Course Request Process

Cougar Mountain Middle School
Year-long Electives - SY 2025-2026

Elective Course Descriptions

Overview of the Music Programs at CMMS

Band, Choir and Orchestra are progressive programs. Each year of instruction builds upon the previous year. 6^th grade is the best time to get involved.

MusicFirst is an online program provided for free by the district to all Issaquah music students. This program includes software selected by each teacher such as Focus on Sound, Sight Reading Factory, Noteflight, Practice First, Auralia and Soundation. Each student will have a subscription and can access MusicFirst from any computer.

Jazz Band is an extracurricular ensemble open to any 2^nd or 3^rd year music student at CMMS. Other unenrolled or less experienced musicians may join the jazz band with an audition and upon approval by the director. Standard instrumentation for jazz band includes alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, trombone, vibraphone, piano, auxiliary percussion, drum set, guitar, bass guitar, double bass, however all motivated students interested in playing jazz and jazz-adjacent styles such as funk/rock/pop are encouraged to join. This ensemble includes three concerts, one evening jazz festival performance at LHS, one field trip, and other performances as assigned.

If you have any further questions about the Cougar Mountain Music programs, please email us or give us a call for an appointment. Email is best.

Jana Dalpez – Orchestra - dalpezj@issaquah.wednet.edu - 425-837-6745
Karen Lee – Choir - leek@issaquah.wednet.edu - 425-837-6760
Becky Swanson - Band – swansonr@issaquah.wednet.edu- 425-837-6744

 

String Orchestra Courses – Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

Intermediate and Advanced classes are subject to teacher approval based on year(s) of experience.

Beginning Orchestra (KC300)

No previous experience is necessary to join beginning orchestra which meets every day. We have three evening concerts per year. Recommended practice time is 15-30 minutes per day, with 1-2 days off per week. If students are rehearsing in class and practicing at home, they will be successful. Our method book comes with a practice studio tool to download and use. Students play test material during class.

Intermediate Orchestra (KC302)

This course is designed for students with fundamental bowed string instrument skills and with standard string instrument skills to continue to refine their techniques and learn new techniques. Students improve those skills and learn new techniques such as new scales, rhythms and bowing styles. Intermediate orchestra students meet each day and have the same requirements as beginning orchestra students. Intermediate orchestra consists of students with at least one year of experience playing their instruments.

Advanced Orchestra (KC308)

This course is designed for students with standard string instrument skills to continue to refine their techniques and learn new techniques. Students develop those skills and learn new techniques such as new scales, rhythms and bowing styles. Advanced orchestra students meet each day and have the same requirements as beginning orchestra students. Advanced orchestra consists of students with at least two years of experience playing their instruments. Students travel to Timber Ridge for performances and participate in our Eastshore Region Orchestra Festival in the spring. Advanced Orchestra has additional evening performances for 5^th grade welcome night, 8^th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, etc.

Band Courses – Brass, Woodwinds and Percussion

Intermediate and Advanced classes are subject to teacher approval based on year(s) of experience.

Beginning Band (KC102)

This band class is designed for students who will begin instruction on flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, or percussion. This first year of middle school band focuses on music reading, the playing of music parts independently, and the development of good musical technique and ensemble skills. This course includes three or more concerts and other performances as assigned.

Intermediate Band (KC112)

This band class is designed for intermediate level musicians, continuing on after taking beginning band for one school year. Students will continue instruction on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba and percussion. This course includes three or more concerts, one pep band game at LHS, the option to audition for Junior All-State, the option to represent Cougar Mountain at Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Festival, and other performances as assigned.

Advanced Band (KC121)

This band class is designed for advanced level musicians, continuing on after taking beginning band and intermediate band for one school year each. Students will continue instruction on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba and percussion. This course includes three or more concerts, two pep band games--one at IHS and LHS--one field trip, the option to audition for Junior All-State, the option to represent Cougar Mountain at Eastshore Solo and Ensemble Festival, and other performances as assigned.

