Academics

Middle School Electives

Middle School Elective Courses

At The Weiss School, all students in 6th-8th grade select their elective courses based on their individual preferences. Students begin the independent process of exploring their individual academic interests and potential career choices by taking a wide variety of elective courses that match their interests. There are no mandatory elective courses for middle school students as student choice and independence are traits that the Weiss School fosters for exceptional learners.

The individualization of each student’s schedule is a unique component of The Weiss School as the objective is to challenge, engage, and excite students about learning through the potential of their unique gifts. By being able to select from 42 different elective courses, Weiss School students are provided with a uniquely individualized educational experience that builds upon their academic and social strengths.

Prior to the beginning of each school year, Middle School students rank their elective course choices in order from 1-15. The selection of 1 is considered their top requested elective course choice while the selection of 15 is their least requested elective course choice. Few student schedules are the same as student choice drives the creation of customized educational experiences.

Descriptions of the courses are provided below. New elective courses are added to the academic curriculum each school year.

Mathematics

List of 2 items.

  • Course: MATHLETES

    Subject Area: Mathematics
    Teacher: Mrs. Traih
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Students who take this course will dive deeper into Algebra and Geometry Topics. Students will develop a greater understanding of these concepts than is typically required in regular or even honors Algebra and Geometry courses. They will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to complete higher-level, critical-thinking problems that synthesize and stretch beyond these concepts. This curriculum will also prepare these students to compete in several state and national math competitions individually and as a team, including Academic Games, American Math Competition 8/10/12, Perennial Math Competitions, and MathCounts.
     
    Course Expectations: Students are highly recommended to participate in at least one of the competitions, but it is not mandatory.

  • Course: MEDICAL MATH

    Subject Area: Mathematics
    Teacher: Mrs. Traih
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Medical Math allows students to gain knowledge and skills to identify, solve, and apply mathematical principles. This elective course aims to inspire members to learn about integrating mathematics into health care. Doctors use math every day while providing health care for people worldwide. They also use math when writing prescriptions or administering medication and drawing up statistical graphs of epidemics or success rates of treatments. Math applies to x-rays and CAT scans. Numbers provide an abundance of information for medical professionals.
     
    Course Expectations: No homework will be given in this course.

Engineering & Technology

List of 6 items.

  • Course: ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS SYSTEMS I

    Subject Area: Technology/Engineering
    Teacher: Mr. Portz
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course will allow students to use the Lego EV3 Robotics System and design and build robots and necessary attachments to carry out many progressively challenging tasks. Students will learn how to connect and leverage Lego building elements to accomplish specific tasks and learn how to program using sensory control and feedback to optimize robot designs. This course uses the yearly FIRST Lego League Robotics game to focus on missions to be accomplished.
     
    Course Expectations: Students taking this course should have a passion for robotics and the programming of robots. Work is often with a partner, so sharing tasks is critical, as is being able to work with differences in ideas, methods, and strategies to reach a consensus on the robot. Students are expected to inventory and maintain their robotics kits and help keep the lab in order as part of their experience.

  • Course: ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS SYSTEMS II

    Subject Area: Technology/Engineering
    Teacher: Mr. Portz
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS SYSTEMS I
     
    Description: The course will follow ROBOTICS AND MECHATRONICS SYSTEMS I for students wanting to continue robotics instruction and learn more advanced topics. In this course, students will take robotics and programming skills to the next level by creating and programming sophisticated robots such as GyroBoy and Robot Puppy and participating in the Sumo Robot Challenge. Both EV3 and Spike Prime Robotics System may be employed. This course uses the yearly FIRST Lego League Robotics game as the focus of missions to be accomplished, and as the Lego League game changes each year, it will provide students with different challenges. As such, students may take this course more than once and not repeat the same activities, further increasing their robotics skills.
     
    Course Expectations: Students taking this course should love robotics and the programming of robots. Work is often with a partner, so sharing tasks is critical, as is being able to work with differences in ideas, methods, and strategies to reach a consensus on the robot. Students are expected to inventory and maintain their robotics kits and help keep the lab in order as part of their experience.

  • Course: WOODWORKING

    Subject Area: Technology/Engineering
    Teacher: Mr. Portz
    Prerequisite: None – Limit 10 students
     
    Description: This course is for middle school students who desire to learn the qualities and craftsmanship of woodworking for practical and artistic purposes. Students will learn the woodworking shop's safety considerations and the safe use and care of standard woodworking tools. Project design and planning methods will be practiced. We will learn about the characteristics of woods, their selection, and ancillary construction materials. Materials processing for dimensional accuracy, joining and finishing techniques will be practiced. Students will be able to produce and take home their completed wood projects.
     
