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Elective Offerings

2024-2025

Applying for an elective does not guarantee placement in the class. In some cases, teacher recommendations and/or applications are required. The teacher that should be contacted if you have questions and the application link is listed if needed.

Students must submit required additional information, if applicable, for EACH elective selected in order to be considered for that class, including their #2 and #3 choices.

The (6,7,8) following the elective names indicate which grades may request the course.

Ambassador Program Electives:

Exploration (6th): 

  • Beginning Art: This class is an introduction to the Elements of Art. Students learn about line, space, shape, form, color, and texture. With these elements, students will create pencil drawings that go from 2 dimensional shapes to 3 dimensional forms through shading in their drawings.  Students will also learn about Color theory with the understanding of how to blend color using the color wheel.

  • Technology: Learn to code HTML and video game mechanics in JavaScript through Code.Org. This semester course explores the history of computers, and students will learn to code and create personal websites and 2-D video games.

  • AVID 6: Students will receive an introduction to WICOR strategies as a 6th grade student (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organizational skills and reading).  WICOR skills promote success in all academic courses as students continue their education. The focus on academic achievement will provide all students with core opportunities, team-building challenges and other exciting activities through-out the quarter. The option to continue in AVID as a 7th and 8th grade student will further promote college and career readiness by attending several college visits and creating a close family like environment with motivated students.

Beginning Band (6,7,8): No experience required. Students will have the opportunity to choose from flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, tuba and electric bass (must have and use their own amp in class). Students will learn to read, write, and speak music. Students will perform in at least one formal concert. 

Intermediate Band (6,7,8): This elective is designed for the student who has one year of playing experience on their band instrument. Students continue to refine their fundamental skills on their instrument and will continue growing their ensemble skills. Students must be approved by our Band Director, Mrs. Takanikos, before entering. 

Advanced Band (6,7,8): This elective is designed for the student who is advanced in their music skills and with their instrument. The Advanced Band is 0 period and is open to any student playing a band instrument who meets the minimum requirements (Completing MYP year 2 and/or can play up to 4 # and 4b, chromatic scale full range of instruments, and can play a variety of irregular rhythms and complex meters) Seventh and Sixth graders must have teacher’s permission to participate in this high achieving group. Students are expected to audition for various honor bands. Students must be approved by our Band Director, Mrs. Takanikos, before entering. 

Student Leadership (7,8): The Student Leadership Class is a course for students who are looking for opportunities to positively impact their lives and their community. We build on collaborative skills and habits of mind, students will gain knowledge and expertise in leadership skills including goal setting, effective communication, organization time management, and collaborative strategies. This class also makes up the school's ASB (Associated Student Body) to meet the needs of the student council. Members work together to solve current school and community issues by working collaboratively and independently on events, activities, project proposals, portfolios, and presentations. Student Leadership Teacher: Mrs. Heck

AVID (7,8): AVID is a program for 7th and 8th grade students who aspire to be college-bound at the end of their high school career. AVID is taken as an elective, and it's a class for students who have determination to succeed in classes such as English, History, or Math, but may need a little help from the AVID class.

Students get individual guidance, practice skills such as writing and speaking, participate in team building activities and attend many field trips to colleges in and around the Northern California area. AVID students maintain at least a GPA of 2.0-3.0, and they should be good natured and have excellent attendance.

Interested students must apply at the school of their attendance. An interview will be scheduled for all qualified individuals. Applications will be made available to all interested students and will be turned into Mrs. Bauman or Mrs. Masse, AVID Coordinators for Churchill Middle School. AVID Advisors/Teachers: Mrs. Bauman & Mrs. Masse

BTV Media Production (7,8): The campus daily news source, Bulldogs TV (BTV) is broadcast in homeroom class four days a week. Learn to shoot, edit and upload news and entertainment segments that the entire Churchill community will see and enjoy in this semester course. BTV Teacher: Mrs. Takanikos

Spanish 1 (7,8): A High School level course. Students will learn the basic aspects of the Spanish language and culture. Pre-requisite: Must have a B or better in 6th or 7th Grade English class. 

Office/Teacher Assistant (8): Office Aides will assist the Front Office Staff with daily duties such as greeting students, parents, and guests, running passes to the teachers, collecting attendance from substitutes, and other tasks. Students will be graded on their participation efforts. Office Assistants must get prior approval from our office staff.  

Teacher Assistants work with a teacher to help them in their classrooms with tasks such as organization and collecting assignments. You should email the teacher you want to work for to get a teacher recommendation.

