Electives

Grade Placement: 6, 7, 8 

Prerequisite: ARD Determination

Description
This course is designed to support students in developing their daily living skills to include cooking, cleaning and laundry.  In addition, they develop job skills, money management, and practice social skills in different settings.

Grade Placement: 6, 7 

Prerequisite: None

Description
No prior instrumental musical training is required as a prerequisite to begin in the band program. Beginner Band is devoted to the fundamentals of music. Classes are grouped by instrument. Personal interviews will be conducted with parents and students in order to select an appropriate instrument for the student. Interviews are held in the spring before the new school year. Parents/Students are required to purchase beginner instruments with the exception of the larger school owned instruments. Please do not purchase an instrument until you have a conference with the band director. Students will need the recommended instrument and/or supplies by the end of the third week of school in order to participate in the band program. Although beginner band is available to 7th  graders, band directors highly recommend that beginner band be taken in grade 6.

Grade Placement: 7, 8

Prerequisite: Beginner Band

Description
This class is for students who play a musical instrument. Students will be assigned to appropriate bands based on tryouts and teacher recommendation. Students have the opportunity to participate in large and small ensembles, as well as to perform solos, if they desire. Band concerts are scheduled throughout the year to give the students an opportunity to perform for the public. There is further opportunity for UIL competitions. In order for students to be in band, they must have participated in band the previous year.

Grade Placement: 7, 8 

Prerequisite: none

Description
The goal of this course is to help students build career awareness and engage in deep exploration and study of the Texas CTE career clusters to create a foundation for success in high school, possible post secondary studies, and careers. Students research labor market information, learn job seeking skills, and create documents required for employment.

Grade Placement: 6

Prerequisite: none

Description
Beginning choir is for 6th grade students who have no prior choral experience. This choir is for those who have a desire to sing and to learn more about music.

Grade Placement: 7-8 

Prerequisite: beginning choir, audition with director

Description
This choir is made of 7th and 8th grade students who have earned their place in the ensemble by audition or director invitation only. These choir members must possess a working knowledge of music, sight reading skills, and ensemble singing experience. This group must be highly motivated to perform at the highest level in all areas.

Grade Placement: 8

(.5 HS credit)

Prerequisite: none

Description
This course in health education is required of all students in high school. In Health, students develop knowledge and skills to address adolescent health issues. Students gain a better understanding of the knowledge and behavior they use to safeguard their health, particularly pertaining to health risks. Major areas of study will include fitness, nutrition, mental/emotional health, substance abuse, and interpersonal relationships. 

Students will receive .5 high school credit and should expect the rigor of a high school level course.

Grade Placement: 6, 7, 8 

Prerequisite: ARD Determination

Description
This course is to develop self-esteem and mastery of social and academic skills to become productive, successful citizens.

Grade Placement: 6-8 

Prerequisite: none

Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the writing and production skills related to various forms of media. Emphasis is placed on writing, graphic design, and/or photographic techniques. Students will examine and analyze a variety of broadcast news productions.

Grade Placement: 7, 8 

Prerequisite: Beginning Journalism

This course will introduce students to technical and non-technical skills of broadcasting and news media. Students practice managerial skills in journalistic contexts. Students write, edit, and produce school and local news. Students will also be responsible for the script writing, directing, and hands-on camera and studio skills such as sound and editing for the live morning announcements. Students will be responsible for producing the live Morning News and maintaining the online newspaper, the Unicorn Express at Oak Run and The NBMS Herald.

Grade Placement: 8

Prerequisite: Beginning Journalism

Description
The purpose of this course is to further refine writing and production skills related to yearbook journalistic media. Emphasis is placed on writing, graphic design, and/or photographic techniques. Students practice managerial skills in journalistic contexts in the development of the campus yearbook.

Grade Placement: 6-8

Prerequisite: none                                                                      

Description
Through various art media, students learn the language of art and express themselves through the elements and the principles of design. Activities include drawing, shading, weaving, pastels, painting, and mask making.