    Course Expectations: This class is hands-on, where manual dexterity is beneficial, or a desire to develop is necessary. A willingness to work to quality and precision is required, as is a strong desire to establish and maintain a safe work environment in the shop. For safety reasons, students should be able to maintain self-control and monitor one’s behavior.

  • Course: INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

    Subject Area: Technology/Engineering
    Teacher: Mr. Portz
    Prerequisite: Students must have a desire to learn about product design. Sketching and artistic skills are necessary for this course. The ability to draw using 3D drawing tools such as TinkerCAD, Fusion360, SolidWorks, etc., is essential for students to contribute to their “company’s” success. Web page design and/or video design and production are needed to promote their “company’s” product ideas.
     
    Description: This course is for students interested in learning about inventing and product design. The elements of feasibility, viability, and desirability are addressed. Students will learn the iterative design process. The art of invention and innovation will be explored. Students will develop their 3D design ability using a CAD program and be required to design and build small products, conduct critical design reviews, and prepare their products, web pages, and promotional videos for formal presentation at the Inventor’s Challenge. The Stiles Nicholson STEM Inventor’s Challenge Competition held each year at the South Florida Science Center is used as the focus of class efforts.
     
    Course Expectations: Students must be able to work as a member of a team (“company”) to fill needed roles. Students must learn how to determine consumer needs, brainstorm ideas, conduct patent/product searches, prototype, and develop ideas into useful products. Students need to be reliable self-starters and able to work to a deadline with minimal supervision.

  • Course: ROBOTICS – ADVANCED – LEGO LEAGUE COMPETITION TEAM

    Subject Area: Technology/Engineering
    Teacher: Mr. Portz
    Prerequisite: Limited to 7th and 8th-grade students who have completed the Robotics and Mechatronics Systems course with instructor recommendation. Due to the limitation of team size imposed by FIRST, only ten students may be on a team.
     
    Description: In this course, students use their robotics skills to compete against other teams in the district, region, and potentially, state and world. The FIRST competition judges teams based upon their robot design, programming, and performance; Team Core values are assessed as judges score students on their abilities to work together; Innovation is evaluated as teams must develop a solution to the competition's theme each year. Although it is billed as a robotics competition, the robot is weighted 20%, with Core Values and Innovation weighted at 40% each.
     
    Course Expectations: This class is used to form the core of The Weiss School FIRST Robotics Lego League Team. Students who enroll in this course are expected to participate on the Weiss School Team and participate in all-day tournaments held on Saturdays (one Regional Qualifier, the Regional Tournament, and a possibility of State and Worlds, along with necessary travel). All students have essential roles to fill on the team to make it a success. Every student will have varying degrees of interaction with the competition robot as every student on the team cannot build, program, or drive the competition robot.

  • Course: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING

    Subject Area: Technology/Engineering
    Teacher: Mr. Portz
    Prerequisite: Students must desire to learn line coding to create programs for personal and client criteria. Touch typing for accuracy and speed is very beneficial. This course is best suited for middle school students. Intermediate students, please consult with the instructor before enrolling to ensure appropriate placement for students coding instruction as a laptop computer is needed.
     
    Description: This course is for students interested in learning line coding for engineering and computer science applications. The course's emphasis will be on coding and embedded systems such as programming on a Raspberry Pi or Arduino for interfacing with the physical world. We will discuss the concepts and skills of program design, coding for efficiency, and troubleshooting code. Computer languages that are proposed for the course include HTML and Python.
     
    Course Expectations: Students should be able to work independently to be proficient in programming. Students need to have stick-to-it-ness, a desire to troubleshoot, debug, and make things work in their own code, or a strong desire to learn these skills. Students troubleshooting their code is very important to understand. It is not only highly desirable that students can fix their own code problems, but it is not feasible for the instructor to read everyone’s code, understand design intent, and tell each student how to fix it.

Communications

List of 6 items.

  • Course: DEBATE - INTRODUCTION

    Subject Area: Public Speaking
    Teacher: Ms. Kurz
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course will allow students to explore the world of competitive speech and debate. Events will include Congressional Debate, Public Forum, and Impromptu. These events combine forensics’ interpretive and discussion sides to develop organizational and research skills while teaching students to argue and listen effectively. While students are not required to participate in local and regional competitions, participation is encouraged to apply their skills in real-world settings.
     
    Course Expectations: Much of the preparation is completed outside of class time with having only two days per week to prepare for tournaments. Students in this course will be required to attend two tournaments per semester and are encouraged to join The Weiss School Debate Team, a competitive after-school team, to reinforce the skills learned in class. There are typically 7-8 local tournaments and two national tournaments in a single school year.

  • Course: DEBATE - VARSITY

    Subject Area: Public Speaking
    Teacher: Ms. Kurz
    Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Debate – Introduction course. 
     
