![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-5ff5c11aef22c4d8bb9fd5ae-44b47bae1ab4.jpg)
7th Grade Course Requests
for the 2024-2025 School Year
February 5 - February 19, 2024
To translate this newsletter, click the "Translate" link to the right. / Para traducir este boletín, haga clic en el enlace "Translate" a la derecha.
General Information
All student schedules will be managed through the PowerSchool Student and Parent Portals. Below are the quick steps to submit requests for your child's electives:
Login to PowerSchool beginning February 5, 2024.
In the left-hand column of quick links, click “Class Registration”.
If your child previously participated in the Instrumental Music program, you will see a request already entered to continue. Please contact the Band or Orchestra Directors if you are interested in joining the program.
If your child plans to participate in the 2-year Spanish program, select Spanish I in the second section. If your child previously took Spanish for Spanish Speakers, you will see a request already entered to continue.
In the Primary Electives section, select your child’s preferred elective courses. This can be a mixture of 1.0 (year-long), 0.5 (semester-long), and 0.25 (quarter-long) credit classes. We try our best to grant student requests but they cannot be guaranteed.
In the Alternates section, select one or two elective courses your child would be interested in if we are unable to meet their primary requests. Do not select any courses that you chose in the previous section.
To complete, click on “Submit” at the bottom of the screen.
Course requests must be completed by February 19, 2024, or your child’s courses will be selected for him or her.
Visit our video tutorial on how to complete course requests.
Questions? Email GeminiCourseHelp@emsd63.org.
Required Classes
All students will be automatically enrolled in:
English Language Arts
Math & STEAM
Social Studies
Science
Physical Education & Health
Advisory
Lunch
Elective Classes
We try our best to grant student requests but they cannot be guaranteed.
Select electives that add up to 2.0 credits.
Also, select 1 or 2 DIFFERENT electives if we cannot schedule your preferred elective.
American Sign Language 7
Credit: 0.5
American Sign Language is its own distinct language used by many deaf people. Learn and use basic sign language in small and large group settings along with learning about deaf culture. This course promotes language, culture, and acceptance.
Art 7
Credit: 0.5
Develop many of the mediums and concepts introduced in 6th grade art. This includes two and three-dimensional processes such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and hand-built ceramics.
Band 7
Credit: 1.0
Develop and enhance musical literacy, performance, composition skills and abilities of a specialized band instrument of choice. This course offers whole-band, small-like-instrument groups, and individualized instruction and practice. Instrument choices: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, or Percussion. Learn more by visiting our webpage.
Choir 7
Credit: 1.0
Explore your singing voice in this creative and collaborative class. You will develop the basics of singing, learn how to read sheet music, and perform many styles of music in large and small group settings. No singing experience is required. Learn more by visiting our webpage.
Creative Writing 7
Credit: 0.5
Explore a variety of genres of writing to enhance literacy skills and abilities using a writer’s workshop model to develop ideas and original pieces.
Dance 7
Credit: 0.5
Explore a variety of dance styles while building the beginning-intermediate skills of dance including improving technique, flexibility, poise, self-confidence, and creativity ability. Students will also have the opportunity to choreograph their dance pieces and improve their teamwork skills. This is a performance-based class, physical activity is required in this class. Students will perform in the annual Gemini Dance Concert.
Drama 7
Credit: 0.5
Want to be a star? Learn acting skills and increase your confidence on stage in Drama. We will do improv, scripted scenes, and theatre games as ways to improve your acting abilities. This is a performance-based class and you will perform for and with your classmates!
Drawing 7
Credit: 0.5
Develop two-dimensional art skills. Students will use traditional drawing techniques with an emphasis on accuracy and realism. Students will explore a variety of "drawing" materials and processes including perspective, still-life, and engraving.
Family & Consumer Science 7
Credit: 0.5
Explore a variety of subject areas that include: relationships, basic personal finance, consumerism, textiles, nutrition, and cooking.
Music 7
Credit: 0.5
Spend a semester studying a variety of musical topics which may include exploring musical genres and musicians, composing music using digital tools, and deepening one’s understanding of how to play the keyboard piano, ukulele, and/or guitar.
Orchestra 7
Credit: 1.0
Develop and enhance musical literacy, performance, and composition skills and abilities of a specialized string instrument of choice. This course offers a full-string orchestra, small like-instrument groups, and individualized instruction and practice. Instruments choices: Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass. Learn more by visiting our webpage.
Spanish 1 (7)
Credit: 1.0
Acquire the language of Spanish not by simply learning it through memorization, but rather develop reading and listening skills through storytelling, independent reading, and class novels. Also, develop writing and speaking through writing and discussions, weekend talks, calendar talks, quick writes, and interviews. In addition, explore culture through reading music, and videos in Spanish.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers 7
Credit: 1.0
Explore their language through a program that dives deeper into acquiring reading, writing, and speaking skills in Spanish. Please Note: This literacy-focused course is for students who already speak, read, and write in Spanish. Initially, the district qualifies students for this course and parents have to consent. If the course was taken in 6th grade, the student most likely qualifies for this course.
Technical Theater 7
Credit: 0.5
Technical Theatre is an introductory course, which explores the backstage world of theatre. Students will investigate several areas of production and implement the elements of a theatrical environment, including scenic design, lighting, costuming, make-up, and sound. Demonstrations and discussion will be an essential part of the class day, making appropriate student participation very important.
Wellness 7
Credit: 0.5
Learn and practice a variety of ways to show self-care, including yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, healthy living, and other strategies to reduce stress and increase physical and mental wellness.
February 5 - February 19, 2024
Gemini Social Media
- We encourage you to follow us on our website and social media, this is a great way to stay informed.
- Gemini Website
- Gemini Twitter @D63Gemini
- Gemini Instagram @geminid63
#hereatgemini
Email: gemini411@emsd63.org
Website: emsd63.org/gemini
Location: 8955 North Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-1181
Twitter: @D63Gemini