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Electives

6th Grade Electives
GMS 6th graders begin their middle school experience with engaging electives such as Choir, Band, and/or English Language Development (ELD) for English Learners. Additionally, all GMS 6th graders will participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Visual Art, and Gladiator Onboarding (GO) throughout the year in 12-week cycles. 

7th and 8th Grade Electives
GMS 7th and 8th-grade students can choose from several engaging electives such as Choir; Band; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) via courses in Studio 26 Digital Media, Project Lead the Way (PLTW), and the College and Career Lab; English Language Development (ELD) for English Learners; Visual Art; AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), Leadership, Spanish I/II, and Yearbook. 

Additional Electives Information

BandThis course is designed to give students an enriching and diverse instrumental music education and will provide a number of performance opportunities. Band instruments include flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, guitar, and percussion.    Choir
In this performance-based course, students learn to sing with proper vocal technique and be exposed to a variety of styles of music. Students learn to read music, receive vocal performance instruction, and learn techniques to improve their voices, note and rhythm reading, performance skills, and self-confidence. Students will participate in several performances throughout the school year.

 

College & Career Ready Lab
The College & Career Ready Lab offers students career exploration activities to engage students in authentic problem-based learning experiences as they discover their interests and aptitudes.  During this course, students will experience what it is like to work in careers within a variety of areas. Students will do the work that professionals perform in the field. These mostly STEM-based experiences help students discover what they like and what they are good at, so they make informed career pathway decisions in high school and, possibly, beyond. While working in 2-3 person groups, students explore 16-18 unique careers and conduct in-depth research. They discover the knowledge, skills and abilities that are required for specific jobs, experience what it is like to do some of the work involved, and discover if they have an interest in that career area.  

(See videos and testimonials in the following LINK)

  • Authentic Problem-Based Learning 

  • Flexible 10-Day Schedule per Unit

  • Hands-On Projects

  • STEM Focused

  • Two or Three-person Teams

  • Career Exploration

  • Discover Interests and Aptitudes

  • Aligns to Azusa HS CTE Pathways (Health Careers, Computer Science, Engineering, Graphic Arts/Multimedia &  Automotive Technology - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle or Internal Combustion Engine.

English Language Development
ELD course is designed to provide instruction in English language acquisition. This course is for English Learners continuing to develop English literacy skills. Instruction will focus on communicative and academic skills in the four domains of language. Differentiation will vary based on student need. Students will receive differentiated levels of support and scaffolding in social and academic contexts with varying tasks and topics.

Leadership
Students who participate in the Leadership elective class plan school-wide student events and activities at lunch and after school, promote school spirit and a positive school culture, and attend student leadership conferences. Leadership students engage in school and community activities related to spirit and service. These activities offer opportunities for students to display and exercise skills of leadership, teamwork, networking, self-evaluation, responsibility, and accountability. In addition, leadership students learn the basic concepts of accounting and presentation skills. Emphasis is placed on fostering ethics and self-esteem within the class, as well as the school and community. Leadership is responsible for student body funds, dances, spirit days, and community public relations activities. 

Mariachi 6-8In this after-school elective course, students will study mariachi music through instrumental and vocal performance in an ensemble setting. Students participate in instrumental and/or vocal performance courses. The class concentrates on the development of note-reading skills, aural skills, rhythmic patterns, intonation, and tone production.    Orchestra 6-8 String Orchestra is open to students who wish to learn to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students learn to play a variety of music with an emphasis on classical literature. This elective course is held after school at Azusa High School.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
PLTW provides connections to careers and real-world problems.  The students imagine, discover, and practice the range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond. Students begin to lead their own learning and explore STEM fields, such as computer science and app creation, while boosting classroom engagement and excitement, supporting teamwork, and inspiring deep comprehension. And by challenging themselves to rework and refine their projects, students learn that failure and persistence are keys to learning and innovation.  As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways and connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape – a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives. (See videos and testimonials in the following LINK)

Spanish I/II
This course is designed to prepare students to take high school Spanish and Advanced Placement Spanish courses. Students will have the opportunity to engage in listening, speaking, reading, and writing as they develop language, academic vocabulary, grammar, and verbal communication skills. 

Studio 26 Digital Media
In this course, students learn a variety of multi-media computer applications, film making, editing, and story-boarding. Students will produce videos for school projects. This class will emphasize projects for school-wide distribution, including a school news broadcast. 

Visual Art
This course is designed for students to explore and experience creative expression, critical evaluation, and a greater appreciation for the Visual Arts. While learning about the elements and principles of design, students will develop their drawing, painting, and sculpting skills. Throughout the course, students develop  creativity and self-expression. Students learn about art history and the value of art in various cultures, as well as gain skills in understanding and valuing their own art and the art of others. Class assignments are based on the California Visual Art Standards and introduce students to the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design.