Explorations in MYP

Pasta and Sauces with Mr. Rispoli 
We will be discussing several different types of pastas and the sauces they should be accompanied with. We also will be cooking and tasting these wonderful dishes. ***Cost: $35

Climbing with Ms. Donley
Practice climbing at the Bend Rock Gym and Alpenglow Park Boulders during Explorations. Sessions will focus on developing climbing techniques, learning knots, and having fun while consistently managing risk. Beginners and experienced climbers are all welcome. Equipment provided or bring your own.  ***Cost: $69 ***Drivers needed. Gear rental included (harness, belay device, climbing shoes).

 

Street Dog Hero with Mr. Cardwell
Thank you Seven Peaks students for partnering with Street Dog Hero as part of the Explorations Program. We are so excited to work with you this year! Volunteering with us will involve a variety of work and each day will likely be a little different. We always need help stuffing Kong toys, creating each dog’s information folder, organizing leashes and collars, organizing merchandise, preparing for fun events, and more. These tasks will be a huge help in making each busy day run smoothly. We don’t always have puppies around, but when we do we love to socialize them. That means lots of puppy time! We look forward to working with you this year!***Drivers needed

 

Yoga and Mindfulness with Rachel @ Free Spirit
Yoga and mindfulness lay the groundwork for a joyful and balanced life. In this exploration we'll dive into yoga's essence - connecting mind, body, and spirit. During indoor and outdoor sessions we practice various yoga poses, ranging from powerful warrior poses and arm balances to mellow stretchy and relaxing restorative poses. Additionally, we'll explore partner yoga poses and engage in acro yoga in small groups. Our sessions will go beyond the physical practice, incorporating engaging activities like journaling, creative mindful art projects, sensory projects and collaborative group games. Both yoga and mindfulness serve as beneficial tools for reducing stress and anxiety within a nurturing and encouraging setting. This exploration will be led by Rachel Augustine, co-owner of Free Spirit. Rachel is a certified advanced yoga instructor with 10+ years of experience teaching yoga, mindfulness and art to kids and youth. Come join us on this journey of self-discovery, yogi camaraderie, and new-found strength!***Cost: $105. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfy athletic clothes. All the art supplies and mindfulness tools will be provided.

 

Tennis with Mr. O'Brien
In this class, students will learn the basics of tennis: forehand and backhand stroke production, volleying at net, serving and playing out points! Come join the fun and learn the game of Tennis! This group will be walking to Bend Athletic Club.***Cost: $120

 

Humane Society Toy Making with Ms. Evans
We will be working in the design lab to make dog/cat blankets and toys for our furry friends at the Humane Society and visit their site to deliver our creations.***Cost: $30

 

Jewelry Making with Ms. Royes
We will be creating multiple projects incorporating fused glass into jewelry. Students will first learn about fused glass and then work on designing ideas for their project before creating their first fused glass work incorporating wire and beads. Students will learn wire wrapping and stamping techniques and complete at least 4 pieces of jewelry. Previous jewelry making experience is not required.***Cost: $30

 

Mountain Biking with Mr. Kopish and Dr. Kruer
We will be hitting the trails right from school for Friday afternoons of fun and skill development on our two wheeled wonders. Participants should already be capable bike riders (no mountain biking experience required). The materials required for this exploration are 1) a bike capable of riding on rocky, dirt trails; 2) safety equipment (helmets required); and 3) an open mind ready to explore the magic of mountain biking with a mixed-skill group. Some weeks we'll ride, some weeks we'll practice skills. But every week we'll focus on fun and relaxation.

 

Think Wild with Becky LiPuma @ Think Wild
Join Think Wild, a wildlife hospital and conservation center in Bend, for six weeks of environmental, hands-on learning! Learn about Central Oregon wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation while contributing to conservation and scientific projects.***Cost: will be between $25-38 (depending on how many sign up) ***Drivers needed for week 3

Choir with Mr. Davies and Ms. Donley 
In Choir we will learn to warm-up and train our voices and ears, and sing songs in an ensemble in 2 and even 3 part harmony! The Choir exploration will culminate in a performance at the Winter Concert on December 10th at 6pm. All are welcome, regardless of your experience level or voice type. Max students 100

 

Yoga + Mindfulness with Profe Ama
Mindfulness is simply noticing what is happening right now. It is about paying attention in a particular way – on purpose, in the present moment and without judgment. It is taking notice of how your body feels, your emotions, and your mind. What happens when you start noticing these experiences? Join this Exploration and find out! Please provide your own yoga mat. Max students 12

 

