Electives

Students build mastery in typing both alpha and numeric keys. In addition, students learn how to utilize the applications with in the Google Suite (docs, sheets, slides, sites, drawing, Gmail, etc.). All applications taught provide skills that are applicable across the curriculum and useful throughout your school years and beyond. In addition, the course also focuses on internet safety and how to be good digital citizens. The course wraps up with a quick introduction to Coding and Python. This is a companion required course with physical education.

This is a non-auditioned group, comprised of 7th & 8th grade students with minimal choral experience. Intermediate Choir performs standard choral literature in both unison and two-part. Basic vocal production and musicianship are studied. This chorus will participate in semester concerts.  

Selection Process: None 

This class consists of 7th & 8th grade singers who demonstrate high abilities and knowledge of singing. Singing  performance is emphasized as well as various elements of musicianship. Singing in three parts is studied. Membership in this class is by teacher recommendation. This group attends the District 7 Large Group Festival held every spring.  

This course is open to all students 6th-8th grade with no previous instrument experience or less than one year of playing experience. Students will learn to play a woodwind,  brass or percussion instrument (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn,  trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion).  Students will learn performance skills on their instrument, how to read music  and how to perform as an ensemble in a fun and welcoming environment! If a student wants to join, but needs an instrument, the school can provide one for them. We want everyone to have a chance to learn an instrument! Students will perform in several concerts during the year. Previous musical experience on piano, guitar, or other instruments is welcome, but not required.  

Selection Process: None 

This course is for seventh or eighth grade students who have had one or two years of band instruction. Students will continue to work  on their technique and group performance skills. Students will perform in evening concerts,  assemblies and festivals as part of the course requirements. Advanced Band attends a weekend retreat at Hummingbird Music Camp and participates at  District VII Band Festival. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Choose Your Own Musical Adventure Project where they will complete a project of their choosing. Some past projects include researching a musical topic, building a musical instrument, composing music, creating a performance video or performing in the community.

Selection Process: Current teacher recommendation; new students please contact Donna Schmidt (schmidt_d@aps.edu)

Symphonic Band is open to students who have completed at least two years of instruction on a band instrument. Students will work on refining existing musical skills, expanding their musical vocabulary and learning new skills. Students will perform in evening concerts,  assemblies and festivals as part of the course requirements. Symphonic Band attends a weekend retreat at Hummingbird Music Camp and participates at  District VII Band Festival. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Choose Your Own Musical Adventure Project where they will complete a project of their choosing. Some past projects include researching a musical topic, building a musical instrument, composing music, creating a performance video or performing in the community.

Selection Process: Current teacher recommendation; new students please contact Donna Schmidt (schmidt_d@aps.edu)

This orchestra is open to all students 6th-8th grade with no previous instrument experience or less than one year of playing experience. Students can choose from playing violin, viola, cello or bass and will focus on learning to play that instrument for the year. Students will learn performance skills on their instrument, how to read music  and how to perform as an ensemble in a fun and welcoming environment! If a student wants to join, but needs an instrument, the school will provide one for them. We want everyone to have a chance to learn an instrument! Students will perform in several concerts during the year, including our district-wide Beginning Orchestra Festival as well as attend field trips such as a trip to the Nutcracker Ballet! Previous musical experience on piano, guitar, or other instruments is welcome, but not required.  

Selection Process: None 

Intermediate orchestra is open to students with one (1) or more years of experience on their instrument. Students will work on refining existing musical skills, expanding their musical vocabulary and learning new skills  such as vibrato and shifting. Students will perform in evening concerts, assemblies and festivals as part of the course requirements. Intermediate Orchestra attends a weekend retreat at Hummingbird Music Camp and participates in Music Performance Assessment. We also attend field trips such as the Nutcracker Ballet. Sixth grade students  interested in enrolling must have previous playing experience and contact the director, Ms. Photiades, for an audition. 

Prerequisites: One year Beginning Orchestra or one year previous orchestra instruction or private lessons.  

Selection Process: Current teacher recommendation; new students please contact Erica Photiades (erica.photiades@aps.edu)

Advanced orchestra is open to students who have completed at least two years of instruction on a string instrument. Students will work on refining existing musical skills, expanding their musical vocabulary and learning new skills such as vibrato and shifting. Students will perform in evening concerts,  assemblies and festivals as part of the course requirements. Advanced Orchestra attends a weekend retreat at Hummingbird Music Camp and participates in Music Performance Assessment. We also attend field trips such as the Nutcracker Ballet and our Elementary Recruitment Tour. Sixth grade students interested in enrolling must have previous playing experience and contact the director, Ms. Photiades, for an audition. 

