Hammarskjold Upper Elementary School

Course Guide | 2026-2027

Important Dates

Scheduling Presentations
Parent/Student Course Requests

Scheduling Presentations

Parent/Student Course Requests

February 2, 2026 - February 20, 2026

Parents/Students enter course requests through Parent Access.

If you do not have a login to Genesis/Parent Access, please contact your child's school and they will be able to help you. If you have been locked out of your account, or have forgotten your account information, please contact your child's school to have your account unlocked. If you have forgotten your password, please use the password reset link on the Parent Access login page.

May 11, 2026

Deadline to make elective changes for upcoming school year.

Performing Arts

Grade 5 Electives

Beginning Piano

Grade 5-6

This course is designed for the student who has little or no music background. It introduces the fundamentals of playing any keyboard instrument. An electronic keyboard lab will be used to teach the reading of music notation in both treble and bass clefs, and performance of music using two hands. Through the use of headphones, there will be an opportunity for individual practice time and teacher instruction.

Chorus

Grades 5-6

Students selecting Chorus as their elective, will be exposed to a wide variety of musical compositions ranging from classical music to popular music. Students will spend their class periods learning to sing a variety of songs in preparation for a winter and spring concert performance. Along with these concert preparations, students are also taught music, vocabulary and music theory that will serve to enhance the music they are learning for each performance. Students should anticipate additional after-school rehearsals in preparation for public performances.

Band

Orchestra

Stage Explorers!

Grades 5-6

Step into the spotlight and discover the magic of theatre! In this fun and interactive class, you’ll learn the basics of acting, teamwork, and storytelling while building confidence on stage. You’ll create and perform short skits with your classmates, explore characters and emotions, and develop skills that make you a stronger speaker and performer. Ever wonder how the stage looks so amazing when you go and see a theatre show?? You will also learn all about how the sound, lights, sets and costumes are designed and brought to life on stage! Get ready to laugh, imagine, and bring stories to life!

Grade 6 Electives

Stage Explorers!

Grades 5-6

Beginning Piano

Grade 5-6

Chorus

Grades 5-6

Students selecting Chorus as their elective, will be exposed to a wide variety of musical compositions ranging from classical music to popular music. Students will spend their class periods learning to sing a variety of songs in preparation for a winter and spring concert performance. Along with these concert preparations, students are also taught music, vocabulary and music theory that will serve to enhance the music they are learning for each performance. Students should anticipate additional after school rehearsals in preparation for public performances.

Band

Orchestra

Visual Arts

Grade 5-6 Electives

Art Exploration

Art Exploration

Grades 5-6

Art Exploration is the art elective course offered to students interested in improving their artistic skills. Art Exploration provides students with an opportunity to experience in greater depth the many varied methods and materials of art media. Exploration and development of line, color, form, texture and space in both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects help to develop individual growth and personal expression.

Practical Arts

Grade 5 Electives

Coding with Robotics Grade 5

Grade 5

Coding with Robotics (Grade 5) is an introductory computer science course aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Computer Science. Students build foundational computational thinking skills by designing and implementing algorithms to solve problems through introductory robotics coding experiences. Through hands-on activities, students create programs that emphasize sequencing, loops, and basic conditionals while practicing debugging and iterative refinement. The course focuses on problem decomposition, logical reasoning, and collaboration. Students also explore how robotics and computing technologies affect their daily lives, encouraging responsible and ethical use of technology.

Family and Consumer Science

Grade 5

If you like cooking (and eating!) this class is for you. Beyond the kitchen, this class helps you build skills for everyday life. You’ll learn how food choices affect your energy, health, and overall wellness, explore nutrition topics, and practice proper table etiquette. You’ll also gain basic sewing and clothing care skills and work on teamwork, responsibility, and communication through group activities. By the end of the course, you won’t just leave with recipes—you’ll leave with confidence, independence, and skills you can use right now and in the future.

STEM

Grades 5

STEM Elective (Grade 5) is an introductory level, design-oriented course, focused on developing students individual design aptitude through projects that span multiple disciplines. Students are introduced to the engineering design process and utlitize this way of thinking to generate solutions to problems presented throughout the year. Students are also exposed to several emerging areas of technology, including 3D and graphic design, with elements of artificial intelligence also introduced. Students also encounter unique procurement methods as the end result to their projects, allowing them the first-hand experience of rapid prototyping via a laser cutter and 3D printer.

Grade 6 Electives

Coding with Robotics Grade 6

Grades 6

Coding with Robotics (Grade 6) builds on foundational computer science skills and is aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Computer Science. Students design, implement, and evaluate algorithms using a variety of programmable robotic platforms. The course introduces students to language-based coding through block-based programming environments, strengthening their understanding of syntax, abstraction, and program structure. By programming multiple robotic systems, students examine how software and hardware interact while applying concepts such as conditionals, loops, data use, and debugging. Students also analyze the societal and global impacts of robotics and computing innovations, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical decision-making.

Family and Consumer Science

Grades 6

Media Production Lab

Grade 6

In Media Production Lab, students will learn about creating, recording, and editing multiple forms of media that have become an ever-growing part of our everyday lives. Covering Photography, Video Production, Audio Recording and editing, this class will introduce and immerse students in multiple forms of media and what goes into creating what they experience daily. The class will consist of multiple unit projects that cover a combination of the artistic and technical aspects of media production. Each student will walk away with creations that they will have collaborated on and can share over various platforms.

STEM

Grades 6

This engineering course is a hands-on STEM class where students learn by doing, building, and solving problems. Students explore real-world challenges using science, technology, engineering, and math. They design and test solutions while learning how engineers think. Through teamwork and creativity, students build confidence and see how STEM connects to everyday life. This course is a great fit for curious students who enjoy asking questions, creating things, and trying new ideas.

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