Electives
Art
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7th Grade Art
Advancement of the student’s technical skills in art is the focus of this class. Students will explore concepts in art in both a 2D and then 3D format. For example, design a 2D animation character and then build the character out of polymer clay. All students will get the basics in drawing, as well as the elements of art and principles of design. Media will include pencil, pen, pastels, paper mache, wood, clay, mosaics, oil paint and watercolor.
7th grade students may enroll in Advanced Art with an art teacher recommendation.
Advanced Art
Designed for students who have one year experience in middle school, this course will let students explore and work in a variety of art mediums from drawing and painting to digital art. Students will develop a portfolio that exhibits their art styles and range of techniques. Students will develop strong expressive techniques by using the elements of art and principles of design.
Requirement – 7th grade art or portfolio
Teacher
Linda Parsons
lrparsons@capousd.org
CTI
This course allows students to investigate careers and innovative technology used in high-demand employment sectors. Students will spend time utilizing these exciting modules to complete project and work based learning activities that incorporate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) concepts. Each module includes use of equipment such as 3D Printers, Robotic Arms, CNC machinery, Laser Engravers, etc. Students will also learn related software such as CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) CAM (Computer Aided Machining) and Solidworks, to name a few. This course will assist students in planning for College and Career pathways throughout high school and college.
Teacher
Peter Hartman
pahartman@capousd.org
Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program is a yearlong elective designed to provide in-depth experience in food preparation and service. This class will focus on the various food preparation techniques that will allow the students to have hands on experience with a variety of different foods from understanding how ingredients work together in a recipe to using their creativity to create new recipes. The students will acquire skill in the use of a variety of different tools and equipment while planning and preparing their own menus. The goal of this class is to broaden the student’s exposure to a variety of different foods and preparation techniques while teaching them to work independently in the kitchen as well as providing them with the opportunity to explore Culinary Arts as a career.
Teacher
Joanna Chung
jkchung@capousd.org
Drama
This class is for serious drama students who are interested in the dynamics of performance. Students will study all aspects of theatre including, but not limited to, acting, technical theatre skills, stagecraft, stage management, script writing, dance, vocals, characterization, and pre/post production planning. Critiques of movies and plays will be included, in addition to instruction in critiquing of oneself and one’s peers. Students will perform scenes, monologues, improvisation, and skits, as well as participate in at least one full-length play or musical evening performance. Students are required to attend after school rehearsals prior to evening performances.
Teacher
Aley Derentz
aaderentz@capousd.org
Forensics
This course will focus on Crime Scene Investigation skills. Students will learn about the following topics: processing crime scenes, drawing scale models, fingerprinting, detecting blood, blood typing, blood spatter patterns, handwriting analysis, impressions, tool marks, trace evidence, anthropological forensics, and DNA evidence. They will also learn about the process of the United States judicial system and the role of forensic specialists and forensic careers.
Teacher
Peter Hartman
pahartman@capousd.org
Music
6th Grade Band
This class is for 6th grade students with or without experience who would like to play a wind or brass instrument. Most students in this class will have begun their study in elementary school, but students are encouraged to switch to some of the less familiar instruments such as oboe, bassoon, French horn, trombone, baritone and tuba during the year. Some of the instruments listed are available through AVMS for student use. Students will perform traditional and popular music, attend field trips, and study music theory and history in a fun and structured environment. A limited number of concerts outside of the school day are a required part of this class.6th Grade Orchestra
This class is for 6th grade students with or without experience who would like to play a string instrument. Most students in this class will have begun their study in elementary school, but students are encouraged to switch to some of the less familiar instruments such as viola, cello and bass. Some of the larger and more expensive instruments, such as those listed above, are available for student use through AVMS. Students will perform traditional and popular music, attend field trips, and study music theory and history in a fun and structured environment. A limited number of concerts outside of the school day are a required part of this class.
Chorus
This class is for students with or without singing experience. Students will be taught correct sitting and standing postures. Proper breathing techniques will be taught as they relate to correct tone production. Students will perform traditional and popular music, attend field trips, and study music theory and history in a fun and structured environment. All choir students will be required to perform in selected concerts outside the school day.
7th/8th Grade Band
This class is for 7th and 8th grade wind, brass and percussion students. Instruments are available through AVMS for student use such as oboe, bassoon, French horn, trombone, baritone and tuba. Students will perform traditional and popular music and continue their study of music theory and history. Students who participate in Advanced Band may also join our after-school Jazz Ensemble. A limited number of concerts outside of the school day are required part of this class.
