Independent Middle School students are given the opportunity to explore various interests or

new subjects during 8th hour. After looking through each class described below, choose your
TOP THREE choices for your Tuesday/Wednesday Explore Class, and then the TOP THREE
choices for your Thursday/Friday Explore Class (1st - 2nd quarters for 2018-19 school year).
A student will have TWO Explore Classes e​ ach quarter​ . Please note that not all FIRST choices
will be possible. If that happens, we will place students in one of their top three choices listed
on the registration form, below. The intent is for students to EXPLORE a variety of interests,
so please choose a variety of classes!
We will not schedule a student in the same course each session.
Remember...it’s time to EXPLORE.

Please notice that a fee is associated with some classes.

That fee will be charged to your child’s account by the end of each quarter.

If a student is struggling in a class with a grade below a "C", moving into Teacher Assigned
Study Hall may occur. Your child’s teacher will notify you if this change is required.
Otherwise, students are expected to remain in their assigned class for the entire quarter.

The scheduling occurs on a first come/first serve basis – so turn in your

choices today!
Return the Registration Page ONLY! This may be returned electronically, or in person. If in
person, please return it to the School Office beginning July 17th.

We are scheduling for just 1st & 2nd quarters at this time.
Please call us at 316-686-0152 (ext. 200) if you have any questions!

ENROLL TODAY! DUE: July 27, 2018!

 --- REGISTRATION ---
(Please return this page ONLY)

EXPLORE ELECTIVES: TOP 3 CHOICES

1ST QUARTER: TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY CLASS:

1st Choice:
2nd Choice:
3rd Choice:

1ST QUARTER: THURSDAY/FRIDAY CLASS:

1st Choice:
2nd Choice:
3rd Choice:

2ND QUARTER: TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY CLASS​:

1st Choice:
2nd Choice:
3rd Choice:

2ND QUARTER: THURSDAY/FRIDAY CLASS​:

1st Choice:
2nd Choice:
3rd Choice:

Student’s Name: Date Returned:

Grade:
 EXPLORE Choice List – 1st Quarter 2018
(August 28, 2018 - October 23, 2018)

