EXCITING ELECTIVES

PERFORMING ARTS

Beginning Band

Students will learn about music through practicing their instrument, performing, as well as completing written, and listening assignments.

Open to all students; no prior experience needed. 

Beginning Strings

Students will learn about music through practicing their instrument, performing, as well as completing written, and listening assignments.

Open to all students; no prior band experience needed.

Advanced Band

Advanced band is the next level after beginning band. Members of the band will perform at several concerts throughout the year Performances will be held after normal school hours, during the evening. Students will also attend district related events. Students will advance their understanding of playing techniques and develop those techniques during the year.

Requirement: Successful completion of one year in beginning band.

Advanced Strings

Advanced strings is the next level after beginning strings. Members of the band will perform at several concerts throughout the year. Performances will be held after normal school hours, during the evening. Students will also attend district related events. Students will advance their understanding of playing techniques and develop those techniques during the year.

Requirement: Successful completion of one year in beginning band.

Chorus

Chorus presents opportunities for students to develop their singing ability and to build skill in reading music. Emphasis will be placed on vocal techniques and sight singing through rehearsal. Public performances are scheduled according to the progress of the group as determined by the instructor. 

Open to all students; no prior singing experience needed.

LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Students in this year-long elective will work closely to build school spirit, plan lunchtime activities, rallies, represent our school as hosts for school events, create posters and communication for activities throughout the school year.  This class is designed to teach leadership skills which enhance school pride, spirit, and culture. The class focus will include public speaking, written communication, service learning, presentation skills, community service, personal and social development, goal setting, and group dynamics while positively impacting the entire student body. Students may need to participate in activities that happen before and/or after school.

Young Men’s Alliance

The Alliance Program aims to help students in all aspects of their emotional and academic development. This class allows students to discuss and delve into topics that are personal and engaging. It also focuses on academic, planning, and organizational support. Furthermore, there will be weekly tutoring, grade tracking, and academic support. As a treat, every year we make plans to visit a college or two and participate in a fun field trip. Lastly, this class provides students with extra-curricular activities that will help them bond as a class, strengthen their intrinsic motivation so they can succeed academically, improve their leadership skills, character, and get inspired to reach their college & career goals. 

Women’s Alliance

The Alliance Program aims to help students in all aspects of their emotional and academic development. This class allows students to discuss and delve into topics that are personal and engaging. It also focuses on academic, planning, and organizational support. Furthermore, there will be weekly tutoring, grade tracking, and academic support. As a treat, every year we make plans to visit a college or two and participate in a fun field trip. Lastly, this class provides students with extra-curricular activities that will help them bond as a class, strengthen their intrinsic motivation so they can succeed academically, improve their leadership skills, character, and get inspired to reach their college & career goals. 

CAREER TECHINCAL EDUCATION

Intro to Plant and Soil Science

This year long course will explore California agriculture and its importance regionally and globally.  Students study horticulture and plant science curriculum while developing their skills in a broad range of technology topics. The focus will be the study of California agricultural plants, how they are related, how they are different, and what agricultural scientists are doing to improve their productivity.  The outdoor agriculture area includes 24 raised beds, 12 hydroponic towers, a vineyard, and an orchard, all representing California agriculture.  Students will be expected to be engaged in the production and maintenance of these areas.

Tournament of Technology

This course is designed to prepare students to compete in events that require them to demonstrate technological skills across multiple industry sectors. Throughout the school year, students will engage in year-long training and regular practice sessions, honing their skills in preparation for the culminating district tournament at the end of the year, where they will compete against 16 other middle schools.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Spanish I: College Prep Course & High School Credit)

This course is an introduction to the language through vocabulary and grammatical structures presented through thematic units with an emphasis on oral, listening, reading, and writing expressions. Students will develop an appreciation for the Hispanic culture and its influence throughout the world. Courses are conducted in the target language as much as possible.

Spanish II: (College Prep Course & High School Credit)

Students must take Spanish I and pass with a C or better. This year long course helps students improve their Spanish language skills and cultural awareness. The course builds on the skills and knowledge learned in Spanish I.

Spanish Native Speaker Bridge

This year long course requires Intermediate-Mid level proficiency in listening comprehension of Spanish. This course focuses on the development of communicative competence in speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language.

Spanish Native Speaker I: (College Prep Course & High School Credit)

Must take Spanish NASP Bridge and pass with a C or better. This course is designed for heritage/native learners of Spanish who bring strong proficiency and literacy skills in Spanish and for those who have completed Spanish NASP Bridge course.