KAMS Enrichment Course Descriptions

Read course descriptions below, click on course titles for more information about a specific course, and watch the Enrichment Course Video for more information.

Note: Courses are listed alphabetically

Advanced Musical Theatre - Application Required

Advanced Musical Theatre is for the serious theater student.

You do NOT need prior experience, but must have a love of theatre, bring a positive attitude, and be interested in improving your singing, acting, dancing, and general performance skills or your backstage/tech skills that support those on stage.

Enrollment based on:

• successful completion of at least one performing arts class at Albiani.
• prior experience elsewhere and instructor approval.
• interview and instructor approval.

(semester - this course may be taken more than once)

Academic Strategies - This course focuses on organizational strategies in note taking, critical reading, writing, and public speaking. Students will use a daily planner/homework log, maintain an organized binder, and work collaboratively with other students. It is a great class to help transition into Middle School as well as a good way to keep students in every grade accountable in their classes. (semester - this course may be taken more than once)

Art I – Learn basic elements and principles of art and design through the creation of 2D and 3D artwork using a variety of mediums and techniques. No previous art experience needed.  (semester)

Art II – Serious art students explore artistic and creative expression through the design and completion of artwork using a variety of mediums. (year)

Successful completion of Art I is highly recommended. 

Athletic Community Service - Application required.

This course is an opportunity to support the athletic programs on campus. You will plan and help support all athletic programs, including volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, and track and field. You will help to recognize our athletes, promote/plan/support athletic events, organize athletic inventory, and many other activities related to athletics. (semester - this course may be repeated - 8th grade ONLY)

AVID 7 (Advancement Via Individual Determination) – Application required. (7th grade only) 

College preparatory elective designed for students historically underrepresented in college who demonstrate academic potential. Goals include preparation in meeting 4-year college eligibility requirements, academic instruction and support for pursuing college dreams. (semester)

AVID 8 (Advancement Via Individual Determination) – Application required unless already enrolled in AVID 7,  (8th Grade Only)

College preparatory elective designed for students historically underrepresented in college who demonstrate academic potential. Goals include preparation in meeting 4-year college eligibility requirements, academic instruction and support for pursuing college dreams. (year)

Band I – Learn to play a musical instrument. No previous experience required! Practice at home and attendance at concerts are required. Check out the slides to see which instruments you can learn in Band I. (year)

Band II – Serious music students with at least one full year of band experience continue to hone skills of musicianship. Practice at home and attendance at concerts are required. Recommended for incoming 8th graders who have taken Band I. Any incoming 7th graders interested in Band II will need to connect with the Band Director about audition requirements. (year - this course may be repeated)

Choir - Students with and without singing experience are encouraged to sign up for this course, where a performance will be required as part of the curriculum. Choir is designed to expose students to the beginning concepts and skills of vocal music performance in a group setting. Students will learn the fundamentals of proper technique as individuals and as a group. In addition they will learn how to read music, identify musical concepts, music history, and music composition. Practice at home and attendance at concerts are required. (semester - this course may be repeated)

Computer Technology I – Learn computer skills including keyboarding, working environment organization and optimization, word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations and internet research skills. (semester)

This class does NOT fulfill the High School Computer Technology graduation requirement.

Conversational Spanish – Learn basic vocabulary and grammar, and converse at the introductory level.  Develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This course will give you a jump start and prepare you for the high school World Language requirement, is a middle school level course, and does NOT meet the requirements for college entrance (A-G.) (semester)

Dance – Students will learn a basic knowledge of dance, develop dance skills, and have opportunities to work collaboratively with other students to choreograph dances.  No previous dance experience necessary. (semester - this course may be repeated)

Design Thinking - Hands on “design challenges” are organized around real-world problems. Students will learn specific techniques and develop a mindset to increase creative confidence, thinking skills, and create models to solve problems. (semester)

Digital Photography - Explore Digital Photography through the elements of composition, including digital camera function, digital manipulation of images in Adobe Photoshop, and other technical skills. (semester)

Exploring Agricultural Science – Learn the basics of agriculture, animal production, plant propagation, Ag mechanics basics, agricultural career opportunities, participate in FFA/ Ag Leadership, and with Agricultural Projects (year - at PGHS- may be taken before or after Intro to Ag Science as the two classes are taught in alternating years)

Exploring Arts, Media, and Entertainment - Learn about careers in Arts, Media, and Entertainment through hands-on activities, including design, visual arts, media arts, performing arts, production, and managerial arts. (semester)

Film Studies – Develop skills to enjoy film as both an art form and entertainment. View, study, discuss, and write about the various aspects of films, filmmaking and film production, AND create, and share your own films!  (semester)

