Wednesdays in the Upper Division (High School 9-12)

Wednesday laboratory periods are mandatory for students registered for AP physics.

This period of AP Calculus is mandatory for students enrolled in the class UNLESS they are enrolled in AP Physics.

This period of AP Stats is mandatory for students enrolled in the class UNLESS they are enrolled in AP Physics.

This period of AP Precalc is mandatory for students enrolled in the class UNLESS they are enrolled in AP Physics.

Students will gain an appreciation for the rich and multifaceted nature of the American religious landscape. They will become familiar with key aspects (history, beliefs, and practices) of some of the major world religions, with an emphasis on how these traditions are lived in the U.S.

In this semester-long coffee “intensive,” we will study the cultivation, preparation, chemistry, and culture of coffee.  

Study the great Torah sources in an intimate setting and let the course take you on your journey to understanding Jewish texts.

High school students will have the hands-on opportunity to learn about the planning, execution, and management of the Farmette growth. We will be starting and maintaining the crops in our new hoop house while looking into entrepreneurship opportunities for selling or sharing our harvests. We will also learn about sustainable lifestyle practices. This is an outdoor class.

Please contact Mrs. Miller with your proposed course of study and faculty advisor.

Through a partnership with an organization called Freedom Learning, DJDS students can enroll for free in courses offered by Astravo Online Academy, an accredited online public school.  Please see the course catalog and contact Dr. G-T for more details if interested.

In this class we will look at a number of different programming languages and other applications of coding.  Each week we will explore something new, from creating VR worlds in A-Frame, mobile apps with React Native, and a variety of mini-tasks using JavaScript, Python, HTML, and more.  This is an opportunity to see what areas of study exist in the vast realm of programming and what avenues of future studies you want to pursue.

We will use software in tandem with various audio and video recording devices to create art and/or content in whatever form and genres interest you most.

Join our Shinshinit Talia and explore the rich tapestry of Israel, delving into its diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and the dynamic blend of cultures, religions, and ethnicities that coexist within its borders.

Wednesday laboratory periods are mandatory for students registered for AP physics.

A laboratory during Period 4 is mandatory for students registered for AP Environmental Science.

This course is designed to help students develop and use academic skills that will help them become successful learners. Students will learn and practice various techniques that will be helpful to them throughout their academic years.  Students who want a study hall during this period may choose this option.

We will use software in tandem with various audio and video recording devices to create art and/or content in whatever form and genres interest you most.

Learn real life business skills by reenacting scenarios that companies have faced and creating real solutions for local businesses.

Study the Talmud in an intimate setting and let the course take you on your journey to understanding Jewish texts.

The class offers students tips and advice on navigating the job market and discovering their ideal career path. Students in this class can access assistance from Mz. O in finding internship opportunities for subsequent semesters.

Through a non-partisan lens, we will explore the issues and the candidates for the 2024 US presidential election through the primary season. Each class will focus on a different issue that the candidates are addressing in their campaigns. All students are asked to come to each class open to learning, whether it will reinforce previous opinions or help you understand other sides of the argument. The class will consist mostly of debates, discussions, short lectures on topics, and role-playing.

Prepare for an engaging exploration of yourself and identifying how you aim to contribute meaningfully to the world, ensuring your impact resonates with others. We'll explore the ins and outs of psychology, sociology, and Judaic perspectives without the fluff. From Maslow's Hierarchy to social structures and Jewish traditions, we're tackling it all.

Picture boosting your self-esteem, setting goals like a boss, and finding your Zen with mindfulness and meditation – all wrapped up in conversations, debates, and interactive learning. And guess what? We're throwing in leadership theories and a killer final project where you get to do social experiments. This isn't just a class; it's your passport to unlocking your awesomeness and leaving your mark on the world.

In this introductory course, students will begin to acquire those essential elements of the German language – important phrases, vocabulary, and grammar – necessary for surviving in the German-speaking world.  Note: this course is open to students continuing from last semester and to new students.

This course aims to provide high school students and advanced middle-schoolers (8th grade and up) with a foundational understanding of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design principles. Students will learn how to create visually appealing and user-friendly digital interfaces, considering the needs and expectations of end-users.

This course is designed to help students develop and use academic skills that will help them become successful learners. Students will learn and practice various techniques that will be helpful to them throughout their academic years.  Students who want a study hall during this period may choose this option.

In this introductory course, students will begin to acquire those essential elements of the German language – important phrases, vocabulary, and grammar – necessary for surviving in the German-speaking world.

This class introduces students to the basics of the Russian language, starting with the Cyrillic alphabet.  Students will lead this club, under the supervision of Mr. Doze.

