• Exploratory Electives Wheel

    This is a rotation of classes: Art, Computers, Theatrical Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, Choir, Technology, World Languages, and Life Readiness. The Exploratory Electives Wheel offers our 6th graders the unique chance to experience a wide variety of subjects in a short amount of time. Through these experiences, it will be easier for 6th graders to select the elective classes they would like to take over the next two years, and even in high school. Below is a brief description of each exploratory class to give you and your student an idea of what to expect when they enter the first day of each class. 

  • 6th Grade Exploratory Elective Classes

    6th Grade World Languages Exploration

    In this daily nine-week course, students will learn about the world through French and Spanish. Students will learn short conversations and basic vocabulary in each language. Students will gain a global perspective through various activities about the cultures of these countries through food, stories, and songs. In addition, students will learn where each of these languages are spoken, and also about their peers and their daily lives in these countries. Every student, including those in Band and Orchestra, take this course.

    6th Grade Life Readiness

    In this daily nine-week course, students will learn about careers and post-secondary options. Students will use eLearning Dynamics to explore the six career paths and to engage in self-exploration to determine interests, work values, and skills. Students will learn about post-secondary options and begin to understand their availability. Every student, including those in Band and Orchestra, take this course.

    6th Grade Theatrical Arts

    In this daily nine-week course, students will be introduced to the basics of theatre arts topics, which will include pantomime, script reading, improvisation, movement, and audience behavior. 

    6th Grade Art

    In this daily nine-week course, students will be challenged to discover their abilities and place in the community. This course allows students to develop creative and critical thinking skills, and solve problems and communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom. Students will utilize a variety of art media to create two- and three-dimensional art works while building an appreciation for, and drawing inspiration from, many ancient cultures. 

    6th Grade Choir

    In this daily nine-week course, students are enabled to explore a variety of ways to enjoy and become knowledgeable about music. Students will continue music literacy skills (rhythmic and melodic), learn music history and styles through a variety of listening examples, and experience music through technology, singing, playing instruments, and composing original works. 

    6th Grade Exploring Technology

    In this daily nine-week course, students will learn about the subject of technology through various hands-on activities. The activities are engineering in nature, meaning that students will be using math, science, and technology to design, build, analyze, and test solutions to specific design problems. This is truly a "learn by doing" class! Activities will focus on the construction of structures, computer graphics, rocketry and space related topics, electricity and electronics, and many other forms of research and design. Students will also be introduced to using 3-D computer aided design. 

    6th Grade Exploring Computers

    In this daily nine-week course, students will learn various aspects of using computers in today's business world. Being computer literate is necessary today. The most fundamental component of using a computer is being able to keyboard efficiently. Students will spend the first several weeks of this class learning or improving keyboarding skills. You will be amazed at how quickly your student's speed and accuracy will improve as they master these skills! In addition to keyboarding techniques, internet safety and research, MS Office Suite for documents, publications, presentations, and Photo Story will be practiced throughout the course. Come get tech savvy with us!

    6th Grade Exploring Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS)

    In this daily nine-week course, students will be introduced to the subject of FACS. Units of study may include: teamwork and leadership; cooking and nutrition; sewing; child care; and money management and decision making. The course activities will emphasize safety and teamwork in an interactive environment.

  • 7th Grade Elective Classes

    Year Long Options

    3105WL French 1A 
    1A is the beginning language course offered in 7th grade. Students will develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as how to study and learn a language. Students will learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures through a variety of activities. The geography, customs, traditions, and culture of the French-speaking world are introduced. Students satisfactorily completing the 1A course in 7th grade will enroll in 1B in 8th grade.

    3605WL Spanish 1A
    1A is the beginning language course offered in 7th grade. Students will develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as how to study and learn a language. Students will learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures through a variety of activities. The geography, customs, traditions, and culture of the Spanish- speaking world are introduced. Students satisfactorily completing the 1A course in 7th grade will enroll in 1B in 8th grade.

    8302FAMB Intermediate Band 
    This is a year-long, daily course, typically taken by seventh graders. Intermediate Band is a musical experience that provides students with 2nd year training on woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments. The primary focus is on the development and expansion of musical skills that lead to rewarding performance experiences. In addition to large group ensembles, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through new opportunities such as solo and ensemble contests, Honor Bands, and a heightened emphasis on music technology.

    8402FAMO Intermediate Orchestra 
    This is a year-long, daily course, typically taken by seventh graders. Intermediate Orchestra is a musical experience that provides students with 2nd year training on string instruments. The primary focus is on the development and expansion of musical skills that lead to rewarding performance experiences. In addition to large group ensembles, individual growth and achievement are encouraged through new opportunities such as solo and ensemble contests, Honors Orchestra, and a heightened emphasis on music technology.

