7th & 8th Grade Elective Course Descriptions
2026-27 Elective Choices are now available!
7th Grade - The google form is due on JUNE 10TH.
8th Grade - The google form is due on JUNE 10TH.
Thank you!
Mesa View Middle School Course Descriptions
2026-2027 School Year
7th and 8th Grade
Mesa View Middle School’s elective program consists of semester-long and year-long classes. Every effort is made to honor individual students’ requests for elective classes; however, scheduling conflicts, staffing, and/or limited enrollment may make it necessary to modify requests. For electives requiring an application, completion of an application is not a guarantee of placement. For any elective, if the number of applications exceeds the class size, a lottery system will be implemented. For placement, Mesa View administration will look at individual elective rankings if the class size has reached its capacity.
YEAR-LONG ELECTIVES
Industrial Tech/Woodshop (Year)
In this course, students develop an appreciation for the basics of woodworking using power machines, hand tools, and power tools. Students make numerous projects throughout the year in the shop, beginning with basic projects and moving to more advanced and individualized projects as the year progresses (cutting boards, charcuterie boards, clocks, picture frames & even furniture). Students also learn how to turn wood on the lathe and will have the opportunity to make several projects on the lathe. Students also work a great deal with technology, including 3D printing, creating a website, and making videos.
Selection Criteria: 8th Grade Only. Based on interest (No experience necessary).
Robotics (Year)
This course provides an introduction to robotics using LEGO Spike Prime kits (no programming background required). Students will learn to construct, control, and program robots through investigative activities and the engineering design process. In Robotics, students will create projects like the break-dancing robot, have class competitions like Sumobot, and compete in board challenges like the Space Challenge. Students also work a great deal with technology, including flying drones and 3D printing. Teamwork and collaboration are crucial components in this class.
Selection Criteria: Priority given to 8th-grade students. Based on interest.
Dual Language Immersion SPANISH 6th/7th/8th class (Year) Are you ready to continue your Spanish learning journey in middle school? The Dual Language Immersion Spanish elective helps students strengthen their Spanish skills while discovering the rich and diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. In this class, students will explore topics such as history, geography, food, art, music, architecture, and literature from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries. Students will also have many opportunities to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish. Throughout the course, students will build their vocabulary, improve their understanding of grammar, and grow in confidence using Spanish in real-life communication. The main focus of the class is helping students communicate effectively in Spanish while deepening their appreciation for the cultures connected to the language. Selection Criteria: Based on previous DLI enrollment
English Language Development (ELD)
This course is designed for middle school students whose second language is English. English Language Development helps students strengthen their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. Through engaging lessons, collaborative activities, and academic practice, students build vocabulary, improve grammar, develop confidence in communication, and learn strategies to succeed in all subject areas. The course supports students in becoming effective English users while valuing and building on their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Selection Criteria: Based on the student’s Reclassification level, as identified on statewide assessments.
Spanish 1 (Year)
¡Aprenda el español! Spanish 1 is a year-long elective offered to eighth graders. Students new to the language will become comfortable with speaking and writing simple sentences in Spanish. Class content is based on the World Language Readiness Standards and covers vocabulary, word usage, and syntax. Students learn to express and understand likes and dislikes, greetings, introductions, and commonly used phrases. They also learn to make requests and share information. With the successful completion of the course, students have the opportunity to enter Spanish 2 as a high school freshman.
Selection Criteria: 8th Grade Only. Recommended cumulative 3.50 GPA
Teacher/Office Aide (Year)
The teacher/office aide program is designed to offer students the experience of learning basic workplace and clerical skills as they assist in the completion of classroom or office operations. Tasks could include checking off papers, stapling, delivering messages, putting up bulletin boards, and much more. Participation is a privilege available to 7th and 8th graders. Students may request teachers, but these pairings are not guaranteed due to possible staffing/scheduling conflicts. Selection Criteria: Application must be submitted to Mrs. Keller by June 08. Aide Application Link
Library Aide (Year)
Help with the daily maintenance and operations of the school library. Under the direction of the School Library Specialist, student aides may help check in returned books, shelve books, straighten shelves, create signs and displays, dust, wipe tables, and take inventory. Student aides may also be asked to run errands on campus, such as delivering books to classrooms. Aides may also help with weeding (removing outdated or damaged books) and processing new books. Selection Criteria: Application must be submitted to Mrs. Miller by June 08. Aide Application Link
Yearbook (Year)
Yearbook is a middle school elective designed for students who want to help create a lasting memory for the school community. Students in this class will work together to design, write, edit, photograph, and produce a yearbook that represents the entire student body. Yearbook members should be responsible, creative, organized, and dependable, with a willingness to learn new skills and meet deadlines. Students will use school technology appropriately, contribute ideas, interview classmates, take pictures, and help cover important school events such as assemblies, activities, athletic events, and performances.
This elective will require participation outside of regular class time, including after-school and evening activities such as sports, performances, and other school events. Students are expected to help document these activities when needed. Yearbook requires teamwork, time management, leadership, and a positive attitude. Students are expected to maintain satisfactory grades, demonstrate good behavior, follow school rules, and take pride in creating a meaningful publication for the school community. Selection Criteria: Priority given to 8th-grade students. Recommended A/B in Spring semester ELA, all O’s or S’s in citizenship/work habits, and excellent attendance.
