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Electives

 

SWMS 25/26 ELECTIVES OFFERINGS 

Elective

Teacher

Grade

Quarter, Semester, Year

Description

Drama/Speech

Brewer

6, 7/8

6th- Semester

 

7th/8th- Quarter

This course offers students an engaging introduction to the art of performance and the power of effective communication. Through a blend of dramatic exercises, speech writing, improvisation, and scene work, students will build confidence in self-expression and develop essential communication skills. The class encourages creativity, empathy, and teamwork, making it ideal to promote self-confidence in public speaking and dramatic arts.

Garden

Raabe

6/7/8

Quarter

 

1st and 4th quarter only

In Garden class we get to be outside growing our own food. We do it all: planting, fertilizing, weeding, watering, harvesting, making compost, saving seeds, and turning under cover crops. We also learn the principles and science behind the garden in drawings and notes we keep in our homemade notebooks. We eat fresh stuff from the gardens and even get to participate in culinary creations with the produce. $5 class fee. 

Ceramics

Raabe

6/7/8

Quarter

 

2nd and 3rd quarter only

Ceramics class is about learning the craft of clay. Learn to prepare clay and use various handbuilding techniques to make cups, bowls, dishes and much more. Learn about surface decorations and glazing. Your finished creations are yours to keep, are for food use, and are dishwasher-safe. $20 class fee. 

 

*6th graders hand-build only, 7-8th graders also learn the potter's wheel

Band

 

6/7/8

Yearlong 

Fee for rentals and class fee for field trips* 

Financial Fitness

Davis

7/8

Quarter

 

Yearbook

Maddux

7/8

Year

The middle school yearbook elective, available to 7th and 8th graders, offers students the opportunity to express their creativity while developing essential time-management and problem-solving skills. As part of the yearbook team, students will handle responsibilities such as photography, writing captions, designing layouts, and collaborating with peers to document the school year.

 

*This is a year-long elective.

Wellness/Nature

Atwood or McNeil

7/8

Quarter

 

4th quarter only

We will spend the quarter exploring the powerful connection between spending time in the natural world and our overall well-being. With student input, we will brainstorm and prioritize our goals for the quarter. We will spend much of our time outdoors. We will move our bodies, play games, build on basic topics introduced in health class, and practice mindfulness and communication skills. Join us if you aren't afraid of walking the trails on chilly April mornings, sharing your opinions/perspective, and participating in an overnight outdoor adventure!

Math TA

McNeil

7/8

Quarter

The Teacher’s Assistant (TA) supports classroom learning by assisting with materials and providing one-on-one or small group support as needed. TAs also help with classroom organization, prep activities, and foster a positive, encouraging environment for all students. This is a great opportunity for students who are responsible, patient, and interested in leadership or education!  

Study Skills

L.Davis

7/8

Quarter

Study Skills provides extra support for tier 2/at risk  students who need more individualized attention to build confidence in their learning and academic abilities. Whether it's understanding difficult concepts, staying on top of homework, or preparing for tests, this class offers instruction to help meet students’ needs. Study Skills can also help develop habits that will help students become more organized and successful.

Team Sports

     

Not being offered 

STEAM Explorers!

McNeil

6/7/8

Quarter

Not Being Offered 

 

Get ready to imagine, design, and explore in our exciting STEAM class! STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math — and in this hands-on course, you’ll dive into fun projects that mix creativity with problem-solving. From building mini-robots and designing roller coasters to exploring chemical reactions and creating digital art, this class is all about learning by doing. Whether you're a future scientist, artist, or inventor, STEAM Explorers will spark your curiosity and help you think like an innovator!

Al’s Clubhouse

 

6

 

Not being offered