7th/8th Grade Orchestra
This class is for 7th and 8th grade students. Some of the larger and more expensive instruments such as the viola, cello, and bass are available through AVMS for student use. Students will perform traditional and popular music, attend field trips, and continue their study of music theory and history. A limited number of concerts outside of the school day are a required part of this class.
Teacher
Jeff McGinnis
jlmcginnis@capousd.org
Robotics
In the yearlong Robotics and Engineering elective, 7th and 8th grade students will learn basic engineering principles and utilize those concepts to construct a variety of robots using the VEX IQ robotics kits. Students will develop teams work and problem solving skills while learning to innovate in a classroom setting. Working in groups, students will utilize the engineering design process and collaborate to come up with designs that best accomplish the challenges presented to them as they incorporate their engineering knowledge to design and build their robot and then compete with other groups in the challenges. As students gain more experience with the robotic kits, they will be asked to accomplish increasingly complex challenges.
Teacher
Valarie Broadhead
vhbroadhead@capousd.org
Spanish
Spanish 1A
This class provides students the opportunity to study Spanish grammar, pronunciation, simple conversation, and practical expression. Spanish 1A is paced to allow for building a strong foundation for future foreign language learning. This course is the first of a two year sequence. Students enrolling in Spanish 1A are making a commitment to continue in Spanish 1B in their eighth grade year. Students must earn at least a “B” each quarter to continue to Spanish 1B. Requires an “A” or “B” in English.
Spanish 1B
The class is the second class in a two year sequence. Students must have successful completion of Spanish 1A (grade of A or B) in order to register in this class. This class provides students the opportunity to study Spanish grammar, pronunciation, simple conversation, and practical expression. Spanish 1B is paced to allow for building a strong foundation for future foreign language learning. Students who complete this class with an A or B will receive Spanish 1 credit and will be able to transition into Spanish I.
Spanish I
(High school level coursework)
This course offers students without any previous formal Spanish the opportunity to study and acquire the basic principles of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. Students will also learn about culture, conversational techniques, and grammar concepts as determined by the first year textbook, Realidades, and the Language Learning Continuum. This is the same curriculum as the course taught at the high school level.
Students who receive a yearly cumulative grade of “A” or “B” will be recommended to advance to the second year of the language in high school. These students will also receive course credit toward meeting the foreign language requirement for college admission. Students will not, however, receive unit credit toward meeting the required 220 units for high school graduation. A or B in English required for admission. Once classes are formed if there is space available other criteria will be used for admission.
Teacher
Camy Boehling
caboehling@capousd.org
Video Production
In this course students will learn advanced techniques of video production, storyboarding, scripting, filming, and editing. Students will work hands on as they work step by step through the process of a short film projects. In addition, student will learn digital skills such as basic coding, website creation, and keyboarding. Students will also be responsible for producing weekly school news
Teacher
Peter Hartman
pahartman@capousd.org
6th Grade Exploratory Wheel
Designed to provide enrichment and exposure to a variety of curricula. Exploratory wheel and elective courses are offered dependent upon student pre-registration sign-up, facilities, and staffing. Students have four different courses and will rotate to a new class each quarter.
Art
This course introduces a variety of media techniques: drawing, painting, lettering; two and three dimensional design; and a number of craft experiences. As students become acquainted with the elements and principles of art, they gain basic understanding of art concepts pertinent to our present-day society as well as the past.
Teacher
Linda Parsons
lrparsons@capousd.org
Drama
Students are taught the history of theatre, stage areas, and basic theatre terminology. They learn positioning, as well as the significance of movement, voice, and facial expression on stage. Basic elements of theatre are presented through a variety of theatre activities.
Teacher
Aley Derentz
aaderentz@capouds.org
Computer Applications
Each student will develop beginning and intermediate computer skills. The class will explore a variety of computer applications and investigate the power of computers in daily life. Students will create and manipulate images, explore elements of basic graphic design, develop and reinforce basic computer skills.
Teacher
Peter Hartman
pahartman@capousd.org
Home Arts Intro
This one quarter class is designed to acquaint the students with practical food preparation experiences as well as the functional application of the basics of good nutrition, label reading, manners and table setting.
Teacher
Joanna Chung
jkchung@capousd.org