2023-2024
Middle School Elective Course Options
The following descriptions are for the elective courses that are listed on your child’s Request Verification Form, and/or the Core and Elective Registration Form for each grade level.
We will do our best to give your child their requested course; however, we cannot guarantee that the course chosen will be available or offered.
Scroll down to find the grade level offerings for 6th, 7th, 8th
Visual Art The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce students to the rigor and routine of the art production process including: planning, producing, and reflecting on art. With an emphasis on studio arts, students explore a wide range of 2D and 3D media, skills and techniques, as related to contemporary and historical art perspectives. Projects may include but not be limited to: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, pottery, and sculpture. Students develop technical skills, foster their expressive abilities and employ the use of the elements of art throughout the production process.
Band 1 Beginning Band – This full-year course is designed for 6th, 7th , or 8th grade students who have no previous band experience. They will develop their basic musicianship while performing in three concerts per year. Instrument selection will be done the first two weeks of school, and instrument rentals are available. Financial obligations and occasional time commitments outside of school hours are part of this course. There will be a fair share fee for this course which covers uniform shirt, band books, binder, music, clinicians, professional fees, small accessories, reeds, rewards and other class essentials. Before making this selection, parents are encouraged to visit our music page on our website for more information. https://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/band/
Band 2 or Band 3 Concert Band – This full-year course is designed for 6th, 7th , or 8th grade students who have at least one year prior band experience. They will continue to develop their musicianship while performing at least three times a year. Financial obligations and occasional time commitments outside of school hours are part of this course. There will be a fair share fee for this course which covers uniform shirt, band books, binder, small accessories, reeds, rewards and other class essentials. Before making this selection, parents are encouraged to visit our music page on our website.
https://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/band/
Jazz Band – This full-year course is designed as an enrichment performance group, open to intermediate level band students. This class is an introduction to jazz improvisation, swing, blues, rock, and Latin music. There will be three concerts per year. Students must take Concert Band or Symphonic Band in addition to Jazz Band unless the director approves. There is no extra fair share for this class, unless this is the student’s only band class.
Drama 1 The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce students to the basics of building a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation, and effective speaking using articulation, projection, and breathing. Students also learn the importance of technical theatre and explore the use of such elements as costumes, props, and scenery. Students will practice writing for the theatre and explore various theatre roles and functions. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend and assess learning in the classroom.
Introduction to Technology/Exploring Technology The first semester of this course focuses on an introduction to the areas of technology and introduces students to design and problem solving processes that require them to use manipulative skills within a cooperative team setting. The second semester of this course gives students an opportunity to explore the areas of technology and associated careers available in technical fields. Students will be given an understanding of the effects of technology on our everyday lives. This is a STEM-based course.
6th Grade Required Elective Courses
REQUIRED FOR ALL SIXTH GRADERS
Physical Education (Year) – This fitness course is designed for 6th grade students. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become healthy and physically active for a lifetime. This course addresses both the health and skill-related components of physical fitness, which are critical for students’ success including educational gymnastics and dance sequences in a variety of settings. “Educational” gymnastics is intended to have an emphasis on body awareness, body management, maximum participation, high success rates, and open-ended responses from students. Integrating fitness throughout the content is critical to the success of the course.
ICT 1– The purpose of this course is to introduce students to core concepts associated with computers and their use. The content includes hands-on opportunities to explore various software applications. Students will also be given opportunities to pass certification tests.
Optional Course –FAST Data will be used for placement
Intensive Reading – The purpose of this course is to provide instruction that enables students to accelerate the development of reading and writing skills and to strengthen those skills so they are able to successfully read and write middle grade level text independently. Instruction emphasizes reading comprehension, writing fluency, and vocabulary study through the use of a variety of literary and informational texts encompassing a broad range of text structures, genres, and levels of complexity.
Visual Art – 3D Art The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce students to the rigor and routine of the art production process including: planning, producing, and reflecting on art. With an emphasis on studio arts, students explore a wide range of 2D and 3D media, skills and techniques, as related to contemporary and historical art perspectives. Projects may include but not be limited to: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, pottery, and sculpture. Students develop technical skills, foster their expressive abilities and employ the use of the elements of art throughout the production process.
