2026-2027 MESA VERDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

2026-2027 MESA VERDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Electives offered are based on student request, teacher schedule, and space availability.

Please choose three electives and remember to choose wisely.  Electives are subject to change!

6th Grade Electives

BAND  Course# 100510

All interested students can join the 6th grade band and work on building foundational skills. Students are encouraged to provide their own instruments to participate. There are lots of opportunities for performances and even festivals away from campus! If you haven’t taken 5th grade band you can still join the 6th grade band! 

ORCHESTRA 1 Course# 100550

All interested students can join the orchestra and work on building foundational skills. Orchestra is made up of our stringed instruments such as violin, viola, cello and string bass. School cellos and string basses are available.  All other instruments, students are encouraged to provide their own. There are lots of opportunities for performances and even festivals away from campus! If you haven’t taken 5th grade orchestra you can still join us in 6th grade!  

EXPLORATORY WHEEL Course# 106008

The wheel model gives students the opportunity to “try out” two OR four courses in one year, instead of committing to one elective for an entire year, depending on whether or not the wheel is semester (2 courses total) or quarter (4 courses total). Students will be divided into groups and may start with any of the following two OR four courses and then rotate between the courses assigned to their wheel. Students will be assigned at random to the wheel and do not select from the courses below. 

Performing Arts (Drama and Choir)

This class is for all students who are interested in choir, solo singing, drama, improv, and musical theatre.   This course will give students a chance to try out different forms of expression in vocal and dramatic performing arts, and will include opportunities to perform both inside and outside of school.

Energy & the Environment (Project Lead the Way)

Students are challenged to think big and toward the future as they explore sustainable solutions to our energy needs and investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the world. They design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption. 

Art

This is a beginning level art course for all skill levels.  Students will create projects inspired by ancient to modern art from around the world. Some mediums used may include drawing, painting, sculpture, photography or digital art.  Try your hand at an art class!

6th Grade Leadership

In this elective option students will work to develop leadership skills such as communication and teamwork. They will participate in various activities to help promote school spirit amongst their grade level peers. 

Exploring Spanish

Students will learn foundational Spanish. In addition to language, students will explore Latino culture: music, art, food, and fun!   

6th Grade AVID & Inclusion Ambassadors

In the AVID/Inclusion wheel, students will take time to learn about the AVID college and career readiness program while also learning about leadership through inclusion. Students will split time in AVID and Inclusion Ambassadors. In both electives they will build their leadership skills, team build, and collaborate together. AVID will integrate the WICOR model, while Inclusion Ambassadors will help foster belonging across campus.

7th and 8th Grade Electives

COMPUTER SCIENCE/APP CREATORS (Project Lead the Way) Course# 100229 & 100234

Do you have an interest in computers?  These Project Lead the Way courses are a great way for students to learn more about coding and how mobile apps are created.  Students will take each course for a semester.  You will need to enter both course numbers for this class.

 

Computer Science for Innovators and Makers

Have you ever wondered how code can be used in wearable tech, art exhibits, or mechanical devices? Students learn about programming for the physical world by blending hardware design and software development. Using microcontrollers with inputs and outputs, they develop code that brings their physical designs to life. It’s time to become an innovator and maker using physical computing!

 

App Creators 

Have you ever wondered how mobile apps are created? Students learn and apply computational thinking and technical knowledge and skills to create mobile apps. Students also acquire and apply skills pertaining to the design process, problem solving, persistence, collaboration, and communication. Go beyond being an app consumer and become an app creator!

ART (7th & 8th Grade Only)  Course# 100210

Students create both 2D and 3D works of art, and explore current and past artists.   Projects may include drawing, painting, collage, paper mache, sewing, ceramics and photography.  Students have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork on and possibly off campus.  This is an engaging, hands-on class with no prior experience necessary.  Explore all that art has to offer!

