Electives

For students with NO experience playing a band instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion). The only requirements are an interest in music, determination, and a desire to learn. Spots are limited for percussion. The school has many instruments and can loan one to students who do not have their own. Performances outside of the school day are required and we perform at least four times a year for family, friends, school, and the community. Beginning bands can learn to play great songs like Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, with more to come!

For students who have at least one year of experience on a band instrument (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone horn, tuba, bass guitar, percussion) and/or have completed book one of a method book. Performances outside of the school day are required and we perform at least two times a year outside of school hours for family, friends, school, and the community. Experienced bands can play fun songs from movies, popular music, and more while preparing them for music in high school. Students will also have additional playing opportunities such as district and regional honor bands.

This year-long elective focuses on cultivating young leaders for both students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students learn side-by-side in a collaborative learning atmosphere, focusing on social-emotional curriculum, learning some basic elements of neuroscience, and the history of developmental disabilities in the United States. We also facilitate positive peer-relationships in sharing similar interests, experiences, and social activities. Students will be responsible for planning different activities during the school year (lunch, flex/advisory) and/or after school events. The program is backed by both special and general education teachers with the focus of empowering students to drive change in their school and local communities. Application Required.

In this class, you will study acting theory/methodology and improve your acting skills, using improvisation as well as memorized prepared scenes.  Various types of media will be used and studied such as: theater history, technical theater, and some musical theater, film, and television.  You will also learn how to be an appropriate audience member and critique others’ performances and productions. The end of the class will result in a Broadway show to be performed over 4 nights for 2 consecutive weeks. If you like to perform, sing, and dance; then this is the class for you!

1. Art- This section of the wheel will introduce the students to different forms of visual art. They will learn about the elements of art such as: line, shape, color, value, space, form, and texture while being exposed to different mediums to develop their skills. These can be but are not limited to: painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. This class is considered the introduction to art that will allow the kids to explore their creativity and build the foundations to move on to a more advanced class next year.
    
2. Computers- Students will be exposed to multiple computer applications and learn how computers have influenced our world. Students will learn specific digital skills related to education that they can use cross-curricular. Students will begin the course by learning how to be a positive digital citizens.
   As the class progresses students will create and complete project-based assignments. Students are encouraged to design, create, and explore multiple digital media platforms. Some examples of projects in computer exploration will include game design, coding, digital music, and architecture just to name a few. 
    
3. STEM- (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math) Do you love Tinker, Design Legos, Be Creative? If so, then STEM is for you! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This course offers a unique and innovative approach to learning in which students use problem-solving skills and the engineering design process to tackle hands-on learning activities. Example activities include: Mousetrap Cars, Catapults, Lego Robots, Lego Racers, Gingerbread Houses, Coding, Rollercoasters and Electronic Dissections. The ability to work with others is a must since most activities are collaborative. Skills in this course will improve critical thinking and propel students toward academic success in High School STEM fields. 
    
4. Life Skills-Life skills incorporates good study habits and the development of crucial executive function skills such as time management, effective study habits and notetaking strategies. Beyond study habits, the life skills class will also speak on mental health counseling topics like mindfulness, growth mindset, resilience and anger management.

This class is a group of elected student representatives and other members who join for the following reasons: To help promote school spirit, bring back ideas from their classmates on school issues, plan and organize school-wide activities, organize community service projects, meet with school administration on school-wide issues, participate and explore leadership styles through weekly games and activities that promote positive character traits. This is a class where students will be required to work after regular school hours and be available for school activities. Application Required. 

Advance Art builds on skills learned in Beginning Art using similar mediums and class format. Students in Advanced Art have more freedom to explore personal interests.  At the end of the year, student portfolios will be presented in the San Juan Unified School District Art Showcase.

AVID is for students in the mid-high level achievement area who want to learn more about college and career opportunities. Students will learn how to take notes, study for tests, research careers and colleges, and complete team-building activities. Students will have the opportunity to visit colleges and learn what awaits them after high school. Application Required.

Are you interested in sports and/or fitness? Do you play team or individual sports? If so, then this class if for you! We will work to improve not only your individual fitness, but also give you time to work on improving your skills in the sport/s that you play. Application Required.

This course offers an innovative approach to learning in which students use problem-solving skills and the engineering design process to tackle hands-on learning activities. Creativity and collaboration will be encouraged as students face realistic problems. Skills developed in this course will improve critical thinking and propel students toward a successful career in STEM fields. Students interested in this elective should enjoy research, the engineering process and believe that nothing is impossible. Fields of study include:

• Structure and Function
• Aeronautics/Space Exploration
• Mechanics
• Environmental/Humanitarian Engineering
• Electronics
• Coding
• Design Process.

STEM students must be Curious, Motivated, Disciplined, and Collaborative.

Application Required.

Student assistants help staff with a wide variety of activities on campus.  Available Positions:

• Teachers Assistant- Assist your assigned teacher in their classroom
• Custodial Assistant - help keep our campus beautiful
• Cafeteria Assistant- serve food during lunches
• Office Assistant -  Deliver messages, collect attendance, and run errands.
• Library - Shelve books, deliver passes, help keep the library ready for students.

Becoming a student assistant is a privilege. If you are accepted you must remain in good standing. Students with a history of behavioral discipline and/or students in poor academic standing are not eligible. Application Required.

