Instructional Seminars More than you every wanted to know!

What is the deal?  G/T seminars are a wonderful opportunity open to all students to explore other interests and passions during the school day!  You do not have to be in a G/T class to sign up  Seminars will meet two to three times a month during your regular class schedule.  You are also responsible to make up missed work. Students getting grades below a C will not be able to attend seminar.

You had me at Interest, Tell Me More!  There are no try-outs. If you choose a seminar you are automatically in that seminar. Easy Peasy!  In Homeroom once month, will receive a calendar that has the dates and times of your seminar(s).  On the day of your scheduled seminar, check in with your classroom teacher and beg for permission!  If they let you attend, write down your homework AND get the work you will miss!

Debate  Do you always win an argument? Do you always lose an argument, but want to win!? Then you need Debate!  Students in debate will practice their research and debating skills through in-school mock competitions, learning how to properly research and cite information.  The highlight of Debate…organized school debates throughout the year. PLUS… a field trip in March to compete against other middle school debate teams.

Book Club!  Where are my readers!? Do you love to read and love to talk about what you read? Join Book Club  Every month a new book is read and discussed!  Then we then have the opportunity to meet monthly in the evening at the Miller library in Ellicott City to discuss the books with other middle school students from around the county. (optional)

-Student Government Association- SGA  How are your organization and leadership skills? Do want to be the next president or CEO? This is for you!  Students interested in joining student council will meet with our elected student council reps, making philanthropic decisions that drive the school.  SGA will also organize socials/dances, fundraisers, spirit week as well as other school-wide events  Students will be required to fill out a conduct agreement

Memory Book & Graphic Arts  Do you love to use the computer to create art? How about taking pictures? This is the place for you!  Learning to use Comic Life, Photoshop, and iPhoto, you will create the school yearbook as well be the photographers of the school during the various school-sponsored events

Engineering  When you join engineering will have the choice to participate in several different projects.  The seminar will participating in the Maryland Engineering Challenge through the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

School Newspaper  All kinds of reporters needed! Including, sports reporters, fashion reporters, entertainment reporters! Every wonder what is would be like to write the news, not create the news? Are you the next Pulitzer Prize winner?  The school newspaper is your start! This seminar is for students who love writing and journalism. This year will we create a school web-based newspaper and newsletter, practicing and editing writing as well.  New stories will be about CMS and beyond!

Computer Programming  CPU Programming students have the opportunity to being working on their programming skills. Basic students begin with Scratch and then move on to Alice. As students progress they will move to the Python language. Advanced students will have the opportunity to work with JHU programmers.

Green School  Calling all environmentalists! Call all those who want to take care of your world. Join us for Green School!  This seminar goal is to make CMS a green community school, participating in multiple hands on activities to change our school and community environment for the better.  Green School students are currently working on several projects including creating an outdoor reading garden and restoring the outdoor classroom.

Film Institute  Practicing for a Oscar or Emmy Award? This is the place for you!  As a film students, you will work with basic film techniques and move on to editing and producing various project, using programs such as iMovie, iPhoto, Motion, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe After Effects.  Students will have their opportunity to travel on several field trips to work on and show off their films

Model U  Model UN is a national program where students hold cooperative, hands-on learning allows students to confront a range of topics with the perspective of their assigned country or organization. Through these experiences - during preparation, in committee sessions, and even in hallway caucuses - students develop an appreciation of differing viewpoints, experience the challenges of negotiation, see the rewards of cooperation, broaden their world view, and discover the human side of international relations and diplomacy. Students who love social studies will really enjoy this.

I loved all the options! What do I do?  You should choose no more than 2 seminars that you LOVE the most.  6 th graders are allowed to participate in only one seminar. However, you will be given an option for a second one in January.  Grades are not assigned for the seminars, but participation is expected and attendance will be taken.  You have the option to change your mind! Dropping out or switching will be allowed with Mr. Herdman’s permission. Be sure to let him know.

Final Notes  You may pick up an interest form today after this presentation.  You can also sign-up online by going to Mr. Herdman’s website and clicking the first link:  All Interest Forms are due by:  Robotics seminar will also be available at the beginning of the 3 rd quarter  Some seminars will not take place if there is not enough student interest  Every now and then because of time or schedule changes, seminars may be cancelled that day. We will do our best to make up missed seminars.