Art
The Art Magnet Program is designed to develop and uncover each student’s personal and creative expression through the exploration of various media. Students will develop their basic drawing skills, solve design problems, explore perspective, scale and point of view.  Students will be engaged in the processes that give them understanding of the cultural and historical connections to the arts. Students further develop their artistic style and create portfolios.

Athletics
The Athletics Magnet is a three year program that emphasizes life values such as responsibility, respect, cooperation and discipline through sports.  Students are given the opportunity to improve their skills through various techniques and drills in both mainstream sports such as basketball, football, soccer and baseball as well as team handball, track and small group games.  The primary goal of our program is to provide each child with a positive experience and a healthy lifestyle through physical education.


Chess
The David A. Boody Chess Team has been one of the best chess teams in the country since 1997. They have won the NYC JHS Chess Championship four times, the NYS Championship twice and the National Championship in 1999 and 2003.  Students who enter this magnet advance their skills to become candidates in citywide and national tournaments.  Our team looks forward to participating in the Citywide NYC Championships in January 2008.

Creative Writing
Students in this magnet are given the opportunity to learn the writer’s craft and explore various genres of writing (i.e. fiction, plays, journals, poetry).  All writing is completed through the writing process of drafting, revising, editing and publishing along with the integration of computer technology.  Students in the sixth grade create original narrative writing pieces, while the students in the seventh grade hone their skills in various genres. The eighth grade is engaged in creating, designing and publishing their senior yearbook.

Computer
Our Computer Magnet has evolved into a discipline encompassing computer software operation, networking and computer graphics.  Each grade creates the foundation for the logical progression of skills for the individual student.  The program’s philosophy is to support traditional learning methods using the many tools utilizing the newest technology.  Students in the sixth grade learn the basic operation of a computer system.  Students in the seventh grade focus on the Internet, networking, business skills, spreadsheets and databases.  Eighth grade students are encouraged to utilize the computer as a tool for enhancing learning in other areas.  The ultimate goal is to provide each student access to all the technological resources currently available.

Dance
Dance classes are held daily in our mirrored studio with a sprung floor and ballet barres.  A larger dance studio is planned.  Students gain skills and techniques essential for refinement in dance and movement in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Ethnic, and Social Dance.  Students gain an appreciation for the Arts and proficiency in choreography.  Dancers also engage in activities and improvisation that foster creative expression in a nurturing setting. As participants in the New York City Ballet’s “Bridges” Program at Lincoln Center, students attend live performances by major dance companies, work with an architect and engage in activities at MOMA. Enjoyment is enhanced through workshops with professional artists, visits to museums, historic buildings and Lincoln Center as well as an ongoing association with the Alvin Alley Dance Troupe.  Our other partnerships include City Center, where our students attend live performances and engage in dance classes taught by members of these professional companies.  We are also affiliated with “Together in Dance,” “Creative Outlet,”  “Tada,” and other arts organizations that have provided us with collaborative opportunities to enrich our students’ learning experiences. 

Drama: 
Our sixth grade drama students explore the mechanics of voice and body through the performing of improvisation, pantomime and monologues.  Grade seven students explore movement and scene study, character interpretation and stage construction.  Students in grade eight explore, directing, stage lighting, sound and set design.  David A. Boody is fortunate to have a “Theatre” in the classroom with working lighting, sound and sets that expose each child to the full theatre experience.  We examine the works of Shakespeare, O’Neil and Williams.  Various acting methodologies are employed.



Piano/Keyboard:
This magnet is unique in that it welcomes beginners who are taught the basics, as well as showcasing students with advanced knowledge and skills.  Students will learn piano technique as well as music theory.  Pianists are grouped with other players based on skill level.  They use state of the art equipment and further technological equipment is anticipated in the fall of 2008.  Students are introduced to classical, popular and jazz.  Piano ensembles are formed and featured at numerous concerts and musicales.  In addition, seventh and eighth grade pianists are featured in our orchestra, jazz band and with our string ensembles.  We are working on establishing an instructional Conservatory Piano Program.

Science:
Students accelerate in various science fields beyond the usual curriculum.  We offer the following specialties:  Living Environment for our eighth graders which will culminate in a Regents Examination and Regents’ credit toward the high school diploma.  We will continue to offer Earth Science as a Regents course. Marine Biology is also offered to our eighth graders and will be taught in conjunction with the NY Aquarium.  Students will be trained to function as docents and serve as tour guides/instructors for the public at the Aquarium.  An Astronomy Magnet for our eighth graders is also planned.  Sixth and seventh graders will have a Herpetology Magnet, an Environmental Science Magnet and a Forensic Science Magnet.



Strings:
David A. Boody has a string magnet and a full symphony orchestra.  The Junior String Orchestra is made up of incoming sixth graders ranging in talent from beginner to advanced.  Advanced sixth graders are afforded the opportunity to play with the David A. Boody Symphony Orchestra.  This orchestra is made up of sixth, seventh and eighth grade musicians who perform at various concert halls and venues throughout NYC.  The very best Orchestra players are afforded the opportunity to perform with the David A. Boody String Quartet.  In addition, the Band, Keyboard and Strings Magnets combine to form a full symphony orchestra.  Mr.Thomas Brennan, our String Magnet Instructor is also the Conductor of the 128 piece Brooklyn Borough-Wide Orchestra.

Vocal:
Students learn basic music theory, musical notations and about different genres of music.  They learn sight reading, rhythmic and melodic dictation, syncopation and harmony.  Our chorus performs in annual concerts and other venues throughout the city including Brooklyn Borough Hall.


 
Winds:
The Band Magnet consists of Junior, Senior and Jazz Bands.  The Junior Band is composed of incoming sixth graders, ranging in talent from beginner to more advanced players.  Advanced sixth graders have the opportunity to perform with the Senior Concert Band, the Jazz Band and the Symphony Orchestra.  These groups consist of seventh, eighth, and advanced sixth grade students.   They have performed for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz at Borough Hall, District Arts Festivals, Channel 25 “Arts  Mondays” as well as at various concert halls throughout NYC.  Mr. James Chiarello, our Winds Magnet Instructor, is also the Associate Conductor of the Brooklyn Borough-Wide Orchestra.

Coming Soon … Fall 2008

Law Magnet
This magnet will deal with Constitutional Law, the history of democracy, branches of government and the role of politics in our society