Technology Literacy-7: “Information Searchers”

In seventh grade, students build on their knowledge of sources by learning how to be effective information searchers and organizers. Students utilize the Library Media Center and its resources, and learn how to de-construct a search tool, such as a search engine, database, or index (print or online) to create searches that yield quality information sources. Students evaluate sources for statistical accuracy and fact vs. opinion. Using statistical information, students create and manipulate information in spreadsheets and surveys. Students look at various ways to organize information and documents for easier retrieval and presentations. Students take a closer look at technology, policies of acceptable use, and the potential of technology to be misused (e.g. bullying). Finally, throughout the course, there is a continued emphasis on proper keyboarding technique.

Performing Arts-7

Exploring World Traditions

The seventh grade music class further expands students’ experience with a variety of music from around the world. The focus is on the music of non-Western countries and cultures, with an emphasis on Africa and Asia. Students also study the music of the Holocaust in conjunction with the corresponding unit in Social Studies. A portion of the year is also spent learning about European opera, covering many of the essential or common elements and components of opera and viewing scenes from the Metropolitan Opera that illustrate these key points. Students then explore theatrical traditions of non-Western origin.