This class will focus on the period from the beginnings of Apartheid to the post-Apartheid era, within the broader context of the history of colonization of South Africa.

Students will prepare and create recipes representing diverse cuisines.

Learn the basics of using a variety of hand tools and equipment while building a wooden step stool (MS) or an end table (HS) from start to finish.

Students will start the inaugural chapter of Civic Spirit at DJDS. Civic Spirit is a national organization that focuses on teaching students civic virtues and building civic leadership skills. Club members will choose an issue to focus on and create and implement a capstone project that addresses their chosen issue.

Come participate in a production of a full Broadway musical. Sing, dance, act and bring a story to life on stage. (Note: Students who choose this option must commit to staying for after-school Wednesday rehearsals.  Likewise, students who plan to participate in the school musical must choose this option.)

MBD returns to DJDS.  From the Maimonides Moot Court website: “We offer students an empowering look at the inner workings of Jewish legal tradition. In the months leading up to the competition, students are provided a detailed case involving a contemporary ethical quandary and a sourcebook of relevant Jewish texts. Following a shabbat celebrated in community, students debate their rulings in front of a panel of expert judges.”

This class will empower students with essential life skills by exploring personal finance.  We will attempt to develop an understanding of budgeting and taxes. We will discuss responsible checking and saving habits, how credit impacts your life, and the basics of investing.

If you are interested in an internship during the afternoon on Wednesdays, please consult with Mz. O.  In general, students interested in an off-site internship should register for Internship during Periods 5-7.

A place to explore different ways to tell stories, explore new ways of seeing things, and create.

With 280 million speakers, French is the fifth most popular language in the world. Learning this language will enable you to travel to, and communicate in one of the most popular tourist destinations globally – France. This course will provide you with a brief overview of the foundations of the language.

Are you a student looking to dive into the exciting realm of Virtual Reality? Join our club, where we'll use Oculus headsets to take you on a journey through VR landscapes ranging from historic sites to maps to outer space to puzzles. 

This is a dynamic course tailored for beginner and intermediate guitarists eager to develop their skills. Throughout this course, we will focus on three essential guitar skills: strumming, finger picking, and basic scales.  By the end of this course you will know the fundamental chords and scales to begin to improvise melodies or just jam some of your favorite songs.

In this course, students will reflect on their relationship with the land and State of Israel.  The driving question to frame our exploration is "What does Israel mean to Jews and what does Israel mean to me?" Students will develop an answer to this question by examining the myriad ways Israelis and fellow Jews connect to this aspect of their identity. Through primary sources, in-person interviews, literature, and pop culture, we will explore the stories of a variety of individuals in order to develop our own personal Israel story.

Take an ACT or SAT prep class from Denver Test Prep, a leading tutoring service. Families will be responsible only for the cost of materials ($25 per student).

Mr. Doze will be available to consult with students who would like feedback on drafts they’re working on for writing assignments.  Students can make appointments or drop in, but any student who thinks they might want writing help on a weekly basis can sign up for this option.

In this Maker Space club, you can choose from among three journeys: the creative journey, the competitive journey, and the set design journey. In the creative journey, you will build an empire of your imagination.  In the competitive journey, you will build a vehicle to race in a variety of competitions. In the set design journey, we will actually help the DJDS spring musical by helping with set designs and other creative support.

Have you ever wanted to sit at a café in Jerusalem drinking Turkish coffee, discussing and debating philosophy, politics, and religion with your friends? Me too! Let's recreate that vibe at DJDS. Using “Morality” by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks as a jumping-off point, we will dig deep into some of the most important issues of our time; what is a “Safe space”? Can capitalism be moral? Is it good or bad to be “woke”? How about DEI? Social media? Victimhood mentality? Democracy? We will discuss all of this and more at Café DJDS!

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, ZT”L, was one of the most profound thinkers of his generation, and was truly the definition of “A Light Unto The Nations”. His respect and admiration for all human beings, combined with his deep understanding of moral philosophy and profound insights into Torah, uniquely positioned him to observe and analyze the times we live in and most importantly, to perceive paths forward for Am Yisrael and all of humanity. Losing him to cancer in November of 2020 was a tragic blow. Let's keep his wisdom alive by studying his books and seeking a deeper understanding through discussion and debate.

Students will be introduced to the world of E-Sports. With a focus on strategy and collaborative cooperation, this club is designed to provide both foundational and nuanced strategy development for the following titles: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Brothers, and Rocket League. Students will collaborate, practice, and scrimmage to hone their skills.

An introductory class focused on learning to read Arabic script and acquiring basic Arabic vocabulary.  Please contact Mr. Dermer for further information.