Chorus

Chorus 6 (KC200) - 6^th

No previous singing experience is necessary to be part of the CMMS 6^th Grade Choir, which meets every day. We work on vocal production, tonal blend, diction, breath support, and ensemble unity to create beautiful choral music. Music is chosen from a wide variety of styles, so you are introduced to many types of songs – all fun to sing! Students also gain a working knowledge of music theory, through rehearsing our songs and by utilizing MusicFirst and Sight-Reading Factory, which are digital programs provided by our district. We have four traditional concerts from October to June along with our 7^th/8^th Grade Choir. In the second half of the year, there are additional opportunities to sing with both Issaquah High School and Liberty High School!

Chorus (KC201) - 7^th / 8^th

In 7^th and 8^th grade, our CMMS 7^th/8^th Grade Choir continues the work we have started from 6^th grade choirs, with more complex pieces and performance opportunities. While familiarity with written music is not a prerequisite, it is very helpful if students have been in choir as a 6th grader, as our rehearsals do proceed at a quicker pace and there is more music to cover. We perform with the 6th grade choir in the same concert season, attend the Eastshore Region Choral Festival, and have additional opportunities to sing with both Issaquah High School and Liberty High School!

World Language

Spanish (FO310) – 8^th grade ONLY

First year high school level Spanish class. Students will focus on listening comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking. Students will explore the various cultures that speak Spanish natively. This class is the equivalent of Spanish 1 at the high schools and is offered as a potential high school credit. It is recommended that students have a B or above in all three trimesters of 7^th grade Language Arts to register for this course. They should also have excellent study habits, commit to daily homework and vocabulary memorization.

Yearbook

Yearbook (KY100) - 7^th /8^th – Application only

Yearbook is a collaborative journalism class. Students work to learn all aspects of publishing which includes accurate reporting and writing, effective photography and design, fair and equal representation, and professional communication skills. Attention will be paid to copyright laws and publishing deadlines. Students will demonstrate their skills via publishing a school newspaper and the annual Yearbook. Participants are expected to attend events outside the school day to obtain photos for publication. During the course request process (CRP), add the trimester code KY100A. If your application is approved, you will be manually scheduled for the whole year.

Leadership (ASB)

Advanced Leadership - (KA504) - Application only

This year-long option is for 8^th grade students and 7^th grade elected/appointed ASB officers. This Leadership class is a unique opportunity to be part of a group that helps to set the tone at school. Leadership students influence school climate, promote spirit, and build a sense of community. This class offers a chance to plan and implement social events, fundraisers, spirit days, lunchtime activities, school wide themes, service projects, assemblies, press releases, and much more. During the course request process (CRP), add the trimester code KA504A. If your application is approved, you will be manually scheduled for the whole year.

Academic Support Classes

Study Skills (KK100 / KK101)

In this year-long elective class, students are guided through developing study skills to improve academic and work performance. They are provided instruction (through mini lessons) on topics such as time management, organization, memory, self-advocacy, reading, writing, note taking, critical thinking, test taking and researching. Students have the opportunity to work with adults (teacher, para) to better understand their homework assignments and challenging concepts. This is for students who need academic or organizational help, not just quiet work time. This support class requires teacher and counselor input.

Read 180 (KL500)

Read 180 is a program used national-wide and one of only two reading programs proven to raise students’ reading achievements. With a small class size, Read 180 uses cutting-edge technology to deliver individualized reading and writing instruction for each student, and through all aspects of the program students received valuable instruction and practice with essential reading/writing skills and strategies. This class uses Read 180 Universal, an innovative learning program and curriculum that is built to ensure that all readers are on track to college, career, and beyond.

