Courses for Rising 8th Graders
8th grade classes are for enrichment only- no grade or credit will be given.
Please register your student in the grade they will enroll in for the 2023-24 school year.
$485 per Semester (3 weeks)
Any parent/student who registers during a time where they are not allowed to will be withdrawn from the class and refunded their registration cost minus a $75.00 false registration fee. They will then need to re-register at full cost on the appropriate day. Full refunds will be granted up to May 14th @midnight. No refunds will be issued after May 14th @ midnight.
Art -3 D Sculpture
Instructor: Michelle Pauline Bradshaw
Grades: 8-12
Fall and Spring Semesters: June 5th to July 14th, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00 am to 12:20 pm
This course will explore a variety of art materials in 3D Design (sculpture), including papier-mâché, clay, textiles, recycled materials and mixed media. Emphasis will be on creativity and concept through use of basic design elements, function, aesthetics, and craftsmanship. Students will work on a large, medium and small scale. This course would count as a beginning level course and would qualify a student to take Intermediate Art in future. For enrichment only for 8th grade students.
Not for High School or VAPA credit
Creative Writing
Instructor: Sergio Cervantes
Grades: 8-12
Spring Semester: June 26th to July 14th, 2022
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00 am to 12:20 pm
If you aspire to write creatively and don’t know how to get started, or if you already write creatively but want to expand your know-how, this Creative Writing course is for you. This class will provide many fundamental techniques geared to motivate and cultivate a student’s creative writing ability.
As young writers, you will learn to spark story ideas via observation, personal experience, writing prompts and free writing. Topics will include an introduction to traditional story structure, writing from different points of view, the creation of dynamic characters, poetic voice, and the art of creating engaging dialogue. Students will write regularly in journals, read and examine the published works of contemporary YA authors, and other professional writers. They will also engage with different forms of narrative craft, including short stories, flash fiction, novels, and writing for stage and screen. The goal is for our class to become a supportive community of writers, as we experiment, craft, revise, and tinker with our work.
This course is for enrichment only and offers no high school credit.
Drama
Instructor: Daniel Hernandez
Grades: 8-12
Fall and Spring Semesters: June 5th to July 14th, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00 am to 12:20 pm
This course will provide a survey of drama with a variety of topics to be covered: history of theatre, acting basics, masking, mime, costuming, and script creation. This is an enrichment only course and awards no high school credit.
ELA-Young Adult Literature
Grades: 8-9
Fall Semester Spring Semester: June 5th to July 14, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00am to 12:20pm
Young Adult Literature: From Page to Screen: In our class, we’ll read excerpts from your favorite novels such as Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Shadow and Bone in conjunction with various media sources. We will focus on discussing fictional texts in a collaborative setting that broaden academic literary discussion and improve analytical writing. For enrichment only.
Introduction to Media Arts
Instructor: Mr Basulto
Grades: 8-12
Fall Semester: June 5th-June 23rd, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00 am to 12:20 pm
Are you ready to start your journey as a content creator? This class will teach you the basics of creating short-form video content with mobile devices. Students learn how to properly use their own devices such as an iPhone or iPad to create professional-looking videos for their YouTube channels, class presentations, and much more. You will learn the top 19 shoots that make your movies look like a Hollywood blockbuster, how to use accessories to make filming easier and more like the pros, and how to capture great sound. We also discuss social media and digital literacy to help you understand the importance of being an upright digital citizen. Students should bring their own iPhones and iPads. Enrichment only.
Introduction to Graphic Design
Instructor: Robbin Rae McCulloch
Grades: 8-12
Spring Semester: June 26th to July 14th, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00am to 12:20pm
This class introduces students to the software and technologies used to create much of what constitutes two-dimensional design in the world around us: websites, marketing and branding (logos), on-screen motion graphics in films and on TV, promotional materials, posters, packaging and the like. This course is project-oriented. Students will learn the basic features of the two primary graphics applications: Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Students will investigate these tools by way of research, exercises, projects and presentations that engage the fundamental vocabulary of art and design. By way of hands-on practice, students will learn the basics of inputting, creating and outputting digital media. Enrichment only.
