Every Nowlin student will take 7 classes over the course of the school day.  A student’s schedule will consist of 6 required classes per day and 1 elective classe per day.

Required Classes

Each student is required to take the following classes for the entire school year. 

● English Language Arts (ELA)    ● Science

● Mathematics                              ● Physical Education

● Social Studies                            ● Homeroom

Elective Classes

In addition to required courses listed above, students will participate in elective classes. Elective classes are Semester or Year in length.  The length of each course (S or Y) is noted next to the course name below.  Elective classes include:

● Band  (Y)   Flute, Trumpet, Clarinet, French Horn, Saxophone, Trombone, Baritone/Tuba, Percussion. (Enrollment in Percussion is by director approval only.)

● Orchestra (Y)    Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass

● Choir (Y)                              

● Visual Arts (S)

● Acting and Debate (S)             

● Intro to Gateway (S)

● Foreign Cultures (S)

● Intro to Technology (S)

Band
At Nowlin Middle School, students have the opportunity to begin their secondary instrumental music education. Band students take instrument-based classes  ie: flutes; clarinets; saxophones; trumpets; French horn; trombone & baritone; tuba; and percussion. In this set-up, students are able to get instruction on their instrument by specialists working with one instrument at a time.

Orchestra                                                                                                                                                         
Orchestra is a class that combines fun, music, and exploring the world of Strings. We include the violin, viola, cello, and bass. We have many students who play other instruments at home like the piano and guitar that join us to learn a different instrument and be part of a group. Orchestra is a great way to be part of a team as well as learn a lifelong skill. 

Choir                                                                                                                                                                         
The choir meets daily within the school day. Students are challenged on a wide variety of songs and learn how to explore their voice, and how to best and safely use it to perform. No need to be a soloist, or have a lot of experience singing.

Acting and Debate                                                                                                                                                   
Acting and Debate is an introductory course that provides students a variety of ways to perform and speak in front of their peers in a comfortable environment. Students will create short one-act plays, a silent film using pantomime, and learn characterization through storytelling. They will also learn basic theater concepts such as stage and body positions. Students will use research skills to write a debate using voice and reasoning. Students will then refute by evaluating and disproving their opponent's case.  Students will participate in a variety of theater activities (games) to assist them in feeling relaxed while speaking in front of their peers.  

Visual Arts                                                                                                                                                                    
In Visual Arts, students will explore art materials to create original works of art and begin to develop basic knowledge of Elements of Design (Line, Shape, Color, Value, Form, Texture, and Space). Students will also learn to develop individual viewpoints about art and how it impacts the world we live in.

Introduction to Gateway                                                                                                                                             
This course will serve as an introduction to the Project Lead the Way curriculum.  If your student is potentially interested in the engineering field, this course will prepare students for Computer Science and Engineering Fundamentals, electives they will be able to take in 7th grade.  It will also cover some basics of internet safety, touch typing, and file management.

Introduction to Technology                                                                                                                               
This course will provide a comprehensive overview of basic technology skills that every student will need for the future. We will cover touch typing, internet safety, digital citizenship, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, basic coding, and multi-media tools.

Foreign Cultures                                                                                                                                                 
Foreign Cultures is a semester long course that introduces various aspects of other countries. Topics will include language, holidays, geography, and more.  

Physical Education                                                                                                                                             
Our program provides students with the knowledge, skills, fitness, and attitude necessary to lead an active, fit and healthy life. The learning of motor and skill development, cognitive assessment, team-building, and social interaction are crucial for one's overall fitness. Some of the units involved in our curriculum include archery, basketball, weight training, volleyball, hockey, Frisbee golf, and spike ball.