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Summer Programs NMH Summer Session

Middle School Program Minor Courses

These minor courses are for students in the Middle School Program or for English as a Second Language students who are entering grades 7—9. (Note: ESL students who are 15 and entering grade 9 choose minor courses and sports from the College Prep Program offerings.)

Minor courses meet for 1.5 hours, four afternoons a week—Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. All work is conducted in class, and there is no assigned homework.

Students enrolled in Algebra I have additional class sessions during the first half of the afternoon. These students have the choice of taking either a Middle School Program minor course or a College Prep Program sport during the second half of the afternoon. Students in Algebra I who wish to take a minor course must list three choices from the Middle School Program offerings; those wishing to take a sport must list three choices from the College Prep sports offerings.

All other students participating in the Middle School Program or English as a Second Language are required to take a minor course and sport. Certain minor courses may fill quickly, so please be sure to list three choices on your Application for Admission.

Art Studio
This course provides a basic introduction to drawing, painting, papier-mâché, clay, and wire. It also explores color theory, perspective, and composition. Materials fee: $50.

Computer-based Presentation
The focus of this course is on developing high-quality presentations using software such as PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop. In addition to learning the technical elements of various software programs, students develop their own presentation skills, so that each final product is a well-coordinated blend of a polished computer project and an effective personal delivery of the presentation to their peer audience.

Creating With Multimedia
This course has an emphasis on digital media work, developing skills in digital photography and video. Students use programs such as Photoshop, IMovie, and IPhoto to edit photos, create slideshows, and product short videos. Students should bring their own digital camera.

Drama
Students explore theater “games,” improvisation, and mime. They practice presenting monologues and evaluate each other on these presentations. In the final weeks, they prepare a production to be presented to the community at the end of the session.

English as a Second Language
For students taking ESL as their morning major class, this course is designed to provide additional instruction and practice in English, using activities, games, video production, and discussions.

Guitar
This course is designed for both beginning and experienced guitarists. Emphasis is placed on basic chord progressions, plectrum and finger-style techniques, and reading skills. Students who wish to pursue interests of their own have the opportunity to do so. Students provide their own acoustic or electric guitars. (Guitars may be rented from a local music store for approximately $75 for the session.) Individual guitar lessons also are available.

Reading and Study Skills
This course offers practice in effective reading techniques: previewing, skimming, finding the main idea and supporting details, understanding vocabulary through context, and recognizing signals of the author. Literal and critical comprehension skills are strengthened through daily reading and discussions of fictional pieces and newspaper and magazine articles.