UPDATE: For information regarding COVID-19 Return to Learn plans, visit www.iowacityschools.org.  

NEW CLASSES FOR 2020-2021

AP Environmental Science students will investigate and explore the interrelationships of the natural world.  Students will analyze environmental concepts and problems both natural and human-made, evaluate the risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions for resolving or preventing these problems.  Emphasis will be placed on laboratory investigations, fieldwork, and current issues in environmental science. AP Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary course embracing topics from geology, biology, environmental studies, environmental science, chemistry, and geography.
GRADE LEVEL: 11‐12
CATEGORY: Science elective
PREREQUISITE: Biology is a prerequisite; Chemistry or Physical Science can be a corequisite
LENGTH:  1 Year

Personal Finance (Kirkwood CC Credit Course) is the process of planning spending, financing, and investing while implementing specific strategies and actions to optimize your financial circumstance and independence. This course is designed to explore the concepts of budgeting, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, financing, and investing while examining specific strategies and action steps related to each. Students will earn Kirkwood Community College Credit.
GRADE LEVEL: 11‐12
CATEGORY: Meets the Personal Finance Requirement
PREREQUISITE: 
LENGTH:  1 Trimester

French II Honors builds on the foundation begun in French I. Honors is for highly motivated students who have shown proficiency and talent in language learning and are interested in expanding their knowledge of the language and culture. This course is intended for students with a high level of self­ motivation . Emphasis on communication with necessary grammar and vocabulary continues. The class expands the students ' knowledge of the French language and French culture. Grammar study is expanded to help the student learn to use the language . A variety of everyday situations allows the student to practice the language skills. Audio and video recordings are used to enrich the learning experience. Areas of emphasis and AP skill building include: pronunciation, vocabulary, cultural capsules, idiomatic phrases, regular and irregular verbs in the present, past and immediate future tenses, grammar structures including object pronouns, comparisons of adjectives and adverbs, uses of the infinitive, foods and cooking, geography, short stories and plays. Students may elect French III or French III Honors after this course. Students must pass each trimester in order to continue to the next trimester or level of language study. Students must have a passing grade at the end of each trimester in order to continue to the next trimester or level of language study.
GRADE LEVEL: 9‐12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French I and teacher recommendation
LENGTH:  1 Year

French III Honors is for highly motivated students who have demonstrated an ability to acquire language quickly and intend to improve and expand their skills. French III Honors reviews previously learned skills, expands vocabulary and introduces more complex language and their use. Students improve their language proficiency and broaden their understanding of French cultures. Much of the class is conducted in French. French III continues the study of French and the communication skills begun in French I and II. Added emphasis is placed on application of reading, writing, and listening skills and a special emphasis on speaking skills in appropriate context for language practice. French III will include a review of grammatical structures previously learned and the study of reflexive verbs, relative pronouns and the imperfect and future verb tenses as well as the conditional and subjunctive . In addition to the textbook, the course will include films, varied readings, as well as research projects. Students may elect either French IV or AP French after this course. Students must have a passing grade at the end of each trimester in order to continue to the next trimester or level of language study.
GRADE LEVEL: 9‐12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French II and teacher recommendation
LENGTH:  1 Year

Construction Lab (Student Built House) provides introductory construction lab experience in a project-based environment that emphasizes teamwork, communication, productivity and the soft skills required for success in the construction industry. Students are introduced to hand and power tools commonly used in construction, along with basic residential and commercial construction systems and construction safety. Construction systems may include foundation systems, floor systems, wall systems, roof systems, exterior finishes and interior finishes. Students will earn Kirkwood Community College Credit.
GRADE LEVEL: 11‐12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Introduction to ACE, Residential Construction, or Construction Technology
LENGTH:  3 Periods, 3rd Trimester

Textiles and Design (Replacing Creative Fabrics) Students of any level can take this sewing course.  In this course students will learn foundational sewing techniques and read and use patterns that will be used on various projects of choice determined by the instructor.  Careers in fashion, textiles, and design will be explored. Examples of projects include: personal quilt, clothing, pillowcases, and zipper bags. Students will leave with a knowledge of how to insert a zipper, read a pattern, sew a straight and zigzag stitch and create projects to bring home.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12       
CATEGORY: Elective      
PREREQUISITE: None    
LENGTH:  1 Trimester

Personal Wellness and Fitness provides students with information about healthy lifestyles and helps them assess areas that may need to change to promote optimal health, wellness and fitness.  Students will design and implement a personal wellness and fitness plan that incorporates multiple health concepts including nutrition, stress management, safety, relationships, and physical fitness.  Some class periods will take place in the gym to incorporate activity into an overall healthy lifestyle.
GRADE LEVEL: 9‐12
CATEGORY: Fulfills Health Requirement
PREREQUISITE: None
LENGTH:  1 Trimester

Philharmonic Orchestra focuses on developing intermediate orchestral techniques such as advancing bow Techniques. Students will prepare  repertoire by a variety of composers and are required to participate in all scheduled performances. Students will register for all three trimesters, and improve their skills through individual practice and lessons. Students work toward the goal of attaining membership in Symphony Orchestra.
GRADE LEVEL: 9-12
CATEGORY: Elective
PREREQUISITE: Participation in Junior High Orchestra and audition with the director
LENGTH: 1 year