Skip to main content

Open Classroom

Sixth / Seventh / Eighth Grade

Sixth / Seventh / Eighth Grade


 

A tray holds clay sculptures, including a hand making the 'I love you' sign.
Clay pieces created in a pottery explore taught by talented parent coopers. (2024)

Two young people stand in front of a red building, one holding a white bag and the other a colorful ice cream cone.

Upper students participating in the annual Physics Day at Lagoon. (2026)

A black fist symbol is painted on a white wall, with three books below it.
 

Eighth graders complete a capstone project during their final year with us. This project stems from something they are passionate about. By spring, they will have created something new based on that learning. This project and its process is presented to the whole school. Eighth graders also participate in a combined 100 hours of community service learning. 

This is one of 3 library murals completed as 8th grade projects. It was based on a 5-8 grade community read of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You written by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. (2021)

Our Upper classes are taught by grade level for academic subjects and grade-blended classes for homeroom, P.E., Visual & Performing Arts, and more. Teachers, parents, and students create an inclusive learning environment within their community of classrooms.

Subjects are taught using project-based learning to increase engagement and share knowledge, such as coding a robot to be a tour guide that teaches how cells function.

Science class consists of labs, research projects, and science literacy skill building activities. 

Humanities class combines Language Arts and Social Studies. During this class novels are read, essays written, and students are involved in experiences such as podcasting and curating living history museums. 

Electives (called Explore Classes) are parent led and happen weekly based on parent involvement. For example, this term parents and teachers are leading classes on coding, ceramics, sewing, magazines, painting, cooking, and more.

Upper Grade Parent Meetings are scheduled six times a year on the 2nd Wednesday of most months. See calendar or teacher newsletters for specific dates.

A woman with dark hair smiles at the camera, wearing a black top and red straps.Lena Foster
Elementary Teacher
Open Classroom
lena.foster@slcschools.org
This is Lena Foster's 20th year in education, 19 of which she has spent at the Open Classroom. She recieved her undergraduate from the Univeristy of Utah and a Masters in Curriculum and Teaching from Weber State University. She currently teaches 6-8th grade. 

A woman with dark hair and a warm smile poses for a portrait.Chantelle Murakami
Elementary Teacher
Open Classroom
chantelle.murakami@slcschools.org
This is Chantelle's 12th year teaching at the Open Classroom. She loves teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies. She has a Bachelor's degree in history and a Master's degree in English Language Learning. Chantelle loves dancing, reading, and learning new things.

Kirsten Oliver

Elementary/ Middleschool Teacher

Open Classroom

Kirsten.Oliver@slcschools.org

The Open Classroom logo with a tie-dye background.