Amazing Breakfasts Cooking Class with Carrie Hicks and Ms. Evans
Join Carrie Hicks and Ms. Evans for a delicious 6-week cooking adventure where you’ll learn to whip up amazing breakfasts that will kickstart your school days and make your weekends extra special! This class is designed for students eager to explore the kitchen and discover the joys of cooking while embodying the Seven Peaks Learner Traits of being open-minded, thinkers, and knowledgeable. Each week, we’ll dive into fun recipes that are both tasty and easy to make, allowing you to impress your family and friends. Cost: $35. Bring a storage container for leftovers to each class! Max students 10

 

Think Wild with Zoe Reynolds and Mr. Kopish
Join Think Wild, a wildlife hospital and conservation center in Bend, for six weeks of environmental, hands-on learning! Learn about Central Oregon wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation while contributing to conservation and scientific projects. Cost: will be between $30-45 (depending on how many sign up). Max students 15

Fiber Arts with Dr. Kruer
We will explore ways that we use plant (cotton) and animal (sheep, alpaca, rabbit) fiber to produce textiles. Skills explored may include: collecting (rabbit) and processing (sheep/alpaca) raw fiber, felting, spinning, knitting, crochet, and reading knitting/crochet patterns. Students will have the option to practice grooming and caring for a French angora rabbit. Possible field trips: Trip to purchase fiber Fancyworks Yarn Shop in Bend, Crescent Moon Ranch (Alpaca Farm) in Terrebonne. Cost: $30 (including yarn and knitting needles or a crochet hook, which students will keep). Max students 12

Hiking with Elizabeth Williams "Discussions on hikes focusing on issues that impact young women"
In this exploration, Elizabeth Williams’ passions for the outdoors and empowering young women will intersect! Lace up your shoes as we head into the wilderness to discuss issues facing young women today and basic hiking skills on beautiful, local, Bend trails! With her extensive background in corporate leadership and her love of nature and the outdoors, this exploration is bound to be inspiring! Max students 6

Pickleball with Mr. O'Brien
You are all warmly invited to join Mr. O'Brien in participating in some good old fashioned fun called Pickleball. Curious about what this is? Think of a combination of ping-pong and tennis, which focuses on the attributes of balance, agility, reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this socially engaging activity will promote new friendships in an active teamwork environment. So let’s bring on those smiley faces, a positive attitude and have a great time playing this wonderful and massively growing sport in Bend, Oregon. Court shoes required. Cost: $120 for the 6 weeks. Max students 12

Cribbage with Mr. Cardwell
Can you count to 15? Do you want to learn the greatest card game ever invented? If yes, then please join Mr. Cardwell for this quarter's cribbage exploration! Learn the basics of the game, improve your skills, and finish up the term with a fun, culminating tournament. Experienced players and total beginners are all welcome. Cost: $10 for the cribbage board. Max students 15

Wintermeister 

Wintermeister info

What is Wintermeister?
Wintermeister is a highlight of Seven Peaks' elective program, offering middle school students the chance to downhill ski, cross-country ski, or snowboard on Friday afternoons at Mt. Bachelor. The program emphasizes safety, accountability, and community while enjoying outdoor sports.

When & Where?
Wintermeister runs Fridays at Mt. Bachelor from January 10 to March 21, 2025 on the following dates: 1/10, 1/17, 1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, & 3/21.

Student Gear
Students must bring all snow gear (clothing, helmet, skis/snowboard, boots, goggles, gloves, season pass, etc.) to school each Friday. Poles, skis, and snowboards are stored on outdoor racks; boots and clothing go in the commons. After lunch at 11:45, students dress, line up, and board the buses around noon. Ski boots are NOT allowed on the bus.

On the Mountain
Students change into ski boots outside the bus and head to the slopes with riding partners. Group ski/snowboard participants and cross-country groups gather separately with chaperones before proceeding.

Ski Bibs
Students are required to wear SPS Wintermeister bibs at all times, even in the lodge. Bibs will be distributed before January 10th and must be returned at the end of the program. Lost bibs incur a $30 fee. Students without bibs cannot participate the following week.

Transportation
All students must ride the bus to Mt. Bachelor and be dressed and ready to board by noon.

To learn more about our unique Alpine and Nordic tradition at Seven Peaks, see our website for more!

