8th Grade Electives
Art 8 (1 semester paired with Computers)
This course is a semester -long class. Students create several projects that strengthen their understanding of the visual arts. Projects follow the state content standards for grade 8.
Intermediate or Advanced Computers 8 (1 semester paired with Art 8)
This is a semester course where students develop beginning and advanced word-processing, spreadsheet and database skills including using the keyboard. Desktop publishing techniques which incorporate graphics and text are taught. Appropriate technology skills will be utilized to conduct research and prepare multi-media presentations. Students practice and become very proficient at keyboarding. Students use advanced programs such as Photoshop and Dreamweaver. Cyber-safety and internet literacy are taught.
Physical Education Extension (Year long class)
This course is designed to continue to give students the opportunity to gain personal fitness skills and knowledge through an enriched Physical Education program. Students will be empowered to make choices, meet challenges and develop positive behaviors in fitness, wellness and movement activity for a lifetime. Emphasis is placed on students learning personal fitness, including health-related fitness and wellness concepts, self-assessments, and activities. Units of instruction include: Fitness and Wellness for All; Learning Self-Management Skills; Lifestyle Physical Activity and Positive Attitudes; Components of Health Related Fitness; Choosing Nutritious Foods; Making Consumer Choices; Stress Management; and Personal Program Planning.
Long Beach Scholars
Students in the Long Beach Scholars elective will learn skills that will help them become successful in middle school, high school and college. The class will focus on learning study skills, critical thinking, developing relationships to improve grades, and an awareness of colleges and different careers. Students in this class will have the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively as they explore future possibilities.
The following electives are year-long and need a teacher recommendation to be considered for enrollment:
Advanced Orchestra
This class is by audition only for 7th and 8th grade students that play a violin, viola, cello, or bass.
Advanced Band
This class is by audition only for 7th and 8th grade students that play a wind or percussion instrument (flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, saxophone, snare, timpani, bass, and keyboards).
Advanced Art
This class is a year-long and follow the state content standards for grade 8. Students expand their knowledge of the visual arts by creating much more challenging projects that help to build their portfolio for high school.
ATM 8—Multimedia I and Multimedia II
ATM is a 3 year elective commitment starting in the 6th grade.
Students apply CAD and computer graphic skills of importing, editing, use of text fields, and graphics to create electronic books, movies, animations, and web pages. (Must have been enrolled in ATM previously)
Office Aide (Not virtual)
It is a privilege to work in the office and to be an Office Aide; therefore you must have good grades and satisfactory citizenship. In addition, student office aides must sign a contract and adhere to the school rules and procedures. As an office aide you will greet visitors, answer office phones, distribute US mail, distribute school and office supplies, pick up and scan attendance, file attendance notes, assist in the library, take call slips to classrooms and receive training to use the copy machine to make copies for teachers and the school.
Teacher’s Aide (Not virtual)
A teacher’s aide position involves assisting the teacher with clerical duties and other supportive tasks.
