Swift Creek Middle

Bridge classes are Swift Creek’s most advanced classes and recommended for students who scored a level 4 or 5 in state testing, or a level 3 in state testing with a strong work ethic.  These courses focus on both current and future grade level standards and skills preparing students for the opportunity to enroll in high school courses in middle school and AP or dual enrollment courses in high school.  Guest speakers, field trips, and other hands-on activities are included as part of the instruction in Bridge classes.  Bridge courses are paired and can be taken in English and Social Studies, Math and Science, or all four content areas together.

Advanced classes are Swift Creek’s middle level classes and recommended for students who scored a level 3 in state testing or a level 2 in state testing with a strong work ethic.  These courses focus on both current and some future grade level standards and skills preparing students for the opportunity to enroll in high school courses in their 8^th grade year of middle school and AP or dual enrollment courses in high school.  Advanced courses are paired and can be taken in English and Social Studies, Math and Science, or all four content areas together.

General classes are Swift Creek’s grade-level classes and recommended for students who scored a level 1 or 2 in state testing.  These courses focus on current and grade level standards   General courses are paired and can be taken in English and Social Studies, Math and Science, or all four content areas together.

Students investigate a wide range of media and techniques, from both an historical and contemporary perspective, as they engage in the art-making processes of creating two-dimensional works, which may include drawing, painting, printmaking, and/or collage. Student artists reflect on their own artwork and that of others through critical analysis to achieve artistic goals related to craftsmanship, technique, and application of 21st-century skills. Opportunities are provided for creative decision-making in the context of the structural elements of art and the organizational principles of design. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

Students with little or no instrumental experience develop foundational instrumental technique, foundational music literacy, and aesthetic musical awareness through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality band literature. Instrumentalists work on the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students will be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. 

This course is for beginning, second, and third year male vocalists. Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique and skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Returning students build on previous choral experience to expand vocal, technical, musical, and ensemble skills through rehearsal, performance, and study of high-quality choral literature. Singers focus on increasing knowledge of music theory, music literacy, and aesthetic response. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students will be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. 

Students will develop essential cooking skills and learn important kitchen safety techniques in a hands-on, interactive environment. They will explore the history and cultural significance of foods from around the world, gaining a deeper appreciation for global cuisines. Throughout the course, students will discover a variety of culinary careers and the skills needed to pursue them. Collaborative projects in the kitchen will encourage teamwork, creativity, and confidence as they apply what they’ve learned in real cooking experiences.

Students develop dance technique and movement vocabulary in two or more dance forms. In the process, dancers demonstrate use of class and performance etiquette, analytical and problem-solving skills, and studio practices in a safe dance environment. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. The required dance performance uniform for this course consists of a black tank or cap-sleeved leotard, black tights, black jazz pants, and black ballet shoes.

Students must have a cumulative grade average of B or higher and be accepted into at least Bridge level pre-algebra, Algebra I or Geometry to register for this elective course.  This is an intensive course in math competitions designed for students to expand their math awareness while representing our school in local, state, and regional competitions.  A variety of materials such as Math Counts, AMC 8, Math League, quiz-doms and Mu Alpha Theta competition materials will be part of the curriculum.  Students must maintain a “B” average in the their core math class.  Students in this course will need to dedicate many evenings, weekends, and extra hours in preparation for these academic activities.  The signature of your 6^th grade Math Club Sponsor is required and students may be selected during the spring or summer.  Transportation and registration fees may be required.

The Swift Creek Middle School Orchestra offers instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass instruments with a focus on the skills necessary for long-term success.  Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality and training in music literacy.  The SCMS orchestra is made up of students in grades 6-8.  The SCMS orchestra will perform with the Lincoln High School Orchestras in the winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts.  No audition is required for placement in the SCMS orchestra.

This course develops athletes’ speed, strength, and agility through structured, sport-specific workouts and progressive training. Students participate in dynamic conditioning sessions focused on acceleration, power development, and injury prevention. Emphasis is placed on position-specific techniques to ensure skills translate directly to game play. Weekly flag football scrimmages provide regular, game opportunities for students to apply learned techniques, practice teamwork, and build competitive instincts in a contact free environment. Instruction balances skill breakdown, live drills, performance feedback, and measurable fitness goals to promote continuous improvement, sportsmanship, and on-field confidence.

This Forensic Science course is an introduction to the application of scientific methods for the examination of physical evidence in the context of criminal justice. The content of the course comes from many disciplines of scientific study such as the nature of science and scientific investigation, biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Topics of study include the collection, analysis/identification, interpretation, and application of physical evidence such as fingerprints, handwriting, casts and impressions, anthropology, ballistics, blood, hair, fibers, DNA, etc. and learning the role physical evidence in court proceedings. Students will engage in laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures. Guest speakers will visit the classroom to help teach concepts and build a connection between the students and the real-world application of forensic science. Cooperation and collaboration are extremely important in this class, as well as communication and logical argumentation skills.

Navigating Technology is a year-long course for grades 6-8 that equips students with the foundational skills needed to thrive in a digital age. Students will study computer hardware and software fundamentals, practice safe online behavior, evaluate and cite digital information, and design clear digital communications. 

Students learn the basics of building a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation, and effective speaking using articulation, projection, and breathing. Students also learn the importance of technical theatre and explore the use of such elements as costumes, props, and scenery. Students practice writing for the theatre and explore various theatre roles and functions. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.