AFI's Top 100 Films with Mr. Kopish 

Star Wars, North by Northwest, The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings. What do they all have in common? They're all on the American Film Institute's list of top 100 movies of all time! We'll not only watch these classics (and perhaps one or two more) but will also learn about what made them such important films in the history of cinema. So bring your favorite snack and settle in to watch some of the greatest movies of ALL TIME!! $10 fee (popcorn supplies)

 

PHOTOGRAPHY with Lindsay Russell 

A new exciting photography class tailored for Seven Peaks Middle School beginning photographers. Each day focuses on building foundational skills, fostering creativity, and encouraging hands-on practice. $60 fee (mounting board and prints) Camera needed. Phones will be allowed in place of a camera with rules around usage. 

Healing Reins with Ms. Donley

At Healing Reins, students will work with horses that are essential for the therapeutic riding program. The program, horses, staff, and volunteers at Healing Reins help people with differing abilities to improve their strength, confidence, awareness, and sense of accomplishment. The purpose of our Exploration is to give back to the community. This group will spend half of their time giving back to Healing Reins by feeding horses and cleaning paddocks, saddles, and small animal pens, feeding horses. The remaining time will be spent learning about the therapeutic riding industry, horse care, people with disabilities, the benefits of our services, and being outside with nature. $105 per student (will need parent drivers)

 

Table Tennis with Rally Recreation and Mr. Cardwell 

Did you know Timothee Chalamet is starring in an upcoming film about a table tennis pro? And that Portland is home to a Major League Table Tennis team, the Portland Paddlers? Table tennis is having a cultural moment. Come find out why it is one of the most popular sports in the world. In this 7-week class, students will learn the basics of table tennis-- how to hold a paddle, proper stance, correct forehand and backhand strokes, how to add spin-- and the rules of the game. Taught by a USATT Certified Club Level coach and an assistant coach to ensure that each student gets some quality one-on-one time each week, students will have fun while learning to play more competitively. This group will be driving to Rally Recreation in NWX. $100 per student

 

Photography with Dr. Kruer

Get ready to see the world through a whole new lens! In this photography exploration, you'll learn how to take amazing photos using anything from a smartphone to a digital camera. We'll explore cool techniques like lighting, composition, and perspective while capturing action shots, portraits, and creative close-ups. You'll also get to edit your photos to make them pop! Whether you're a total beginner or already love snapping pics, this class will help you level up your photography skills and express your unique vision. No fancy equipment needed—just your creativity and curiosity!

 

Improv with Mr. Clayton 

Build confidence in acting skills through the joy of playing games. Beginning Improv Theatre is open to all students.

 

DIY with Ms. Collins 

Students will have a chance to explore creative outlets through the use of the Cricut, laser cutter, and 3D printer. This DIY cave experience will allow students guided time to put creative ideas and personal interests to life. With the smaller group size, students will be able to have more free creative time with the machines and find ideas/inspirations that they want to bring to life.” $20 per student 

 

Around the World Baking with Ms. Evans

Students will spend seven weeks focused on baking grain based items from countries around the world. Example cooking classes are naan bread and dips from India, or popovers/yorkshire pudding served with a stovetop jam from the UK. Students will have an opportunity to suggest food recipes or countries they want to explore during this session. $30 per student 

 

Golf with Mr. O'Brien

Learn golf, improve your game outside, and enjoy the beautiful Central Oregon weather at Rivers Edge Golf Club during this 7-week intensive. This exploration is taught by Mike Lewis.Michael has dedicated his entire career to mastering the art and science of golf instruction as the Director of Instruction at the Nicklas Academy and Tetherow Golf Club.  As a Class ‘A’ PGA Professional, Michael’s expertise and passion for teaching have earned him esteemed recognition. In 1999, he was elected for membership in the PGA, and just six years later, he was named the 2005 Utah Section Teacher of the Year while still working in golf operations.  Michael’s passion for teaching extends beyond his business endeavors. He is also a Master Instructor for the Patriot Golf Foundation, dedicating his time to hosting military veterans for golf school outings. Students interested in attending are asked to bring their clubs if possible. If not, don't worry, as River’s Edge can lend out what's needed free of charge. So come on out and let's swing away!  $140 per student

 

Boxit with Mrs. Jessup and Mrs. Werner

Learn basic boxing skills, fun conditioning games, basic strength drills and more! $70 per student 

 

Street Dog Hero with Mr. Kopish

Thank you Seven Peaks students for partnering with Street Dog Hero as part of the Explorations Program. We are so excited to work with you this year! Volunteering with us will involve a variety of work and each day will likely be a little different. We always need help stuffing Kong toys, creating each dog’s information folder, organizing leashes and collars, organizing merchandise, preparing for fun events, and more. These tasks will be a huge help in making each busy day run smoothly. We don’t always have puppies around, but when we do we love to socialize them. That means lots of puppy time! We look forward to working with you this year!