Choral singing is ultimately a very human and communal endeavor. Creating music with a group of singers is an experience that brings students together and helps them better understand their own emotions. Singing in our choir teaches children not only music skills and theory, but collaborative skills, and emotional intelligence. Choir teachers at WSD work pointedly to explore the emotional gamut with their song selections and musical experiences. These experiences culminate in a concert at the end of the term.

Prerequisites: none.

Schedule: Students grades 6-8 would join us for the semester on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:15-2:00.

Investment: $600 for tuition plus $15 for supplies.

In 6th grade, children learn basic hand sewing, and know how to turn a 2-dimensional image of an animal into a 3-dimensional stuffed toy. In 7th grade, we continue to develop skills in hand sewing, and also learn some embroidery. Projects vary but can include slippers and other clothing, decorative items and dolls. In 8th grade we learn to use a sewing machine. We begin with a patchwork pillow and then move on to pajama pants.

Prerequisites: none

Schedule: Grades 6 & 7 meet from 8:30-9:15 on Mondays and Wednesdays. 8th grade does handwork on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:15-10:00.

Investment: $600 tuition plus $15 for supplies.

The goal in teaching the young musician is to nurture a love for the art of music that will last a lifetime. The middle school string orchestra is for the young musician who has had a few years of playing experience, but is newer to the orchestral environment.  We work on learning to play together as an ensemble: following the conductor, and listening to ourselves and to one another.  Students learn to collaborate, challenge and support one another, as they “find their own voice” through their instruments. A variety of musical styles are chosen from different countries and composers, helping to encourage global awareness.  Music theory is discussed to support each piece culminating in a performance at the end of the semester.

Prerequisites: This ensemble requires that you have a couple years playing experience, have basic note reading skills.

C, G, D scales (know the finger patterns for those keys).

Late Suzuki book 1 progression at a minimum, or equivalent.

Understanding counting/rhythm through sixteenth notes.

Note that all of the above skills are taught and reinforced in Orchestra, but are approached as an ensemble, which will be new and more challenging for students.

Schedule: Grades 6-8 study orchestra on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:15-2:15.

Investment: $600 tuition plus a $15 supply fee. Please note this does not cover possible field trips or instrument rental. Those expenses would be incurred in addition to tuition and supplies.

In Middle school, we are in need of moving our bodies to help manage our focus and mood. Utilizing our full 5 acre property of the woods and the “bowl”, we explore different scenery in relationship with the seasons. Our focus on team oriented games strengthens bonds between the children while challenging them. Our approach is a blend of traditional field games (10 ball, capture the flag) mixed with a variety of story inspired Waldorf games. This is our second year introducing Archery through the NASP curriculum in Fall /Spring. This class fosters self-confidence  while encouraging respect for yourself and each other.

Prerequisites: none.

Schedule: Physical Education (Games) is offered Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00 2:45 for grades 6-8.

Investment: $600 for tuition. There is no supply fee for this offering.

Spanish class in the middle school years is an exciting time! The curriculum builds on the knowledge acquired during previous years by incorporating more grammar, spelling and conversation skills. We take time to work in tandem with classroom teachers in order to incorporate topics that are being covered during the main lesson into Spanish classes. Additionally, we take time to work on the history, myths and legends of various cultures throughout Central and South America; as well as understanding the link these carry to Spain.

Prerequisites: An introduction to Spanish is strongly encouraged, but please note that if you are a fluent speaker, this may not be the most appropriate offering (unless your main goal is practice rather than expanding knowledge/understanding).

Schedule: Grades 6 & 7 study Spanish Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:15-10:00. 8th grade studies Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30-9:15.

Investment: $600 for tuition plus a $15 supply fee.

Yoga in middle school follows the MBM approach of mindfulness, breath, and movement. We start to practice the full curated movements of Sun Salutations A and B. Mats are in a circle formation promoting togetherness and community. Starting with beginner movements, we build over time more balance and advanced expressions. Yoga games and partner poses are woven into each class.

Prerequisites: none.

Schedule: Yoga is offered for grades 6-8 on Fridays from 1:15-2:00

Investment: $300 tuition, no supply fee.

Students grades 6-8 may join us for in the morning from 8:30-10:00 to study Spanish and Handwork 2 days each week for the entire semester. See Spanish and Handwork sections for details and prerequisites.

Schedule:

Grades 6 & 7 study Handwork 8:30-9:15 followed by Spanish from 9:15-10:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Grade 8 studies Spanish from 8:30-9:15 and then moves to Handwork from 9:15- 10:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Investment: $1080 plus a $30 supply fee. This is a $120 savings over choosing these classes a la carte.

Students may join us 2 days/week during the afternoon to study choir and games for the entire semester. See a-la-carte offerings for descriptions and prerequisites.

Schedule: Grades 6-8 meet on Mondays and Wednesdays for Choir 1:15-2:00 and Games 2:00-2:45.

Investment: $800 plus a $30 supply fee. This is a savings of $100 over selecting the courses via a la carte options.

Students may join us 4 days/week during the afternoon to study choir, games, and orchestra for the entire semester. See a-la-carte offerings for descriptions and prerequisites.

Schedule: Grades 6-8

Monday: Choir 1:15-2:00, Games 2:00-2:45

Tuesday: Orchestra 1:15-2:15

Wednesday: Choir 1:15-2:00, Games 2:00-2:45

Thursday: Orchestra 1:15-2:15

Investment: $1530 plus a $30 supply fee. This is a savings of $270 over selecting the courses via a la carte options.

Students may join us 5 days/week during the afternoon to study choir, games, yoga, orchestra, and advanced orchestra for the entire semester. See a-la-carte offerings for descriptions and prerequisites.

Note that any student registering for this package must also be able to participate in Advanced Ensemble Please see Orchestra for more details and prerequisites.

Schedule: Grades 6-8

Monday: Choir 1:15-2:00, Games 2:00-2:45

Tuesday: Combined Orchestra 1:15-2:15, Advanced Orchestra 2:15-2:50

Wednesday: Choir 1:15-2:00, Games 2:00-2:45

Thursday: Combined Orchestra 1:15-2:15, Advanced Orchestra 2:15-2:50

Friday: Yoga 1:15-2:00

Investment: $2150. This package is a value of $2650, but being offered as a package for $2150 plus a $30 supply fee. This is a savings of $500 over selecting the courses via a la carte options.

This offering is for grades 6-8 and students in this package will be in both, Combined AND Advanced Orchestra.

The goal in teaching the young musician is to nurture a love for the art of music that will last a lifetime. The middle school string orchestra is for the young musician who has had a few years of playing experience, but is newer to the orchestral environment.  We work on learning to play together as an ensemble: following the conductor, and listening to ourselves and to one another.  Students learn to collaborate, challenge and support one another, as they “find their own voice” through their instruments. A variety of musical styles are chosen from different countries and composers, helping to encourage global awareness.  Music theory is discussed to support each piece culminating in a performance at the end of the semester.

Prerequisites:

Strong note reading, Two-octave scales up to 3 sharps, and 2 flats (know the finger patterns for those keys)

Suzuki book 2-3 progression or equivalent.

Understanding counting/rhythm through sixteenth notes.

All of the above skills are taught and reinforced in Orchestra, but are approached as an ensemble, which will be new and more challenging for students.

Schedule: Grades 6-8 study advanced orchestra on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15-2:50.

Investment: $1,000 tuition plus a 15 supply fee. This is a savings of $200. Please note this does not cover possible field trips or instrument rental. Those expenses would be incurred in addition to tuition and supplies.