• Connections Opportunities for Rising Seventh Graders:
    2023-2024 School Year

     

    Attention, sixth-grade students and parents:

    This year, sixth-grade students have the opportunity to apply for two application-based connections classes for the 2023-2024 school year: Spanish (Carnegie unit class), and Theater (specialty class).  Each of these classes requires students to submit an application not later than Wednesday, February 15.  Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

    This year, the applications will be available online.  To find more information about these fantastic classes, or to get your application, go to the school’s website and look for the link with the information and application.

    Keep in mind that students interested in taking Spanish need an average of 85 or above in both Language Arts and Math.  Students interested in taking Theater need to both complete and submit the application online and sign up for an audition in which students will perform a monologue.  Monologues and a sign-up sheet for audition time will be available at the entrance to Ms. Hatcher's classroom.

    Please note that the completion of an application does not guarantee placement in any of these programs.  Every year we receive an overwhelming number of applications and selection is based on a rigorous process to guarantee a fair process to everyone.

    Spanish (Provides a High School Credit)

    Are you interested in developing a sense of cultural pluralism and appreciation of other cultures thought their music, food, art, customs, language, etc.?  Now is a great time to explore the world of a foreign language study!  If selected for this program, you will participate as a 7th and 8th grader in a yearlong Spanish connections class.  Students who successfully complete this course in middle school will receive a Carnegie Unit credit for high school and they will be ready to enter the second year of Spanish in the ninth grade.  Studies suggests that children who study another language score higher on basic skills such as reading and math, score significantly higher on SAT and ACT tests, enhance critical listening skills and tend to be more fluent than older.  These are some of the great benefits by taking a foreign language in middle school.  Entrance into the class is by application only.  Each student must complete and submit an application by Wednesday, February 15, 2023.  Any questions about Spanish should be directed to Dr. Parra (sergio.parra@gcpsk12.org).

    Please click here for the Spanish letter and application. Please note that while the letter is accessible to everyone, a GCPS Google account is required to access the application.

    Theater (Specialty class)

    Theater is a semester-long class for seventh graders.  Geared toward students who have interest in learning all aspects of producing a show.  Although there will be no theater performance in 7th grade theater, students will learn how to audition, act, build scenery, and put together a costume.  Students will also learn vital collaborative skills through an ensemble experience that teaches focus, confidence, tolerance, and patience.  With a focus on a high school level of reading comprehension, student collaboration, and a quality performance, this class will benefit all students hoping to pursue the performing arts in high school or professionally.  Entrance into the class is by application and audition only.  Each student must schedule an audition before school between January 23 and February 15, 2023.  Any questions about Theater should be directed to Ms. Hatcher. (amy.hatcher@gcpsk12.org).

    Please click here for the Theater letter and application. Please note that while the letter is accessible to everyone, a GCPS Google account is required to access the application.  

  • Connections Opportunities for Rising Eighth Graders:
    2023-2024 School Year

    Attention, seventh-grade students and parents:

    This year, seventh-grade students have the opportunity to apply for three application-based connections classes for the 2023-2024 school year: Foundations of Engineering and Technology (Carnegie unit class), Foundations of Interactive Design (Computer Science - specialty class) and Advanced Theater (specialty class).  Each of these classes requires students to complete an application not later than Wednesday, February 15.  Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

    To submit your application, go to the school’s website and look for the link with the information and application.

     Keep in mind that students interested in taking Foundations of Engineering and Technology and Foundations of Interactive Design (Computer Science), need an average of 85 or above in both Science and Math.  Students interested in taking Advanced Theater need to both submit the application online and sign up for an audition in which students will perform a monologue.  Monologues and a sign-up sheet for audition time will be available at the entrance to Ms. Hatcher's classroom.

    Please note that the completion of an application does not guarantee placement in any of these programs.  Every year we receive an overwhelming number of applications and selection is based on a rigorous process to guarantee a fair process to everyone.

     

    Foundations of Engineering and Technology (Provides a High School Credit) 

    Do you love designing and building?  Are you excited about how things work?  Is your mind full of inventions?  Foundations of Engineering and Technology will focus on project-based design activities to help students master foundational engineering skills and knowledge.  The year-long class will provide an overview of engineering, including various methods used in the design process.  Students will develop fundamental literacy in technology and engineering as they learn about the history, systems, and concepts of these fields.  This class is a first step for future engineers and technicians.  Upon successful completion of the course, eighth-grade students may opt to receive a Carnegie Unit credit for high school.  Entrance into the class is by application only.  Each student must complete an application by February 15, 2023.  Any questions about Foundations of Engineering and Technology should be directed to Dr. Pauli (david.pauli@gcpsk12.org).

    Please click here for the Foundations of Engineering and Technology letter and application. Please note that while the letter is accessible to everyone, a GCPS Google account is required to access the application.  

    Foundations of Interactive Design (Computer Science)

    Foundations of Interactive Design (Computer Science) covers a variety of topics including, web page design, careers in information technology, game design, and software testing and debugging. Students will create a single functional web page using a web development platform based on a design mock up and user requirements, as well as design digital products that reveal a professional layout and look by applying design principles. Throughout the semester students will have the opportunity to model, design, and then debug both a website and a gaming simulation. This eighth grade Connections class provides an introductory look at careers in the field of Graphic and Digital Design.  Entrance into the class is by application only.  Each student must complete an application by February 15, 2023.  Any questions about Digital Technology should be directed to Ms. Krohnert (kathy.krohnert@gcpsk12.org).

    Please click here for the Foundations of Interactive Design letter and application. Please note that while the letter is accessible to everyone, a GCPS Google account is required to access the application.  

    Advanced Theater (Specialty class)

    Advanced theater is a year-long, performance-based class for eighth graders.  Geared toward students who have interest in performing, the class provides an opportunity to engage in all aspects of producing a show for a live audience.  Throughout the year, students will learn how to audition, act, build scenery, and put together a costume while rehearsing and preparing a play for performance.  Students will also learn vital collaborative skills through an ensemble experience that teaches focus, confidence, tolerance, and patience.  With a focus on a high school level of reading comprehension, student collaboration, and a quality performance, this class will benefit all students hoping to pursue the performing arts in high school or professionally.  Entrance into the class is by application and audition only.  Each student must schedule an audition before school between January 23 and February 15, 2023.  Any questions about Theater should be directed to Ms. Hatcher. (amy.hatcher@gcpsk12.org).

    Please click here for the Advanced Theater letter and application. Please note that while the letter is accessible to everyone, a GCPS Google account is required to access the application.