Introduction to Spanish
Instructor: Liliana Monroy
Grades: 8-12
Fall Semester: June 5th to June 23rd, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00am to 12:20pm
Introduction to Spanish provides students with the opportunity to engage in fun, interactive Spanish language activities. Manipulatives, games, and music will be utilized to build vocabulary and grammar skills. Exploratory topics include time, emotions, people, weather, and food. Students will engage in collaborative projects, learn about various cultures, and practice their skills through oral and written expression. This course will not grant high school credit. For enrichment only.
Introduction to Mandarin
Instructor: Harriet Hsieh
Grades: 8-12
Fall Semester: June 5th to June 23rd, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00am to 12:20pm
Learning how to speak Mandarin Chinese and write Chinese characters with this fun introductory class. Students will acquire listening and speaking through interactive activities with comprehensible input method: personalized story making and telling, imagine together, and reader’s theater. For reading and writing, students will learn the pinyin system and the etymology of the creating of Chinese characters through pictures and videos. We will learn how to talk about self-introduction, family, food, time, weather, colors, clothing, hobbies, sports, and emotions. We will also tell the story and origin of Dragon Boat Festival and celebrate it together on June 22. For enrichment only.
Oral Interpretation (Debate)
Instructor: Matt Slimp
Grades: 8-12
Fall Semester: June 5th to June 23rd, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00 am to 12:20 pm
Oral Interpretation is a 4 hour, three week course which is a "beginner" guide to competitive argumentation. Students learn how to analyze a resolution, engage in critical thinking, prepare debate cases, learn the art of cross-examination, and more, in preparation for competition on the SMHS Debate Team.
Six weeks of Oral Interpretation is UC A-G approved and fulfills SMHS VAPA graduation requirement for students in grades 9-12.
Rising 8th grade students are welcome for enrichment purposes, but receive no high school credit.
Prerequisites and Criteria: In order to complete 1 year of VAPA credit, students need to enroll in both semesters of Oral Interpretation.
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Oral Interpretation (Speech)
Instructor: Matt Slimp
Grades: 8-12
Spring Semester: June 26th to July 14th, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00 am to 12:20 pm
Oral Interpretation is a 4 hour "beginner" guide to competitive speech. Students learn public speaking skills, acting, research tools, persuasive writing, and more, in preparation for competition on the SMHS Speech Team.
Six weeks of Oral Interpretation is UC A-G approved and fulfills SMHS VAPA graduation requirement for students in grades 9-12.
Rising 8th grade students are welcome for enrichment purposes, but receive no high school credit.
Prerequisites and Criteria: In order to complete 1 year of VAPA credit, students need to enroll in both semesters of Oral Interpretation.
Biological Sciences- Laboratory Skills
Instructor: Joseph Carmona
Grades: 8th-10th
Fall and Spring Semester: June 5th to July 14th, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00am to 12:20pm
A developmental course preparing students with the necessary skills and techniques required by San Marino high school sciences. Focusing on the fundamental principles of biological and physical sciences, emphasizes laboratory techniques and applications, specifically in the subjects of chemistry and biology. The curriculum enables the student to explore the investigative process by using a variety of laboratory equipment, safety protocols, methods of collecting data, and performing comparative analysis. For enrichment only.
Forensics
Instructor: John Lombardi
Grades: 8th-12th
Fall and Spring Semester: June 9th to July 14th, 2023
Days & Times: Daily, 8:00am to 12:20pm
Forensic science is the study and scientific application in solving crime scene investigations. It involves exploration and lab investigations composed of many disciplines of scientific study such as biology/anatomy, chemistry, and physics, all focused on collecting evidence. From paleontological "crime scenes" to modern human-caused crime scenes, students will gain a basic understanding of the scientific and analytical approach to determining the value of such evidence. For enrichment only.