Link for video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtM7t0VGqQ8
On Thursday, February 12, students will have the opportunity to attend an elective fair during lunch in the libraryif they have questions about available courses. Following this, counselors will begin working with students. Students will select their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd elective choices.
Some advanced courses have prerequisites, and placement is based on meeting course requirements. Students will select three choices in case their first option is full.
Students selected for ASB, PLUS, or Yearbook & Photography will be automatically enrolled. Students in ELD, IEP, DLI, or AVID will also be placed in their program-specific elective.
Please reach out with any questions.
Mrs. Webber & Mrs. Serrato
EMS School Counselors
Elective Course Descriptions & Eligibility
ART
- Intro to Art (Grades 6–8) – Explore drawing, painting, and sculpture while learning essential techniques.Can only be taken one time.
- Advanced Art (Grades 7–8) – Build on skills learned in Intro to Art and explore more advanced techniques. May be repeated; requires completion of Intro to Art and meeting course qualifications as determined by end of course semester 1 assessment.
AVID
- AVID (Grades 6–8) –Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college and career readiness program designed to support students in developing strong academic habits, organization, critical thinking, note-taking, collaboration, and self-advocacy skills. Students receive academic support while being prepared for rigorous coursework and future college and career pathways. This program requires a 3-year commitment (AVID 6 → AVID 7 → AVID 8).
COMPUTER DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
- Intro to Computer Design Technology (Grades 6–8) – Learn foundational computer and digital design skills. Cannot be repeated.
- Advanced Computer Design Technology (Grades 7–8) – Explore advanced graphic design and 3D modeling. Requires Intro to Computer Design Technology and meeting course qualifications asdeterminedby end of course semester 1 assessment. This course is repeatable.
ENGINEERING
- Intro to Engineering (Grades 6–8) – Learn coding, problem-solving, and the engineering design process. Can only be taken one time.
- Robotics (Grades 7–8) – Design and build robots using VEX Robotics kits. Requires Intro to Engineering and meeting course qualifications as determined by end of course semester 1 assessment. This course is repeatable.
- 3D Modeling & Prototyping (Grades 6–8) – Design and create 3D models and prototypes using industry-style tools (3D printers) and design processes. Students will apply problem-solving and creativity to real-world design challenges. This course is repeatable.
MUSIC
- Beginning Band (Grades 6–8) –Students learn how to read music and develop the fundamental skills needed to play a band instrument.Instruction includes proper technique, practice habits, and ensemble performance skills. Band students participate in concerts and school activities throughout the year. Instruments may be rented or borrowed and include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion (drums).
- Advanced Band (Grades 7–8) – Continue to refine music skills. Requires Band or Intermediate Bandand meeting course qualifications asdeterminedby end of course semester 1 assessment.This course is repeatable.
- Orchestra (Grades 6–8) –Students learn how to read music and develop the skills needed to play a string instrument in an ensemble setting. Instruction focuses on proper technique, tone production, practice habits, and performance skills. Orchestra studentsparticipatein concerts and school activities throughout the year. Instruments may be rented or borrowed and include violin, viola, cello, or string bass. This course is repeatable.
WOODWORKING
- Woodworking Design and Modeling (Grades 6–8)–This year-long Woodworking Design and Modeling course introduces middle school students to the basics of woodworking, including safety, creating 3D designs plans, material selection, hand tool and power tool use, and finishing techniques. Students will gain hands-on experience with various woodworking tools, engage in creative design projects, and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to create small woodworking projects with a focus on safety and efficiency.
WORLD LANGUAGE – SPANISH
- Spanish 1 (Grades 8 only) – This is a high school level Spanish 1 class designed for non-native speakers. This course builds on foundational language skills with emphasis on reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students learn vocabulary, grammar, and engage in structured conversations. This course aligns with high school Spanish 1 standards and prepares students to enroll in Spanish 2 in 9th grade if they are successful in the class.
- Dual Language Immersion Spanish – Designed for native or near-native Spanish speakers, this course strengthens academic Spanish reading, writing, grammar, and speaking skills. This is a three year program in which students will take AP Spanish Language during 8th grade year.