SMS - Electives

Underlined electives are or can be year-long classes. Students will get an opportunity each Spring to choose possible electives for the following school year, if cost is an issue for an elective, please see the Principal in the main office.

Aide Office/library - Students who want to work in the library or the office should see the office staff or librarian during the first week of the trimester.

Band Intermediate Full year course. Study, daily rehearsal, and performance of literature for the wind band. Students must have a minimum of one year's participation in a school band program. Students will be required to participate in all public performances. Enrollment in the band elective for the entire school year and attendance at all performances makes the student eligible for the end-of-the field trip.

Band Advanced Full year course. Study, daily rehearsal, and performance of literature for the wind band. Students must have a minimum of one year's participation in a school band program. Students will be required to participate in all public performances. Enrollment in the band elective for the entire school year and attendance at all performances makes the student eligible for the end-of-the field trip. Please see calendar page for performance dates. Music dates in green and red

Cooking Learn how to make wise consumer, nutritional, and personal image choices. Learn basic Cooking skills beyond the microwave!
** Lab fee: $20 (Will be collected during first week of trimester)

Cooking Advanced Learn to shop, plan for nutritious meals, and cook beyond the cooking class.
*Prerequisite: Cooking ** Lab fee: $20 (Will be collected during first week of trimester)

Guitar - Students will develop performance skills on this exciting instrument. This class is open to anyone, no experience necessary. Experienced players are welcome as well. Topics of study will include: reading of chord symbols, tablature, and standard notation, blues / rock solo guitar, rhythm guitar, and guitar ensemble performance. You will need to furnish your own guitar.

Journalism / Newspaper - If you are a creative person who likes to write, then Journalism / Newspaper class is right for you. The class moves quickly through the basics of journalism, and before you know it, you're writing REAL articles about REAL subjects of your choice. Not only will you learn how to write four different types of newspaper articles, you will also strengthen your language skills without even realizing you did it! If you choose to stay in the class for a second trimester, you'll join the Paw Print newspaper staff, the dedicated students who actually create the school newspaper. It is a fun and challenging class, and you are guaranteed to learn things that you can use for the rest of your life when writing anything. Recommended for everyone.

Leadership - Full year course. Leadership is designed to provide you with a basic understanding of and participation in student government, parliamentary procedure, committee participation, community service and school spirit. Student Body officers will be in this class yearlong, but this class is open to all who want to make a difference in their school. Volunteer time and community service are an important part of the class, so be prepared to help around the campus and in the community of Salida! Go Wildcats! Participation in more than one trimester is encouraged, but not necessary.
This class is open to those with teacher recommendation.

Orchestra - Full year course. Orchestra class will be open to any student who has at least one year of prior experience on any of the bowed string instruments. We will develop overall musicianship through the performance of great orchestral music. Technique, sight-reading, theory, history, and interpretation will be addressed. Public performance will be required.

Support Classes - These classes are for students in English Language or Math who need extra help in developing the skills necessary to be successful. If a student scores below basic or far below basic on the California State Tests, they will have a support classs instead of an elective.

Teacher's Aide - Students who wish to be a teacher's aide should talk to the teacher they want to work for during the first week of the trimester.

Video Broadcasting Advisement Class - This class will cover the basics of Video Broadcasting including video content, taping, editing, and broadcasting. It is the intent of this class to tape and broadcast daily announcements as well as documenting various school assemblies, concerts, and ceremonies. If you like working with technology, this class is for you!

Wood Crafts - In Wood Crafts, students will learn how to use a scroll saw, as well as various other tools, to cut and layer wood in constructing creative woodcraft projects. ** Lab fee: $20 (Will be collected during first week of trimester)

Wood Shop - In Wood Shop, students will learn the function of and how to use simple measuring, woodcutting, and construction tools. Emphasis will be on the basic construction, staining, and finishing techniques. Several projects will be created. ** Lab fee: $20 (Will be collected during first week of trimester)

Wood Shop Advanced - students will learn more complex measuring, woodcutting, and wood-joining techniques using advanced construction tools. Emphasis will be on the construction and finishing of several advanced projects.
*Prerequisite: Wood Shop ** Lab fee: $20 (Will be collected during first week of trimester)

World Instruments - The objectives for this course include learning various techniques, improvisation, multicultural appreciation and experience. Students will also learn cultural themes and patterns found in art, dance, and literature as well as the history of music and instruments.

Yearbook - Full year course Do you enjoy being a part of team to achieve a goal? Would being a part of the production of a real book interest you? Are you a dedicated, hard worker? If any of these are true, then Yearbook would like to have you on the staff! A variety of skills and tasks are learned in this class: leadership, phone etiquette, yearbook sales, advertising sales, photography, journalism / writing, interviewing, teamwork, layout / design, computer / technology, and understanding deadlines, just to mention a few. Although there is no homework assigned, volunteer time after school is part of the class. Prior approval from the instructor is required / teacher recommendation - see Ms. Peterson if you are interested in being on The Cat's Tale Yearbook Staff. Email Ms. Peterson