    Description: This course will allow students to build upon previously learned skills and expand their competitive event experiences. Events explored in this course may include Extemporaneous Debate, Lincoln Douglas, and events taught in the previous year.
     
    Course Expectations: Competing members of The Weiss School Debate Team are highly encouraged to enroll in this course as class time will be allocated to prepare for tournaments and learn new concepts. Students will be expected to research, prepare, and practice at home in addition to preparing in class. Students who would like to compete at the national or state level and wish to participate in the National Speech and Debate Association, a widely respected national honor society of speech and debate, are strongly encouraged to join the after-school debate program for the additional tournaments and competition practice. Students are expected to participate in at least one speech and debate tournament per quarter. There are typically 7-8 local tournaments and two national tournaments in a single school year. Active debate members are often selected to speak at important school events or showcase their speeches at the Friday Morning Show.

  • Course: JOURNALISM / NEWSPAPER

    Subject Area: Language
    Teacher: Mrs. Eissey
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to learn and engage in gathering and analyzing information, conducting interviews, and engaging in assignments that will better the student's understanding of the many areas of Journalism. This will also include areas where journalism made significant impacts. These areas include news writing, ethics, feature writing, op-eds, reviews, legalities, media mess-ups & successes, Watergate, and pentagon papers. This class utilizes a few movies based on real-life events throughout the year to help the students better understand the topics and take on the role of “journalist” in the lesson.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and activities. All assignments will be given sufficient class time to complete. There will be no need to complete assignments outside of class.

  • Course: YEARBOOK

    Subject Area: Mass Communication
    Teacher: Ms. Hert
    Prerequisite: None – Limit 10 students
     
    Description: Students will embark on a comprehensive journey into yearbook production, mastering foundational principles while cultivating a diverse skill set. From crafting compelling copy, captions, and headlines to learning how to take story-telling photographs, students will acquire proficiency in every aspect of media creation. Thorough deliberations on theme and coverage will empower students to take ownership of their yearbook, making informed decisions that capture the essence of their school community. Through hands-on experience, students will become adept at building the yearbook online, seamlessly incorporating text, crafting layouts, applying design techniques, and refining layouts and images via a dedicated website.
     
    Course Expectations: Students are expected to foster a collaborative spirit, respecting and valuing their peers' contributions throughout the creative process. Opportunities to present ideas in front of the class will encourage effective communication and public speaking skills. Furthermore, students may participate in school events, where they will engage in photography, interviews, and information gathering to enrich the yearbook content. All students will contribute to sorting pictures on the computer, ensuring efficient organization of visual assets. Throughout the academic year, students will adhere to four designated deadlines, collectively working towards the timely completion of the school yearbook. While there is no traditional homework assigned, students are encouraged to utilize online resources to refine their layouts from the comfort of their homes.

  • Course: VIDEO EDITING AND MOTION GRAPHICS

    Subject Area: Media Technology and Performing Arts
    Teacher: Ms. Hert
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course allows students to express themselves creatively using technology. Students will shoot and edit videos using Adobe Premiere. Students will import video, audio, and graphics into Premiere Pro and edit the media for a final video. Additionally, students will create vector graphics and animated elements using After Effects and other software in their projects. Students will also explore green-screen technology and other video effects.
     
    Course Expectations: Students may need to work as a team for some projects. Students may need to meet outside of class to capture footage for video projects (at lunch, conduct interviews, attend sporting events, attend school events, meet their group at someone’s home, etc.) There is no homework in this class, and students will be given class time for editing.

  • Course: FRIDAY MORNING SHOW PRODUCTION

    Subject Area: Media Technology and Performing Arts
    Teacher: Mrs. Eissey
    Prerequisite: None – Limit 10 students
     
    Description: This course will provide students with the opportunity to plan, develop, and produce the Friday Morning Show that is presented to The Weiss School students, faculty, and parents in the auditorium/stage on the second through last Friday of each month. Students will experience a behind-the-scenes perspective on the show production concepts of lighting, sound coordination, and theatrical performances. In learning both tech and stage components, students are expected to participate in various roles under the supervision of teachers and student managers.
     
    Course Expectations: No work is necessary outside of class. However, students must be proactive in selecting a role for each show and are expected to be at school early on days of the show for final rehearsals and preparation for the show. Depending on their assigned role, the FMS production crew must wear FMS shirts or business attire on production days. STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE PRESENT BY 7:30 AM ON FMS DAYS AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN EACH FMS. All students will have the opportunity to, and be expected to, participate in each FMS role. Students will be assigned roles equally and fairly throughout the school year.

Visual Arts

List of 6 items.

  • Course: OPEN STUDIO

    Subject Area: Visual Arts
    Teacher: Mrs. Isip
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This elective is a chance for students to work on various art projects, explore art ideas and add artistic elements to their core class projects. Similar to an independent study class, students will have the opportunity to be creativity productive in the art room working on independent projects.
     
