Preston, Where We All Belong

BE PRESENT | BE SAFE | BE KIND

2023-2024 Semester 2 Extended Learning Opportunity Options!

 

Preston Middle School 

Semester 2 

3rd Hour Class Offerings

2023-2024

 

*Please note that on Purple Days, you may or may not get the class you choose depending on a specific placement from your teachers

*We will do our best to give you your top choices for 3rd hour

Intervention/Extension Classes Offered Purple Days

Enrichment Classes Offered Teal Days

Class Name

Class Description

Class Name

Class Description

Art for the Community

Students will be making jewelry for charity and making art for the school. Students will create proposals and present their proposals for their art to fill some space in the cafeteria.

Am I the Drama?

Have a flare for the dramatic? Are you fond of big projects that showcase your talents, and simultaneously satisfy that need for attention? This ELO is for you! This is essentially an extension of the drama elective with a focus on fun dramatic projects. Perhaps we will host a renaissance fair with some Shakespeare in the Park and jousting or perform a Spring play. The possibilities are endless! If you ARE in fact the drama, choose "Am I the Drama!"

Climbing

This class is engaging and hands-on! We will have fun challenging ourselves to go to great heights!

American Folktales and Folklore

American Folktales and Folklore introduces you to the world of American folklore and folktales from both the European settlers and indigenous Americans.

These stories show us how cultures adapt to and/or struggle against the natural world and conflicts between culture.

Storytelling is fundamental to the human experience. In this class, we’ll explore all the fun (and sometimes creepy) stories in and around all of the Americas. 

Computer Science

Are you interested in learning more about how a video game works? Are you interested in writing a computer program of your own?

Well, then Computer Science is for you. In this class we will learn how to write code. We will learn more about computers and how to make things on the screen move. 

Art for the Community

Students will be making jewelry for charity and making art for the school. Students will create proposals and present their proposals for their art to fill some space in the cafeteria.

Current Events

Students will learn about things happening in the world right now. We will talk about the news, like what’s on TV or the internet, and we will learn about important events, like big changes in different countries or new things happening in science and technology. It’s like staying updated on what’s going on around you and understanding how it can affect the world.

Beading with ya boy, Baatz

Students will enjoy a quiet and calm atmosphere and will be creating beaded necklaces using seed beads.  We will build community and relationships amongst our peers within the class.  All materials will be provided.  

E-Sports Exploration

Come explore the world of E-sports.  

 

Book Club

Students get into groups and read a common book with other students and they have guided book club discussions/activities/projects to share.


 

Jazz Band

Semester Long Class

In our music ELO courses student musicians can experience a different genre of music in this class.  Jazz, Swing, Blues and Pop.  Jazz ensembles have the opportunity to perform at regular school concerts and some outside venues. This is a semester long class and students must concurrently be enrolled in a Preston Band, Choir or Orchestra ensemble.

Books and Tea

Do you love to read? Enjoy some time to read during the day. Then you will share about what you have read in some creative ways to let others know about the books you are enjoying! 

Jazz Orchestra

Semester Long Class

In our music ELO courses student musicians can experience a different genre of music in this class.  Jazz, Swing, Blues and Pop.  Jazz ensembles have the opportunity to perform at regular school concerts and some outside venues. This is a semester long class and students must concurrently be enrolled in a Preston Band, Choir or Orchestra ensemble.

Bullet Journaling

A bullet journal (or BuJo, for short) will help you get organized, make todo lists and maybe even help you relax! Think of it as part planner and part diary - but a fun way to do both. Instead of blank pages, we use lined pages. We will learn a new way to take notes, keep track of your life (goals, ideas, and schedules) and get creative. Your journal is what you want it to be. You will get out of this class what you put into it! Think of it as taking a diary to the next level! We might even sip some tea along the way!

