2025-2026 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 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 must be provided by the student.  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 (Quarter) - Course# 106008

The wheel model gives students the opportunity to “try out” four courses in one year, instead of committing to one elective for an entire year.  Students will be divided into groups and rotate to another elective every nine weeks. *The class offerings may differ by period and may include four of any of the following courses; however, other course offerings may be added or substituted. 

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

As an introductory course to art, students will be given the opportunity to explore current and past artists, as well as create various projects. Projects will provide opportunities for students to learn about the elements of art and work with different art mediums. This is an engaging, hands-on class with no prior experience necessary. Explore all that art has to offer!

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 on campus. Students will work closely with our 7th/8th grade leadership class, ASB.  

Exploring Spanish

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

Introduction to AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

The Introduction to AVID elective will help students develop the academic habits needed for success in middle school and beyond. Students will learn strategies to support organization, time management, note-taking, goal setting, collaboration, teamwork, advocating, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, students will explore careers and options for post-secondary education.

7th and 8th Grade Electives

YEAR-LONG COURSES - If you select one of the following year-long courses, you will take the one class for the entire year.

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 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 PERFORMING ARTS  (7th & 8th Grade Only by prior enrollment OR audition) - Course# 100415

This is a year-long course. Please only select this course if you will be an 8th grade student next year who took Performing Arts in 7th grade (this year) or you plan to audition for a spot in the class. 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! 

INCLUSION AMBASSADORS (7th & 8th Grade Only) - Course #101864

MVMS is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students are valued and respected, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Inclusion Ambassadors is a new elective offering with the primary goal of building inclusion on campus. Throughout this elective, students will be empowered to become advocates for disability rights and inclusion by working with our students with Extensive Support needs to build skills and relationships on campus and in the community. Students will create social connections with our students with Extensive Support needs through games, skills, the design of inclusive spaces and events, and teaching our peers about inclusion. 

BAND (7th & 8th Grade Only) - 7th Grade Intermediate Band Course #100515; 8th Grade Advanced Band Course #100520

Band in grades 7th and 8th grade allows students to develop strong musical skills.  The band instructor will place students into our Advanced Band as appropriate.  Students 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 or been in a MVMS band before, you can still join the band in grades 7-8! 

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 must be provided by the student.  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!  

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 Spanish 1/2 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.

SEMESTER-LONG COURSES - If you select one of the Semester linked course options, you will take one of the two courses in that group in the first semester and the other course in that group the second semester. You must enter both course numbers listed for the specific elective group you choose. Depending on enrollment and teacher scheduling, the following course options may be turned into year-long courses or paired with a different course than the ones listed.

JOURNALISM AND PODCASTING - Course# 100361 & 100996

Journalism

This semester-long course is paired with “Podcasting.” 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!

Podcasting

This semester-long course is paired with “Journalism.” It is designed to help students explore their passions through producing their own podcasts and getting them published on Mesa Verde’s social media. Students will explore different types of podcasts and discover what type of podcast they want to produce. Students will learn what goes into a successful podcast, how to get published, how to use podcasting equipment, explore marketing strategies, and enhance their love for podcasting.

Building Community & Exploring Identity - Course #109400 & 109410

Building Community 

This is a semester-long course paired with ”Exploring Identity.“  It  is designed to build a sense of belonging not just within the walls of the classroom, but also outside of the school system.  Students will be learning and sharing from one another stories and customs so that they gain a deeper appreciation of their own culture and an understanding of others.  Work will be completed via discussions, movies, and projects. All this work will aid social-emotional wellness and needs of our students here at Mesa Verde and provide students with skills to critically analyze, respond, and speak out on social issues.

Exploring Identity 

This is a semester-long course paired with “Building Community”. In this course students will learn about cultures around the world by exploring literature from different time periods and cultural backgrounds. Students will also explore their own identity and individual passions and share their experiences through projects and presentations using a variety of low- and high-tech tools. 

Project Lead the Way - Computer Science & App Creators - 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

This is a semester-long Project Lead the Way course paired with “App Creators.” 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 

This is a semester-long Project Lead the Way course paired with “Computer Science.” 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!

Performing Arts & Exploring Spanish A - Course #101410 & 200473

Performing Arts (Drama and Choir)

This is a semester-long course paired with “Exploring Spanish.” 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 A

This is a semester-long course paired with “Performing Arts.” 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!  

The following courses are by application and/or audition only and cannot be selected during Course Requests