ADVANCED ART (8th Grade ONLY)  Course# 100220

This class is for 8th graders who took MVMS Art in 7th grade. You will learn more advanced skills with some mediums and also explore new mediums.  Students will have different projects than they experience in their first year of art. Possible projects include colored pencil drawing, painting, digital collage/graphic design, plaster sculptures, weaving, ceramics and photography.  Students have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork on and off campus and to take field trips to local art museums. Continue with us in art!

ADVANCED BAND (8th Grade ONLY)  Course #100520

Band in 8th grade allows students to develop and showcase strong musical skills. Students are encouraged to provide their own instruments to participate. There are lots of opportunities for performances and even festivals away from campus! If you haven’t taken band before, you can still join the band in 8th grade! 

INTERMEDIATE BAND (7th Grade ONLY)  Course# 100515 

Band in 7th grade allows students to develop strong musical skills. Students are encouraged to provide their own instruments to participate. There are lots of opportunities for performances and even festivals away from campus! If you haven’t been involved in band before, you can still join Intermediate Band in grade 7! 

ORCHESTRA 3 (7th & 8th Grade ONLY)  Course# 100560

Orchestra in grades 7th and 8th allows students to develop strong musical skills.  School cellos and string basses are available. All other instruments, students are encouraged to provide their own. There are lots of opportunities for performances and even festivals away from campus! If you haven’t taken 5th grade orchestra or been in a MVMS orchestra before, you can still join the orchestra in grades 7 and 8! 

Journalism  Course# 100361

In this hands-on elective, students will step into the roles of journalists and marketers to create and manage Mesa Verde’s weekly newsletter and social media presence. Through engaging projects, students will develop skills in writing, interviewing, photography, graphic design, and digital marketing. They will learn how to craft compelling stories, highlight school events, and create content that connects with both the student body and the broader community.

Students will also take the lead in managing Mesa Verde’s official social media accounts, learning responsible digital citizenship while promoting school spirit and engagement. This class is perfect for creative thinkers, aspiring writers, and future marketing professionals who want to make an impact through media!

Semester Wheel: Performing Arts & Exploring Spanish A Course # 101410, 200473

Performing Arts (Drama and Choir)

This class is for all students who are interested in choir, solo singing, drama, improv, and musical theatre.   This course will give students a chance to try out different forms of expression in vocal and dramatic performing arts, and will include opportunities to perform both inside and outside of school.  No experience or audition required for this semester course.

Exploring Spanish 

Students will learn foundational Spanish. In addition to language, students will explore Latino culture: music, art, food, and fun! You will need to enter both course numbers for this class. (This course does not count as high school foreign language credit, which is only available in 8th grade Spanish 1-2) This is a good opportunity to get some basics before taking Spanish 1-2 in 8th grade or high school!  

SPANISH 1/2 (8th Grade ONLY) Course# 100470 & 100471*

This is a HIGH SCHOOL course in speaking, listening, reading, and writing Spanish through grammar, oral practice, games, and projects, and provides an introduction to the culture of the Spanish speaking countries.  You will need to enter both course numbers for this class.  This is an ACADEMIC elective, meaning it typically involves more homework and studying than most other electives. Students need STRONG SKILLS in English (B average), good study habits and work completion, and a commitment to learning. 

*If you successfully complete the course (a grade of C or higher), you earn the equivalent of one year of high school foreign language credit, which may be used toward A-G college entrance requirements. Typically, students who earn an A or B grade in this class can advance directly to Spanish 3-4 in high school.  However, the student’s credit does not count toward high school graduation requirements or factor into the high school GPA.

DO NOT SELECT ANY OF THESE COURSES DURING COURSE SELECTION - 

SELECTING ONE OF THESE COURSES WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL OF THE SELECTION AND RANDOM ASSIGNMENT IN A DIFFERENT ELECTIVE

The following courses are by application and/or audition only!