    Course Expectations: Students are expected to stay focused on art during Open Studio.

  • Course: STUDIO ART

    Subject Area: Visual Arts
    Teacher: Mrs. Isip
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course is designed for motivated artists looking to advance their skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, and collage work. Students will develop their creativity while expanding their knowledge in color theory, art history, and design concepts. Students will be exposed to various artists and historical art themes that allow open discussions on artistic concepts, viewpoints, and expressive ideas. Students must be fully committed to improving their art skills and respecting each artist. Sketchbooks will be provided for brainstorming, designing, and planning.
     
    Course Expectations: Students must participate in one of the following art events (Artigras Youth Art Competition, Lake Worth Street Painting Festival). This course is for artists who are passionate about advancing their art skills and looking to learn about new techniques and styles of art. This is a hands-on course that incorporates the consumption of art materials.

  • Course: FASHION DESIGN

    Subject Area: Visual Arts
    Teacher: Mrs. Isip
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This elective is for those who show an interest in the fashion industry. Students will learn fashion illustrations, design logos, create jewelry, and plan visual mood boards. This course will have multiple field trips which include a visit to Resource Depot.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will be required to create an upcycled outfit for our Annual Upcycled Fashion Show.

  • Course: ANIME DRAWING

    Subject Area: Visual Arts
    Teacher: Ms. Hert
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Students will learn to draw anime and manga using authentic Japanese character stylization. This course is for anyone who wants to learn to draw authentic and appealing manga and anime-style characters. Students practice, sketch and digitize body proportions, head, hands, eyes, expressions, hair, and backgrounds. In addition, students will learn to draw digitally using an iPad and a stylus.
     
    Course Expectations: This class has no homework, but students may practice drawing skills at home.

  • Course: DIGITAL ART

    Subject Area: Visual Arts
    Teacher: Ms. Hert
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Embark on a journey of creative discovery as students delve into the captivating realm of digital imaging. This course serves as a gateway to the exploration of fundamental concepts, terminology, and techniques essential for crafting original digital artwork. Through hands-on experimentation, students will unleash their artistic potential, producing captivating digital still images that reflect their unique vision. Harnessing the power of cutting-edge tools and technologies, students will navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Mastering industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, students will embark on a transformative journey of artistic expression. Through the seamless integration of various media and emerging technologies, students will push the boundaries of creativity, forging a path towards innovation and artistic excellence.
     
    Course Expectations: In this dynamic learning environment, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the creative process. While there is no formal homework assigned, students will enjoy unrestricted access to Adobe Creative Cloud on their laptops, providing them with the flexibility to practice and refine their skills at their own pace. With the freedom to explore and experiment, students will cultivate their artistic prowess, paving the way for boundless creative expression and self-discovery.

  • Course: CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

    Subject Area: Visual Arts
    Teacher: Ms. Hert
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Throughout this course, students will master the operation of DSLR cameras, honing their skills in composition and capturing both posed and action-packed photographs. They will delve into the seven essential elements of photographic art—line, shape, form, texture, color, size, and depth—equipping them with the tools to create visually compelling images. Students will explore the full range of camera modes, using them strategically to achieve their artistic vision. Engaging photography challenges will challenge students to experiment with various angles and settings, from perspective to leading lines, framing, portrait, macro, and beyond. Additionally, students will learn to transfer and organize their photos efficiently using Adobe Bridge, and refine their images through editing techniques using Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom. By the end of the course, students will emerge with a deeper understanding of photography and the skills to create captivating visual stories.
     
    Course Expectations: While a personal camera is not required for this course, students will have access to school cameras for in-class assignments and projects. Although cameras cannot be taken home, students may need to capture photographs outside of class for specific projects, such as during lunch or school functions. As stewards of photography equipment, students will be expected to adhere to safety protocols and treat all gear with care and respect. To ensure safety and prevent damage, students will be required to keep the camera strap around their neck when in possession of a camera, fostering a culture of responsibility and mindfulness in handling equipment.

Music

List of 6 items.

  • Course: PIANO

    Subject Area: Music
    Teacher: Mrs. Moreno
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This class will provide students with the fundamentals of piano, whether students are novice piano players, have taken lessons in the past, or are currently taking lessons. Students in piano class are encouraged to buy their own instrument and appropriate equipment to practice with at home. The Weiss School will provide a class set of instruments, but students will be expected to meet certain standards and pass assessments, therefore owning an instrument will benefit each student greatly. Piano class will include learning and advancing the following skills: reading and composing music, knowledge of music history, proper piano technique, sight reading, accompanying and responding to others, ear training, and performing.
     