Pick a 1​ST​, 2nd,

EXPLORE (TUESDAYS/WEDNESDAYS) - 1ST QUARTER! 3rd choice
(1-3)
ART (Dowty)​: ​ ​Join us as we enjoy drawing, painting and exploring new creations as we dive into the wonderful world
of art!
AQUATIC FITNESS (Swim Club): (2:40 - 3:30 - LATE DISMISSAL) - ​This water class will focus on swimming
and fitness with a splash of fun! Each class will work on building stroke endurance and swimming fitness and then
finish with a fun water activity such as water polo, diving, water obstacle courses, tag, or even races. Join us at the
Garvey Aquatic Center for a fun class that will challenge you in your swimming ability and bring plenty of group fun in
the water. Each session requires a minimum enrollment of 6 and a max of 12. Swimming will also be offered 4th
quarter​. Students need to bring their swimsuits and towels. ​Class Fee: $75. (Class ends at 3:30!)
BLUE LITERARY MAGAZINE (Mrs. Cole): ​ ​Each week students will endeavor on a creative venture to develop
written and visual art. These pieces can be submitted to the award winning MS magazine ​BLUE​.
CROSS-STITCHING​ ​(Mr. Angell)​ - Join Mr. Angell in learning this artistic skill that can be used throughout your
entire life! We will begin with a simple pattern as you learn the basics of how to work counted cross-stitch to create
your very own TIS Panther logo. Then we will progress to a more complex pattern which, when completed, can be used
as a gift or as your own personal keepsake. ​ ​Class Fee: $25
GROWTH MINDSET (Brosius): ​Take a survey to discover your mindset and then explore the pieces of a growth
mindset that can benefit you and those around you. Once you do that, share your knowledge with others through posters
and activities the whole school will benefit from.
GUITAR 1 (Clements): - ​Guitar 1 is for students who are interested in learning the basics of guitar. Even if you have
very little to no experience, come learn guitar! Students will learn basic chords/strumming, note-reading, and lots of
songs! Guitars provided, or you may bring an acoustic guitar from home.
GYM GAMES (Elman):​ Participate in a variety of intramural sports competitions. (beach volleyball, kickball,
capture the flag, matball, and dodgeball).
LIFE SKILLS (Barrett):​ Students will learn basic things such as how to sew on a button, figure taxes, set goals and
figure a budget.
MATH STUDY HALL 6 & 7 (Tues/Wed) (Mr. G): ​This study hall provides students with the opportunity to work
on math assignments with Mr. “G” for extra assistance. Geared for Math 6, Math 7, and Pre-Algebra students.
MATH STUDY HALL 7 & 8 (Thurs/Fri) (Ms. Powell): ​This study hall provides students with the opportunity to
work on math assignments with Ms. Powell for extra assistance. Geared for Math 8, Algebra, and Advanced Algebra
students.
ROBOTICS/BEGINNING (Mr. Nelson):​ ​Knowledge and familiarity with robots, how they think, operate, and how
to interact with them will be as essential as computers are to our generation. This class will introduce basic concepts as
we build robotic racers, catapults and other applications. Students must be enrolled in an after school robotics class to
participate in the WSU Shocker Mindstorms Competition. Limited class size.​ ​Class fee: $75.00
SPANISH STUDY HALL (Fiszel): ​This class will give students the opportunity to work with Mrs. Fiszel on Spanish
homework and test preparation.
STOCK MARKET GAME (McIntire): ​Who has what it takes to corner the market on Wall Street? Students are
given $100,000 to invest in the stock market. The teams evaluate companies, forecast trends and choose where to place
their money in this real-time simulation. Teams will compete against other teams at TIS as well as in Kansas for
bragging rights for the best portfolio.
STRENGTH/CONDITIONING (Coach Fowler): ​Students will learn how to workout properly and develop
discipline within a workout program. Areas covered will be strength, cardio, speed, agility, and power. Students may
sign up for one OR two quarters in order to show a level of progress with their physical fitness.
TEACHER ASSIGNED STUDY HALL (Gelvin): ​Students will be notified by the teacher, if this class is Teacher
recommended to help students meet with success in the classroom. For 6th grade students.. Teacher referral only. Referral
Only
TYPING CLUB (Mrs. A.): ​Students will work on a web-based tool for improved touch typing skills. Highly
recommended for all 6th graders during 1st semester (offered at other times). Any student (6th-8th) may take. Class
maximum: 12 students.
ZUMBA (Patton): ​Zumba involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music. Dance (even if you
think you can’t), laugh, have fun and get exercise in a fun, non-threatening class.
 EXPLORE Choice List – 1ST QUARTER!
(August 30, 2018 - October 23, 2018)