This course is more than taking photos! It promotes the advancement of creativity, design, marketing, journalism, communication, organization, and photography skills. Students will need
to conduct interviews and take photos on and off campus, before and after school, in order to capture an all-inclusive view of our school. This course requires hardworking, self-motivated, and responsible 7th and 8th grade students, as they are the ones who will create a product our students will cherish for the rest of their lives. Application Required.

Please note that yearbook students may be asked to spend extra time during lunch, before and after school, and during school breaks to help the publication meet strict deadlines set by the publisher.

Students will receive a half year of Art & half year of Computers

Art:  This class will introduce students to the fundamentals of art: color, composition, value, form, and perspective. We will work on these fundamentals by exploring various mediums of art such as: graphite and color pencil drawing, illustrations through comics, watercolors, acrylic and tempera painting, pastels, and clay sculpture. There will be a combination of specific projects tailored to teach a skill as well as the freedom to explore the various mediums from a personal perspective and interest. 

Computers: Students will be exposed to multiple computer applications and learn how computers have influenced our world. Students will learn specific digital skills related to education that they can use cross-curricular. Students will begin the course by learning how to be a positive digital citizen. As the class progresses students will create and complete project-based assignments. Students are encouraged to design, create, and explore multiple digital media platforms. Some examples of projects in computer exploration will include game design, coding, digital music, and architecture just to name a few.

For students with NO experience playing a band instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion). The only requirements are an interest in music, determination, and a desire to learn. Spots are limited for percussion. The school has many instruments and can loan one to students who do not have their own. Performances outside of the school day are required and we perform at least four times a year for family, friends, school, and the community. Beginning bands can learn to play great songs like Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, with more to come!

For students who have at least one year of experience on a band instrument (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, baritone horn, tuba, bass guitar, percussion) and/or have completed book one of a method book. Performances outside of the school day are required and we perform at least two times a year outside of school hours for family, friends, school, and the community. Experienced bands can play fun songs from movies, popular music, and more while preparing them for music in high school. Students will also have additional playing opportunities such as district and regional honor bands.

In this class, you will study acting theory/methodology and improve your acting skills using improvisation as well as memorized prepared scenes. Various types of media will be used and studied such as: theater history, technical theater, and some musical theater, film, and television.  You will also learn how to be an appropriate audience member and critique others’ performances and productions. The class will perform a play in the spring comprising 2-4 evening productions. If you like to perform, act, or want to learn more about theater; then this is the class for you!

This class is a group of enthusiastic elected student representatives and other members who join for the following reasons: To help promote school spirit, plan and organize school-wide activities, organize community service projects, bring back ideas from their classmates on school issues, meet with school administration on school-wide issues, participate and explore leadership styles through assignments and reflection that promote positive character traits. This is a class where students will be required to work after regular school hours and be available for after-school activities. Application Required.

This class is an introduction to video production and broadcasting. This class seeks responsible, hardworking and self-starting students. Students will film, create, edit, and produce a weekly broadcast package. Students will participate in the Student Educational Video Awards by creating and producing public service announcements, documentaries, and instructional videos. Students who successfully complete this course will continue on with the media production pathway at Del Campo and San Juan High School. Application Required.  

This course is the continuation of Media (Beginning). Students will film, edit, and produce a weekly broadcast package with more advanced assignments. Students who completed Media the previous year will receive priority placement in Advanced Technology. Students will learn to operate professional broadcast equipment, including a teleprompter, audio board, and video switcher with built-in camera control, while using higher-end video and audio equipment to create content. As part of the course, students will participate in the Student Educational Video Awards by producing public service announcements, documentaries, and instructional videos.

Student assistants help staff with a wide variety of activities on campus.  Positions available are for: Teachers: helping them in their classroom. Custodians: helping with jobs on the campus. Cafeteria: help serve food at both lunches. Office: Performs such tasks as delivering messages, collecting attendance, and running errands. Becoming a student assistant is a privilege. If you are accepted you must remain in good standing. If your grades drop or have any discipline issues you will no longer be eligible to be an assistant. Application Required. 7th and 8th grade students only. Fill this out in the school office.

Do you love Tinker, Design Legos, Be Creative? If so, then STEM is for you! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This course offers a unique and innovative approach to learning in which students use problem-solving skills and the engineering design process to tackle hands-on learning activities. Example activities include: Mousetrap Cars, Catapults, Lego Robots, Lego Racers, Gingerbread Houses, Coding, Rollercoasters and Electronic Dissections. The ability to work with others is a must since most activities are collaborative. Skills in this course will improve critical thinking and propel students toward academic success in High School STEM fields. Application Required.

Are you interested in sports and/or fitness? Do you play team or individual sports? If so, then this class is for you! We will work to improve not only your individual fitness, but also give you time to work on improving your skills in the sport/s that you play. Application Required.

This course is more than taking photos! It promotes the advancement of creativity, design, marketing, journalism, communication, organization, and photography skills. Students will need to conduct interviews and take photos on and off campus, before and after school, in order to capture an all-inclusive view of our school. This course requires hardworking, self-motivated, and responsible 7th and 8th grade students, as they are the ones who will create a product our students will cherish for the rest of their lives. Application Required.

This year-long elective focuses on cultivating young leaders for both students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students learn side-by-side in a collaborative learning atmosphere, focusing on social-emotional curriculum, learning some basic elements of neuroscience, and the history of developmental disabilities in the United States. We also facilitate positive peer-relationships in sharing similar interests, experiences, and social activities. Students will be responsible for planning different activities during the school year (lunch, flex/advisory) and/or after school events. The program is backed by both special and general education teachers with the focus of empowering students to drive change in their school and local communities. Application Required.