Enrichment at PHPS Middle School
Creating. Performing. Designing. Discovering.
Some of the most meaningful learning happens when students have the opportunity to create, perform, build, move, experiment, and discover new strengths. At PHPS, enrichment is an important part of the Middle School experience.
For students with learning differences, these experiences provide additional pathways for expression, problem-solving, communication, and success. During the middle school years, enrichment classes also give students opportunities to explore their interests, take creative risks, collaborate with others, and develop greater confidence in who they are as learners.
Learning at PHPS extends beyond the traditional classroom.
Through opportunities to create, perform, design, build, and move, students discover new strengths, develop confidence, and expand their understanding of what they can do.
Band
Through our partnership with Music Learning Band, Middle School students have the opportunity to learn an instrument and experience what it means to make music as part of an ensemble. Professional music educators teach students on the PHPS campus for 45 minutes twice each week, building musical skills, confidence, collaboration, and responsibility. Students also have the opportunity to perform for the PHPS community in two school-wide performances each year.
Drama & Improv
In partnership with Stomping Ground Comedy Theater, students explore drama, improvisation, and public speaking in an environment designed to encourage creativity and confidence. Meeting on campus for 45 minutes twice each week, students practice thinking on their feet, communicating ideas, listening to others, collaborating, and becoming more comfortable expressing themselves in front of an audience.
Visual Arts
Middle School students continue developing their skills as artists through a dedicated two 45-minute art classes each week. In our beautiful art studio, students build on techniques and concepts introduced in earlier grades while gaining greater independence in their artistic choices. The studio provides a space where experimentation is encouraged, individual perspectives are valued, and creative expression can thrive.
Design Lab
Design Lab gives students a place to turn ideas into action. During two 45-minute classes each week, students engage in work that includes engineering, robotics, programming, design thinking, and emerging technologies through hands-on challenges and projects. Students learn to identify problems, develop and test ideas, work through failure, revise their thinking, and create solutions. These opportunities help them build the problem-solving skills and adaptability that will serve them well beyond Middle School.
Physical Education & Athletics
In addition to opportunities to participate on PHPS sports teams, all Middle School students take part in a 45-minute Physical Education and Athletics class each week. Students build physical literacy, coordination, fitness, and sport-specific skills while learning the value of teamwork, healthy competition, and an active lifestyle. The program provides another setting for students to develop confidence, perseverance, and a positive connection to movement and physical activity.
Different Ways to Learn. Different Ways to Shine.
A student who finds one part of the school day challenging may discover a talent for performing, engineering, visual design, music, athletics, or movement. These experiences give students opportunities to recognize their strengths, take healthy risks, and be successful in new ways.
Through the arts, design, technology, and physical education, students practice creativity, communication, collaboration, persistence, flexible thinking, self-expression, and teamwork. Together, these experiences help us educate the whole child and create a Middle School experience where students have many opportunities to discover what they do well and where they want to grow.