Elective Classes
WMSSM Grade 6,7,8 Elective Course Descriptions
*Please review the following elective options. Please note intervention courses take priority over all other electives. Test scores, teacher recommendations, and grades may place students in an English or mathematics intervention elective.
YR= Year long course.
ADVANCED BAND Prerequisites 1 year of beginning Band
Band is a full year of instruction in instrumental music. There will be some outside performances required. (7,8 YR).
ADVANCED GUITAR Prerequisites 1 year of beginning Guitar
Guitar is a full year of instruction. (8th Grade ONLY)
AVID
(Advancement via Individual Determination) Prerequisites. 2.0-3.0 GPA. Student interview. High student motivation. Parent contract.
Students will develop and reinforce attitudes skills, and knowledge to successfully enter and complete a college prep academic program in high school. Students will learn and apply study skills and learning strategies to improve performance in the content areas of: Note taking, outlining, writing, speaking, reading, test strategies and the use of technology to improve performance will be stressed (2 YR commitment 6/8).
BAND
Band is a full year of instruction in instrumental music (6,7,8 YR).
BODY MOVEMENT AWARENESS
Students will demonstrate focus, physical control, coordination, and accurate reproduction in performing loco motor and avial movement. (6,7,8 YR).
COMPUTER SCIENCE DISCOVERY
Students will be learning the basic principles of Computer Science. They will be using HTML and CSS to design and create their own personal websites, adding color and style. They will also learn fundamental programming in JavaScript while developing animations and games. They will apply the problem-solving process and computer languages they have learned to design and create an APP that can solve a real-life problem. Their APPs will be tested by actual user concepts (6,7, 8 Y).
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
The major purpose of this elective course is to provide instruction in the writing of original prose, poetry, and drama using models of oral and written interpretation from literature. Students demonstrate their ability to read and discuss literature and use it as a vehicle for understanding their own historical periods, values, and cultures. Through discussions, journal entries, and papers, students demonstrate knowledge of literary terms and techniques. Development of speaking and listening skills, refinement of reading comprehension skills, and reading appreciation are other desired outcomes of this intensive enrichment course. Students will develop dramatic and artistic interpretations of written work. (6,7, 8 Y).
DIGITAL IMAGING
Students will use computer hardware and software and supporting technologies to communicate ideas visually. Arts activities focus on learning about the history of graphic design; making aesthetic decisions; use of contemporary technologies; drawing with traditional and contemporary media; introduction to color theory; layout and design; and desktop publishing (7/8 Y)
DANCE
The purpose of this course is to promote a balanced dance program that enables students to develop an appreciation of the use of the body as a means of communication and expression. Students will receive instruction in basic dance techniques and choreographic principles as they engage in movement activities designed to develop an understanding of the elements of dance, develop balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and endurance. (6,7/8 Y)
GENERAL ART
The purpose of this course is to provide a balanced visual arts program, which guides students to achieve the standards in the visual arts. In General Art, students expand their knowledge of the visual arts while making meaningful connections between the arts and their own experiences through a series of instructional units that combine observing and creating in arts media; reading, writing and speaking about, and reflecting upon the arts. (6,7,8 YR).
EXPLORING MEDIA ARTS
This course explores a balanced range of media arts basic concepts and processes towards achieving the standards of media arts. Students will experience a variety of new media forms, separately and in combination, including: sound, image, sequence and motion, animation, creative communications, virtual design and/or interactive programming (6,7,8 YR).
EXPLORATION SCIENCE
(6 YR).
FILM
The purpose of this course is to provide a balanced visual arts program, which guides students to achieve the standards in the visual arts. In Filmmaking, students learn how to communicate ideas visually using basic filmmaking techniques incorporating historical and contemporary traditions. Traditional filmmaking traditions may be extended with video cameras and multimedia technologies, including the addition of text, scanned and digitized photographic images. (6,7,8 YR).
FORENSICS
MEDICAL DETECTIVES: Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, examine nervous system structure and function, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. (6 YR).
GUITAR
This course provides ensemble instruction for students interested in learning to play the guitar, including technique, music reading, and ensemble skills, as well as general music theory (6,7,8 YR).
PROGRAMMING: Game Design and App Development
Challenging course where students will use critical thinking skills to solve everyday life problems. Course is broken into 2 sections: 3D printing and Robotics Coding. In 3d Printing, students will learn how to turn 2d drawing concepts into 3D designs using object modeling software. They will turn those designs into real life models by printing them using a 3D printer. In the Coding portion of the class, students will learn how to code different mechanisms such as machines, vehicles and robots to make them perform different task such as driving autonomously, machines performing repetitious tasks such as an assembly line. Students will also build and create machines and vehicles using the Vex Robotics kit set. (6,7,8 YR).
JOURNALISM
In this class you will develop, interview and write articles for our published and online paper all while enhancing your writing skills. Take pictures of student body events and enhance your computer skills as well as web design. (7/8 -YR).
LIBRARY PRACTICE
The major emphasis of this course is to provide students with opportunities to develop a working knowledge of the use of books and other library materials, as well as research techniques. The course emphasizes leadership and citizenship responsibilities and encourages personal enrichment through acquisition of knowledge. (6,7,8 YR).
LEADERSHIP
Prerequisite. Teacher application required for entry.
Initiates, sponsors, and directs school activities and events in order to create both fun and memorable school year to ultimately leave a legacy for future councils to build upon (7/8 YR)
PHOTOGRAPHY
The purpose of this course is to provide a balanced visual arts program, which guides students to achieve the standards in the visual arts. In Photography, students learn how to communicate visual ideas using basic photographic techniques incorporating historical and contemporary traditions. Photographic traditions may be extended with digital cameras and multimedia technologies, including the addition of scanned text and images. Instructional topics include developing criteria for making critical comparisons and aesthetic evaluations, knowledge of cross-curricular connections, and careers in photography. (7,8 YR).
ROBOTICS
In this class you will design and build a robot while you explore other related engineering topics. You will also learn about computer programming (6,7,8 YR).
SCHOOL SERVICE
Prerequisites. Minimum 3.0 GPA and CASSP scores must meet or exceed standards. Student Interview. Meet with Mrs. Saavedra if interested in applying.
Assist school offices. In order to be considered you must have grades of “C” or better and have received no “U”’s (8th-YR).
SPANISH
The purposes of these courses are to develop basic proficiency in communicating in the Spanish language according to the cultural practices of the countries and regions where Spanish is spoken. (6 YR)
THEATER INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for middle school theatre students to study the art of theatre, including theatre history, acting, dramatic literature, production techniques and stage design. (7,8 YR).
THEATER EXPLORATION
The purpose of this course is to provide theatre students to study the art of theatre, including theatre history, acting, dramatic literature, production techniques and staging. Students will demonstrate their learning in all aspects of theatre through the performance of scenes, short plays, student-written works and/or small-scale productions of plays and/or musicals for school audiences (6, 7 YR).
THEATER PRODUCTION
Prerequisites, Recommended prerequisites include at least one of the following: Theatre Exploration and/or Theatre Introduction
The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for intermediate and advanced middle school theatre students to increase proficiency in acting, directing, playwriting, stage management, design, house management, business management and technical theatre skills through production. (7, 8 YR).
YEARBOOK
Prerequisite. Teacher application required for entry.
The goal of the yearbook staff is to create a photographic, historical record that creates lasting memories of student life, academia, clubs and school events (7,8 YR).