    8502FAMV Choir 
    This daily, year- long course will allow student/singers to study a variety of music from different styles, time periods and cultures. Through classroom activities, daily singing and a minimum of two public after school or evening performances a year, students further develop their creativity, knowledge of elements of music, proper vocal technique, music history and music reading/theory skills **This course may be taken for one semester if desired, but student should complete the first semester if only one semester is taken.

     

    Semester Long Options

     

    8202FATH Theatrical Arts 
    This daily, semester course will introduce students to a variety of speech and theatre topics. Students will sharpen personal communication skills by preparing, presenting, and evaluating performance-based activities. Improvisation skills, group communication and problem solving will also be explored through games and activities. Students will explore storytelling, prose, duet acting, and a variety of other events. Emphasis will be placed on in class performance and creative projects that will enhance student’s knowledge and appreciation of the theater and oral interpretation.

    8102FAA Art
    This daily, semester course will allow each student to experience art from different times and places. Students will use the work of historical and contemporary artists as an inspiration and beginning point to creating their own art. The course will give students time to experiment and discover “who” they are as an artist. Students will use a variety of approaches to build artistic skills. 

    7106PA Inventions and Innovations 
    This course is taught daily for one semester and focuses on Design and Modeling. Design and Modeling (DM) provides students with opportunities to apply the design process to creatively solve problems. Student learn to sketch, model, and print design ideas using 3-D modeling software. Utilizing 3-D printers and power tools, students can actually build what they design. Students work together to identify design requirements, research topics, and develop solutions.

     

    7107PA  7th Grade Business and Computers

    Emphasis: Career Readiness & Money Management

    This semester-long course will provide you with the opportunity to expand your creative computer abilities while investigating potential careers and basic money management topics.  Improve your keyboarding, word processing, presentation, spreadsheet,  Internet research, and digital media skills and map out a path to a successful future.

    7304PA 7th Grade Family and Consumer Sciences
    This is a daily, one semester course that will help seventh grade students expand their knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences. Students will have the opportunity to build healthy relationships, continue developing cooking skills, and further their sewing skills through the construction of various projects.

    Special Programs

    1631EL AVID
    7th Grade AVID Elective Class (Application and Interview Required)
    Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a year- long course academic elective course that prepares students for college readiness and success. Each week, students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum provided by AVID Center, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities, and academic success skills. In AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading to support their academic growth.

    The seventh-grade AVID Elective course builds upon the components of the AVID philosophy. Students will refine short- and long-term goals, and as a result, begin to understand the value in taking charge of their actions. Students will start working on intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, as well as formal and informal speech. Students will complete self-evaluations and peer evaluations, related to reading, writing, organization, and speaking. In broadening their writing practice, students will begin considering audience, purpose, and form in their writing. Students will take an active role in their learning, understanding the roles of all members in assignments and collaborative lessons. They will expand their knowledge bases of note-taking, in relation to studying and test preparation. Students will be exposed to different field trips, guest speakers, and research, to increase their knowledge of college and career options.

     

  • 8th Grade Elective Classes

    Year Long Options

    3110WL French 1B 
    Level 1B is the continuation of 1A. Students will continue to develop skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and how to learn a language. Students will revisit concepts learned in 1A and continue to learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures through a variety of activities. Studies of geography, customs, traditions, and culture of the French-speaking world are expanded. Students satisfactorily completing the level 1B course will be prepared for and enroll in level 2 in 9th grade.

    3120WL French 1 
    In level 1, students will develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures through a variety of activities. The geography, customs, traditions, and culture of the French-speaking world are introduced. Students satisfactorily completing the level 1 course will be prepared for and enroll in level 2 in the 9th grade.

    3610WL Spanish 1B 
    Level 1B is the continuation of 1A. Students will continue to develop skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and how to learn a language. Students will revisit concepts learned in 1A and continue to learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures through a variety of activities. Studies of geography, customs, traditions, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world are expanded. Students satisfactorily completing the level 1B course will be prepared and enroll in level 2 in 9th grade.

    3615WL Spanish 1
    In level 1, students will develop skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will learn pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical structures through a variety of activities. The geography, customs, traditions, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world are introduced. Students satisfactorily completing the level 1 course will be prepared and enroll in level 2 the following year.

    8303FAMB Advanced Band 
    This is a year-long, daily course, typically taken by eighth graders. This advanced-level band class emphasizes the development of full-band performance skills in preparation for concerts and competitions. The elements of more complex melody and harmony and interpretation are addressed, and a higher level of technical playing proficiency is developed and enjoyed in multiple performing opportunities. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through the use of integrated technology, solo and ensemble contests and festivals, and Honor Bands.

