Essential Electives

In this course, students take a virtual tour of Spain. Of course, the visit will be more enjoyable if the students know what the people around them are saying. No need to worry—this course provides basic vocabulary, keeps students from getting lost, and helps them make some new Spanish friends. Students learn to ask for directions, order food in a restaurant, and talk about the weather, all without being embarrassed by their accents.

Using a special in-house typing software, SimpleType, you will gain typing speed while learning the proper technique to become a keyboarding master. You will learn introductory word processing and electronic presentation skills as well as learn about computer hardware, the internet, and business application skills to prepare for your future career. This course provides middle school elective credit.

Learn the basic building blocks of coding using HTML to create a web page and use the in-course Python Guided Activity to try your hand at programming with Python. You’ll learn how to use functions and loops to write small programs and create basic graphics. In addition, you will learn about career opportunities in the coding field. This course will give you the experience you need to begin coding on your own, and it will get you ready to take more advanced coding courses in the future!

Take a journey into one of the fastest-growing and most exciting fields of the century. You'll explore how computer science exists all around us, even when we’re not aware. You will have the opportunity to fine-tune your computer knowledge and coding skills, learn binary, and to create innovative projects. No previous coding experience is needed to succeed in this course.

Learn how computer science is used as a vehicle for problem-solving, communication, and personal expression. You'll focus on the visible aspects of computing and computer science and see where computer science exists around you and how you can engage with it as a tool for exploration and expression. Centering on the immediately observable and personally applicable elements of computer science, you will look outward and explore the impact of computer science on society.

Get ready to develop learning strategies, critical-thinking skills, and problem-solving skills to enhance your performance in academic and nonacademic endeavors. In this course, you will go on a journey as a learner, thinker, reader, and writer to refine your skills for thinking critically. Get ready to learn the tips and tricks you need to be successful in your academic endeavors.

Students engage in age-appropriate activities modified accordingly for their individual skill level. A course outline provides a detailed course description with competencies listed to facilitate the creation of an individual plan.  Students taking dance are often involved in local classes in their community, and some are developing their skills as professional dancers.

You see digital art every day, and in this course, you not only will investigate digital art, but you’ll learn how to create it yourself! In this course, you will explore the tools, basic concepts, and techniques artists use to create digital art. You'll learn how to use computers, digital cameras, editing software, and more to create digital artworks and grow artistically as you evaluate and respond to your own work.

Ever wonder how people make music? In this course, you’ll not only investigate musical instruments, composers, styles, and concepts, you’ll explore how it’s used all around the world! You will learn about how musical genres have developed throughout time and in different places, and you’ll dig into how music is created, performed, and experienced. You’ll even have the chance to make some tunes of your own!

Get ready to unleash your creativity in the vibrant world of two-dimensional art. In this course, you’ll tell your own story through art as you develop skills in drawing, painting, and more! Get inspired as you investigate artworks and how to use the elements of art and principles of design as you create and reflect on your own art. There are supplies you’ll need to purchase for this class, but don’t worry. You have choices in what you can use.

Students demonstrate the motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. They demonstrate knowledge of movement concepts, principles, and strategies that apply to the learning and performance of physical activities. Students assess and maintain a level of physical fitness to improve health and performance. Students demonstrate knowledge of physical fitness concepts, principles, and strategies to improve health and performance.

For this course, our student traveler, Cristina, will be taking you on a journey to Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Argentina. She will share her experiences with you as she learns about the different cultures of each of these Spanish speaking countries. As you explore each country with Cristina, you will learn how to speak Spanish in many practical and useful situations that will apply to your everyday environment.

Ready to make the headlines?  Prepare to dive into the exciting world of journalism to develop your reporting skills across various platforms such as print, web, radio, and multimedia. Take a trip through the history of journalism to explore its past, present, and future. Discover different careers in the field and learn how to research and write captivating news stories.

Students learn proper finger placement and engage in systematic instruction to build both accuracy and speed.  Instruction is customized to student skill level and learning preferences, continuously increasing fluency and efficiency in typing skills.

Students engage in age-appropriate activities modified accordingly for their individual skill level. A course outline provides a detailed course description with competencies listed to facilitate the creation of an individual plan.  Students taking music are often involved in local classes in their community, and some are developing their skills as professional musicians.

Students will be able to use a computer and its peripherals to complete tasks. They will develop word processing skills, create electronic presentations, create and use databases, and create and use spreadsheets. Students will gain Internet skills including browsing, searching, emailing, researching, and presenting. They will learn and demonstrate basic Internet safety and ethics while engaging in various forms of online communication.

Students engage in age-appropriate activities modified accordingly for their individual skill level. A course outline provides a detailed course description with competencies listed to facilitate the creation of an individual plan.  Students taking theater are often involved in local classes in their community, and some are developing their skills as professionals.

Ever wonder about how you can create art? In this course, you’ll connect with art created by other artists as you learn how to plan, create, and reflect on your own art. You’ll discover tools and techniques artists use as you create your own drawings, sculptures, paintings, photographs, and mixed-media works. You’ll need to purchase supplies for this class. But don’t worry, you have choices in what you can use!

Inspiration comes from anywhere. In this course, you will explore artistic themes as you create your own portrait, earth, paper, Pop, and globally inspired art. Whether this is your first art course or one of many in your artistic journey, it will help grow your skills and techniques, as you experiment with mediums like drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, and even digital art. You’ll need to purchase supplies for this class. But don’t worry, you have choices in what you can use!