Academics
- Art
- AVID
- English
- Foreign Languages
- Mathematics
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Studies
- Special Education
Art
BEGINNING ART: Beginning Art introduces the student to realistic drawing techniques. The student will work in pencil, pastel, charcoal, clay, watercolor and tempera paint. Art history from pre-Renaissance to contemporary times is also covered.
ADVANCED ART: This class begins with an emphasis on drawing using advanced techniques. Then, the student will work in colored pencil, pen and ink, tempera paint, watercolor paint, paper mache, plaster printmaking, and mixed media. The major art movements in history will be studied along with selected artists.
Faculty Member:
Hallie Silva
AVID
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a sixth through twelfth grade system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility and success. It has a proven record in bringing out the best in students and closing the achievement gap. Click THIS LINK to view our AVID website.
The goal of AVID is to provide students with high expectations, encouragement, day-to-day help through the AVID elective class, and a vision of college as an attainable goal. AVID is a program designed to give the necessary support to students, particularly those in the academic middle, so that they can attend college and achieve their fullest potential. It also serves to level the playing field for minority and low-income students, as well as students who may be the first in their families to potentially attend college. The AVID program serves to support its students by teaching and reinforcing study and organizational skills (Cornell note-taking, 3-ring binder with labeled dividers, etc.), encouraging students to take more rigorous and challenging classes, providing skills necessary to succeed in college (public speaking, team building skills, interaction with professors, etc.), and ultimately preparing them for success at a four-year university/college.
AVID students have skilled tutors, often college students studying to be teachers or studying one of the major subject areas, to help them with their studies. Students are taken on field trips to local colleges and universities throughout the program to familiarize them with some options. The projects planned are rich in content, cooperative learning, and applications that simulate "the real world" after high school.
AVID is not a "remedial education" program; instead it is a program designed to provide whatever support may be lacking for first-generation-college-students who possess academic potential, but who may not be working to the best of their abilities.
Faculty Members:
Megan Cotich
Becky Penrose
Becca Lowi
Jose Marquez
English
ENGLISH 7/8: This course is aligned with the California State Common Core Standards in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will interact with a rigorous and relevant curriculum that is differentiated for their particular needs. Students study a variety of literary works from various genres, including non-fiction and informational texts, poetry, essays, plays, short stories and novels. Students also complete a variety of writing assignments, including multi-paragraph essays, multi-draft essays, and timed performance tasks, as well as personal responses, journal entries, note-taking and poetry. The integration of technology into the curriculum continues in the form of word-processing, multimedia presentation, and Internet research.
READ 180: The curriculum for Read 180 was developed by Dr. Kate Kinsella who is a leading scholar on the instruction and achievement of secondary English Language learners. Read 180 features a flexible rotation model designed to help students at all levels of intervention. This model organizes class time to provide a balance of teacher-led instruction, computer adaptive learning, and independent reading designed to ensure proficiency in the academic vocabulary, speaking, listening, and writing vital to success in school and life.
ENGLISH LEARNER SUPPORT: The curriculum for English 3D was developed by Dr. Kate Kinsella who is a leading scholar on the instruction and and achievement of secondary English Language learners. English 3D is a new English language development program designed to ensure proficiency in the academic vocabulary, speaking, listening, and writing vital to success in school and life.
Faculty Members:
Veronica Flores
Hayley Dixon-Hrehor
Cameron Hatcher-Day
Liz Heron
Rebecca Lowi
Elise Schmidt
Rebekah Sillars
Eleanor Skladman
Cathi Speake
Foreign Languages
FRENCH 1, LATIN 1, SPANISH 1: These are one-year classes with an emphasis on listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as learning about the culture of the related countries. These courses are open to both 7th and 8th graders.
FRENCH 2, LATIN 2, SPANISH 2: Our second-year foreign language classes will continue to emphasize listening, speaking and writing in the foreign language as well as working in groups and projects related to foreign cultures. Students need to have successfully completed the year-long class in 7th grade in order to be enrolled in these year-long classes.
Faculty Members:
Kimberly Anderson
Whitney Paz
Belinda White
Mathematics
Performing Arts
BEGINNING CONCERT BAND: Designed for less experienced students and those who have never played an instrument before. The basics of instrumental technique, reading and music theory are covered.