    Each class will have ample time to practice and will be paced according to each student’s piano level. Students play on high-quality, full-size (88 keys), weighted action digital pianos from Yamaha and Starfavor. Some of the concepts that we will be exploring while in class include right & left hands separate, right & left hands together, rhythm, counting, notes, rests, chords, both Treble & Bass Clef staffs, the musical alphabet, dynamics (softs & louds), scales, proper technique (hand positioning), performance etiquette, performance practice, and applicable theory to students’ selected performance piece.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will be expected to play a variety of repertoire including solos, duets, and accompaniments as well as perform in a variety of settings including in class assessments and performances, school events, community events, and more.

  • Course: SYMPHONIC BAND/INSTRUMENT TECHNIQUE

    Subject Area: Music 
    Teacher: Mr. Egan
    Prerequisite: Have played an instrument for at least one year.
     
    Description: This course allows students to exhibit their instrumental skills by playing the music of video games, movie scores, and favorite student classics. Playing such a vast music repertoire will also involve classical, jazz, swing, and rock styles.
     
    Course Expectations: Some performances may occur outside of the regular school day, and participation is mandatory throughout the school year. Additionally, home practice is a necessary component of this elective.

  • Course: WEISS SCHOOL MIXED CHORUS

    Subject Area: Music
    Teacher: Mrs. Eissey
    Prerequisite: None
               
    Description: The Choral Music program is designed to enhance and challenge each student’s musical and expressive qualities. Students will learn the basic skills of singing and reading music, broadening listening skills, and developing their voice in a choral setting and individually.
     
    The Weiss School Chorus class is designed for students to apply musical skills as they continue to create and experience music as a musical ensemble. Students will continue developing mastery of solfege, major and minor scales, and up to 4-part harmonies. Students will convey musical interpretation with the use of dynamics and phrasing. Students will understand how a musical composition is structured through listening and analysis. Students will also learn the foundations of music theory as it is necessary for developing musical skills and knowledge. The topics in this class will provide a solid basis for continuing their music skills as the student continues to high school and beyond.
     
    Course Expectations: Students are expected to participate in each class session fully. Students will be required to be present for scheduled performances. This will include FMS performances, the Holiday Concert, the Spring Concert, and the End-of-the-Year Award Ceremony (dates and times to be determined). Students may also attend Music Performance Assessments (minimum number of students required for participation). These MPAs will have students from all over Palm Beach County. The students will demonstrate what they have learned and get feedback from great talents in music. 
     

  • Course: STRING ORCHESTRA

    Subject Area: Music
    Teacher: Mrs. Moreno
    Prerequisite: 1+ years of Strings course preferred but not required.
     
    Description: Students will choose a bowed instrument to study: violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Each instrument is unique in a certain way. Please reach out to Mrs. Moreno for more information, videos, references, and/or details about instruments and equipment that goes with each. The class will be a mix of these instruments and we will learn proper technique of their instrument including how to hold the instrument and bow, utilizing both pizzicato and playing with the bow, finger placement and much more; how to read music including clefs, rhythms, key signatures, scales, and musical expressions; repertoire that supplements and develops their skills as orchestra members and as individuals; as well as playing, listening, and responding as an ensemble. If students are interested in the optional Chamber Strings Class, they will be learning to work and respond in smaller ensemble settings with opportunities to play solos, duets, trios, etc. Students will learn how to lead and follow each other as there are no conductors within chamber ensembles. Mrs. Moreno will mentor students as they explore repertoire, collaborate positively and effectively with their peers, create and interpret music, and perform.
     
    Course Expectations: Students in string orchestra classes are required to rent or purchase their own instruments and appropriate equipment to enroll in the class. Students are expected to be in the class twice a week with an optional Chamber Strings Class to add into their schedule. Students will need to practice at home to grow and flourish in this class and there will be playing assessments and standards students will be expected to successfully complete throughout the year. In all string orchestra classes, students will be expected to perform in various settings including school events, competitions, in class assessments, and community events.  Please note, this class is a yearlong commitment. 

  • Course: UKULELE

    Subject Area: Music
    Teacher: Mrs. Moreno
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: A ukulele has four strings, is very portable and easy to hold, and possesses a beautiful tone that can complement any musical genre. Students in ukulele classes will learn and perform chord progressions as well as play melodic and harmonic lines in various genre styles, thereby learning to be a solo instrument as well as an accompaniment instrument. Ukulele class will include learning to read music in various ways: traditional, tablature, and chord charts. Students will learn the proper technique to play the ukulele, pick and finger playing techniques, strumming patterns, how the fretboard works and the relationship between notes, and a variety of etudes and repertoire that supplements their skills. Repertoire will include classical and modern styles and genres.
     