Pick a 1​ST​, 2nd,

EXPLORE (THURSDAY/FRIDAYS) - 1ST QUARTER! 3rd choice (1-3)
ART (Dowty)​: ​ ​Join us as we enjoy drawing, painting and exploring new creations as we dive into the wonderful world
of art!
BEGINNING BULLET JOURNALING (Brosius): ​One of the hottest trends in agenda keeping is creating your own
journal to track plans, habits and so much more. In this class we will learn how to set up a Bullet Journal, learn creative
pages to insert in our journal, and have discussions about what to track/keep in our journals.
CANDLE MAKING​ ​(Fiszel): ​This class is for candle makers! Students will make their own homemade candles.
Class fee $20.
CHESS GAMES (Mr. G): ​Students will learn the basic rules and strategies of chess and compete against classmates
and teachers. The class will help students understand the logic behind different tactics as well as when and where to use
them. The class will be a fun class where students will be able to unwind at the end of the school day and play!
CRITICAL CINEMA (McIntire): ​What makes a good movie? What is it about a movie that makes it stand the test
of time? Students will explore various aspects of movie composition (writing, acting, directing, editing, music and
sound) by watching and then analyzing both film clips and full movies. Movies used in the past have included:
Casablanca, Bringing Up Baby, Finding Forrester, Les Choristes, Pearl Harbor, Avatar and the timeless classic, Mr.
Bean Goes on Holiday. Enrollment max: 10-15
DRAMA (Cain): ​ Join Upper School Theatre/Performing Arts teacher, Mr. Cain, as he teaches the basics of acting.
Through games and exercise, students will learn to stand strong and be ready for any situation. Our Middle School
students will be joining Upper School students in this exciting drama class! ​Class ends at 3:25!
GARDEN TO TABLE (Patton): ​Help care for the school garden and learn how to take ingredients from the garden
to make delicious, healthy food.​ ​Class fee: $20
GUITAR 1 (Clements): ​Guitar 1 is for students who are interested in learning the basics of guitar. Even if you have
very little to no experience, come learn guitar! Students will learn basic chords/strumming, note-reading, and lots of
songs! Guitars provided, or you may bring an acoustic guitar from home.
GYM GAMES (Elman):​ Participate in a variety of intramural sports competitions. (beach volleyball, kickball,
capture the flag, matball, and dodgeball).
MAKING MAGIC WITH HARRY POTTER​ ​(Barrett): ​Ok, Harry Potter fans - this class is for you! Learn what
house you would be sorted into and delve into Hogwarts. We will look at the novel ​Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's
Stone​, movie reviews, and watch the movie. We will also create Hogwarts crafts, have tea, and learn more about Potter
chemistry and herbology.
MATH STUDY HALL 6/7/8 (Mrs. Powell): ​This study hall provides students with the opportunity to work on math
assignments with a teacher for extra assistance. Geared for all math classes and students.
ROBOTICS/BEGINNING (Mr. Nelson):​ ​Knowledge and familiarity with robots, how they think, operate, and how
to interact with them will be as essential as computers are to our generation. This class will introduce basic concepts as
we build robotic racers, catapults and other applications. Students must be enrolled in an after school robotics class to
participate in the WSU Shocker Mindstorms Competition. Limited class size.​ ​Class fee: $75.00
ROCKET SCIENCE (Mr. Angell) - ​Don’t let the name fool you. You can be a rocket scientist! Join Mr. Angell for
this Explore class which will teach you the physics of how rockets work as you build and fly your own model rockets.
We will begin by building simple models, launching and retrieving them, and understanding the science of rocket
flight. We will then progress to more difficult models and the more powerful engines that are required to launch them.
Class Fee: $40
TEACHER ASSIGNED STUDY HALL (Gelvin): ​Students will be notified by the teacher, if this class is Teacher
recommended to help students meet with success in the classroom. For 7th & 8th grade students. Teacher referral Referral
only. Only
TYPING CLUB (Mrs. A.): ​Students will work on a web-based tool for improved touch typing skills. Highly
recommended for all 6th graders during 1st semester (offered at other times). Any student (6th-8th) may take. Class
maximum: 12 students.
WRITING ONE ACT PLAYS (Cole)​: ​“All the world’s a stage” according to Shakespeare. Do you have aspirations
of being the next big playwright? This Explore class will create original student produced one-acts that will be
performed on stage during the 2019 spring semester.
 EXPLORE Choice List – 2​nd​ Quarter 2018
(October 24, 2018 - December 21, 2018)