Band 1 Beginning Band – This full-year course is designed for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students who have no previous band experience. They will develop their basic musicianship while performing in three concerts per year. Instrument selection will be done the first two weeks of school, and instrument rentals are available. Financial obligations and occasional time commitments outside of school hours are part of this course. There will be a fair share fee for this course which covers uniform shirt, band books, binder, music, clinicians, professional fees, small accessories, reeds, rewards and other class essentials. Before making this selection, parents are encouraged to visit our music page on our website for more information. https://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/band/
Band 2 and Band 3 Concert Band – This full-year course is designed for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students who have at least one year prior band experience. They will continue to develop their musicianship while performing at least three times a year. Financial obligations and occasional time commitments outside of school hours are part of this course. There will be a fair share fee for this course which covers uniform shirt, band books, binder, small accessories, reeds, rewards and other class essentials. Before making this selection, parents are encouraged to visit our music page on our website. https://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/band/
Jazz Band – This full-year course is designed as an enrichment performance group, open to intermediate level band students. This class is an introduction to jazz improvisation, swing, blues, rock, and Latin music. There will be three concerts per year. Students must take Concert Band or Symphonic Band in addition to Jazz Band unless the director approves. There is no extra fair share for this class, unless this is the student’s only band class.
Guitar 1 This full-year course is designed for 7th or 8th grade students with little or no guitar experience. Students will develop basic guitar skills and knowledge, including simple and full-strum chords, strumming patterns, playing/singing simple melodies, foundational music theory, parts of the guitar, and ensemble skills. Beginning guitarists explore the careers and music of significant performers in pop/rock, jazz, blues, classical, country, bluegrass, and hard rock/metal genres. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
Drama 1 The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce students with no prior drama experience to the basics of building a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation, and effective speaking using articulation, projection, and breathing. Students also learn the importance of technical theatre and explore the use of such elements as costumes, props, and scenery. Students practice writing for the theatre and explore various theatre roles and functions. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend and assess learning in the classroom.
Drama 2 This full-year course is designed for students with previous theatre experience and instruction to continue to study acting, design, and dramatic literature to increase the enjoyment and understanding of what is required to prepare plays for the public. Students explore theatre history, study the great American playwrights, examine the cultural and historical contributions to theatre, and begin to use the information to inform and improve their theatre knowledge and skills. Students begin to use the basic elements of theatre design through practical application and projects. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
Musical Theatre 1 This full-year course is designed for students to focus on, but not limited to, acting, vocal performance, dance, non-dance movement, and staging, which transfer readily to performances in musicals and other venues. Students survey the evolution of music in theatre from ancient Greece to modern Broadway through a humanities approach and representative literature. Music theatre students explore the unique staging and technical demands of musicals in contrast to non-musical plays. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend and assess learning in the classroom.
Introduction to Technology/Exploring Technology – The first semester of this course focuses on an introduction to the areas of technology, and introduces students to the design and problem solving processes that requires them to use manipulative skills within a cooperative team setting. The second semester of this course gives students an opportunity to explore the areas of technology and associated careers available in technical fields. Students will be given an understanding of the effects of technology on our everyday lives.
Exploration of Robotic Technology/Exploration of Engineering Technology – The purpose of this course is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and technically oriented experiences in the study of the applications of technology and its effect upon our lives and the choosing of an occupation. The content and activities will also include the study of safety, and leadership skills. This program focuses on transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the technological tools, machines, instruments, materials, processes and systems in business and industry.
ICT 2 – The purpose of this course is to build on the previous course and provide greater depth and more complex concepts and the skills/knowledge to master these concepts. Students will be provided opportunities to extend their skills with various software applications by creating more complex documents and using more complex functions. Students will also be given opportunities to pass certification tests.
Introduction to Digital Media – Students will be introduced to the world of digital media through the use of programs such as Canva and Photoshop. Students in the Digital Media class will gain first-hand experience collaborating on and producing publications for the school, including, but not limited to a school newsletter and the school yearbook.
