Grades: 7 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Dash | Room 212
Days per week: 3
Description: Do you love telling stories, writing poems, or capturing a moment in just a few words? In this elective, you'll explore different types of creative writing—from flash fiction and short stories to poetry and vignettes. You'll also grow as a writer by learning how to give and receive feedback as well as tutor other students, helping them strengthen their work while sharpening your own skills. Whether you're already a passionate writer or just curious to try something new, this elective is a great opportunity to express yourself.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Palmer
Days per week: 3
Description: This elective is for students who would like to develop their drawing skills. We will learn the tips and tricks of how to make your drawings look like the objects you're drawing. We will explore and learn more about various drawing materials including making their own charcoal and other materials. No previous drawing experience is needed. 

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Skop
Days per week: 3
Description:  Rehearse and perform music from rock and jazz genres.  All instruments are welcome. The music is arranged for each ensemble, considering each student's ablities.  A performance at Arts night will end each trimester. 

Grades: 5 & 6
Taught by: Ms. Finney
Days per week: 2
Description:  Want to Learn to Speak Chinese? In this fun and interactive class, you’ll learn how to greet others and introduce yourself in Mandarin! You’ll also explore Chinese characters and discover how they work. Along the way, we’ll make delicious food, create fun crafts, and experience exciting parts of Chinese culture together!

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Francois
Days per week: 2
Description:  The group will read and discuss different types of graphic novels. Students will read at a minimum 4 graphic novels as a group. Students will also have the opportunity to read graphic novels of their choice. We will use BookBreak to enable students to virtually meet and engage with graphic novelists.

Grades: 6 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Offei-Addo
Days per week: 2
Description: Why do people still create items by hand? Through this project-based elective, students will explore this question through various handcrafting activities. This will most likely include exploring bookbinding, comic making, crocheting, jewelry making, hand sewing, weaving, and other crafting techniques. Student input is also welcome! 

Grades: 6 & 7
Taught by: Mr. Seymour
Days per week: 2
Description:  Model UN (MUN) is a simulation of the United Nations, where students from around the world take on the roles of delegates, representing different countries, and working together to address global issues. They research, debate, negotiate, and write resolutions to find solutions to assigned topics. To enroll, MANDATORY ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT MSMUN on Saturday, Nov 14th from 8AM - 4PM. 

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Lindgren-Galloway, Ms. Ryu, Ms. Mingels, and Ms. Corbin
Description:  The fall musical is for students who love to perform as actors, singers, and/or dancers. Students will rehearse and perform a Jr. version of a musical (chosen by the director) in the CFA.  While students will audition for roles, all students who choose to participate will be cast in some role (leads, supporting, ensemble). While students may not be in every scene, they can expect to attend rehearsals 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) during the electives block and a separate study hall space will be available on days that a student is not rehearsing. Additionally, students will be expected to attend tech rehearsals and performances during the week of the performance (usually: the Sunday afternoon before, Monday-Thursday the week of the performance, and the performance on Thursday or Friday evening). Finally, participants should be aware that some outside work will be required (memorizing lines, reviewing music, practicing choreography, etc.).

Grades: 5 & 6
Taught by: Mr. Cibelli
Days per week: 2
Description:  How does a single picture hold an entire universe? In this class, we use the surreal, painterly art of Chris Van Allsburg and Shaun Tan (amongst others) as portals into our own writing. Each week, we’ll look closely at a specific image to unearth the secret histories, strange magic, and seemingly impossible moments brought to life on the page. From there, you’ll take the reins—writing the backstories of bizarre creatures, inventing the rules of fantastical worlds, and fleshing out the characters captured in the picture or hiding just outside the frame. Over time, you will weave these pieces together into your own unique collection of illustrated storytelling.

Grades: 5 through 7
Taught by: Ms. Power
Days per week: 2
Description:  In this hands-on elective, students will develop practical outdoor skills while exploring the natural spaces around campus. Through team challenges, navigation activities, and field-based adventures, students will learn the fundamentals of orienteering, map reading, compass use, shelter building, knot tying, and wilderness survival skills. Along the way, we’ll practice observation, problem-solving, teamwork, and environmental stewardship while gaining confidence in the outdoors. Designed for students who enjoy active, experiential learning, this course emphasizes exploration, curiosity, and adventure in the fall landscape of Massachusetts.

