Rising 8th Grade Connections Recruitment for 2026-2027

Current 7th grade students have the opportunity to express interest in year-long connections classes for the 2026-2027 school year:

Students interested in taking Engineering or Yearbook should submit the interest form below.

Students interested in taking Dance should submit the interest form below and attend auditions at OMS on Friday March 20th from 4:30- 6:30.

Students interested in taking Theater need to submit both the interest form and an audition video, in which students will perform a monologue. Monologue submissions are completed using the link or QR code below.

Should more students apply for a given program, a lottery will be conducted to determine student placement. All students with interest in Engineering, Yearbook, Dance or Theater should consider submitting the form and completing the monologue (Theater) or audition (Dance).

Please Note: Band, Chorus and Orchestra are also year-long programs. Students are scheduled for two Connections classes. Therefore choices have to be made about which classes to pursue. OMS is like a cruise ship! So many opportunities, but you need to choose which programs are best for you!

Engineering (Carnegie Credit course)

Engineering teaches students to apply their math, science and artistic skills to solve real-world problems. The class gives students valuable career experiences on how to work in a team, plan and budget their time and resources, while collaborating in creating or improving electronics like robots or using Computer Aided Design to bring innovative ideas to life. The year-long class will provide an overview of engineering, including various methods used in the design process. Students will develop fundamental literacy in technology and engineering as they learn about the history, systems, and concepts of these fields. This class is a first step for future engineers and technicians. Upon successful completion of the course, eighth-grade students receive a Carnegie Unit credit for high school. Any questions about Foundations of Engineering and Technology should be directed to Mr. Zuluaga (nes.zuluaga@gcpsk12.org).

Theater

Advanced theater is a year-long, performance-based class for eighth graders. Geared toward students who have an interest in performing, the class provides an opportunity to engage in all aspects of producing a show for a live audience. Throughout the year, students will learn how to audition, act, build scenery, and put together a costume while rehearsing and preparing a play for performance. Students will also learn vital collaborative skills through an ensemble experience. The class teaches confidence, tolerance, and patience while focusing on high school level reading comprehension, student collaboration, and a quality performance. This class will benefit all students hoping to pursue the performing arts in high school or professionally.

Yearbook

Yearbook is a class that connects every student within our school. This class allows students to use all of their academic skills in a real-world context. Writing, design, business, technology, and communication combined for a uniquely beneficial class that will produce skills necessary for success in high school, college, and beyond. Are you interested in photography, design, or digital media publishing? Have you thought about becoming an influencer? What about a future in marketing and advertising? This class offers students the opportunity to build connections with their peers and produce a yearbook that represents their student body. Throughout the year, students will be expected to be accountable for their work and meet production deadlines. At times, this expectation may require students to allocate time at home to complete their assignments and/or be present for school activities outside of class (i.e., sports games, club meetings, field trips…etc.). Class participation is a NECESSITY for success and will be a crucial component of each day of instruction. Allow this 8th grade connection class to be an introduction to future careers in art, digital design, journalism, photography, and so many more opportunities! Any questions about Yearbook should be directed to Mrs. Rider (anastasia.rider@gcpsk12.org).

Dance

Dancers at Osborne Middle School receive foundational training in ballet, jazz, and contemporary modern. The year-long program provides dancers with advanced training in these styles and provides additional opportunities for growth and performance. Dancers in perform multiple dances in our Fall and/or Spring Recital. In addition to movement-based learning and choreography, students will study dance history, dance terminology, and reflective practices to support the development of the whole learner.  

Please note that if your dancer is selected for the year-long connection, your student will be required to perform in a minimum of two Saturday Dance Recitals (one in November and one in April/May - These dates will be released once confirmed). Each recital requires a week of mandatory after school rehearsals; these times and dates will be provided well in advance. Other performance opportunities will arise throughout the year that your dancer may choose to participate in. 

Interest Forms are Due by March 9th

Rising 8th grade Interest Form

8th gr Dance Interest Form

8th gr Theater Monologue Submissions (use link or QR code below)

Not interested in year-long courses? That's totally okay. Semester based classes are randomly assigned. Next year, we will offer PE, Health, Marketing, Business/Finance, Computer Science, STEM & Art as semester based classes in 8th grade.

8th grade Theater Video Monologue