Beginning Spanish – This full-year course is to introduce students to the Spanish language and its culture. Students who complete two years in middle school have the option after the 2nd year to convert those two years to high school credit.
Optional Course – FAST Data will be used for placement
Intensive Reading – The purpose of this course is to provide instruction that enables students to accelerate the development of reading and writing skills and to strengthen those skills so they are able to successfully read and write middle grade level text independently. Instruction emphasizes reading fluence and vocabulary study.
7th Grade Required Elective Course
REQUIRED FOR ALL SEVENTH GRADERS
Physical Education (Year-long)
This fitness course is designed for 7th grade students. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become healthy and physically active for a lifetime. This course addresses both the health and skill-related components of physical fitness, which are critical for students’ success including team sports.
3D Art – The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce students new to art to the rigor and routine of the art production process including: planning, producing, and reflecting on art. With an emphasis on studio arts, students explore a wide range of 2D and 3D media, skills and techniques, as related to contemporary and historical art perspectives. Projects may include but not be limited to: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media, pottery, and sculpture. Students develop technical skills, foster their expressive abilities and employ the use of the elements of art throughout the production process.
Visual Art – This full-year course is designed for 8th grade students to use advanced level techniques to create a variety of 2-D and 3-D artworks through developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, and pottery. Students proficiently manipulate the structural elements of art with increasing independence to promote creative risk-taking in their artwork. Investigation of artworks from Western and non-Western cultures provide a means for students to expand their understanding and appreciation of the role of art in global culture. Student artists use an art criticism process to evaluate, explain, and measure artistic growth in personal or group works.
Band 1 Beginning Band – This full-year course is designed for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students who have no previous band experience. They will develop their basic musicianship while performing in three concerts per year. Instrument selection will be done the first two weeks of school, and instrument rentals are available. Financial obligations and occasional time commitments outside of school hours are part of this course. There will be a fair share fee for this course which covers uniform shirt, band books, binder, music, clinicians, professional fees, small accessories, reeds, rewards and other class essentials. Before making this selection, parents are encouraged to visit our music page on our website for more information. https://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/band/
Band 2 or 3 Concert Band – This full-year course is designed for 6th, 7th, or 8th grade students who have at least one year prior band experience. They will continue to develop their musicianship while performing at least three times a year. Financial obligations and occasional time commitments outside of school hours are part of this course. There will be a fair share fee for this course which covers uniform shirt, band books, binder, small accessories, reeds, rewards and other class essentials. Before making this selection, parents are encouraged to visit our music page on our website. https://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/band/
Band 2 or 3 Symphonic Band – This full-year course is designed for 8th grade students who have at least two years prior band experience. They will continue to develop their musicianship while performing music at least three times a year. Financial obligations and occasional time commitments outside of school hours are part of this course. There will be a fair share fee for this course which covers uniform shirt, band books, binder, small accessories, reeds, rewards and other class essentials. Before making this selection, parents are encouraged to visit our music page on our website. https://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/zentz-l/band/
Jazz Band 1 – This full-year course is designed as an enrichment performance group, open to intermediate level band students. This class is an introduction to jazz improvisation, swing, blues, rock, and Latin music. There will be three concerts per year. Students must take Concert Band or Symphonic Band in addition to Jazz Band unless the director approves. There is no extra fair share for this class, unless this is the student’s only band class.
Jazz Band 2 – This full-year course is designed as an enrichment performance group, open to students who have one year of jazz band experience or director recommendation. This course continues working on fundamentals of jazz. There will be three concerts per year. Students must take Concert Band or Symphonic Band in addition to Jazz Band unless the director approves. There is no extra fair share for this class, unless this is the student’s only band class.
Guitar 1 This full-year course is designed for 7th or 8th grade students with little or no guitar experience. Students will develop basic guitar skills and knowledge, including simple and full-strum chords, strumming patterns, playing/singing simple melodies, foundational music theory, parts of the guitar, and ensemble skills. Beginning guitarists explore the careers and music of significant performers in pop/rock, jazz, blues, classical, country, bluegrass, and hard rock/metal genres. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.
