Curriculum

Adventures in Reading: Students will read multiple genres and bring books to life through student collaboration.

 

Art I: Students will develop skills that include drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and collage.

 

Art II: Continuation from Art I, building on skills and concepts.

 

Computers: Students will learn basic computer fundamentals, proper typing techniques, and explore the uses and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, and animation.

 

Creative Technologies: Students will learn how to use digital broadcasting and videography through computers and other forms of technology.

 

Drama/Stagecraft: Students have an opportunity to display talent on the stage. This will include theatre terminology to utilize basic actor tools through exploration. Stagecraft introduces safety, basic techniques of scenery, property construction, tool use, painting, design, stage organization, and the making of a stage set.

 

Family & Consumer Science: Students will participate in personal development, life and career skills, food safety and sanitation, and basic food preparation.

 

Journalism/Newspaper: Students will produce and distribute the school newspaper and be introduced to a wide spectrum of journalism. 

 

Journeys in Film: Students will go on a voyage through the magical world of film and its process. Some topics covered are stages of production, crew positions, scriptwriting, theme, genre, editing, sound, and production design.

 

LEAP Into A New Era: Students will explore, build, create, and develop real-world engineering designs to problem solve and provide solutions to authentic challenges.

 

Library Aide: Library aides are responsible for a wide variety of tasks that help to maintain and run the library. These tasks include checking books in and out, shelving books and materials, straightening bookshelves, unpacking and processing new books, as well as other tasks to assist the librarian. An application is required.

 

Office Aide: Office aides are responsible for completing office tasks such as delivering items to students/teachers, filing, stuffing envelopes, giving new students tours, and other assigned duties from the front office. An application is required.

 

PE: Students will apply skills and rules of individual sports, team sports, and fitness activities.

 

Piano: Piano Methods is a class for students who do not know how to play the piano and would like to. Students will learn proper fingering, counting rhythms, and reading notes to play and make music.

 

Speech/Debate: Students will progress from large group speaking activities to individual speaking presentations. Students will learn stage presentation techniques, be expected to memorize lines, and apply audience etiquette. 

 

STEM/Design & Modeling: Students will be introduced to the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives.

 

STEM Medical Detectives: This course is the perfect introduction to health-related fields. Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene”. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

 

STEM/Robotics: Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation robotics.

 

Strength Training: The goal of this class is to become better student-athletes by implementing the basic foundations of weight training.

 

Vocal I: Students develop skills to sing correctly and learn the basics of good musicianship through a variety of music. No previous singing is required.

 

Vocal II: This class is a continuation of Vocal I. 

 

Wildcat Buddy: A Wildcat Buddy provides peer collaboration to students who need assistance in the classroom.

 

Yearbook:  This is a year-long elective class, and students must fill out an application and be selected to join the class. Students will be responsible for designing, photographing, editing, and writing the school yearbook. Students will aid in scheduling and conducting all school photo days including individuals, sports, and clubs. Yearbook staff applications will be available in the office.

*Algebra I:  Enrollment in this class is based on student’s IOWA Algebra test scores, OSTP scores, and student performance. Topics in Algebra 1 provide the foundation students require for future success in high school mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The primary goal in Algebra 1 is to help students transfer their concrete mathematical knowledge to more abstract algebraic generalizations. Eighth-grade Algebra 1 is NOT recognized as one of the four math credits at Piedmont High School. This course will count as a high school elective credit.

 

Active Lifestyles:  Students will be introduced to a variety of lifelong outdoor skills and activities. This class is designed to educate students on the time-honored traditions of outdoor pursuits. Students will gain skills in environmental conservation, stewardship and sustainability, camping, survival, and other activities to promote healthy living.

 

Adventures in Reading: Students will read multiple genres and bring books to life through student collaboration.

 

Ancient Empires:   The study of ancient empires, their militaries, and their rise and fall. This class will concentrate on the military and how it was affected by social, technological, and economic trends of the times.  

 

Art I: Students will develop skills that include drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and collage.

 

Art II: Continuation from Art I, building on skills and concepts.

Computers: Students will learn basic computer fundamentals, proper typing techniques and explore the uses and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, and animation.

 

Creative Technologies: Students will learn how to use digital broadcasting and videography through computers and other forms of technology.

 

Drama/Stagecraft: Students have an opportunity to display talent on the stage. This will include theatre terminology to utilize basic actor tools through exploration. Stagecraft introduces safety, basic techniques of scenery, property construction, tool use, painting, design, stage organization, and the making of a stage set.

 

Family & Consumer Science: Students will participate in personal development, life and career skills, food safety and sanitation, and basic food preparation.

 

Journalism/Newspaper: Students will produce and distribute the school newspaper and be introduced to a wide spectrum of journalism. 

Journeys in Film: Students will go on a voyage through the magical world of film and its process. Some topics covered are stages of production, crew positions, scriptwriting, theme, genre, editing, sound, and production design.

 

Leadership: Students will engage in various leadership activities, guided interaction, and group exercises. They will explore the principles of leadership and learn to develop individual and group leadership skills to impact their lives and their communities. Content areas include decision-making, goal setting, effective communication, servant leadership, organization, and time management skills.

 

LEAP Into A New Era: Students will explore, build, create, and develop real-world engineering designs to problem solve and provide solutions to authentic challenges.

 

Library Aide:  Library aides are responsible for a wide variety of tasks that help to maintain and run the library. These tasks include checking books in and out, shelving books and materials, straightening bookshelves, unpacking and processing new books, as well as other tasks to assist the librarian. An application is required.

 

Military History: Students will have the opportunity to study military history with a focus on each branch of service. Studies will include major battles as well as what military life is like from the start of basic training to life while deployed. This course would allow students to gain an insight as to what military life would be like on active duty as well as the National Guard and Reserve components.

 

Office Aide: Office aides are responsible for completing office tasks such as delivering items to students/teachers, filing, stuffing envelopes, giving new students tours, and other assigned duties from the front office. An application is required.

 

Physical Education: Students will apply skills and rules of individual sports, team sports, and fitness activities.

 

Photography: Students will be introduced to the basics of photography including the types of photography, parts of a camera, and proper photo composition. They will complete projects over different photographic styles and subjects, and work with photo editing software.

 

Piano: Piano Methods is a class for students who do not know how to play the piano and would like to learn. Students will learn proper fingering, counting rhythms, and reading notes to play and make music.

 

Spanish I:  Introduction to conversation, grammar, and basic knowledge of Spanish culture.

 

Spanish II:  A continuation of Spanish I with more emphasis on oral and written work.

 

Speech/Debate: Students will progress from large group speaking activities to individual presentations. Students will learn stage presentation techniques, be expected to memorize lines, and apply audience etiquette.  

 

STEM/Design & Modeling: Students will be introduced to the design process to solve problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our lives.

 

STEM/Medical Detectives: This course is the perfect introduction to health-related fields. Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene”. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

 

STEM/Robotics: Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation robotics.

 

Strength Training: The goal of this class is to become better student-athletes by implementing the basic foundations of weight training.

 

Vocal I: Students develop skills to sing correctly and learn the basics of good musicianship through a variety of music. No previous singing is required.

 

Vocal II: This class is a continuation of Vocal I. 

 

Wildcat Buddy:   A Wildcat Buddy provides peer collaboration to students who need assistance in the classroom.

 

Yearbook:  This is a year-long elective class, and students must fill out an application and be selected to join the class. Students will be responsible for designing, photographing, editing, and writing the school yearbook. Students will aid in scheduling and conducting all school photo days including individuals, sports, and clubs. Yearbook staff applications will be available in the office.