For the 2012-2013 school year, new classes are being offered to Belton Yeokum Middle School students. </p><p>The first class is Character Council, which is devised to incorporate student leadership into the Belton School District&#x2019;s Character Education program, Pirate Principles. </p><p>Students in seventh and eighth grade will work side-by-side in various committees to create and implement all student council activities as well as Pirate Principles. The class is taught by Kelly Benbow and Kim Loman. </p><p>Also being offered are Aftershock and Transformers. These courses are designed to provide YMS eighth grade students the opportunity to develop leadership skills essential for today&#x2019;s world. Jen Koester will be teaching Aftershock and Daniel Bartholomew will teach Transformers. </p><p>Another class to be offered is Discovery Choir, a year-long class for seventh graders, taught by John Weinzierl. The students will perform several times throughout the school year. </p><p>The final new class is Advanced Physical Fitness. Mark Thomas will teach this class for eighth grade student athletes. This class will be in addition to the students&#x2019; PE/Health Class. </p><p>For more information about these class offerings, contact the YMS office at 816-348-1042.