ADVANCED BAND: This group will explore a wide range of concert band literature. Performances in parades, concerts and music festivals are held during the year. Auditions will be held in May.
JAZZ BAND: Made up of brass and saxophone players, plus an experienced pianist, bass player and drummer, this class focuses on classic jazz and big band music of different styles and genres. Students must also enroll in Concert Band. This class is by auditions only, which are held in May.
DRUM LINE: This class is open to percussion students who have at least one year playing experience and have auditioned and have been accepted by the instructor. Auditions will be held in May.
CHORUS: This “0-period” vocal group is open to all students, and is designed to give students instruction in vocal techniques, experience in part-singing, and performance. Outburst is the elite performing group that meets several times each week. Auditions for Outburst will be held in May.
MUSICAL THEATER: A rigorous, performance-oriented class that offers training in the three disciplines of acting, voice, and dance. Students will be given training in acting, singing/voice, dance, improvisation, pantomime, characterization, concentration, and audition techniques. Students must have taken either Choir or Theater during 7th grade. Students in this class will be involved in the Spring Musical.
Faculty Members:
Stephen Hughes
Rachel La Commare
Emily Libera
Physical Education
The La Colina P.E. program is a California standards-based program that emphasizes complete physical fitness development. Students are graded on improvement rather than on skill. Classes are co-ed and the curriculum is based on small group and individual skills, games, problem solving, character and social development.
Faculty Members:
Chrystee Bradley
Adam Hodgson
Eric Kaufmann
Mary Park
John Sprague
Science
Science 7:
This course covers the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) for the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as aligned with the California Preferred Integrated model for grades 6-8. The 7th grade integrated course covers topics in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and Engineering. The theme for the year connecting the disciplines of science is “Natural processes and human activities cause energy to flow and matter to cycle through Earth’s systems.” Throughout the year, students will engage in deep and meaningful explorations of science through a combination of hands-on lab experiences and academic text.
Science 8:
This course covers the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) for the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as aligned with the California Preferred Integrated model for grades 6-8. The 7th grade integrated course covers topics in Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, and Engineering. Eighth grade students will investigate motion, forces, energy, and waves in their physical science units. These units are followed by applications of physical science in the Solar System. Throughout the year, students will engage in deep and meaningful explorations of science through a combination of hands-on lab experiences and academic text. Will also incorporate an emphasis on academic discussion and project based learning.
Faculty Members:
Marina Bohn
Megan Cotich
Nicole Gee
Chris Hamman
Joseph Huthsing
L’aura Ulvaeus
Social Studies
SOCIAL STUDIES 7: The focus of study for seventh grade Social Studies classes is world history during the middle ages (500- 1500 C.E.). This course includes an examination of history, geography, social, political, cultural, and technological changes throughout Europe, China, Japan, West Africa, and the Americas. The social studies curriculum incorporates components of the Common Core such as inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and connections to students daily lives. Through the study of history students will improve critical reading, writing, and communication skills. All students will participate in A Walk Through the Middle Ages this year.
Click THIS LINK to view A Walk Through the Middle Ages Project.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8: This course of study, as aligned with the Common Core State Standards, begins with an intensive review of the major ideas, issues, and events preceding the founding of the nation and ends with a study of the social, political & economic issues in America post-Civil War. Students will concentrate on the critical events and major themes during this time period. The units taught include: Exploration & Colonization; Colonial America; American Revolutionary War Era; The Constitution of the United States; The Early Republic; Manifest Destiny & Westward Expansion; The Reform Era; Civil War Era; and Reconstruction. This course focuses on such skills as analysis of primary documents, evaluation and synthesis of multiple sources, identifying multiple and varied perspectives throughout our units of study, and proving historical concepts verbally and through written expression by using evidence from texts. Students in Honors Social Studies will complete a project entitled "Beyond the Bill of Rights."
Click THIS LINK to view details regarding the 8th Grade Honors Project.
Faculty Members:
Usha Atterbury
Kurt Bergthold
Marcus Escalera
Beth Lane
Jose Marquez
Becky Penrose
Cami Stevens