    Course Expectations: Students in ukulele class are encouraged to buy their own instrument and appropriate equipment to practice with at home and have the option to bring them into class. The Weiss School will provide a class set of instruments, but students will be expected to meet certain goals and criteria, so owning an instrument will benefit each student greatly. If instrument purchase is an issue, please contact Mrs. Moreno before enrollment. Students are expected to perform in various events including school concerts, in-class performances, Friday Morning Shows, and more.

  • Course: GUITAR

    Subject Area: Music
    Teacher: Mrs. Moreno
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: A guitar has six strings which can be utilized in a fashion to simply accompany but also has the unique ability to create both harmony and melody in one instrument, similar to a piano. It is larger than the ukulele and has harsher strings for the hands to press down and strum. In guitar class, students will learn how to use chords not only to accompany a voice or instrument, but also learn how to play their own melodies and harmonies to play as a soloist. In order to do so, guitar class will include learning to read music in various ways: traditional, tablature, and chord charts. Students will learn the proper technique to play guitar, differences between guitar styles and types, pick and finger playing techniques, strumming patterns, how the fretboard works and the relationship between notes, and etudes and repertoire that supplements their skills. Repertoire will include classical modern styles and genres.
     
    Course Expectations: Students in guitar class are encouraged to buy their own instrument and appropriate equipment to practice with at home and have the option to bring them to class. Weiss will provide a class set of instruments, but students will be expected to meet certain standards and pass assessments, so owning an instrument will benefit each student greatly. Students are expected to perform in various events, including holiday and spring concerts, in-class performances, Friday Morning Shows, and more.

Performing Arts

List of 3 items.

  • Course: INTRODUCTION TO BALLET AND MODERN DANCE

    Subject Area: Performing Arts
    Teacher: Mrs. Eissey
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Using Ballet as the basis for other dance, this 4-quarter course will focus on technique, placement, ease of movement, flexibility, strength, and musicality in the disciplines of Ballet and Modern Dance. Students will develop an awareness of alignment, dance vocabulary, and technique. Students will participate in barre exercises and center work focusing on increasing strength, flexibility, and ability.
     
    This course is designed to prepare the dancer to move fully through space, use their personal expression, and develop an awareness of self. This course will conclude with a Spotlight Performance at the end of the year (date and time to be determined).
     
    Course Expectations: No work is necessary outside of class. However, students are required to participate in each class session fully. Students will come to class with proper dance attire, shoes, water, and hair pulled back (a ponytail is fine). Students will be required to be present for the end-of-year performance (date and time to be determined).

  • Course: FUNDAMENTALS OF ACTING

    Subject Area: Performing Arts
    Teacher: Mrs. Eissey
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course will introduce the techniques and processes essential to the actor’s craft. Whether students have acted before or are exploring it for the first time, this course will expand students’ expressive capabilities, hone their imagination, and enhance their spontaneity as they acquire the tools for developing a character. In this class, students engage in physical and vocal exercises, improvisation, monologues, and/or scene work.
     
    Course Expectations: This course will be doing a production after each semester. The dates and times of the performances are TBD. Students will be required to be present for these performances and any additional rehearsals needed to prepare for the shows. Schedules will be posted with advance notice.

  • Course: TECHNICAL THEATER PRODUCTION

    Subject Area: Technology in Performing Arts
    Teacher: Ms. Armstrong
    Prerequisite: None -Limit 10 students
     
    Description: This course develops knowledge of and experience in technical, non-performance aspects of theatrical production. Emphasis is placed on dramatic design elements, including lighting, sound, and properties relating to technology. In addition to learning the technical factors, students will also learn to effectively work as a team and follow directions to produce a successful production. 
     
    Course Expectations: Students are expected to participate fully in every class. This course will require no work out of class, except for rehearsals and performance dates to execute assigned technical crew duties. Information for this will be sent out as it becomes available. Students will be expected to demonstrate practical teamwork skills as part of mounting a production.

World Languages

List of 4 items.

  • Course: SPANISH - M.S. HIGH BEGINNERS

    Subject Area: Language
    Teacher: Señora Burns
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This class is intended for students who have little or no experience with the Spanish language. In this class, students will learn the fundamental skills of greeting people, introducing themselves, expressing their likes and dislikes, the verb "to be," and understanding the Present Tense of Regular -ar Verbs. This course is referred to as a "high beginner,” and it aims to improve students' speaking, reading, and listening skills.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will apply new knowledge of Spanish into their repertoire to communicate their ideas using the target language. They are expected to participate in class discussions, observe classroom etiquette, and meet deadlines. Homework is assigned at the second class meeting of the week and will be due at the first class meeting of the following week. Students will be able to participate in the following events:  Palm Beach World Language Fair (tentative), AATSP Poster Contest (March-April), National Spanish Examination (April), and Farmworker Coordinating Council (May- 8th grade only).