 

Requirements: a lined notebook (composition size is best, but anything will do)

Optional materials: A variety of colored and creative writing utensils

Lawn Game Engineering

Do you like to build things?  Do you like to play outdoor lawn games?  Do you like to work with power tools?  If so, this is the class for you.  In this ELO we will build and play a variety of outdoor games. 

Chamber Orchestra Semester Long Class

Students experience varied and interesting repertoire featuring different skills than larger ensembles. Chamber provides students the opportunity to work and learn in a multi-level group that fosters learning and pushes students' musical abilities in varied avenues. Chamber orchestra performs at normal orchestra performances and additional opportunities are available.  This is a semester long class and students must concurrently be enrolled in a Preston Band, Choir or Orchestra ensemble.

Poetry Writing 

Students will be introduced to different types of poems and poetry skills and will write/present poems. They will create a poetry book by the end of the class.

Chess

In chess class we will take students of all levels. If you have no idea what the game is or how the pieces move, don't worry, we will take you! If you are a total pro, we will also find partners for you to play with and help you get better. In class we will solve puzzles, learn strategies, and play tournaments. We have everything you need to play so just show up ready to learn, get better, and play chess!

Puma Press

Are you interested in journalism, but didn't get into Yearbook or K-Paw? Do you wish Preston had something where we could know all the things that were going on around the school on a weekly basis? Well then, Puma Press is for you! We are going to be creating a bi-weekly school newspaper that will include articles on student interests and student profiles, the inside track on sports and activities, events going on in the community, and current events.

Climbing

This class is engaging and hands-on! We will have fun challenging ourselves to go to great heights!

Reader’s Theater

Lights! Camera! Action! Do you want to become a more fluent reader with a bit more pizazz? Consider joining Reader's Theater! Readers will read from a script and will work on reading to convey meaning using expressive voices, facial expressions, and gestures. This is a great skill that will help you carry fluency and confidence into other parts of your life.

Fly Fishing

Semester Long Class 

A semester-long class for students to learn how to correctly use a fly fishing rod, study and create insects in the trout/fish food chain by tying flies and learning about the equipment used.  

Real Skills: Healthy Snacks

Students will learn what constitutes a healthy snack, and will put that knowledge to work in the kitchen. They will learn a lot of new recipes and have the skills to make them at home.

Gardening With Your Gnomies

Developing a Puma Garden: building garden beds, planning the garden, exploring native species, building native animal habitats, tending the garden, practicing sustainability, etc.

Science Crafts

Use your creativity to design craft projects to demonstrate your learning about science concepts.

Give Next 

Year-long Class

Are you the type of person who is always looking for a way to make your world a better place? Well that is what Give Next is all about. Join other Pumas to help work with our local community non-profits, as well as the Bohemian Foundation, and make a difference right here in Northern Colorado. Give Next students decide on a cause to support, raise money throughout the year, visit with local nonprofits about community issues, and decide to grant funds to those in need. This is a year long club, but if you have to move out or in at semester, that can be arranged.

Science Olympiad

Jazz Choir

Semester Long Class

In our music ELO courses student musicians can experience a different genre of music in this class.  Jazz, Swing, Blues and Pop.  Jazz ensembles have the opportunity to perform at regular school concerts and some outside venues. This is a semester long class and students must concurrently be enrolled in a Preston Band, Choir or Orchestra ensemble.

Sports and Games

In this class you will be spending the entire period playing a variety of team and individual sports.  Come prepared to be active and engaged!  

Knitting

In this class you will learn the basic knitting stitches of casting on, knit, purl, and yarn over. By the end of the quarter, you will have the skills to knit a small project like a coaster or washcloth. Students who already know how to knit are also welcome and can learn how to read a pattern. Supplies are available from the knitting library.

Strategy Games and Design

Move beyond just playing games, and start designing your own! In this class, we study some classic strategy games to discover what skills go into the game play. Then using critical thinking, communication, math, as well as art and design - you will develop your own strategy game to be play tested by your peers. 

