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Open Classroom

678 Grade Class Disclosure Documents

678 Grade Class Disclosure Documents

Get to Know the Upper Grades
Coming soon!

Alice in Wonderland (2024)

Poster for 'Alice in Wonderland' play, featuring a pink silhouette of Alice.
There are no resources or collections to display
 

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

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)

For more information contact teachers below.

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 3rd Tuesday of the month. See calendar 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.

  • A generic profile icon on a gray background.Julian Zahalak
    Middle School Teacher
    Open Classroom
    julian.zahalak@slcschools.org