Enrichment Descriptions                                                                                                    Updated Aug. 2017
Academic Support  - Priority given to students assigned to this class by teachers based on need. Could you benefit from additional time and assistance in your academics to help you succeed? You must use the time wisely in order to remain in the class. Homework and skill help.  Access to online programs for those who need.
Visual Arts & Design  - Bring your creativity and love of art to this hands-on experience. We will experiment with a variety of basic media and techniques to create visual artwork. We will explore the elements of art and principles of design through the imagination of the individual artists. Come with a willingness to open your mind and heart to the vast world of art. Materials cost per student - $15.
3D Art /Pottery  - Three-dimensional design and artwork using various media such as paper, cloth, and ceramics. Pottery techniques include pinch pot, coil, and slab.  Pieces will be fired in the kiln.  Materials cost per student - $15.
Community Art   “Be the change.” Seeking innovative, hardworking students to work on a school art project.  The public display of your work will be enjoyed for generations and your art studies will generate funds to keep the arts alive at our school. Do something great for your community and earn service hours while you’re at it.
Culinary - Learn some cooking basics, including stove-top and baked goods recipes.  The focus of the class is eating healthy and delicious meals and snacks. Materials cost per student - $15.
Drama - To Be or Not to Be...The fun thing about drama is that you learn and practice being all sorts of characters.  This class will focus on developing basic dramatic skills through drama games, skits and possibly a talent show.  Included in this class are singing (karaoke anyone?) and public speaking.
Gardening - Seeking innovative, hardworking, students to plan and organize a critter party at the garden resort that you design. Let’s talk about the birds and the butterflies. Invite some worms and bees, and let the party begin! Your guests will dine on some of the best organic delicacies in town as they lounge under the sun by your crystal clear waterfall. Break out your tools and get ready to build a four star insect hotel, bird penthouse or worm bungalow. Do something great for your community and earn service hours while you’re at it.
Genius Hour - Make your own learning adventure by choosing the topics you want to research and the method(s) you will use to share your learning.  Bring your questions and your curiosity!
Innovative and Creative PE – Get creative and fulfill your own personal journey through sport. Get inspired with legendary movies and stories relevant to various sports or dance. Learn how to become a fan by gaining knowledge for scoring, statistics and strategies. Have fun with games that enhance your brain as well as your small motor skills. Invent and come up with a game. Make the game into whatever you want it to be!!!
Maker Class - Do you enjoy working with your hands as well as your mind? Are you interested in thinking about possibilities and what-ifs? Do you want to challenge yourself to think 3-dimensionally, electronically, and/or in a non-electronic multi-media way? If so, check out the new Maker Class! We will explore all kinds of things we can make – simple circuit boards (soldering included), wooden projects (use of tools included), 3-D design with non-electronic multi-media (such as ceramics, cloth, paper, metal...), inventions, contraptions and the not-yet imagined.  Bring your ideas! Materials cost per student - $15.
Minecraft -  Are you creative and love computers? Would you love to build a virtual world? If so, then the new Minecraft class is where you want to be! Minecraft is an interactive building block game for computers that lets you create and build a whole world of your own. You will be challenged to design structures and worlds, which will get your creative minds flowing! Work and strategize with your classmates. You do not need prior experience with Minecraft to take this class. Prerequisite: Maintain passing grades to take and remain in the class.
Multimedia / Animation Presentations/ Program Coding - Image scanners……digital cameras…..digital projectors……the Internet… iMovie…… .GarageBand……Animation….. Webpages……. Blogs…… Google Docs and Apps…Explore and use these depending on your interest or use coding to create your own webpage or app.  All of these can be used for your personal use or to make your next project more interesting and fun to present!  Students will present their trimester projects to the class.
Odyssey of the Mind (A 2 TRIMESTER COMMITMENT) -  Students will work in groups to design a project that meets the Odyssey of the Mind middle school challenge for this year.  Odyssey of the Mind describes themselves: “The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process.”  If you enjoy working with others to solve problems/challenges, this enrichment could be for you.  The goal is to send one or more teams to the competition to display their work.
Physical Education / Fitness  - Team sports, exercise and modified games.
Robotics  - Design and use Legos, Robotic motors, and computer programming to build vehicles and compete with each other.
Student Leadership -Students work in committees to plan school activities, fundraisers, community outreach projects, and Snack Shack. They will also act as advisors to the principal regarding student issues and activities. Should be responsible, creative, and committed individuals as well as hard workers.  Community Service earned for many activities. Prerequisite:  Pass all classes on last report card with a “C“or better and maintain passing grades to remain in the class.
Yearbook (Trimester 2 only) – Interested in yearbook design? Do you have an eye for design?  Let’s design the POCS yearbook! It will include information about student and school activities, student resources, and other ideas you may have. Will include photography, social media, and other student generated projects.
Yoga - Yoga is tremendously beneficial to the healthy development of teens.   This yoga class encourages students to relax and have fun while they develop not only strength, coordination, flexibility and balance, but also body awareness, better focus and concentration, and self-confidence. We will practice breathing exercises, flowing sequences, balancing poses, yoga games, and relaxation while building a healthy relationship with your body.  No prior experience is necessary.  
20% Time  - Want a class where you can earn community service while doing something you love? Check out the 20% time class! Explore your passions and collaborate with friends to make your great ideas a reality. You will have to document and present your learning, but you'll get to work on something you want to work on, solve problems, help others, and feel good about making a positive impact on the world.
Teacher Assistant - Assist classroom teachers at POCS or Jack London Elementary with clerical duties or small groups.  Assist in the library at Jack London Elementary.  Community service is earned at one hour per day for block schedule.  Prerequisite: Pass all classes on last report card with “C“or better and maintain passing grades to remain in the class.

**Scholarships are available for classes with material costs.