LoginOur middle school elective program offers a diverse array of courses designed to enrich students' educational experiences and foster their personal growth. Available during the 6th and 7th periods, these electives provide opportunities for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to explore their interests and develop new skills. Each student will have the chance to take two to four electives, and we ask that they rank their top six choices to ensure we can accommodate their preferences. Here is an overview of the courses offered:
Art
Exploring the world of Art invites students to uncover and develop their artistic talents through a variety of art forms, including drawing, painting and sculpture. Through hands-on projects and exploration of different materials, students learn foundational techniques, the elements and principles of design, and art history. They build a diverse art portfolio and engage in collaborative projects, preparing for future studies and careers in art, design, and creative industries. This course fosters creativity, critical thinking, and artistic confidence, providing a strong foundation for high school and college art programs.
Crafts
Creative artistry and design immerses students in various crafting techniques, including jewelry making, pottery, and textile arts. Through hands-on projects, students develop skills in design, creativity, and craftsmanship. This course emphasizes personal expression and the use of diverse materials, preparing students for future studies in visual arts and artisanal crafts by fostering innovation and attention to detail.
Dance
Performative Dance invites students to explore the expressive world of dance, fostering both artistic and technical skills. In a state-of-the-art dance studio, students engage in various dance forms, including ballet and hip-hop, developing discipline, coordination, and stage presence. This course emphasizes storytelling through movement and prepares students for dynamic performances with costumes, scenic design, and lighting. Students gain valuable skills in artistic expression, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, laying a foundation for careers in performing arts, choreography, and stage production.
Digital Media
Digital Media equips students with the skills to create engaging social media content for the school Instagram account. Students learn visual storytelling, post creation, and social media management, focusing on sharing middle school experiences on official school accounts. This course fosters creativity, digital literacy, and communication skills, preparing students for careers in digital marketing, social media management, and visual communication.
Early Education
Embark on a journey of mentorship and inspiration with Early Education. Shape young minds from preschool to lower elementary grades, developing reading and social skills. Those who enjoy working with children will work alongside educators, assisting with math, writing, and crafts. Engage in hands-on learning, observe teaching methods at WVCS preschool, and create culinary treats to promote nutritious eating. Mentor young learners in reading, writing, mathematics, fitness, health, and wellness. Learn about the stages of child development.
Entrepreneurial
Business and marketing introduces students to the fundamentals of business innovation and marketing. Through the process of product
development, students learn about market analysis, cost management, and promotional strategies. The course fosters creativity, strategic thinking, and business acumen, providing a solid foundation for careers in entrepreneurship, marketing, and business management.
Individual Academic Support
The Individual Academic Support class helps Middle School students manage their schoolwork with tailored assistance. This is an “invitation only” class, overseen by a master teacher who will help students who can benefit from extra support in the core subjects. Approved by directors and teachers, it offers a structured, quiet environment for completing assignments and understanding academic material. The class focuses on homework management, assignment clarity, and time management. The goal is to improve students' performance, organizational abilities, and confidence.
Multimedia Journalism
Multimedia Journalism immerses students in the world of storytelling and screenwriting, enhancing communication, creativity, and collaboration. This class writes most of the scripts for the Newscast team and Theater Arts skits, as well as articles for newsletters and chapel interviews. Students also determine what content needs to be video recorded and identify the best people for interviews, playing a crucial role in content creation. The course helps students understand the value of shaping school culture through newsletters and multimedia content. It prepares students for careers in journalism, broadcasting, and digital media by fostering practical skills in writing and content production.
Newscast
Newscast develops skills in speech preparation, delivery, and performance, teaching students to craft engaging narratives for various media platforms. The course covers vocal techniques, body language, and content creation for newscasts, blogs, and YouTube. Students focus on clear speech, interviewing, and transitioning from story to story, with an emphasis on live footage and event coverage. It prepares students for roles in media by emphasizing simplicity of speech and effective communication.