Grade Placement: 7, 8

Prerequisite: Art I

Description
Art II is a continuation of Art I. Students build on knowledge and skills learned in Art I. More advanced techniques are introduced and utilized. Activities include mosaics, watercolor, sculpture, etc.

Grade Placement: 8

Prerequisite: Art II

Description
Art III is a continuation of Art II. The teacher develops independence in the student by honing art skills. Activities include oil painting, airbrushing, claymation, and an art field trip.

Grade Placement: 8

Prerequisite: One year of middle school fine arts, preferably art

Description
Art I allows the student the opportunity to learn how to work with a large variety of materials. The first semester of Art I will introduce the student to drawing and color study using the elements and principles of design. Drawing will consist of sequential learning steps with emphasis on developing shading skills. Color studies will include but not be restricted to using water based paint. The second semester will include the study of painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics and fibers (optional). Printmaking will involve relief or silkscreen printing, sculpture will include additive construction; ceramics will consist of hand building methods of pinch, coil, and slab. Fibers might consist of basic weaving or other techniques. Periods of art and their influence will be covered. Computer manipulated works are incorporated into the curriculum. Each student will pay $10.00 for their art supplies.  Students must have completed one year of middle school fine arts, preferably an art course, to be enrolled in the course.

Grade Placement: 8    

(1 HS Credit)

Prerequisite: none

Description
This course is an exploratory course that allows students to learn about the careers within the arts, audio/video technology, and communication industry. Students will be allowed to work on projects in all of the areas of the specific industry. The Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications Career Cluster focuses on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.

Students will receive 1.0 high school credit and should expect the rigor and challenge of a high school level course.

Grade Placement: 8    

(1 HS Credit)

Prerequisite: none

Description
Students implement personal and interpersonal skills to strengthen individual performance in the workplace and in society and make a successful transition to the workforce and postsecondary education. Students apply technical skills to address business applications of emerging technologies, focusing on creating word processing documents, developing spreadsheets, formulating databases, and making electronic presentations using appropriate software. This course allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer academic knowledge and skills to a variety of relevant problems and sessing in business, marketing, and finance.

Students will receive 1.0 high school credit and should expect the rigor and challenge of a high school level course.

Grade Placement: 6-8 

Prerequisite: advanced learners

Description
Problem-Based Inquiry is geared toward the gifted and advanced learner. The multi-disciplinary course prepares students for challenging situations with undefined problems, incomplete information, and unasked questions. Units of study will present significant subject matter content in a variety of academic arenas such as math, science, history, arts, and language. Each unit will allow students to develop creative and unique ideas for solving problems using a variety of research skills. This course will prepare students for group content area research projects in 7th grade and for the Texas Performance Based Project in 8th grade.

Grade Placement: 8

(.5 HS Credit)

Prerequisite: none

Description
This course meets the .5 credit speech requirement for graduation. Students will examine the communication process, interpersonal communication, group communication, and public speaking. Students will identify, analyze, develop and evaluate communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.

Students will receive .5 high school credit and should expect the rigor and challenge of a high school level course.

Grade Placement: 6-8

Prerequisite: none

Description
This course is designed for those students who need additional academic support services in reading and math. Students who score below the designated standard on their grade level STAAR in the previous school year may be assigned to an intervention course which will focus on their particular academic needs based on district benchmark results, STAAR and other relevant data

Grade Placement: 6-8 

Prerequisite: none

Description
This elective class is designed for students who are interested in reading for fun. Students will be provided    with a wide range of opportunities to select books from a variety of genres and participate in common interest book studies and discussions. This book club environment is designed to nurture a lifelong love of reading for pleasure and information.

Grade Placement: 6-8

(1 HS Credit)

Prerequisite: Completion of the Elementary Dual Language Program for 6th graders. Open enrollment for 7th and 8th graders.

