ELECTIVE COURSES

Although a course is listed, it will not be offered unless a sufficient number of students register for the course. Please reference the registration card. Classes are offered based on staff availability and expertise.

Need Registration Assistance? EMAIL US AT:
​ SVJHSREGISTRATION@GILBERTSCHOOLS.NET

COMMUNICATIONS

YEARBOOK *

This course creates a 100+ page volume of junior high memories.  Students in this class are people who are idea oriented, creative, original and hardworking.  Photographers, graphic artists and budding writers are encouraged to apply.  Competent writing skills and computer literacy are advantages.  Students in this class will gain an understanding of layout design, desktop publishing, marketing, sales, interviewing, copy writing and editing, and photography.  Students will work in groups where cooperation, responsibility and effort are a must.  Attendance at before school, after school and lunch staff meetings may be required periodically.

Digital Communications

COMPUTERS I/COMPUTERS II

This course examines various uses of computer hardware and software utilizing an iMac computer and laser printer.  Basic skills in keyboarding, word processing, spreadsheet, database and integration are emphasized.  Other application programs using drawing, painting, hypermedia and basic desktop publishing are introduced.  Various topics such as careers in computers and computer ethics will be explored.  Computers II includes the study of advanced word processing, database and spreadsheet applications and desktop publishing including layout and design, graphics and multimedia projects.  In addition, students will learn to use email, explore the worldwide web, and create and maintain a homepage.

Construction & Design

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY I/ INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY II

This course is designed to teach the basics in graphic communication, construction and manufacturing.  Industrial Tech II explores the concepts, processes and effects of various types of technology.  Laboratory and computer-based activities allow students to discover and expand their own skills -- from design to fabrication.​

FAMILY and CONSUMER SCIENCES

LIFE SKILLS

This course is an introduction to skills needed for success in life.  This course may include nutrition as it relates to physical and mental health, kitchen safety & sanitation, eating disorders, weight control, money management, time management, self-esteem, decision-making, career exploration and basic cooking skills.  Additional units may include child development, interior design, cultural foods, personality traits and community relations/service.  Demonstrations, group activities, food labs and cooperative learning experiences enhance the course.
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CLOTHING

This course offers basic instruction in the areas of clothing construction, fabric arts, and hand and machine sewing techniques.  Students will be required to sew at least one clothing item using a commercial pattern.  Other areas of study may include elements & principles of design, color theory, fabric construction, grooming, wardrobe maintenance, cultural aspects of clothing and career exploration.

Fine ARTS

DRAMA I

This course is an introductory study of various aspects of theatre.  Major topics will include acting, movement, stage vocabulary and oral speaking.  Units of study will include monologues, skit writing, improvisation, theatre design, one-act-plays and creative dramatics.
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ADVANCED DRAMA *

This course is for advanced drama students and those interested in technical aspects of the theatre.  Other features will include participation in school assemblies, afterschool activities and filming.  *  Prerequisite:  Drama I AND teacher recommendation or audition

Health & Exercise Science

BEGINNING DANCE AND YOGA

The purpose of this course is to promote Dance, Yoga and Aerobics. Dance will focus on both guided line dances and self-created dances, while learning basic terminology, rhythm, and tempos. Yoga will concentrate on the development of the core muscle groups—abdomen, lower back, hips, and buttocks with emphasis on stretching and relaxing the mind and body. Aerobics will be introduced in both beginning dance and yoga with a  focus on cardio-respiratory fitness, using step aerobics, set to music and other aerobic type activities.  Don’t be fooled! We still play games that your regular PE classes do. Expect to get in shape!  
This class is open to 8th grade girls and boys.  THIS MAY BE A CO-ED CLASS.

INTRO TO WEIGHT TRAINING/ADV FITNESS TRAINING

Students will gain an understanding of the importance of muscle development and stamina, through proper weightlifting techniques. The implementation of safety and terminology will help students learn how to develop a weight training program, designed around their own needs, goals and strengths.  They will learn to make connections between anatomy and weight training.  Students will be evaluated on their own improvement and their ability to construct and follow an effective personal workout plan.  Fitness Training provides students with information on overall fitness, the advantages of being fit and how to reach personal fitness goals.  It includes activities that can be used for lifelong fitness and recreation.  Students of all abilities and interests are welcome.          
This class is open to 8th grade girls and boys.  THIS MAY BE A CO-ED CLASS.

FIELD AND TEAM SPORTS

This course provides each student with the opportunity to participate in activities  consisting of skill development, lead up games, individual and team sports, as well as, lifetime activities.  The students receive instruction in rules, skills, and strategies associated with the different sports and activities. This course promotes the spirit of cooperation, leadership, fair play, and friendly competition. This course will focus activities such as: Lacrosse, Basketball, Softball, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Handball, Football, Badminton, Archery, Dodgeball, and Floor Hockey.
This class is open to 8th grade girls and boys.  THIS IS NOT A CO-ED CLASS.

UNIFIED PE MENTOR *

This class is by APPLICATION ONLY.  The purpose of this class is to offer assistance to students with special needs. In this class, students will assist in developing social and motor skills.  Cooperative learning is the key concept, while engaging students with special needs in everyday activities.
This class is open to 8th grade girls and boys. THIS IS A CO-ED CLASS.

Performing Arts

Girls choir 8

*  No previous experiences is required and students will not be required to sing alone. 

This course is a study of intermediate music concepts: music reading skills with emphasis on solfege, vocal technique and performance skills.  The purpose of this course is to encourage students to have fun while studying different types of music; including traditional, musical theater, jazz and other popular styles, as well as music in foreign languages.   

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Boys Choir 7/8

*  No previous experience is required and students will not be required to sing alone.
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This course is a study of beginning and intermediate music concepts:  music reading skills with emphasis on solfege, vocal technique with focus on the boy's changing voice and performance skills.  The purpose of this course is to encourage students to have fun while studying different types of music, including traditional, musical theater, jazz and other popular styles, as well as  music in foreign languages.  

Orchestra 8

*  Previous orchestra experience required.

This course is a continuation of intermediate scales, bowings and techniques including fourth position, as well as chamber music ensemble experience.  Performance attendance is required.  
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Band 8

*  Previous band experience required.

This course is a study of advanced fundamental technical development and large ensemble performance.  The major topics covered in this class will be Band Method III and traditional and contemporary band music.  Other features of this course are participation in school assembly programs and evening concerts.  This is for eighth grade students who have played their band instruments for more than one year.

Jazz Band

By audition only.
All jazz band students must be co-enrolled in another music course to be considered for this class.  Advanced 7th grade students may enter only by audition with the consent of the conductor.

This course is a study of introductory jazz ensemble literature -- traditional swing and contemporary pop styles.  Students will also participate in school assembly programs and evening concerts.  This is for students who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano and bass and are interested in auditioning for this select group.

S.T.E.M.

STEM EXPLORATION I / II

This course introduces students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) experiences in a project-based environment and connects these experiences to the Arizona Mathematics Standards.  Topics may include the use of computers in mathematical problem solving, technical writing and drawing, exploring and modeling linear and non-linear relationships, coordinate geometry (including Pythagorean Theorem and vectors), applications of fluid power, data analysis and statistics, critical thinking and questioning skills, and introductory finance and project management.

Visual Arts

ART I/ART II

Students in this course will enhance their abilities in line drawings, pen and ink crosshatchings, color stippling, marker rendering, collage making, watercolor and pastel painting.  The principles of art and elements of design will still be emphasized.  Art II complements Art I by continuing to enhance students' skills in line, value and color drawings as well as painting and sculpture.