EXPLORE (TUESDAYS/WEDNESDAYS) - 2ND QUARTER! Pick a 1​ST​,

2nd, 3rd
choice (1-3)
ART (Dowty)​: ​ ​Join us as we enjoy drawing, painting and exploring new creations as we dive into the wonderful world
of art!
BATH CHEMISTRY (Angell): ​Explore chemistry as it relates to our hygiene. Students will create sugar scrubs, bath
bombs, soaps, aftershave cream, lotions, and more! ​Class Fee: $20.
CAROL CHOIR (Hanne)​: For those who love to sing Christmas and other seasonal carols, this Explore class is for
you! We will sing both familiar and less familiar songs, adding harmonies if possible. Depending on class size and
schedule availability, we may be able to travel to locations around town to carol as well. Come to sing as we spread the
joy of the holiday season!
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Cole): ​Love taking photos? Learn the basics of composition, light, perspective, and
so much more with this hands-on class. Students must have access to a digital camera or cell phone camera.
FENCING (Wichita Fencing Academy): ​Come join coaches from the Wichita Fencing Academy (WFA) as they
teach students the sport of fencing. The academy has produced many regional and nationally recognized fencers and
they wish to bring the sport of fencing to students at TIS, proving that Olympians are everywhere! All equipment will
be provided by WFA. Minimum class size of 5/Maximum is 12. This course will be offered again 4th quarter if you
don’t get in now. ​Class Fee: $50.
FOLK STORIES & FAIRY TALES (Mrs. Barrett)​: Once upon a time many cultures had similar stories with
similar morals. Students will have the opportunity to read original folk stories and fairy tales from other countries and
compare and contrast them. These are not your Disney fairytales!
GROWTH MINDSET (Brosius): ​Take a survey to discover your mindset and then explore the pieces of a growth
mindset that can benefit you and those around you. Once you do that, we will share your knowledge with others
through posters and activities the whole school will benefit from.
GUITAR 1 (Clements): ​Guitar 1 is for students who are interested in learning the basics of guitar. Even if you have
very little to no experience, come learn guitar! Students will learn basic chords/strumming, note-reading, and lots of
songs! Guitars provided, or you may bring an acoustic guitar from home.
GYM GAMES (Elman):​ Participate in a variety of intramural sports competitions. (beach volleyball, kickball,
capture the flag, matball, and dodgeball).
INTRAMURAL SCHOLAR’S BOWL A (McIntire/Powell):​ Teams will square off against each other in the
traditional Scholar’s Bowl format, testing knowledge in Math, History, English, Science & Current Events. The focus
will be on both the friendly competition as well as the strategies needed to be a great ‘competitor’. Open to ALL
students (6th-8th). This DOES NOT commit you to compete on the Scholar’s Bowl squad in February. (Class limit: 16
students)
MATH STUDY HALL (Mr. G): ​This study hall provides students with the opportunity to work on math assignments
with a teacher for extra assistance. Geared for all levels of math, for all math students 6th/7th/8th grades.
ROBOTICS/BEGINNING (Mr. Nelson):​ ​Knowledge and familiarity with robots, how they think, operate, and how
to interact with them will be as essential as computers are to our generation. This class will introduce basic concepts as
we build robotic racers, catapults and other applications. Students must be enrolled in an after school robotics class to
participate in the WSU Shocker Mindstorms Competition. Limited class size.​ ​Class fee: $75.00
SPANISH STUDY HALL (Fiszel): ​This class will give students the opportunity to work with Mrs. Fiszel on Spanish
homework and test preparation.
STRENGTH/CONDITIONING (Coach Fowler): ​Students will learn how to workout properly and develop
discipline within a workout program. Areas covered will be strength, cardio, speed, agility, and power. Students may
sign up for one OR two quarters in order to show a level of progress with their physical fitness.
TEACHER ASSIGNED STUDY HALL (Gelvin): ​Students will be notified by the teacher, if this class is Teacher
recommended to help students meet with success in the classroom. For 6th grade students.. Teacher referral only. Referral
Only
UPCYCLED ART (Mrs. Patton): ​Make new art with used materials. ​Class fee: $5.

YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR (Argetsinger): ​Students are provided with a hands-on learning experience​ to learn about
business education and entrepreneurship. They are also given the opportunity to create their very own business idea for
a market day. ​Class fee: $25
 EXPLORE Choice List – 2​nd​ Quarter 2018
(October 24, 2018 - December 21, 2018)

EXPLORE (THURSDAYS/FRIDAYS) - 2ND QUARTER Pick a 1​ST​,

2nd, 3rd
choice (1-3)
ART (Dowty)​: ​ ​Join us as we enjoy drawing, painting and exploring new creations as we dive into the wonderful
world of art!
BEGINNING BULLET JOURNALING (Brosius): ​One of the hottest trends in agenda keeping is creating your
own journal to track plans, habits and so much more. In this class we will learn how to set up a Bullet Journal, learn
creative pages to insert in our journal, and have discussions about what to track/keep in our journals.
DRAMA (Cain): ​ Join Upper School Theatre/Performing Arts teacher, Mr. Cain, as he teaches the basics of acting.
Through dramatic games and exercise, students will learn to stand strong and be ready for any situation. Our Middle
School students will be joining Upper School students in this exciting drama class! ​Class ends at 3:25!
GYM GAMES (Elman):​ Participate in a variety of intramural sports competitions. (beach volleyball, kickball,
capture the flag, matball, and dodgeball).
HEALTHY LIVING THROUGH NUTRITION (Patton):​ Create a healthy lifestyle that can last a lifetime. Learn
how to make healthy choices through nutrition, exercise, life balance, relationships, cooking, self-care, and more.
Includes a “spa day” to relax and unwind. ​Class fee: $20
INTRAMURAL SCHOLAR’S BOWL B (McIntire/Powell):​ Teams will square off against each other in the
traditional Scholar’s Bowl format, testing their knowledge in the areas of math, history, English, science and current
events. The focus will be on both the friendly competition as well as the strategies needed to be a great ‘competitor’.
This elective is open to ALL students (sixth through eighth) and DOES NOT commit you to compete on the Scholar’s
Bowl squad in February. (class limit: 16 students)
MATH STUDY HALL - All levels (Mr. G): ​This study hall provides students with the opportunity to work on math
assignments with a teacher for extra assistance. Geared for all levels of math (6th/7th/8th grades).
PUZZLE DETECTIVE (Barrett): ​Students will work brain puzzles to strengthen critical thinking skills.
ROBOTICS/ADVANCED (Nelson)​: Must have taken “beginner” course. Students will begin working with
variables, math operations, subroutines (in the form of "My Blocks"), PID controllers, manipulator arms, as well as
learning gearing, torque, gear ratio calculations and other advanced concepts. ​Students must be enrolled in an after
school robotics class to participate in the WSU Shocker Mindstorms Competition. Limited class size. ​Class fee:
$75.00
RUNNING CLUB (Angell): ​Have you ever wanted to just go for a run like Forrest Gump? Join Mr. Angell for a
chance to experience the joy of running without having to worry about how fast or how far. This Explore class is
designed to teach you the basics of running form, mechanics, pacing, and proper footwear with the intent of enjoyment
with a lower risk of injury. This class is not designed for just those who are involved in track or cross country. All
students are welcome to learn to appreciate this life-long activity.
SOCCER SCRIMMAGE (Mrs. Fiszel):​ Pelé, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham? They all started somewhere.
Hone your soccer skills on the field.
STRUMMIN’ AND DRUMMIN’ - (Clements)​ - Students with some guitar/ukulele/drum experience are welcome to
take this class, where the focus is on learning lots of songs. We will find opportunities on-campus to perform as they
are available, and students will help decide the “set list” of songs. Guitar 1, previous guitar experience, and/or band
are prerequisites for this course, so see Mr. Clements if you are interested.
TEACHER ASSIGNED STUDY HALL (Gelvin): ​Students will be notified by the teacher, if this class is Teacher
recommended to help students meet with success in the classroom. For 7th/8th grade students.. Teacher referral only. Referral
Only
TYPING CLUB (Mrs. A.): ​Students will work on a web-based tool for improved touch typing skills. Highly
recommended for all 6th graders during 1st semester. Any student (6th-8th) may take. Class maximum: 12 students.
WRITING ONE ACT PLAYS (Cole)​: ​“All the world’s a stage” according to Shakespeare. Do you have aspirations
of being the next big playwright? This Explore class will create original student produced one-acts that will be
performed on stage during 2019 spring semester.