Electives

Math Lab 

To ensure that students are provided the needed additional practice and support they need to be successful in math, individuals who struggled with mastery of concepts or completion of homework from the previous quarter will be identified and required to be in this session for a minimum of a quarter. Once students reach mastery and consistent homework completion throughout that quarter, they may work in a study hall or, at the semester, apply for choir, band, or robotics/study hall.

Differment houses painted on wallHouse System 

JICMS students from all grades are divided into 12 separate groups called “houses” to increase peer-to-peer support for each student, to ensure individual care for each student with at least three adults who will monitor and support the academic, social, moral and behavioral growth of each JICMS student, to multiply occasions to build strong, healthy student relationships, and to develop leadership skills in every student.

Girls in choirChoir

Choir is a semester or full year course that meets daily. In choir, music of various periods and styles will be studied and performed. Music theory concepts are emphasized along with proper vocal technique, ensemble skills, large group rehearsal, and performance etiquette. Participation in the Veteran’s Day Assembly, Christmas and Spring evening concerts is expected and integral for successful completion of this class.

Student playing Saxaphone

Band

Band is a semester or full year course that meets daily. It is a class where we not only play music but build a community.  Students work together to produce beautiful tones, master various tempos, work on posture, breathing, and air support.  When these are all achieved, wonderful music is created.  6th grade begins with learning to care for the instrument as well as the basics of playing and mastering simple notes and rhythms in unison with each other.  7th grade band students begin to widen the note ranges of their instrument as well as beginning to play more complex rhythms and creating harmonies as an ensemble.  In 8th grade, students will learn their entire instrument's note range and dive into even more complex rhythms and harmonies to prepare for playing sheet music in high school with more part independence.

 

Boys with Robots7th Grade Robotics

The students learn about problem solving and teamwork in a fun, interactive environment using the VEX IQ robotics platform.  The VEX IQ system includes plastic, snap-together pieces designed specifically for the dexterity of young hands. Students can easily build their first robot, and the wide variety of additional parts means that students can build a robot that is bigger, stronger, and more functional as students continue to learn.

Girls with robots

8th Grade STEM

The students explore the design process through a multitude of tasks including computer programming, advanced robotics, 3D printing, and computer drafting.  The class emphasizes success through both teamwork and self-motivation.