MS Electives
Electives Classes (i.e. a “Wheel” rotation)
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For elective classes, middle school students participate in classes that allow them to learn new skills in Art, Music, Physical Education, STEAM, and Primitive Skills classes. The “wheel” rotation gives the students the opportunity to explore each class for one quarter (approx. 6 weeks). For the fourth quarter, students choose an elective class to revisit, thus affording them the additional time to complete a more indepth project. Other exploratory courses in the past have included photography, French, and Life Skills class (sewing, cooking, etc). Eighth grade students also create their own yearbook in their last year at SPHDS.
Middle School Field Trips​
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Leadership/Team Building Skills are taught during the first field trip of the school year. All middle school students attend this trip together so the new sixth grade class is able to build a relationship with the older students.
The Primitive Skills Trip to Schaff Ranch is a fun camping trip that students look forward to each spring. Mr. Schaff’s Primitive Skills class teaches students skills like firebuilding, woodworking, and flint knapping which are then showcased on this trip. Students get a real camping experience with tents, campfires, cooking over the campfires, and exploring nature.
Additional middle school field trips are linked to curricular areas of study, and/or may be an extra special excursion for graduating eighth graders.