Newscast Post Production
Newscast Post Production offers an in-depth look at recording studio production. Students edit and prepare content for chapel presentations or upload it to YouTube and the school Instagram. They gain hands-on experience with green screen technology, graphics, and transition effects, collaborating on live productions, video editing, and multimedia integration. This course prepares students for careers in media production, communications, and technical support.
Newscast Tech
Newscast Tech focuses on recording video and audio for studio production. Students gain hands-on experience with teleprompters, video switching, and audio mixing. Unlike Newscast Post Production, this course emphasizes capturing the best footage at live events rather than editing and uploading content. It develops technical skills in video production, lighting, sound, and camera work, preparing students for careers in media production and technical support.
STEM Makerspace
STEM Makerspace immerses students in advanced engineering through hands-on, project-based learning in Transportation, Alternative Energy, Aeronautics, Production-Construction, and Engineering Design. Students design, build, test, optimize, and present a variety of models, including a compressed air-powered dragster and a motorized airplane competing for speed or load capacity. They also create bridges or
towers to withstand weight or simulated earthquakes, design solar-powered cars, and construct model cabins using solar energy for lighting. This course covers key topics such as aerodynamics, electric circuits, material properties, and mechanical advantage, providing a deep understanding of applied engineering principles. Students use specialized equipment including dragster tracks, earthquake simulators, and solar kits to bring their designs to life.
STEM Mechanical Engineering
STEM Mechanical Engineering introduces students to engineering fundamentals through interactive projects focusing on Transportation, Alternative Energy, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, and Engineering Design. Students will design and build maglev vehicles powered by wind energy, wind turbines for lighting LEDs, and gear-driven vehicles evaluated for speed or torque. They will also develop pneumatic dump trucks and
engineer train safety gates powered by various systems, adhering to specific constraints. The course explores critical topics such as acceleration, fluid dynamics, alternative energy, and the engineering design process, equipping students with practical skills and innovative thinking. Key equipment includes maglev tracks, vehicle test stations, and wind turbine kits, supporting the hands-on application of mechanical engineering concepts.
Strength & Conditioning
Athletic performance and fitness training develops students’ athletic abilities through targeted drills in speed, power, and agility. The course provides personalized training to enhance sports performance and fitness, emphasizing physical conditioning and skill development. This elective prepares students for careers in sports science, coaching, and fitness training by building a foundation in athletic performance and physical education.
Student Leadership (ASB)
ASB provides a platform for students to develop leadership and organizational skills. Students plan and execute school events, manage student government initiatives, and foster a positive school culture. The course emphasizes communication, teamwork, and project management, preparing students for leadership roles in various settings, including community service, event planning, and organizational management.
Strategy Games
(2nd Semester): Tactical thinking and competitive play introduces students to the world of strategy games, including classic and
modern board games, cards, and logic challenges. This course develops critical thinking, decision-making, and strategic planning skills through guided gameplay and analysis. Students learn game mechanics and collaborative competition, preparing for careers in game design and strategic analysis by honing their tactical and analytical abilities.
Theatre Arts
Theatre Arts is designed to develop students’ abilities in performance and narrative creation. Through skits, play productions, and newscasts, students learn the essentials of stage presence, vocal projection, and character portrayal. The course also covers scriptwriting, teleprompter use, and collaborative performance techniques. Students enhance their storytelling skills through singing, blogging, and video content creation. This course prepares students for careers in acting, journalism, and media, fostering skills in communication, creativity, and leadership.
Video Editing and Graphic Design
Video Editing (1st Semester) and Yearbook Graphic Design (2nd Semester) offer students the opportunity to develop skills in video production and graphic design. Students engage in video editing projects, interview techniques, and community storytelling in the first semester. The second semester focuses on designing the yearbook, enhancing skills in layout design and visual storytelling. This course prepares students for careers in video production, graphic design, and multimedia arts by fostering creativity and technical proficiency.
Yearbook/Newsletter
Journalism and photography empowers students to document and celebrate the school year through writing and photography. Students create compelling stories and capture significant moments for the yearbook, newsletter, and digital platforms. This course enhances skills in journalism, photography, and publication design, preparing students for careers in media, communications, and graphic design.
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