Diplomat Program Electives:

Beginning Art (6): This class is an introduction to the Elements of Art. Students learn about line, space, shape, form, color, and texture. With these elements, students will create pencil drawings that go from 2 dimensional shapes to 3 dimensional forms through shading in their drawings.  Students will also learn about Color theory with the understanding of how to blend color using the color wheel.

Intermediate Art (7,8): This class is a continuation of Elements of Art with the emphasis of how to lay out your drawing or artwork using the design elements such as: balance, movement, contrast, unity, rhythm, and pattern. Projects could include wire sculpture, ceramics, acrylic painting, watercolor painting, origami, textiles, slumping of glass, 3-D printing with guided instruction. 

Advanced Art (7,8): This class is for students with previous art experience who want to pursue personal interests in a selected Medium of Art. Students should be able to work independently with guided instructions. 

Choir (6,7,8): Choir is designed for the student who enjoys singing. Students will learn basic note reading skills and will learn to sing in an ensemble to produce a common goal. 

Drama (7/8): In Drama, you will briefly explore the history of theater, then move into the skills of stage acting and production. It is an appropriate class for all experience levels, from beginner to those who have previously been in plays. You will increase your comfort level on stage through theater games, study, practice, and performance. In the spring, we produce a full-length play for our friends and family. 

Beginning Band (6,7,8): No experience required. Students will have the opportunity to choose from flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, tuba and electric bass (must have and use their own amp in class). Students will learn to read, write, and speak music. Students will perform in at least one formal concert. 

Intermediate Band (6,7,8): This elective is designed for the student who has one year of playing experience on their band instrument. Students continue to refine their fundamental skills on their instrument and will continue growing their ensemble skills. Students must be approved by our Band Director, Mrs. Takanikos, before entering. 

Advanced Band (6,7,8): This elective is designed for the student who is advanced in their music skills and with their instrument. The Advanced Band is 0 period and is open to any student playing a band instrument who meets the minimum requirements (Completing MYP year 2 and/or can play up to 4 # and 4b, chromatic scale full range of instruments, and can play a variety of irregular rhythms and complex meters) Seventh and Sixth graders must have teacher’s permission to participate in this high achieving group. Students are expected to audition for various honor bands. Students must be approved by our Band Director, Mrs. Takanikos, before entering.

Jazz Band (7,8): Students must be enrolled in 0 period Advanced Band to participate in this performing group. Students are introduced to various Jazz styles and smaller ensemble playing. This elective is designed for the student who is advanced in their music skills and wants to play jazz with other interested musicians. 

BTV Media Production (7,8): The campus daily news source, Bulldogs TV (BTV) is broadcast in homeroom class four days a week. Learn to shoot, edit and upload news and entertainment segments that the entire Churchill community will see and enjoy in this semester course that changes each quarter. BTV Teacher: Mrs. Takanikos

Technology Interaction (8): In our comprehensive technology class, students embark on an exciting journey of digital exploration, creativity, and innovation. This multifaceted course covers a spectrum of cutting-edge subjects, beginning with digital photography, where students harness the power of pixels to capture the world through their lenses. Moving on to graphic design, they craft stunning visual narratives, developing a keen eye for aesthetics. A.I. and coding components introduce them to the realm of artificial intelligence and programming, enabling them to understand and manipulate the algorithms driving our digital age. Equipped with these skills, students master the art of creating presentations, making complex concepts accessible through captivating visuals and compelling narratives. This class empowers students to be digital polymaths, equipped with a diverse skill set essential for thriving in the technology-driven landscape of the 21st century.

Student Leadership (7,8): The Student Leadership Class is a course for students who are looking for opportunities to positively impact their lives and their community. We build on collaborative skills and habits of mind, students will gain knowledge and expertise in leadership skills including goal setting, effective communication, organization time management, and collaborative strategies. This class also makes up the school's ASB (Associated Student Body) to meet the needs of the student council. Members work together to solve current school and community issues by working collaboratively and independently on events, activities, project proposals, portfolios, and presentations. Student Leadership Teacher: Mrs. Heck

MYP World Language and Culture Wheel (6): This trimester class has three 12-week introductory courses in Spanish, Chinese, and French languages and culture.

MYP Chinese 1 / French 1 / Spanish 1 (7,8): This is a High School level course. Students will learn the basic aspects of the target language and its culture.

MYP Chinese 2 / French 2 / Spanish 2 (8): This is a High School level course. Students will learn more advanced aspects of the language as they explore its culture. Prerequisite: Must have a B- or better in MYP 1.