Future Quest - Students will have the opportunity to explore several different science and technology careers through hands-on activities and research. Careers and activities include robotics, 3D design and printing, health and veterinary sciences, forensics, model building, structural engineering, alternative energy, and environmental sciences. (semester)

Guitar I - Learn basic guitar skills, including posture, hand position, note reading, time signatures, basic chords, and more! Students may or may not have had previous guitar experience. (semester)

Introduction to Agriculture – Learn the basics of agriculture, animal production, plant propagation, Ag mechanics basics, agricultural career opportunities, participate in FFA/ Ag Leadership, and with Agricultural Projects (year - class at PGHS - may be taken before or after Exploring Ag Science as the two classes are taught in alternating years)

Introduction to Computer Programming – Learn beginning programming through event-driven and structured programming techniques to develop software. Students will design, code, test, and debug programs. (semester)

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Computer Technology I

Intro To Careers in Athletics -

Musical Theatre – This course explores the production of a live musical with an emphasis on acting, singing, and dancing. Students will learn basic theatrical concepts and terminology, and skills for working behind the scenes. Students will experience staging, scenery, costuming, props, makeup, and technical aspects of lighting and sound. A Broadway Jr. Musicals will be produced and performed for a live audience. No previous theater experience required.

Rehearsals are during class except for the weeks (tech) before shows. Teach rehearsals and shows are outside class time and are near the end of the semester. (semester - this course may be repeated)

Spanish I, (8th grade only) - High school level college preparatory course in Spanish culture, comprehension, and expression. Students will learn to read, write, and speak in Spanish and interpret texts from Spanish to English.  

Meets one year of college entrance (A-G) world language requirements.

Be aware that this is a HIGH SCHOOL COURSE. Students wishing to take this course must be willing to devote the time, energy, and effort necessary to keep up with the rigor of the high school curriculum. Students who take this course are encouraged to take Spanish for at least four consecutive years. (year)

Sports Games and Fitness (Speed and Power) – Improve your speed, power, agility, and core strength through fun, team sport activities and conditioning. (semester)

Student Assistant -  Application required. This class is an opportunity to be an Office Assistant or a Teacher's Assistant. In the front office, students will run passes, assist with students and parents needs, work on projects given by admin and counseling and help with the overall function of the front office.  A teacher assistant helps in specific classrooms with various things a teacher might need as it pertains to the classroom and subject matter. (semester)

Student Leadership I – Application required. 

Plan and lead events including assemblies, rallies, lunchtime activities, school spirit activities, and work with KAMS TV.  Must maintain a 3.0 GPA with no Ds/Fs and have satisfactory citizenship.  (semester - this course may be repeated - may only take one semester during 7th grade)

Student Leadership II – Application required. (8th Grade Only) 

Plan and lead events including assemblies, rallies, lunchtime activities, school spirit activities, and work with KAMS TV.  Must maintain a 3.0 GPA with no Ds/Fs and have satisfactory citizenship.  (year)

Theatre Arts I - Explore theatrical production with an emphasis on acting, pantomime, and improvisation. No previous acting or theatrical experience required. (semester - this course may be repeated - may be taken before or after Theatre Arts II)

Theatre Arts II – Explore theatrical production with an emphasis on stagecraft: stage makeup, costuming, set design, lighting, sound, and production. No previous acting or theatrical experience required. (semester - this course may be repeated - may be taken before or after Theatre Arts I)

VAPA Community Service - This enrichment class will support all things visual and performing arts at KAMS, with a specific focus on Theatre Arts.  There are some times you will be asked to work outside of class time/school hours.

Advertising - flyers, posters, digital media

Media - Website

Stage Set-Up and Clean-Up

Costume - building, sewing, repairs, alterations

Props and Set - design, building, maintenance

(semester - this course may be repeated)

Video Production I - Learn basic video production skills and use of video production equipment to produce short segments, informational videos, projects, and special features. Students will learn technical aspects, gain performance skills, and study the process of communicating through the television medium.

(semester - no application needed - This course is NOT KAMS TV.)

Video Production II - Application required.  

Learn basic tv journalism skills and use of video production equipment to produce KAMS TV. (year - this course may be repeated)

Writing Out Loud! – Writing is an act of imagination; it builds from the raw materials of life and language. Creativity is encouraged and explored through various forms of written expression (urban legends, fairy tales, spoken word poetry, and so much more!) in this course. Explore, analyze, and respond to various media and develop delivery skills with a focus on spoken word poetry meant to engage the soul and inspire social change! (semester - this course may be repeated)

Yearbook – Application required. Learn basic journalism skills and use of digital publishing tools to produce our award winning school yearbook. (year - this course may be repeated)