Grades: 6-8
Taught by: Ms. Macauley
Days per week: 4
Description:  Take your robotics skills to the next level by joining TAMS Robotics! Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, this elective meets 4 days per week and gives you the opportunity to design, build, and code your own robot. Working in a highly collaborative team environment, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving and engineering skills while competing in friendly challenges against your classmates. This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy creativity, technology, and hands-on learning.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Knox & Mr. Cann
Days per week: 4
Description: TATV is our student-created television show which airs weekly at community time. As a member of the TATV crew, students will write, act, film, and edit video segments with the chance to air their content in front of the entire school. 

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Pinkham
Days per week: 3
Description:  Students interested in creating sets, props, or supporting the tech or backstage aspects of drama productions will love this elective. Projects will change from term to term, depending on the needs of the production. Tech Theatre will meet 3 days a week (Monday, Thursday, and Friday). Additionally, tech theatre students will be expected to attend tech rehearsals and performances during the week of the performance (usually: the Sunday afternoon before, Monday-Thursday the week of the performance, and the performance on Thursday or Friday evening).

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Palmer
Days per week: 3
Description:  Ready to make your voice heard through art? In this powerful and creative elective, students become art-activists—using their artwork to speak up about causes that matter to them. Each year, the class picks a new theme to focus on (past topics include fashion sustainability and animal rights), and students work together to design impactful Public Service Announcements (PSAs), posters, and awareness campaigns. You’ll learn how color, imagery, and design can influence opinions, spark conversations, and inspire action. Whether you’re passionate about the planet, human rights, or everyday kindness, this class gives you the tools to turn your ideas into eye-catching, change-making art for the school and community.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Mingels
Days per week: 2
Description:  The Chorus Arts Elective is perfect for students who want to perform fun songs, improve their vocal technique, and learn more about how their voice works! All grades are welcome and encouraged to join. There will be opportunities for solos, playing instruments, and we will get to show off what we learned at Arts Night! Recent performances included How Far I’ll Go from Moana, For Good from Wicked, What a Wonderful World and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Grades: 6 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Keohane
Days per week: 2
Description:  JOIN DEBATE CLUB! Think it. Say it. Prove it. Debate Club is a fun and welcoming space where students share different opinions on popular—and sometimes spicy—topics! Whether we’re arguing about pineapple on pizza 🍍🍕 or whether TikTok should be banned 📱🚫, every voice gets a chance to be heard. You’ll learn how to:

• Speak clearly and confidently in front of others
• Listen closely and respond thoughtfully
• Research and find sources that support your case
• Build strong, convincing arguments and rebuttal
• Practice both casual and formal debating styles
• No experience needed—just bring your curiosity, your voice, and your opinions!

Grades: 6 though 8
Taught by: Mr. Seymour
Days per week: 2
Description:  Students will learn how to make documentary films through analyzing short documentaries, and then will plan, write, film, and edit their own documentaries about some aspect of Thayer Academy. These films will be viewed during school community time alongside TATV! 

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Skop
Days per week: 3
Description:  Rehearse and perform music from rock and jazz genres.  All instruments are welcome. The music is arranged for each ensemble, considering each student's ablities.  A performance at Arts night will end each trimester. 

Grades: 8
Taught by: Ms. Finney
Days per week: 2
Description:  Want to learn to speak Chinese? In this fun and interactive class, you’ll learn the six most common Chinese verbs and how to introduce yourself in Mandarin! You’ll also be able to read a story in Chinese characters and create your very own digital Chinese book by the end of the course. Plus—we’ll make delicious food and explore cool parts of Chinese culture along the way!

Grades: TBD
Taught by: Mr. Pinkham & Mr. Knox
Days per week: TBD
Description:  TARadio is our student-created radio show which airs LIVE weekly during morning advisory time. TA Radio members will report news from around campus and around the world. Students will script a short program which will inform members of the community and broadcast into every homeroom.

Grades: 5 through 7
Taught by: Ms. Power
Days per week: 2
Description:  In this hands-on elective, students will explore sustainability through engineering, design, growing systems, and creative environmental projects. Using principles of sustainable living and environmental problem-solving, students will build hydroponic and indoor growing systems, experiment with plant growth, and design eco-friendly solutions to real-world challenges. Students will also engage in sustainable crafting projects using natural, recycled, and repurposed materials, creating items such as nature-inspired art, upcycled designs, and environmentally conscious products. Combining elements of engineering, environmental science, creativity, and maker-based learning, this elective encourages innovation, collaboration, and hands-on exploration while investigating how humans can design more sustainable systems and communities.

Grades: 6 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Offei-Addo
Days per week: TBD
Description: Why do people still create items by hand? Through this project-based elective, students will explore this question through various handcrafting activities. This will most likely include exploring bookbinding, comic making, crocheting, jewelry making, hand sewing, weaving, and other crafting techniques. Student input is also welcome! 