  • Course: SPANISH - M.S. INTERMEDIATE

    Subject Area: Language
    Teacher: Señora Burns
    Prerequisite: A student’s proficiency level and teacher recommendation will determine specific Spanish course placement.
     
    Description: This course is intended for students who have achieved a high level of competence in the early beginner’s classes and are ready to advance to the next level. Emphasis is given to the development of communicative skills to help learners express themselves more accurately and confidently.  Students will master verb conjugations of regular and irregular verbs, as well as grammar concepts like direct object pronouns and command formation.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will apply new knowledge of Spanish into their repertoire to communicate their ideas using the target language. They are expected to participate in class discussions, observe classroom etiquette, and meet deadlines. Homework is assigned at the second class meeting of the week and will be due on the first day of class the following week. Students will be able to participate in the following events:  Palm Beach World Language Fair (tentative), AATSP Poster Contest (March-April), National Spanish Examination (April), and Farmworker Coordinating Council (May- 8th grade only).

  • Course: H.S. SPANISH

    Subject Area: Language
    Teacher: Señora Burns
    Prerequisite: A student’s proficiency level and teacher recommendation will determine specific Spanish course placement.
     
    Description: This is a high school credit course intended for students who have completed Spanish Beginner & Intermediate levels. Students will acquire the Simple Past Tense and continue to develop their receptive and productive skills. This course provides students with opportunities to become more linguistically competent learners. The focus is on exposing learners to authentic material such as articles and literature excerpts.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will apply new knowledge of Spanish into their repertoire to communicate their ideas using the target language. They are expected to participate in class discussions, observe classroom etiquette, and meet deadlines. Homework is assigned during the second-class meeting of the week and will be due at the first-class meeting of the following week. Students will be able to participate in the following events: Local Spanish Spelling Bee (October), Palm Beach World Language Fair (tentative), AATSP Poster Contest (March-April), National Spanish Examination (April), Farmworker Coordinating Council (May- 8th grade only).

  • Course: SPANISH IN THE MEDIA

    Subject Area: Language
    Teacher: Señora Burns
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: The course is intended to expose students to authentic Spanish through short videos, commercials, ads, newspaper headlines and short excerpts from Literary Excerpts. All these features are also present in all levels of the language; however, this course focuses more on Receptive Skills, i.e. Listening and Reading.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will apply new knowledge of Spanish material to re-create scenarios presented through diverse mass media methods of exposure. They are expected to participate in class discussions, observe classroom etiquette, and carry out projects.

Physical Education and TKD

List of 4 items.

  • Course: PHYSICAL EDUCATION

    Subject Area: Physical Education 
    Teacher: Mr. Marrero
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course is for students who desire to improve their skills in sports they already play or learn a new skill. Nutrition is also covered in the class. Students will be moving all period with a chance for water breaks. 
     
    Course Expectations: This class is designed for physical movement. Students will be outside every day, weather permitting. Students will be required to perform aerobic exercises and strength training.

  • Course: TAE KWON DO – BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE

    Subject Area: Tae Kwon Do
    Teacher: Master Fortney
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Beginner & Intermediate Tae Kwon Do is designed to train students new to Tae Kwon Do and up to Blue Belt while providing supplementary training for students holding a rank up to Red Belt. This course will include Tae Kwon Do history, philosophy, customary Do-Jang etiquette, and Korean terminology besides the physical training of self-defense, basic moves, sparring, and combination drills with technical details. Enrollment in this course will count towards training hours for rank advancements.
     
    Course Expectations: Students must demonstrate strong attention, effort, and attitude in class. Students should have the ability to adapt in class to quick changes between warm-up, stretch, then fast-paced lessons, with challenges and critiques along the way. Students should retain and demonstrate skills learned in previous classes to make the technique better in the future. Even though this class has no homework, if students wish to promote at the proper rate, they need to study and practice outside of class and during all school breaks on all aspects of their Tae Kwon Do. Jewelry, watches, and rings will not be permitted in this class without consent from the instructor.

  • Course: TAE KWON DO - ADVANCED BLACK, RED, AND BROWN BELTS

    Subject Area: Tae Kwon Do
    Teacher: Master Fortney
    Prerequisite: Must have achieved a Tae Kwon Do rank of Brown Belt or above.
     
    Description: Advanced Tae Kwon Do focuses on preparing for the official Kukkiwon Black Belt Certification. In addition to enhancing the expected technical performance, this course contains the required WTF/USAT Sports Poomsae, Self Defense, Leadership, and Weapons Poomsae training for both the 1st-3rd Dan/Poom levels and the 4th to 1st Geup trainees, including other NGB requirements. Other martial arts will be discussed and incorporated into this class, including Karate, Aikido, Judo, and Kubodo. Enrollment in this course will count towards training hours for rank advancements.
     
