COURSE HANDBOOK
ELECTIVES
2017-2018
o ADVANCED ART: (Grade 8) This year-long class will build on the student’s foundation in art and basic skills, allowing them to explore favorite mediums in depth. Ceramic projects, larger paintings, an introduction to silk painting and more 3-dimensional work than Exploratory Art will be part of the curriculum, as well as exploring careers in art and public art forms, such as school murals. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Exploring Art and/OR permission from the art instructor. Recommended donation*: $75 for supplies for student projects which student will take home.
o BAND: (Grade 7/8) there are two bands: Concert and Symphonic
· Concert Band is a full-year elective that offers instruction on piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion. This class is open to any student who wishes to begin a new instrument as well as to those who want to better their skills. There are three performances each year, as well as potential field trips to a music festival and Disneyland. Performing in concerts is an integral part of the course. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use.
· Symphonic Band is a full-year elective for wind and percussion students whose playing is of the highest caliber. It is open to all students who are interested in performing the most challenging music available to middle school students. Class activities include performing in three concerts plus the IUSD Band Spectacular, IUSD Honor Orchestra audition preparation and performance at the Instrumental Music Festival, and a field trip to Disneyland. Performing in concerts is an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Symphonic Band is by audition and/or Sierra Vista teacher approval.
o CHORUS: (Grade 7/8) is designed for students who have a desire to sing and participate in choral performance. Choir students will learn to sing in a choral ensemble while improving competence in sight-singing, musicianship, and vocal skills. A great deal of class time is spent on vocal/musical techniques and performance standards. These skills will be demonstrated in several mandatory performances throughout the school year. Students will learn and perform a wide variety of high quality choral literature that is appropriate for middle school performers and that adheres to the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards. Choir students are eligible and encouraged to audition for the IUSD Middle School Honor Chorus.
o ELECTIVE WHEEL: (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course in which students take the following three classes for one trimester each.
v CERAMICS: is a trimester course in which students learn about the historical background, aesthetic traditions, and artistic properties of ceramics through various studio experiences. Students will create ceramic art using a variety of hand building techniques such as pinch pot, coil, and slab. NO PREVIOUS ART EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Recommended donation: $25 for supplies for student projects which students will take home.
v ROBOTICS: is a trimester course in which students will develop their skills in computational thinking and problem solving, begin to become literate in multiple coding languages, and learn to program robotics and 3D printers to solve specific design challenges.
v SPEECH AND DEBATE: is a trimester course in which students will cover public speaking skills and conclude with debating strategies. The speeches that will be required are: Speech to Inform, Speech to Persuade, Demonstrative Speech, Entertaining Speech, Impromptu Speech, Special Occasion Speech, Historical Interpretation Speech, and Debate.
o EXPLORE TECH: (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course designed to expose students to a variety of emerging technologies with an emphasis on collaboration and innovative technology. Students will have an opportunity to learn various coding languages, build and code various robots, and utilize CAD software to create and print designs on 3D printers. Skills may include learning to code in multiple computer languages, building robotics, and design and create objects with 3D printer.
o EXPLORING ART: (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course in which students learn the elements and principles of art and the basic skills and knowledge necessary to communicate in each art form, including clay work. By experiencing various art activities, students will exercise their powers of observation, test their problem-solving skills, and use their creative imagination. This course is intended for students who enjoy art and wish to expand their artistic horizons by working with varied mediums and exploring the history of art and various artists. NO PREVIOUS ART EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Recommended donation*: $75 for supplies for student projects which student will take home.
o FULL S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD: (Grade 7/8) - S-Science T-Technology E-Engineering A-Arts M- Math is a full-year course in which students work to reach a common goal. Students will work collaboratively in groups to work on common goals associated with the focus each year. Some of the possible activities include: working with various types of media and techniques of art, broaden their experience and deepen appreciation of the arts, create web sites and videos, use digital photography, conduct hands-on lab activities and projects. This year’s focus is on The Martian. All activities will be school and age appropriate. All activities will relate to the focus. We will be looking at the surface of Mars, getting to Mars, habitats and vehicles on Mars, survival, food and nutrition on Mars, possibly solving mini crimes (missing food, vehicles moved, etc.) on Mars, and many other topics. Students need to work well with other students. Some work at home may be required. Recommended donation*: $150 includes all art and lab supplies required for the studio projects which the student may take home.
o GUITAR: (Grade 7/8) is designed to teach the subject of music using the six-string classical guitar as the medium. It consists of students with varying abilities and experiences, including students who are beginners as well as repeating the course as advanced musicians. The guitar class offers a comprehensive approach that will allow students to learn to read music; play solos and in ensembles; learn to apply music theory; develop self-discipline and a motivation to learn; and above all, gain a lifelong interest and participation in music.
o MUSICAL THEATRE: (Grade 7/8) is designed for students with developing to advanced skills in musical theatre. This class will provide students the opportunity to explore acting exercises, movement for musical theatre, and vocal music. A great deal of class time is spent on creative drama, solo/ensemble singing, and performance standards. These skills will be demonstrated in several mandatory performances throughout the year, including a major musical production in the spring. Students will experience all aspects of musical theatre and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in the subject area according to the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards. A major component of this class is experiencing the concept of ensemble and emphasizing the roles of all performers as a whole, rather than star performances. Musical theatre students are eligible and encouraged to audition for the IUSD Middle School Honor Chorus.
o ORCHESTRA: (Grade 7/8) There are three orchestras: Concert, Symphonic, and Chamber
• Concert Orchestra is a full-year elective that offers instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass as well as a piano accompanist for performances. This class is open to any student who wishes to begin a new instrument, or for students who want to better their skills. There are three performances each year, as well as potential field trips to a music festival and Disneyland. Performing in concerts is an integral part of the course. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use.