Grades: 6 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Lindgren Galloway
Days per week: 4
Description:  Calling all actors! The winter play is looking for an ensemble of actors who love teamwork and the spotlight While auditions are required, all students interested in a role will be a part of the production. This elective meets during every elective block (4 times a week). Students will learn acting techniques and create a tight knit ensemble of performers while rehearsing the play for a memorized performance at the end of the term. Additionally, performers will be expected to attend tech rehearsals and performances during the week of the performance (usually: the Sunday afternoon before, Monday-Thursday the week of the performance, and the performance on Thursday or Friday evening in the final week or two of the term). *The tech theatre mid-day elective will not run this term. Students interested in supporting the technical aspects of this production should sign up for Open Art after school.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mrs. Chikwendu
Days per week: 2
Description:  Got a big question? A cool idea? A problem you want to solve? Join the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair elective and turn your curiosity into a real project! You'll design experiments, build inventions, test ideas, and think like real scientists and engineers. Explore, create, innovate — and get ready to showcase your work at MSEF!

Grades: 5 through 7
Taught by: Ms. Francois
Days per week: 2
Description:   The group will read and discuss middle grade books from different genres. Students will discuss each book and nominate two books to be listed on the 2027-2028 Massachusetts Children's Book Awards Nominees List. 

Grades: 6-8
Taught by: Ms. Macauley
Days per week: 4
Description: Take your robotics skills to the next level by joining TAMS Robotics! Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, this elective meets 4 days per week and gives you the opportunity to design, build, and code your own robot. Working in a highly collaborative team environment, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving and engineering skills while competing in friendly challenges against your classmates. This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy creativity, technology, and hands-on learning.

Grades: 8
Taught by: Ms. Carroll
Days per week: 2
Description:  In this 8th grade elective,  students will learn leadership skills to help guide younger middle school students thorugh challenges they may be facing. They will also develop the skills to support peers with conflicts and problem solving.  Together these peer leaders will implement this newfound knowledge within our community.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Cann & Ms. Dash
Days per week: TBD
Description: TATV is our student-created television show which airs weekly at community time. As a member of the TATV crew, students will write, act, film, and edit video segments with the chance to air their content in front of the entire school. 

Grades: 5 through 6
Taught by: Mr. Cibelli
Days per week: 2
Description:  Many stories are told using vivid descriptions, but screenplays/scripts are different—they rely entirely on what people say and do. In this studio, we learn how to tell stories through dialogue and action. We’ll use the same professional layout used for movies and television shows to draft original scenes, focusing on how to give characters unique voices and move a plot forward. This is a hands-on space to experiment with a different way of writing and see your stories take shape on the page.

Grades: 7 & 8
Taught by: Ms. Young
Days per week: 2
Description:  Do you enjoy photography, graphic design, or writing? Then the Yearbook Activity is perfect for you! Join a team of creative students who help plan, design, and produce the Thayer Academy Middle School yearbook. You’ll have the opportunity to take photos, write captions, design layouts, and create pages that capture the events, accomplishments, and memorable moments of the school year. Be part of telling the story of our school—one page at a time!

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Pinkham & Mr. Cann
Days per week: 2
Description:  In this hands-on making course, students design and construct original projects that move — whether that means rolling, spinning, launching, or something nobody's thought of yet. Using the CDL's 3D printers, laser cutter, hand tools, and a variety of special materials, you'll prototype, tinker, and iterate your way to a finished creation that's entirely your own. No prior experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to try things.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Palmer
Days per week: 2
Description:  Want to make art that goes beyond the classroom walls? In this elective, students will explore the exciting world of public and community art—art that’s made to be shared with others! From collaborative murals to temporary installations and sidewalk chalk messages, you’ll learn how artists use public spaces to express ideas, tell stories, and bring people together. Students will design and create projects that brighten up the school or local community, working as a team to plan, sketch, and build artwork that makes an impact. If you love big ideas, bold colors, and teamwork, this is the elective for you!

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Skop
Days per week: 3
Description:  Rehearse and perform music from rock and jazz genres. All instruments are welcome. The music is arranged for each ensemble, considering each student's abilities. A performance at Arts night will end each trimester. 

Grades: 7
Taught by: Ms. Finney
Days per week: 2
Description:  Want to learn to speak Chinese? In this fun and interactive class, you’ll learn the six most common Chinese verbs and how to introduce yourself in Mandarin! You’ll also be able to read a story in Chinese characters and create your very own digital Chinese book by the end of the course. Plus—we’ll make delicious food and explore cool parts of Chinese culture along the way!