    8403FAMO Advanced Orchestra 
    This is a year-long, daily course, typically taken by eighth graders. This Advanced-Level Orchestra class emphasizes the development of full string ensemble performance skills in preparation for concerts and competitions. The elements of more complex melody and harmony and interpretation are addressed. A higher level of technical playing proficiency is developed and enjoyed in multiple performing opportunities. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through the use of integrated technology, solo and ensemble contests and festivals, and Honors Orchestra.

    8503FAMV Choir
    This daily, yearlong course will allow student/singers to study a variety of music from different styles, time periods and cultures. Through classroom activities, daily singing and performance, students further develop their creativity, knowledge of elements of music, proper vocal technique, music history and music reading/theory skills. Students will sing a wide variety of quality choral music and will participate in a minimum of two public after school or evening performances a year.

     

    Semester Long Options

     

    8103FAA Art 
    This daily, semester course will allow students to step into the exciting world and role of artist and designer. Students will experiment and build skills with a variety of media and artistic tools. Art Upgraded will provide an opportunity to create art with a design focus and discover the power of the creative process.

    8203FATH Theatrical Arts 
    This daily, semester performance-based course will advance student knowledge in the art of acting and the skills of the towards a goal of a Public Performance.  

    8204FATH Speech/Debate 
    This daily, semester course introduces students to many practical elements of public speaking, including techniques to lessen speaker anxiety, and the use of visual aids to enhance speaker presentations. Students will research, organize, and present various types of speeches. Good command of reading and writing will be needed to be successful in this course. This is a performance-based course, and students will be required to deliver speeches in front of peers to fulfill course requirements. In addition to public speaking, this course will explore the basics of Public Forum Debate.

    7141PA Automation and Robotics 
    In this daily semester course Automation and Robotics (AR) allows students to learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, draw bridges, toll booths, and robotic arms.

    7150PA Aeronautics and Engineering
    In this daily semester course of Aeronautics and Engineering (AE) students will design and build things that fly which may include gliders, rockets, and kites. In addition, students will create and design projects using technology such as hand tools, power tools, modeling software, and 3-D printers.

    7201PA 8th Grade Business and Computers 

    Emphasis: Business Simulation

    This semester-long course will provide you with the opportunity to expand your creative computer abilities while building a foundation of business and leadership skills. Project-based learning will help give you a competitive edge in school, work, and life. You will learn about Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Drawings and how to use them in the business world.

     

    7705PA Computer Science Discoveries

    Emphasis: Coding & Creating Applications

    Computer Science Discoveries is an advanced, one-semester course that aims to demystify computer science and make  “coding” and creating with computers fun and collaborative. You will learn basic coding concepts and problem-solving skills, with opportunities to explore various multimedia computer applications. Project-based learning will provide you with “real-world” experiences to help prepare you for higher education and professions in the Information Age.

    7504PA 8th Grade Family and Consumer Sciences
    In this daily, one semester course, eighth grade students will take a more in-depth approach to expand their knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences. Students will have the opportunity to improve their skills in the kitchen by mastering the basic essentials of food preparation. Hand and machine sewing skills will be developed by completing a variety of projects. Basic design concepts will be introduced. Cooperation, problem solving, and evaluation skills are integrated into the curriculum. This course is open to all skill levels.

    Special Programs

    1632EL AVID
    8th Grade AVID Elective Class (Application and Interview Required)
    Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a year-long course academic elective course that prepares students for college readiness and success. Each week, students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum provided by AVID Center, tutor-facilitated study groups, motivational activities, and academic success skills. In AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading to support their academic growth.

    The eighth-grade AVID Elective course is the year of preparation for high school. The students will regularly exhibit and utilize the skills and strategies learned in the seventh-grade AVID course. Students will refine previous goals, focusing on their transition to high school as part of a college preparatory path. Their writing will focus on completing all steps of the writing process and varying style, word choice, vocabulary, structure and voice. Major writing assignments include persuasive, expository, descriptive and timed writing. Students will transition from active learners to leaders. Other areas of focus include increasing the use of technology and building upon their test preparation and test-taking knowledge. They will broaden their experiences with analyzing text and utilizing appropriate reading strategies in various settings. Students will become more involved in the presentations of guest speakers and field trips, particularly as they relate to preparation and prior knowledge. Students will also participate in college preparatory testing and build connections with the high school they will attend. Students enrolled in AVID are required to enroll in at least one challenging course. Challenging courses could include 8th Honors Algebra, any World Language course, or another course as approved by the AVID site team.