Multilingual Language Learners (MLL)

English Language Development (KE600 / KE601 / KE602)

In the middle school ELL program, a certificated teacher teaches the English Language Development class for MLL students. This class works to build student proficiency in academic language, helping students access the core curriculum throughout the rest of their day. These classes focus on oral language development, explicit instruction in the structure of the English language, and academic language development through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They may also support the student in their core classroom work. Some middle schools also provide after-school support for MLL students.

Cougar Mountain Middle School
Trimester Electives and PE/Health Classes - SY 2025-2026

Elective Course Descriptions

For 6^th Grade

The following courses will be scheduled as part of the trimester block.

Exploratory Art (KAX060)

This choice-based art course is designed to give students a wide variety of art experiences, including step-by-step drawing, painting, printmaking, crafts, and sculpture. Students will be introduced to many techniques and produce art in a variety of media. Students will learn methods on how to generate their own ideas for self-guided art projects. (Fee: TBD)

Introduction to Drama (KID060)

This is an introductory drama course designed to give students the opportunity to be creative, become comfortable speaking in a group and explore the workings of a play production. Students will learn theater terminology, voice projection and stage movement through pantomime, improvisation, and skits. At the end of the trimester, students will perform a short play in class.

Introduction to Leadership (KLI060)

This course focuses on building skills in communication, group processes, managerial, self-awareness, human relations, and project planning. Students will learn about parliamentary procedure and how ASB meetings are run and practice the skills to plan whole-school activities supporting the ASB Leadership class.

For 7^th/8^th Grade

Advanced Leadership - (KA504)

Leadership class is a unique opportunity to be part of a group that helps to set the tone at school. Leadership students influence school climate, promote spirit, and build a sense of community. This trimester long class offers a chance to plan and implement socials, fundraisers, spirit days, lunchtime activities, school wide themes, service projects, assemblies, press releases, and much more. 8^th grade students are required to submit an application and are expected to take this class all year long. During the course request process (CRP), add the trimester code KA504A. If your application is approved, you will be manually scheduled for the whole year.

Automation & Robotics (KRA078)

Students in this class will trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. You will learn about mechanical systems and different types of mechanisms, energy transfer, machine automation and computer programming of robotic systems. Students will use robust robotics kits to design, build and program robotic solutions to solve existing problems. Each kit contains over 1800 parts that the students will use to build their robotics projects from scratch.

Computer Science Discoveries: Game Design (KIN102)

Students create interactive games and animations while learning basic coding concepts through a visual, block-based programming or JavaScript on Code.Org, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills while introducing the fundamentals of game development.

Design and Modeling (KDM078)

In this pre-engineering elective class, students are introduced to the Design Process. This process will be used to solve problems and understand the influence that creative design has on our lives. Students will also learn to use industry standard 3D Modeling software to create virtual models of their designs and keep an Engineering Notebook and Electronic Portfolio to document and showcase their solutions. The students will also use a 3D printer to make a physical prototype of one of their 3D designs. There are many additional hands-on activities in the course that teach students measurement and introductory drafting techniques

Fiber Arts (KAF678)

This choice-based art course is designed to give students a wide variety of art experiences with a textile and fiber arts focus. Students will learn techniques to weave, felt, hand stitch, sew on the sewing machine, dye fibers, and explore fashion design. Students will learn methods on how to generate their own ideas for self-guided art projects and utilize the art classroom as their studio. Working either collaboratively or independently, students will enhance their artmaking skills with thematic units throughout the course. No experience is necessary but taking Exploratory Art as a prerequisite is encouraged. (Fee: TBD)

Peer Partner TA (KTA271) – Application required and for 8^th graders only – will show as Peer Model TA in schedule

The main job of a peer partner is to model exemplary social skills and behavior for students in Life Skills, Adaptive Skills, and inclusive classrooms. Peer partners will be held to high expectations, both inside and outside of the classroom. In this class, peer partners will be positive role models and learn and practice advocacy skills. Peer partners will have the opportunity to learn to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Some of the activities include being a reading partner, cooking, playing games, and facilitating peer connections in the greater CMMS community. Peer partners will have regular class assignments and receive a grade based on participation, engagement with peers, and assigned classwork.