In this club, we pretend to be lawyers arguing a case before an appeals court.  After a brief introduction to legal reasoning and advocacy, we will prepare to argue the hypothetical case developed for the Marshall-Brennan Moot Court Competition, hosted by the University of Colorado Law School.

Join us in exploring Positive Psychology and the science of well-being. Through engaging discussions, hands-on experiments, and real-life case studies, we delve into emotions, character strengths, and optimal functioning. Gain insight into the fascinating complexities of the human brain and understand how it shapes our unique experiences. 

Yearbook staff will use this period to create the yearbook over the course of the year.  Must have instructor approval.

Read and discuss literary texts that employ humor and satire.

The Ensemble is a place where students with a passion for music come together to learn, practice and perform various songs.  Students have the opportunity to practice and hone their skills on a variety of instruments, including guitar, keyboard, and drums. We will focus on arranging songs and developing renditions to perform during the school year. Music Ensemble offers a platform for high school students to showcase their musical talents.

JSU Leaders is a club for high school students, where Jewish teachings serve as a guiding light to develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and business development. Through engaging workshops and hands-on projects, students gain practical wisdom to make a positive impact on their community and help those in need.  The club will be led by Yonatan Nuszen, Southeast Program Director of Denver NCSY.  Mr. Nuszen runs Jewish Student Union clubs at several metro Denver schools.

We will learn the basics of designing, piecing and quilting. Students will create their own designs, choose fabric and follow all the steps from start to finish.

Please contact Mrs. Miller with your proposed course of study and faculty advisor.

Through a partnership with an organization called Freedom Learning, DJDS students can enroll for free in courses offered by Astravo Online Academy, an accredited online public school.  Please see the course catalog and contact Dr. G-T for more details if interested.

If you are interested in an internship during the afternoon on Wednesdays, please consult with Mz. O.  In general, students interested in an off-site internship should register for Internship during Periods 5-7.

This class is for those students who plan to join the DJDS high school eSports team. Please only select this class if you plan to participate in eSports matches on Thursday after school as part of our high school eSports team. We will continue the development of learning and playing for the following titles: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Brothers, and Rocket League. Students will collaborate, practice, and scrimmage to hone their skills. This will be paired with Thursday afternoon competitions from January-April.

This course provides an overview of the landscape of competitive speech and debate, giving you a taste of different formats, such as “public forum debate” and “extemporaneous speaking.”

Uncover the remarkable stories of women who shaped the destiny of the Jewish people. From the women in the Tanach to those of the Talmudic era, explore their multifaceted roles and contributions, and appreciate their enduring legacy in shaping Jewish tradition and identity.

This class introduces students to the basics of the Russian language, starting with the Cyrillic alphabet.  Students will lead this club, under the supervision of Mr. Doze.

JSU Leaders is a club for high school students, where Jewish teachings serve as a guiding light to develop essential skills in communication, problem-solving, and business development. Through engaging workshops and hands-on projects, students gain practical wisdom to make a positive impact on their community and help those in need.  The club will be led by Yonatan Nuszen, Southeast Program Director of Denver NCSY.  Rabbi Nuszen runs Jewish Student Union clubs at several metro Denver schools.

We will learn the proper techniques to cook, smoke, and prepare food on a barbeque. The preparation includes the use of charcoal, lighter fluid, and wood chips as well as buying the best cut of meat and/or fish.

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual-gestural language used by the Deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States and parts of Canada. Unlike spoken languages, ASL relies on handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It has its own grammar and syntax, making it a distinct and rich linguistic system. ASL is a vital means of communication for Deaf individuals and is also embraced by many hearing individuals who learn it to facilitate better communication and foster inclusivity.

This is an opportunity to beautify the school environment by adding student art and design to our Upper Division building. Permission of instructor required; if you are interested in contributing to this initiative, please see Mrs. Zitron.

Join the aviation club for a weekly exploration of all things aviation! Learn about current news, historical events, and lots of other aviation related topics. Learn about aviation--including the basics of what it takes to make an aircraft fly--through museum exhibits, live demonstrations, articles, speakers, and discussion.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Galapagos Islands! From the unique wildlife and geological wonders to the evolutionary insights inspired by Charles Darwin, students will embark on a journey of discovery. We will also explore the unique historical, cultural, and linguistic properties of the Galapagos Islands throughout our adventure. This course aims to ignite a passion for science, fostering critical thinking and environmental awareness as students explore the living laboratory of evolution that is the Galapagos.

Join our Shinshinit Talia and explore the rich tapestry of Israel, delving into its diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and the dynamic blend of cultures, religions, and ethnicities that coexist within its borders.

