Courses for Rising 8th Graders

Please register your student in the grade they will enroll in for the 2025-26 school year.

Any parent/student who registers during a time where they are not allowed to will be withdrawn from the class and refunded their registration cost minus a $75.00 false registration fee.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 16th @ midnight.  No refunds will be issued after May 16th @ midnight. 

As a reminder, all rising 8th grade course are for enrichment only.  No grades will be given to our rising 8th grade students. 

Please be sure to check out our Athletics available to our 8th graders on our smsummer.us website.

*NEW COURSE OFFERING*

Math Bridge: Preparing for High School Math

Instructor: TBD

Grades: Rising 8-9th

Fall and Spring Semester: June 9 to July 18, 2025

Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM

This course is designed to prepare students for high school mathematics, targeting rising 8th and 9th graders. The curriculum encompasses a range of topics, including a review of Pre-Algebra concepts such as integers, variables, and algebraic expressions. Students will learn to solve and graph linear equations, which are fundamental skills for algebra. The course also covers coordinate geometry, including plotting points, understanding the coordinate plane, and performing transformations. Additionally, students will strengthen their understanding of rational and irrational numbers and learn how to perform operations with them. An introduction to functions will provide a foundation for algebraic concepts, while basic data analysis, including calculating mean, median, mode, and range, will be introduced to develop statistical understanding. This is a non credit course.

Art-Play with Clay!  

Instructor: Michelle Pauline Bradshaw

Grades: 8-12

Fall  Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025

Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM

This 3 week no credit course is all about clay. We will use ceramics clay as well as air dry and polymer clays to create various sculpture and craft projects. Ceramic wind chimes, tiles, bowls, and planters will be created as well as air dry and polymer objects, such as key chain ornaments.

Introduction to Media Arts 

Instructor: Mr Basulto

Grades: 8-12 

Fall Semester: June 9-June 27, 2025

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. Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Introduction to Media Arts 

Instructor: Mr. Basulto

Grades: 8-12 

Spring Semester: June 30-July 18, 2025

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. Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Introduction to Graphic Design  

Instructor: Robbin Rae McCulloch

Grades: 8-12

Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025

Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM

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. Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Oral Interpretation  

Instructor: Michael Murray

Grades: 8-12 (Rising 7th graders invited to join.)

Fall Semester:  June 9 to June 27, 2025

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.  Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Oral Interpretation  

Instructor: Michael Murray

Grades: 8-12 (Rising 7th graders invited to join.)

Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025 

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.  Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Laboratory Skills for Medical Arts

Instructor: Joseph Carmona

Grades: 8th-10th

Fall  Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025  

Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM

A developmental science course with special emphasis on readiness for the Medical Arts Academy.  Intended to prepare students with basic lab skills required by all SMHS Sciences.  Established on fundamental principles from biological and physical sciences, the class will spotlight laboratory techniques and applications. Particularly in the fields of chemistry and biology, lessons will embrace the common practices of scientific investigation.   The curriculum enables students to explore inquiry based activities by using a variety of laboratory equipment, advanced technology like virtual dissection tables, methods of collecting data, and performing comparative analysis. This course is strongly recommended for students enrolling in the Medical Arts Academy and for students gearing up for advanced high school science courses.

Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Laboratory Skills for Medical Arts

Instructor: Joseph Carmona

Grades: 8th-10th

Spring Semester: June 30  to July 18, 2025  

Daily:  8:00 AM to 12:20 PM

A developmental science course with special emphasis on readiness for the Medical Arts Academy.  Intended to prepare students with basic lab skills required by all SMHS Sciences.  Established on fundamental principles from biological and physical sciences, the class will spotlight laboratory techniques and applications. Particularly in the fields of chemistry and biology, lessons will embrace the common practices of scientific investigation.  The curriculum enables students to explore inquiry based activities by using a variety of laboratory equipment, advanced technology like virtual dissection tables, methods of collecting data, and performing comparative analysis. This course is strongly recommended for students enrolling in the Medical Arts Academy and for students gearing up for advanced high school science courses.

Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Creative Writing 

Instructor: Sergio Cervantes 

Grades: 8-12

Fall  Semester: June 9 to June 27, 2025 

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 freewriting. 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.

Forensics

Instructor: John Lombardi

Grades: 8th-12th 

Fall and Spring Semester: June 13 to July 18, 2025 (This course will be a 5 week and one day course)  Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM

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.  The Anatomage Table will be utilized for anatomy and physiology. This course is for enrichment only and offers no high school credit. This course will be prorated to reflect the start date. 

Introduction to Computer Science 

Instructor: Ryan Valles

Grades: 8-12

Spring Semester: June 30 to July 18, 2025

Daily: 8:00 AM to 12:20 PM

This three-week summer course offers high school students an introduction to computer programming using JavaScript. Students will delve into programming basics, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions, laying the groundwork for understanding more advanced concepts. Through interactive coding exercises and projects, participants will gain hands-on experience, fostering problem-solving skills and logical thinking. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in programming, preparing them for further exploration in the dynamic field of computer science. Eighth grade for enrichment only.

Marching Band Fundamentals

Grades 8-12

This course is a recommended prerequisite for all new and returning music students (this

includes percussion and guard if interested) interested in joining the award-winning SMHS

2025-2026 Titan Marching Band & Colorguard. The course will cover music and movement

fundamentals in preparation for the Fall 2025 Marching Band season. Sectionals and extra

practice will be at the discretion of each instrumental section.

Instruction will be taught by professional music and movement technicians. Course credit is not

Applicable.

BAND CAMP (July 28-August 1 & August 4-August 8, from 1:00 to 9:00 p.m.) is separate

from this course and is a mandatory requirement along with zero period Marching Band class

(Fall Semester). If you do not participate in the Marching Band Fundamentals summer course,

band camp is still mandatory.

Dates/Times

June 9 – July 11, Mondays and Thursdays

5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

June 21, Saturday

2:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m

July 4, 2025

Parade Performance TBD

Location SMHS Music Room

Fee: $250 (this includes a $25 materials fee and $25 registration fee)

From Musical Theatre to Classics: Exploring the Vocal Arts

Instructor: Kate Correnti

Grades: 8-12

Fall  Semester: June 9-June 27, 2025

Days and Times: Monday through Thursday, 1-3 PM

Have you ever been interested in participating in a choir or enhancing your vocal abilities? Whether you are a seasoned choir member or a soloist, this class is designed for you! Throughout the course, we will explore various musical genres, including pop, musical theatre, and classical music. Participants will learn essential music theory and vocal techniques to foster growth as both soloists and choristers. To culminate the experience, we will host a vocal showcase at the end of the course, featuring both group and solo performances. The repertoire for the showcase will include selections from well-known works such as "Wicked," Disney favorites, and more!

Fee:  $385

From Musical Theatre to Classics: Exploring the Vocal Arts

Instructor: Kate Correnti

Grades: 8-12

Spring  Semester: June 30-July 18, 2025

Days and Times: Monday through Thursday, 1-3 PM

Have you ever been interested in participating in a choir or enhancing your vocal abilities? Whether you are a seasoned choir member or a soloist, this class is designed for you! Throughout the course, we will explore various musical genres, including pop, musical theatre, and classical music. Participants will learn essential music theory and vocal techniques to foster growth as both soloists and choristers. To culminate the experience, we will host a vocal showcase at the end of the course, featuring both group and solo performances. The repertoire for the showcase will include selections from well-known works such as "Wicked," Disney favorites, and more!

Fee:  $385