Registration for CDS Middle School Electives

It is time consider what electives your child will choose for next year. He/she may choose one elective from fine arts, and one from foreign language for a total of two electives. As a fine arts elective, students may choose between Performing Arts (music and drama), and Visual Arts. Additionally, they may choose between Spanish or Etymology (Greek and Latin root word meanings) as a foreign language elective.

These electives will be graded in the same way as any other academic subject. Though the criteria for grading will vary, students must demonstrate proficiency in these subjects and will be graded accordingly.

Following is a summary of each subject from which your child may choose his/her electives:

Performing Arts
• Through creative interpretations of plays, musicals, and vignettes, students will hone their skills in public performances and share them within the school and community. Special emphasis will be given toward the use of performance arts in worship as a offering to God.
• Drama will be utilized to guide student understanding and focus imagination into a particular character role. Different performance venues will include: acting, staging, writing and directing, technology, choreography and public speaking.
• Vocal music will be used as a tool for sharing at yet a deeper level with an audience. Students will learn individual and group vocal technique, performance dynamics, and expression of ideas through music.

Visual Arts
• The chief purpose of visual arts is to bring students to an appreciation for God’s creativity, which may be observed in all of His creation. Furthermore, as children of God who are created in His image, we may share in His creative processes that find expression in art. This stands in stark contrast to a secular interpretation of art, which puts man at the center of artistic expression, and glorifies the creature rather than the creator.
• Students will be challenged to consider their unique talents, and provided with opportunities to develop those talents through various techniques and mediums of art. There will be a progression of skill development and technique including drawing, composition, perspective, shading, and color. In addition, students will explore various mediums including watercolor, oil-pastels, printing, clay, and glass fusion.
• Students will also be challenged to submit their works of art to a variety of art fairs and contests, which will be available over the course of the year.

Etymology
• Research has shown, and experience proven that the acquisition of a second language improves brain cognition, thereby increasing opportunities for success and advancement through school and beyond. Furthermore, we believe that God, the author of all truth, is pleased when we learn another language, thereby extending ministry opportunities around the globe.
• The English language is a rich mixture of many languages.
• Etymology is a study of the Latin and Greek roots from which most of our English language was derived. Students will dig into particular word origins, root meanings, pronunciation, and definitions.
• In addition, students will explore the ways various roots, prefixes, and suffixes have found application in particular fields of study, particularly in the scientific community.
• This type of course has also proven to be beneficial to students preparing to take the high school ACT and SAT as well as participation in the Duke TIP program.

Spanish
• It bears repeating that the acquisition of a second language offers benefits that extend beyond the walls of the classroom and pages in a practice book. In reality, the benefits are too numerous to list in this short synopsis. Suffice to say, the acquisition of a foreign language enriches ones life and extends the possibilities for future success in life.
• Spanish will take students through a progression of language development, beginning with words and phrases to an introduction of syntax, grammar and sentence structure.
• In addition, students will be given the opportunity to gain an appreciation for Spanish speaking history and cultures, including the many contributions to society made by these people groups.

Below is an electives form that parents will need to complete and submit by July 25. Class electives are open on a “first-come, first-serve” basis.