Sculpture & 3D Art (KS3078)

This choice-based art course is designed to give students a wide variety of art experiences with a sculpture and 3D focus. Students will learn additive sculptural techniques to produce art in a variety of media including CLAY, papier mâché, cardboard, paper, jewelry, found objects, and wire. Students will learn methods on how to generate their own ideas for self-guided art projects and utilize the art classroom as their studio. Working either collaboratively or independently, students will enhance their artmaking skills with thematic units throughout the course. No experience is necessary but taking Exploratory Art as a prerequisite is encouraged. (Fee: TBD)

STEM-Advanced Robotics and Automation 2 (KRA278)
Offered Spring Trimester Only – Required Prerequisite Class - Automation and Robotics (KRA078)

This class is a continuation of the concepts covered in Automation & Robotics I, focusing on using the VEX Robotics kits to solve problems in mechanics and programming. Course projects include student teams creating an assembly line that includes seven different work cells and building and programming a 4-wheeled ClawBot. Additional challenge projects will be introduced to students to solve over the course of the trimester and include concepts in advanced coding (loops and decision trees) as well as advanced motion and mechanisms.

Visual Arts (KVA678)

This choice-based art class explores how art serves as a powerful tool for expressing ideas, telling stories, enriching communities, and addressing real world challenges. Working both collaboratively and independently, students will utilize digital and mixed media to bring their creative ideas to life, encouraging them to create with purpose while enhancing their artistic communication skills. No experience is necessary but taking Exploratory Art as a prerequisite is encouraged. (Fee: TBD)

PE and Health Classes

Health 6 (KHL061)

Students enrolled in this course will learn basic principles of Hygiene and Wellness - Social and Emotional Health, Tobacco Awareness, basics of Bones and Muscles, Nutrition, and district approved FLASH curriculum. Students will have multiple opportunities to work in groups and individually to develop work habits that help to create an interest in Health topics for a lifetime.

Health 7 (KHL071)

Students enrolled in this course will learn principles of Illness and Disease, Alcohol Awareness, basics of the Cardiovascular and Nervous systems, Social and Emotional Health, a more detailed look at Nutrition, and district approved FLASH curriculum. Students will have multiple opportunities to work in groups and individually to develop work habits that help to create an interest in Health topics for a lifetime.

Health 8 (KHL081)

Students enrolled in this course will learn more detailed information on Wellness- Social and Emotional Health, Illicit Drug Awareness, basics of Safety (First Aid and Home safety), Nutrition and Digestive Systems, and district approved FLASH curriculum. Students will have multiple opportunities to work in groups and individually to develop work habits that help to create an interest in Health topics for a lifetime.

Independent Health 8 (KHL100C) / Independent PE 8 (KPE998) - Will be added in Tri 3 schedule

Incoming 8th grade students who would like to enroll in two full-year electives must obtain a health credit outside of the regularly scheduled school day and fulfill a Physical Education class requirement. Full-year electives that qualify for this exception are Band, Chorus, and Orchestra, providing this is not the student’s first year in a music elective. Foreign Language, Yearbook, and full year elected, or appointed officer positions also meet this requirement. (Fee: $130)

Physical Education 6 (KPE061 & KPE062)

Students enrolled in this course can expect to spend the majority of their time learning fundamentals of sports, game play, fitness, Yoga, etc. to prepare them to pursue fitness for a lifetime. Students will be building on the 5 Components of Fitness every week.

Physical Education 7 (KPE071 & KPE072) / Physical Education 8 (KPE081 & KPE082)

Students enrolled in this course can expect to participate in activities that promote fitness for a lifetime. Students will have multiple opportunities for Games, Fitness, Yoga, etc. Sports in this course are meant to give a general understanding of how to play where competition will be at a recreational level.