Media Tech (Year) Students will learn about video and online publications while also working to design and develop the school’s weekly news show. The class will learn about and practice videography techniques, including picture taking and editing. The class will learn about script development, storyline for videos, photography, and copywriting skills. Activities in this class not only include working on capturing Mesa View activities for our weekly news show, but may also include creating Mesa View slideshows, news articles, helping with the Instagram account, and video creation. Some photography work will be required after school for sports, performances, dances, etc. Selection Criteria: Recommended A/B in Spring semester ELA, all O’s or S’s in citizenship/work habits, and excellent attendance. Media Tech Interest Form 26-27
LEADERSHIP
ASB (Year)
Associated Student Body is a one-year elective course designed for students who want to get involved in the planning and implementation of Mesa View’s activities and are seeking to enrich both our school and community. Students enrolled in this leadership class will represent the Student Body, as well as plan activities and events. This leadership class seeks to promote citizenship, scholarship, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. ASB students will work to help support and promote positivity on campus and in the community. Leadership students must embody the 3Rs of respect, responsibility, and reflection, and strive to be role-model students and citizens. Selection Criteria: 3.00 GPA Recommended and all O’s or S’s in citizenship for the 2025-2026 school year, with no behavior incidents.
Application must be submitted to Mrs. Roberts by May 29
WEB - Where Everybody Belongs (Year)
This course is designed to train students to support their peers, create a smooth transition from elementary to middle school, and build a climate of kindness and goodwill on the Mesa View campus. Through a series of lectures, guided interaction, and group exercises, students will explore the principles of leadership and learn to develop individual and group leadership skills to impact their lives and their communities. Content areas include using personal strengths to become an effective leader, sympathy versus empathy, stress and time management, and strategies to implement change. Selection Criteria: 3.00 GPA Recommended and all O’s or S’s in citizenship for the 2025-2026 school year, with no behavior incidents.
Application must be submitted to Mrs. Croal by May 29
PERFORMING ARTS
Band, Beginning (Year)
An introductory course in how to play a band instrument. It is designed for students who have had little or no formal music instruction. Lessons are offered on flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Correct playing position, characteristic tone quality, basic note reading, rhythmic value, appropriate vocabulary, and instrument care are stressed. This group performs at school concerts. Selection Criteria: Based on interest and a passion for learning a musical instrument.
Band, Intermediate/Advanced (Year)
This course is designed for the advanced band student who wishes to continue musical growth with a focus on ensemble performance. The instrumentalist continues to build principles of musicianship, harmonic and rhythmic fundamentals, appropriate vocabulary, and ensemble skills through appropriate music literature. This group performs at district music festivals, school and community concerts, and other approved performances.
Selection Criteria: At least one full year of playing experience with a performing group required. Music Teacher approval required.
Strings, Beginning (Year)
An introductory course in how to play a string instrument. It is designed for students who have had little or no formal music instruction. Lessons are offered on violin, viola, cello, and bass. Correct playing position, characteristic tone quality, basic note reading, rhythmic value, appropriate vocabulary, and instrument care are stressed. This group performs at school concerts. Selection Criteria: Based on interest and a passion for learning a musical instrument.
Strings, Intermediate/Advanced (Year)
In this Intermediate/Advanced class, the instrumentalist continues to build principles of musicianship, harmonic and rhythmic fundamentals, appropriate vocabulary, and ensemble skills through appropriate music literature. This group performs at district music festivals, school and community concerts, and other approved performances.
Selection Criteria: At least one full year of playing experience with a performing group required. Students who were previously in Band or Choir may start in this class instead of Beginning Strings. Music Teacher approval required.
Choir (Year)
Through enrollment in Choir, students develop skills to sing correctly and learn the basics of good musicianship through music theory, part-singing, various choral techniques, balance, and blend. The group performs at district music festivals, school and community concerts, and other approved performances.
Selection Criteria: Based on interest and a passion to sing.
Dance (Year)
This year-long course invites students to explore a variety of dance styles, including jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, and cultural dance. Emphasis is placed on developing foundational technique, dance vocabulary, performance quality, and artistic expression. Students will have opportunities to choreograph, perform in group pieces, and participate in a schoolwide performance. The course also fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence in a supportive environment. Selection Criteria: Based on interest and a passion for movement. No experience necessary.
ELECTIVE EXPLORATORY WHEEL
(Semester-Long Elective Offerings)
Elective Exploratory Wheel (Semester)
This rotation gives students two (2) elective experiences throughout the year. Classes MAY include (students do not select their option):
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
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NOTE: Elective offerings are subject to change pending staff credentialing and scheduling.
PE OPTIONS:
Unified Physical Education Opportunity
Unified Physical Education - THIS IS NOT AN ELECTIVE. This alternative PE option meets the PE requirement for middle school.
Unified Physical Education is a fun, active class where students with and without disabilities come together to play, learn, and support one another. Students build fitness, practice a variety of sports and movement skills, and develop teamwork, leadership, and communication in an inclusive environment. Through the Special Olympics Unified model, students learn the importance of respect, encouragement, and belonging while helping create a positive school community. Students may also have opportunities to take part in special events, competitions, or activities with other schools. (If you are interested, please let us know on the Elective Google Form.)