KPAW

Do you like audio and video technology? Do you like recording yourself doing goofy things? Does the idea of being seen by the whole school sound exciting? If you said yes, then KPAW is the class for you! Join Mr. Edler as you prepare the daily announcements and create crazy videos in the quarter long class.

Study Hall

Feeling stressed? Too much homework? Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to get your work done in a timely manner and stress-free setting. You will have all the resources that you need because you’re able to work at school instead of home. Also, you’ll be able to read after your work is done. How cool is that?! Your teacher will do daily check-ins with you to make sure you’re not missing anything. Wow! What an opportunity! Your parents and teachers will be SO proud of you. Study hall, give it a try 😊

Legends & Lore: Monsters

When it comes to mythology, what is one thing that cultures across the world have in common? Monsters, villains, and the stories to explain the things that have scared or confused people for thousands of years. Dig into the monsters of various mythologies - learn about their physical and supernatural qualities, as well as the bigger idea they represent.

Traut Buddies

Be a role model and head to Traut elementary School to mentor younger students.  We will do everything from play games, do art, read books, etc.  

Lit Society

If you love reading, this is the class for you! Join our society of literature lovers as we read books, talk about books, and enjoy occasional book-themed snacks!

Ultimate Frisbee

Psychology of the Brain

In Psychology of the Brain we will explore how your brain works and makes you who you are! We will learn about brain structure and development, personality, dreams, social influences, effects of stress, and even criminal psychology!

Under the Sea

Learn about the ocean and the living things that call it home

Real Skills: Healthy Snacks

Students will learn what constitutes a healthy snack, and will put that knowledge to work in the kitchen. They will learn a lot of new recipes and have the skills to make them at home.

Rhyming Raven

In this class, you will learn to become a better poet and share it in a variety of ways. The Rhyming Raven is a fusion of writing, performance, and artistic expression; if you like creative outlets and are even the tiniest bit brave, this class could leave a meaningful mark on your middle school experience!

Science Olympiad

Soccer

Soccer or futbol? Either or both! In Soccer Class, we get after it! We’ll use this time to get better as players of the beautiful game and, of course, to have fun! Be prepared to play outside everyday that you come to school–rain or shine!

Sports and Games

In this class you will be spending the entire period playing a variety of team and individual sports.  Come prepared to be active and engaged!  

Study Hall

Feeling stressed? Too much homework? Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to get your work done in a timely manner and stress-free setting. You will have all the resources that you need because you’re able to work at school instead of home. Also, you’ll be able to read after your work is done. How cool is that?! Your teacher will do daily check-ins with you to make sure you’re not missing anything. Wow! What an opportunity! Your parents and teachers will be SO proud of you. Study hall, give it a try 😊

Surviving in the Wilderness

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the great outdoors? In this class you will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare yourself for the unexpected in nature. It’s survival of the fittest!

Virtual Reality

Learn the basics for developing your own Virtual Reality (VR) games and experiences in this 3rd-period ELO class. In this class, you'll learn how to use the Unity video game development tools and how to add all the base VR mechanics and interactions to create and test a room-scale Job Simulator type of VR experience.  Students will use our Media Center's VR equipment for play testing their creations in VR!

Volleyball

Volleyball we build our skills through games, drills, and challenges. All are welcome, regardless of your skill level. See you there!

Weights

Beginning weight training.  We will go over techniques, form, safety, and background information.  Students will learn how to create and implement a weight training program.  Students will learn the basic principles of weight training in order to create their own program. 

Yoga

Looking for a way to improve focus, memory, self-esteem, academic performance, and even reduce anxiety and stress? Yoga can help you do just that! This will be a calm, quiet and safe space where we come together as yogis and do vinyasa yoga flows as a way to re-center during our busy school days. You don't need any yoga experience to join, we welcome all levels.

PSD does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, age or disability in access or admission to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. A lack of English speaking skills will not be a barrier to admission or participation.