    Course Expectations: Students must demonstrate strong attention, effort, and attitude in class. Students should have the ability to adapt in class to quick changes between warm-up, stretch, then fast-paced lessons, with challenges and critiques along the way. Students should retain and demonstrate skills learned in previous classes to make the technique better in the future. Even though this class has no homework, if students wish to promote at the proper rate, they need to study and practice outside of class and during all school breaks on all aspects of their Tae Kwon Do. Jewelry, watches, and rings will not be permitted in this class without consent from the instructor.

  • Course: SELF DEFENSE / KICKBOXING

    Subject Area: Physical Ed
    Teacher: Master Fortney
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This class is for students who want to learn to defend themselves in many situations and learn the basics of kickboxing. Skills this course will cover include but are not limited to how to escape from grabs, chokes, hold-downs, and other threatening circumstances. This course will include basic kickboxing for conditioning. Students will also explore simple aspects of Aikido, Judo, and Tae Kwon Do, focusing on quick ways to defend, control, and/or escape. This class has no ranking or advancement, but enrollment will count towards training hours for rank advancements in Tae Kwon Do classes.
     
    Course Expectations: Demonstrate strong attention, effort, and attitude in class to better oneself each class by the lesson that day. Also, the student needs to retain details of previous lessons, so we can improve our technique as we progress through the year. Also, jewelry, watches, and rings will not be permitted in this class without consent from the instructor.

Personal Development / Critical Thinking

List of 4 items.

  • Course: INTRO TO LEADERSHIP

    Subject Area: Leadership
    Teacher: Ms. Zabiegalski
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: In the leadership elective, students will look at great leaders and compare their distinguishing characteristics with respect to the times they led. Using many examples, students will define the different leadership styles. Since leadership is the ability to influence others, students will examine the skills and characteristics that represent effective leadership. Some topics for consideration will include communication, problem-solving, organization, research, presentation, and decision making. The class will look for opportunities to implement these skills in our school and community.
     
    Course Expectations: Students will be expected to research topics and present ideas in class during this course. There will be many opportunities to participate in class discussions. All activities and assignments will be completed during class time.

  • Course: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

    Subject Area: Social Science
    Teacher: Mrs. Eissey
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: This course introduces students to the fields of study in modern psychology. After this course, students will be able to answer the following questions: What is psychology? What are the methods of investigation in psychology? How is the science of psychology applied to individuals and groups?
     
    This course surveys a broad range of content, including topics such as foundations of psychological science, brain & behavior, human development, sensation, attention, & perception, states of consciousness, conditioning & learning, memory, cognition, language, & creativity, intelligence, motivation & emotion, personality & individual differences, health psychology, psychological disorders, and social thinking & social influence.

    Course Expectations: Students will be expected to participate in class discussions and activities. All assignments will be given sufficient class time to complete. There will be no need to complete assignments outside of class.

  • Course: CURRENT EVENTS & RESEARCH

    Subject Area: Geography/History
    Teacher: Mr. Wittstock
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: The general purpose of the course is to familiarize students with current events, both foreign and domestic, while simultaneously developing academic research skills. Students will learn to research and organize information from various sources and create substantive opinions and reasoning. Students will be required to evaluate their sources for bias, formulate their own opinion and present their findings and rationale.
     
    Course Expectations: Students must participate in class dialogue and debate and use class time efficiently when conducting research or working collaboratively. Each student will complete multiple current event assignments and a cumulative end-of-course research project. All work is expected to be completed in class.

  • Course: PERSONAL FINANCE

    Subject Area: Finance
    Teacher: Mrs. Traih
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Financial literacy is essential in meeting the current and future financial challenges of the 21st Century. The competencies, which form the basis for this elective course, enable students to analyze their personal financial decisions, evaluate the costs and benefits of their choices, recognize their rights and responsibilities as consumers, and apply the knowledge learned in school to financial situations encountered later in life. Topics to be covered in this course include but are not limited to Personal finance decisions, making money, the art of budgeting, banking services, credit and credit cards, saving and investing, entrepreneurship, and other important financial topics. This course will offer students a fun and interactive education on investment and budgeting, introducing the topics via simulated competitions with prizes.
     
    Course Expectations: Assignments are expected to be completed within the class.

Independent Study

List of 1 items.

  • Course: INDEPENDENT STUDY

    Subject Area: All Subjects
    Teacher: TBD
    Prerequisite: None
     
    Description: Students may opt for a dedicated class period for independent study, homework, and class assignments.

The Weiss School

4176 Burns Road
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410
Phone: 561-627-0740
Fax: 561-775-7794
info@weissschool.org
The Weiss School is a co-ed private school that serves gifted students in PreK-3 through 8th grade in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A Weiss School education prepares students to think analytically and creatively, act socially responsible, live vigorously, and create imaginatively in a warm and supportive educational environment.