• Symphonic** Orchestra is a full-year elective for string students whose playing is of a high caliber. By audition or music director invitation, it is open to all students who are interested in performing the most challenging music available to middle school students. Class activities include performing in three concerts, IUSD Honor Orchestra audition preparation and performance at the Instrumental Music Festival, and a field trip to Disneyland. Performing in concerts is an integral part of the course.
• Chamber** Orchestra is a full-year elective for string students of the highest caliber. The orchestra will perform challenging music and study high school level music literature. Students are selected by audition or by music director invitation. Class activities include performing in three concerts, IUSD Honor Orchestra audition preparation and performance at the Instrumental Music Festival, and a field trip to Disneyland. Performing in concerts is an integral part of the course.
**Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras is by audition and/or Sierra Vista teacher approval.
o PHOTOJOURNALISM (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course which will provide instruction in the art and principles (lighting, framing, etc.) of digital photography and how to use original photography to tell a story or communicate a message. Students will learn different software applications, including Photo Shop and Studio Works. Special effects features of these programs will also be explored. With the help of publishing software, students will use their photography and writing skills to create the design, layout and content of our annual yearbook. Students should be proficient in using computers, and have some experience with or interest in using photo editing and/or publishing software. This course requires that students are creative, work well in a self-directed classroom, and are able to meet established timelines for completion of work. Recommended donation*: $10 Prerequisite: “B” or better in Language Arts and all “S’s” or “O’s” in citizenship, work habits, & effort in grade 6/7. Grade 6 Teacher or Grade 7 Language Arts teacher signature is required.
o SCIENCE OLYMPIAD: (Grade 7 & 8) Students will work together to prepare for the regional Science Olympiad competition in March. Science Olympiad is comprised of 23 different events including study events and building events. Following the Science Olympiad competition, all students will participate in advanced Science Workshop activities that are highly engaging and hands-on. Pre-requisites: Teacher recommendation (current 7th ONLY) and passing score on the Science Olympiad Test. Recommended donation*:$90
o SPANISH 1: (Grade 8) is considered a first year, high school honors level course. Criteria include: strong math and English grammar skills, excellent work habits, and A/B+ grades. Students who complete this course successfully with a solid B or better grade all three trimesters AND teacher appraisal will be recommended for Spanish 2 in ninth grade. A minimum of two years is generally required for four-year college entrance and three years is highly recommended (for UC colleges). Prerequisite: “B” or better in 7th Grade Language Arts - signature from Language Arts teacher required.
q VIDEO TECHNOLOGY/PRODUCTION: (Grade 7/8) is a full-year course focused on learning and utilizing the technology to create, produce, direct and edit short videos through hands-on learning. Student learning activities will include montages, parodies, public announcements, commercials, interviews, industry standards and more. Extensive group work required. Prerequisite: must have all “S’s” or “O’s” in citizenship, work habits, & effort in grade 6/7. Grade 6 Teacher or Grade 7 Elective teacher signature is required.
*Note Regarding Suggested Donations: While State law does not allow school districts to charge fees to students for educational activities, many of our elective courses rely heavily on financial contributions from participating families. Please know that a donation is not required to participate, and families that choose to contribute may do so at any amount. However, the suggested donation indicated for such courses will provide the amount necessary to sustain our programs at their current level. Conversely, insufficient enrollment and/or insufficient funding will negatively impact these educational opportunities.
**Nondiscrimination Statement: The Irvine Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities including membership in student clubs shall be free from discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, ethnic group identification, age, religion, actual or potential parental, family, or marital status, or the exclusion of any person because of pregnancy or related conditions, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
The District does not discriminate in enrollment in or access to any of the activities and programs available. Admission to these programs is based on age appropriateness, class space, interest, aptitude, and prerequisite coursework where applicable. The lack of English skills shall not be a barrier to admission to or participation in the District’s activities and programs. The Irvine Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the California Code of Regulations Title 5, Chapter 5.3 Nondiscrimination. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the District’s designated compliance coordinators.
Section 504 Coordinator: Melissa DiScala, Coordinator, Mental Health; 3387 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92606, (949)936-7523
CTE Coordinator: Patsy Janda, 5050 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604, (949)936-5000
Title IX, Title 5, CCR Coordinator: Keith Tuominen, Director of Secondary Education, 5050 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604, (949)936-5047
Title II, Title VI Coordinator: Timg Hornig, Director of Student Services, 5050 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604, (949)936-5000
For assistance in translating this document, contact Language Minority Programs at (949)936-8500 or
***Sexual Harassment – Students Board Policy 5145.7
The Board of Education is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from harassment, intimidation or insult, student-to-student or adult-to-student, on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression. Positive action will be taken when necessary to eliminate such practices or remedy their effects.