ADVANCED PERFORMING ARTS  (7th & 8th Grade ONLY by prior enrollment) 

Students will learn more advanced vocal and choral technique as they sing classical, popular and musical theater songs.  Students also learn basic choreography, acting, and will have the opportunity to create music using a digital music workstation.  Students are required to participate in performances, festivals, and workshops, which are sometimes outside school hours.  You may also have the opportunity to participate in field trips! 

ASB (7th & 8th Grade Only by application) 

This course requires a commitment to creating a positive campus experience for all students. Build your leadership skills in communication, community service, and teamwork. Students will work alongside the elected ASB officers to design and lead lunch activities and various school events both during the day and outside school hours. This class is for those who have creative ideas about school spirit.  Time management is very important because others will rely on you to do your part and to meet deadlines.  Are you excited about making an impact at Mesa Verde?  Join us! 

LIBRARY ASSISTANT (7th & 8th Grade ONLY by application)
You are indispensable in your role as a Library Assistant.  There are many behind the scenes tasks and responsibilities involved in making this a great library for the students of our school.  You will assist the library staff in accomplishing a number of tasks throughout the library. Examples are shelving books, checking supplies, library learning, and light housekeeping. Limited availability.

OFFICE ASSISTANT (7th & 8th Grade ONLY by application) 

Do you have great people skills and a positive attitude? The Office Assistant position is an opportunity to learn and enhance organizational and administrative skills in an office setting. Students provide administrative staff with needed support and practical assistance in various areas. Typical duties for an OA include delivering passes/items, answering phones, greeting/helping guests, light housekeeping, and restocking supplies. Students requesting to be an OA should complete the online application. Limited availability. 

TEACHER’S ASSISTANT (7th & 8th Grade ONLY by application) 

Teacher Assistants provide valuable support to classroom teachers and help create a positive learning environment. Students in this role assist with a variety of tasks such as organizing materials, supporting classroom routines, helping with small-group activities, and completing clerical or organizational duties as needed. This position is best suited for students who are responsible, respectful, and able to work independently while following adult direction. Limited availability.

PE ASSISTANT (7th & 8th Grade ONLY by application) 

Are you responsible, dependable, and interested in supporting physical education classes? PE Assistants play an important role in helping the PE program run smoothly. Students will assist PE teachers with a variety of tasks such as setting up and collecting equipment, helping with organization, supporting class routines, and maintaining a safe and respectful environment. This position is ideal for students who demonstrate maturity, positive attitude, and strong behavior. Limited availability. 

YEARBOOK (7th & 8th Grade ONLY by application) 

Students in the Yearbook elective will work together to publish the annual MVMS yearbook. Students will work as a team to decide on all of the yearbook elements and be responsible for coverage of all school events which includes taking photos, writing copy and captions, and editing for publication. Students should have strong writing and time management skills, as well as attention to detail.  Application available in April.

AVID (7th & 8th Grade Only)  

AVID is a class that strives to make students more prepared for high school and college. AVID uses the WICOR model (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) to help students build their skills that are necessary for being college-ready. AVID builds confidence in students to make them work for their goals and achieve happiness in what they want to do in life.

MATH WORKSHOP (7th & 8th Grade Teacher Recommendation)  

Math Workshop is a personalized support class designed to help students strengthen their math skills alongside their regular math course. Students receive individual and small-group assistance through targeted previewing of upcoming topics and review of current or past material. The workshop focuses on building understanding, confidence, and effective problem-solving strategies tailored to each student’s needs.

LANGUAGE ARTS WORKSHOP (6th-8th Grade Teacher Recommendation)  

ELA Workshop is a personalized support class designed to help students strengthen their reading and writing skills alongside their regular language arts course. Students receive individual and small-group assistance through targeted previewing of upcoming texts and assignments, as well as review and reinforcement of current or previously taught skills. The workshop focuses on building understanding, confidence, and effective strategies for reading, writing, and vocabulary, all tailored to each student’s needs.