Exploration of Robotic Technology/Exploration of Engineering Technology – The purpose of this course is to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and technically oriented experiences in the study of the applications of technology and its effect upon our lives and the choosing of an occupation. The content and activities will also include the study of safety, and leadership skills. This program focuses on transferable skills and stresses understanding and demonstration of the technological tools, machines, instruments, materials, processes and systems in business and industry.
ICT 2 – The purpose of this course is to build on the previous course and provide greater depth and more complex concepts and the skills/knowledge to master these concepts. Students will be provided opportunities to extend their skills with various software applications by creating more complex documents and using more complex functions. Students will also be given opportunities to pass certification tests.
Introduction to Digital Media – Students will be introduced to the world of digital media through the use of programs such as Canva and Photoshop. Students in the Digital Media class will gain first-hand experience collaborating on and producing publications for the school, including, but not limited to a school newsletter and the school yearbook.
Drama 1 The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce students with no prior drama experience to the basics of building a character through such activities as pantomime, improvisation, and effective speaking using articulation, projection, and breathing. Students also learn the importance of technical theatre and explore the use of such elements as costumes, props, and scenery. Students practice writing for the theatre and explore various theatre roles and functions. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend and assess learning in the classroom.
Drama 2 This full-year course is designed for students with previous theatre experience and instruction to continue to study acting, design, and dramatic literature to increase the enjoyment and understanding of what is required to prepare plays for the public. Students explore theatre history, study the great American playwrights, examine the cultural and historical contributions to theatre, and begin to use the information to inform and improve their theatre knowledge and skills. Students begin to use the basic elements of theatre design through practical application and projects. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
Drama 3 This full-year course is designed for students who have had 2 prior years of drama experience. Students will continue to build skills and knowledge as they explore aspects of theatre. Students will explore theatre history, study the great American playwrights, examine the cultural and historical contributions to theatre, and improve their theatre knowledge and skills. Students learn about and begin to use the basic elements of theatre design through practical application and projects. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend, and assess learning in the classroom.
Musical Theatre 1 This full-year course is designed for students to focus on, but not limited to, acting, vocal performance, dance, non-dance movement, and staging, which transfer readily to performances in musicals and other venues. Students survey the evolution of music in theatre from ancient Greece to modern Broadway through a humanities approach and representative literature. Music theatre students explore the unique staging and technical demands of musicals in contrast to non-musical plays. Public performances may serve as a culmination of specific instructional goals. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day to support, extend and assess learning in the classroom.
Leadership This full-year course is designed for students to develop leadership, personal, and business skills. They will learn to develop a healthy self-concept and healthy relationships, and to understand personal responsibility. Students will develop skills in public speaking and communication, and an understanding of personal image. They will come to understand the concept of principle-based decision making and develop their own personal mission statement. Students will practice and develop skills for conflict resolution and acquire an understanding of the effects of peer pressure. Students may also practice leadership through an internship at various locations around the school.
Intermediate Spanish – This full-year course is a continuation of Beginning Spanish. Students will expand their knowledge of the language and its culture. After successful completion of TWO years of middle school Spanish, students have the option to exchange these two years towards ONE high school credit.
TV Production The purpose of this full-year course is to introduce students to the basics of TV production, digital tools used in production, communication, and broadcasting skills. Students in this elective will assist with the creation of the school closed-circuit morning news along with other broadcasting opportunities. (One teacher recommendation will be required – details forthcoming.) Students will only be able to take a maximum of two years of TV Pro, so if they have already taken it in 6th and 7th grade they will not be allowed to take it in 8th grade.
Elective Course for all 8th Grade Students
PE (Physical Education) – This fitness course is designed for 8th grade students. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to become healthy and physically active for a lifetime. This course addresses both the health and skill-related components of physical fitness, which are critical for students’ success including individual and dual sports.
Optional Course – FAST Data will be used for placement
Intensive Reading – The purpose of this course is to provide instruction that enables students to accelerate the development of reading and writing skills and to strengthen those skills so they are able to successfully read and write middle grade level text independently.