Students will learn about cars: how to buy and sell them, how to maintain them, etc.

We will create a Fantasy Football league, manage teams, and read news and articles to inform week-to-week decision making.  Most importantly of all, we will develop rigorous rationales for the decisions we make, explain and examine our thinking in conversation with others, and create mathematical models to test our assumptions and predictions.  

This class gives you an opportunity to work with younger students in the Lower Division and to discuss your observations of their behavior and development.

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is a 50-minute fitness class combining plyometrics with resistance training, core, and cardiovascular. This class incorporates intervals that alternate between 45 seconds of high intensity movements, and 10 seconds of recovery.  Modifications will be provided for a more non-impact workout. Yoga Stretching at the end of class.

Discuss global issues and engage in diplomacy through a simulation of the United Nations.  May involve participation in events hosted by other schools locally and/or in another city.

This course provides comprehensive college counseling services to 12th graders to ensure they complete their college applications successfully, with individual and group help provided throughout the process. This club is appropriate for any 12th grader: from students just beginning to think about college to ones who have almost finished the process.

During the first semester, this course will cover the essentials of journalism, from developing a story to interviewing to writing and editing.  Students will gain practice and confidence by producing a complete article of interest to our school community.  The goal is to build a staff of journalists ready to begin producing an issue of a print newspaper during the second semester.

This class will provide support, help and expertise for students conducting original research for the Denver Metro Regional Science and Engineering Fair or participating in other competitions such as JSC, COSO and SolarRollers.  Contact Ms. Knowles for more information.

Please contact Mrs. Miller with your proposed course of study and faculty advisor.

Through a partnership with an organization called Freedom Learning, DJDS students can enroll for free in courses offered by Astravo Online Academy, an accredited online public school.  Please see the course catalog and contact Dr. G-T for more details if interested.

If you are interested in an internship during the afternoon on Wednesdays, please consult with Mz. O.  In general, students interested in an off-site internship should register for Internship during Periods 5-7.

Cardio Kickboxing is a group fitness class, combining martial arts techniques with fast-paced cardio, improving flexibility and coordination. Students will begin to learn how to kick, punch, and defend themselves.  Note: this class is intended for girls and women.

Traditional games play a vital role in societies globally by preserving cultural heritage, fostering social bonds, and imparting essential values. In this class, we will strengthen our community by learning and playing games like mancala, mahjongg, and shesh besh that have entertained generations.

A space to spend time refining and honing your writing skills. You’ll have the chance to write on different topics, practice various styles, and improve your grammar. In the process, you’ll receive constructive, positive feedback.

Welcome to the most heartwarming and rewarding elective you'll ever experience! If you've got a soft spot for volunteering and a passion for making a positive impact, this is the course for you. Are you someone who thrives on making meaningful connections and enjoys the company of wise and experienced individuals? Then join us for an unforgettable journey at the nearby senior living facility, right next to the school.

Spend quality time engaging in various activities with our senior friends, from games and arts and crafts to storytelling sessions and much more. You'll not only be a companion but also a source of joy and inspiration for our elderly community members. Share your interests and hobbies by organizing activities that both you and our senior friends can enjoy together—whether it's a music jam, a book club, or a gardening project. Discover the joy of connecting across generations while having a blast.

Welcome to the enchanting realm of "Puzzles and Tea," where the aroma of brewing tea mingles with the tantalizing allure of cerebral conundrums. Picture this: a cozy haven, where the clinking of teacups harmonizes with the rustling of pages turned in pursuit of intellectual delight.

Join us in the celebration of mental agility, where the ambiance is seasoned with the comforting embrace of tea and the thrill of deciphering enigmas. "Puzzles and Tea" is not merely a club; it is an invitation to a sanctuary where minds are stirred, ideas steep, and the art of puzzling becomes a delightful ritual.

What is your passion? Women’s Rights? The Environment? Anti-bullying? Gain the skills to transform your values into action during this course, in which we will have the opportunity to hear the story of a different activist each week. Students will have the opportunity to ask our guest speakers questions about their path to activism while developing their own activist identity.

Modern Middle Eastern History will cover the people and events of the geographic range of Morocco to Iran from 1919 to the present. It has been suggested that the civilizations of the people living in this region are incompatible with Western civilizations (Huntington 1996). That is to say that tensions between the United States (and other Western countries) and the countries of the Middle East are inevitable. This is a very serious claim and, if true, has profound implications for the U.S., Israel, and the rest of the West. This class will investigate the validity of this hypothesis and examine the consequences for all of us moving forward.