Electives, 7th & 8th Grade
Incoming 7th and 8th Graders - 2025-26
Please review all information on this document before completing your Google Form.
- Students may NOT repeat an elective class and must follow the prerequisite requirements. Placement in electives is dependent upon staffing, student interest, and availability of classes. Students are NOT guaranteed to receive their top choice(s).
- Rank your top six choices (1=1st choice, 2=2nd choice, etc., 6=last choice) on the Google form (logged in from your OPUSD student account)
- Student ranking of preferable electives may include a combination of year-long and/or semester-long electives.
- If you have questions about elective choices, please contact your counselor.
- Requests will be accepted through March 11, 2025.
Yearlong Electives
If a student selects a year long elective, they will only be enrolled in one elective for the year. If you are in 7th grade and take a year long elective, you may request zero period PE to take a full semester of Health. Questions about this should be directed to your guidance counselor.
Beginning Band (6-8):
No previous experience is necessary to enroll; limited number of school instruments may be available; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester
Intermediate Band (7-8):
Prerequisite: Band Director's Approval; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester.
Advanced Band (7-8):
Prerequisite: Band Director's Approval; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester.
Beginning String Orchestra:
This is a musical ensemble open to all playing levels of students on violin, viola, cello or string bass; limited number of school instruments may be available. Emphasize teaching basic string instrumental skills and music reading; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester. Please indicate if you have any experience.
Intermediate String Orchestra:
This is a musical ensemble open to intermediate level of students on violin, viola, cello or string bass; a limited number of school instruments may be available. Emphasize teaching basic string instrumental skills and music reading; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester. Recommended minimum of 1 year experience.
Advanced String Orchestra:
This is a musical ensemble open to advanced level students on violin, viola, cello or string bass; limited number of school instruments may be available. Placement by teacher recommendation; mandatory minimum of one evening performance per semester. Please indicate your years of experience.
Choir:
A year-long performance class that helps students strengthen their singing skills in an ensemble setting. No experience necessary, just bring your desire to sing Pop, Broadway and Choral pieces. Students will NOT be required to sing by themselves. Mandatory one performance per quarter.
Spanish1 (8):
A high school level academic class; equivalent to taking (paced the same) as first year of Spanish at OPHS. Prerequisite: "B" or better in English 7 AND students must possess a strong work ethic. Successful completion will put students in Spanish 2 as OPHS freshman.
ASB 8:
Students interested in this leadership class need to complete an application, interview, and meet all required criteria. Applications and interviews are for both new and returning ASB members. Students will be programmed upon acceptance.
Semester Electives
8th Grade students will be enrolled in TWO classes if they select semester classes (remember to rank classes 1-6). 7th Grade students will be enrolled in ONE class if they select semester classes (remember to rank classes 1-6) and one semester of Health 7.
Heroes and Villains 7/8:
What makes a hero? Come examine our favorite heroes from books, TV, movies, comic books & graphic novels! King Arthur & his knights, the very first superhero comics, Luke Skywalker, James T. Kirk, Wolverine and more. And of course, what is a hero without a villain? Bring a love of reading, creative projects and adventure!
Drama 7/8:
Students will engage in theater and dance through creating, responding, and evaluating artistic works. They will develop and organize ideas, analyze performances within historical and cultural contexts, and assess artistic choices. Collaboration, reflection, and leadership will be key components of their learning experience. Focuses will include global theater and dance traditions, exploring their history, cultural significance, live performances, American theater and dance, covering key historical movements, recorded performances, and behind-the-scenes roles such as costume design and stage management. Students will analyze productions, and complete projects evaluating artistic choices. Throughout the course, students will justify their creative decisions, respect collaborative roles, and critically assess drama and theater performances, developing a deeper appreciation for the art form on both a global and national scale.
ASB 7:
Students interested in this leadership class need to complete an application, interview, and meet all required criteria. Applications and interviews are for both new and returning ASB members. Students will be programmed upon acceptance.
Intro to Art 7/8:
Students are introduced to a variety of art materials, techniques and the exploration of creating compositions that challenge them to think critically as they look at, make, and interpret art. We explore printmaking, drawing, painting, color mixing, and multimedia design All students will keep track of their artwork in a digital portfolio.
Art 2 7/8:
Prerequisite: Intro to Art or Art 6. More advanced techniques of painting, drawing and other media including 3-D projects with clay.
New Media Art 7/8:
With a focus on Photography, students will learn to use digital cameras to capture images. Students will learn how photography is used for storytelling, documentation, high art, and graphic design. In addition, creative expression will be explored through photo composites and digital drawing applied to photographs.
Art Showcase 7/8:
Prerequisite: Art 2 and recommendation from the teacher; MCMS's most advanced art class.This class is focused on painting and developing a concentrated drawing portfolio.
Beginning Robotics 7/8:
This is an introduction to Vex IQ Robotics System.; students build and program them!
Video Production 7/8:
Students have hands-on experience in this project based class as they learn both photography and cinematography. A variety of different productions will be explored and produced ... lights, camera, action!
3D Design Products and Architecture 7/8:
Explore building and interior design using hands-on building and 3D design software, including Sketchup and Tinkercad; use computer programs to design objects to be printed on 3D printers.
Animation 7/8:
Students will explore all stages of the animation process including writing, character design, storyboarding, voice acting, and animation. Students will work with traditional materials and also iPad pros to design animations with Adobe Fresco and Stop Motion Studio. In addition, weekly soft skills will be taught as related to the AME industry.
Intro to Spanish 7/8:
An introductory course of the Spanish language and culture. This course is project based and focuses on conversational skills. Themes include food, sports and hobbies, family, clothing and shopping , travel and music.
Rockets! Rockets! 7/8:
A history of rockets and how they work through hand-on activities, learning, building and launching rockets. Cannot repeat if taken in 6th grade.