Description
This challenging year-long course is taught at the high school level and may be differentiated to meet the needs of fluent Spanish speakers and beginners. This course lays the foundational strategies and skills that help prepare students for the challenge and rigor of Spanish II Honors. The course is designed for the committed student who desires to integrate the Spanish language into his or her personal and professional goals. The major elements of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are taught, including an integration of the cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Students will receive 1.0 high school credit and should expect the rigor and challenge of a high school level course.  What’s Next? Spanish II Honors

Grade Placement: 6-8

(1 HS Credit)

Prerequisite: Spanish I Honors / Spanish I Honors DL. Incoming 6th graders must pass the Spanish Proficiency Exam (LAS Links Spanish) and have completed an Elementary Dual Language program.

Description

Spanish II Honors is specifically designed for the committed language student who desires to integrate the Spanish language in his professional and personal goals. Students will develop the basic communication skills thoroughly, specifically, and accurately. Students will be responsible for doing much of the necessary drill and practice outside of school so the class time can be used for more creative and interactive listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. The cultural focus will be on the customs of countries where Spanish is spoken. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Students will receive 1.0 high school credit and should expect the rigor and challenge of a high school level course. What’s next? Spanish III Honors/Spanish III Honors DL

Grade Placement: 7-8

(1 HS Credit)

Prerequisite: Spanish II Honors DL

Description
Spanish III Honors is specifically designed for the committed language student who desires to integrate the Spanish language in his professional and personal goals. Spanish III Honors is for students who have mastered the fundamentals of the language and are now ready to apply their ability in a wide variety of subject matter. That is, students enrolled in this course will apply the skills of comprehension in both listening and reading activities. Students will also utilize their knowledge of the language in conversation and writing activities on selected topics. Because the cultures of the countries in which the language is spoken contribute to its history and development, their study will also be a major focal point. The presentation of basic grammar is completed and refined in Spanish III Honors. This course prepares students for college-level instruction in Spanish. Students are expected to be highly motivated to work during and after class hours.

Students will receive 1.0 high school credit and should expect the rigor and challenge of a high school level course.  What’s next? Spanish IV AP

Grade Placement: 7, 8 

(1 HS Credit) 

Prerequisite: none

Description
The purpose of the Student Leadership course provides students specific skills to positively impact their lives and their communities. Areas to be addressed include leadership theory, group dynamics, project management, team building, conflict resolution, communication, SMART goal setting, and collaborative strategies. The course is adaptable across various student populations. The course prepares students not only for active participation in school but also in their community. This course provides necessary information, experiences, and opportunities that will benefit students in secondary and post secondary environments as they follow their chosen education or career path. Students solve relevant and current school and community issues by working collaboratively and independently on real-world tasks such as needs assessments, project planning, project implementation, and presentations.

Students will receive 1.0 high school credit and should expect the rigor and challenge of a high school level course.

Grade Placement: 6-7

Prerequisite: none

Description
In this computer course students extend and continue developing computer skills. This class focuses on computer related terminology, basic computer operation and troubleshooting, keyboarding, word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Appropriate Internet use will be a continuing theme in lessons involving online communications (email, blogs, message boards) and Internet searching. Aspects of Internet safety and ethics will be emphasized. There will also be an introduction to creating web pages, animation, photo editing and digital video and audio.

Grade Placement: 6-8 

Prerequisite: none

Description
This is a full year course where students learn audience etiquette, basic stage movement, acting concepts, play writing and basic technical aspects for production. Students will also participate in performance and production of a play, pantomime and story-telling. Students will learn building and the ability to access and showcase their individual talents.

Grade Placement: 7, 8

Prerequisite: Theater Arts I

Description
This is a full year course where students work together in an ensemble setting toward production and performance. There will be significant memorization and acting required in this course. In the past students have had the opportunity to tour at least one of their plays. In addition, they will cover stage movement, stage combat, reader’s theater, Bunraku puppetry, set design, and costume design.

Grade Placement: 7, 8

Prerequisite: Theater Arts II

Description
This course is a continuation of Theater II. Emphasis will be placed on established dramatic techniques to enhance performance, including developing stage management and the technical aspects of theater and the historical development of theater.

Please note: Course Catalogs will be updated as needed to reflect new information from the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education