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Pinkham
Days per week: TBD
Description:  In this elective students will create short films with the goal of submitting one to the Spring Film Festival.

Grades: 8
Taught by: Mr. Seymour
Days per week: 2
Description:  Model UN (MUN) is a simulation of the United Nations, where students from around the world take on the roles of delegates, representing different countries, and working together to address global issues. Students research, debate, negotiate, and write resolutions to find solutions to assigned topics.  To enroll, MANDATORY ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT MSMUN on Saturday, April 10th from 8AM - 4PM. 

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Iskra
Days per week: 2
Description:  Students who partcipate in the Rap & Hip-Hop Appreciaion elective will
learn about the pillars of Hip-Hop culture; emceeing, graffi%, breaking and DJing. They will listen to and think
critcally about songs and albums from the past 50 plus years, by identifying the instrumental organization of
the music, by idenifying samples, and by approaching the lyrics, both from the manner in which they jibe with
the beats, and, also, as a literary critic would read them like poetry that stands alone. They will discuss the
numerous ways in which Hip-Hop has and con%nues to illustrate and protest social issues, they will discuss the
way that Hip-Hop culture has been and is now consumed, and they will discuss what this powerful, Black,
American culture has meant and means to them today. Ultmately, interested students will also have the
opportunity to express themselves creatively.

Grades: 5 & 8
Taught by: Ms. Francois
Days per week: 2
Description:  This book club will give students the opportunity to enjoy more quiet reading time during the school day.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Crampton, Ms. Mingels & Ms. Corbin
Days per week: 4
Description:  Do you love to sing and dance? Then TAC is for you! Each spring, Thayer students rehearse and perform a musical revue inspired by a theme (i.e. water, ancient history, travel, literary characters). Students can audition for solo singing or join the ensemble as dancers, singers, and musicians. While students may not be in every number, they can expect to attend rehearsals 4 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) during the electives block and a separate study hall space will be available on days that a student is not rehearsing. Additionally, TAC students will be expected to attend tech rehearsals and performances during the week of the performance (usually: the Sunday afternoon before, Monday-Thursday the week of the performance, and the performance on Thursday or Friday evening). Finally, participants should be aware that some outside work will be required (memorizing songs, practicing choreography, etc.). *Please note, students interested in technical theatre should sign up for the Tech Theatre Elective this term.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Mr. Knox & Ms. Dash
Days per week: 4
Description:  TATV is our student-created television show which airs weekly at community time. As a member of the TATV crew, students will write, act, film, and edit video segments with the chance to air their content in front of the entire school.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Power
Days per week: 2
Description:  In this hands-on elective, students will investigate the ecology of our campus through outdoor fieldwork, environmental monitoring, and interactive science investigations. Students will use the hydroponic farm to grow and study plants while also developing the skills of field biologists through activities like biodiversity surveys, wildlife observations, habitat mapping, water and soil investigations, and student-designed outdoor experiments. As the campus changes through the spring season, students will learn to observe ecological relationships, collect and analyze data, and explore the connections between organisms and their environment. Designed for students who enjoy being outside and learning through experience, this course emphasizes curiosity, exploration, and real-world environmental science.

Grades: 5 through 6
Taught by: Ms. Cibelli
Days per week: 2
Description:  In Flash Writing, we prove that you don't need a hundred pages to create a masterpiece. We’ll dive into flash writing—from rhythmic poetry to tiny, strange stories—to see how they pack a huge punch into tiny spaces. Each week involves a new creative "sprint": writing postcards from the future, hacking old fairytales, or creating "blackout" poetry. It is a fast-paced environment where the goal is to experiment with different voices and finish something unique every week.

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Lindgren Galloway
Days per week: 3
Description:  Students interested in creating sets, props, or supporting the tech or backstage aspects of drama productions will love this elective. Projects will change from term to term, depending on the needs of the production. Tech Theatre will meet 3 days a week (Monday, Thursday, and Friday). Additionally, tech theatre students will be expected to attend tech rehearsals and performances during the week of the performance (usually: the Sunday afternoon before, Monday-Thursday the week of the performance, and the performance on Thursday or Friday evening). 

Grades: 5 through 8
Taught by: Ms. Macauley
Days per week: 2
Description:  In this creative elective, students will design and publish the 2026–2027 edition of Tiger’s Tale, our school’s literary magazine made by students, for students. Open to all grades, this course focuses on using Canva to explore the fundamentals of graphic design. Students will learn how design choices can communicate emotions and ideas while showcasing student writing and artwork from throughout the year.