Prerequisites: One year Beginning Orchestra, one year Intermediate Orchestra or two years previous orchestra instruction or private lessons.  

Selection Process: Current teacher recommendation; new students please contact Erica Photiades (erica.photiades@aps.edu)

In 2023, Jazz I may possibly be offered during the school day for 8th grade students only depending on student interest. Jazz Band I is offered to any 7th or 8th grade band or orchestra student and is selected through an audition.  To be a member, students must be  enrolled in a band or orchestra class during the school day.  Jazz Band I performs several concerts and festivals throughout the year. Rehearsals  are held before school and students receive a grade for the class.  

Jazz Band II does not require an audition and is open to any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade band or orchestra student who would like to  play. To be a member, students must be  enrolled in a band or orchestra class during the school day. Exception: rhythm section instruments (drum set, piano, bass, guitar) will be limited to a certain  number of students. If there is an over-abundance of these instruments, a small audition process may be  necessary. Jazz Band II performs several concerts and festivals throughout the year. Rehearsals are held  before school and students receive a grade for the class.  

Students can enroll in these zero-hour classes in Fall 2023 -- additional information on these courses will be available through our other music teachers/courses in August once the school year has started. 

Art is a design and visual fundamentals class which exposes students to a variety of  methods, techniques and mediums.   The fall semester will focus on two-dimensional work such as drawing, perspective, painting, mask  making and printmaking. The spring semester will explore a variety of three-dimensional media which  could include copper relief, basketry, ceramics, wire sculpture, etc. The emphasis is on form, design  and functional three dimensional multicultural arts.   This fun and exciting program will assist experienced and novice artists develop their skills. Art history,  aesthetics and art criticism will accompany the making of art as a means of directing student awareness  and growth. Career possibilities will be explored and work will be prepared for shows. 

A $10 lab fee will be charged for art. This fee will be for consumable supplies. Students may be asked  to furnish additional supplies such as pencils, plastic bags or newspapers to supplement school supplies  for art.  (Lab fees may be waived if necessary.  See teacher or counselor for more information.) 

Art 2 is a deeper delve into techniques and processes covered in Art 1. Students will have a passion and interest in visual arts, plan to continue their artistic studies at the high school level, and possibly consider a career in the arts or creative field. Art 2 students will be able to take an independent approach to art making processes and develop their personal art style to build a portfolio of original works. Art 2 students have the opportunity to join the National Junior Arts Honor Society and compete at the Scholastic Art Awards.  

A $10 lab fee will be charged for art. This fee will be for consumable supplies. Students may be asked  to furnish additional supplies such as pencils, plastic bags or newspapers to supplement school supplies  for art.  (Lab fees may be waived if necessary.  See teacher or counselor for more information.) 

Drama is an awesome outlet for creative and diverse talents. Through presentations and  improvisation, young actors will learn the freedom of expression and gain confidence on  stage. Students are given the opportunity to perform plays and skits. They create  commercials, monologues and various other stage, television and radio themes. An  open-mind and imagination are requirements for our class. 

This exciting class will show you everything you need to know about competitive gaming, from how tournaments work to what makes a great team. You'll learn cool skills like making gaming videos, creating eye-catching graphics, and even planning your own esports events. We'll explore what goes on behind the scenes in the gaming world, including how teams get sponsors and how to put on an awesome gaming broadcast. Along the way, you'll work with your classmates on fun projects and learn how to be a better team player and problem solver in the world of competitive gaming.   

This course will provide students with basic life skills to include family life, finance, fashion, and food. Students will learn food preparation  techniques using nutritious and healthy ingredients. They will also explore various cultures and career  options. Using Common Core Standards and National Family and Consumer Science Standards students  will be challenged to learn about themselves, improve problem-solving skills and develop leadership  qualities. This course will prepare students to be helpful, responsible and concerned citizens in their  community.  

A $20 lab fee will be assessed to offset the cost of fresh ingredients for food preparation and for sewing projects that students will keep.

This course is designed to give students an initial introduction to Spanish language and culture. A large emphasis will be placed on spoken Spanish, consisting of everyday conversation and vocabulary that students might find helpful if needing to speak Spanish at any time.  Students will learn about Hispanic culture, especially the cultures of our own state of New Mexico, and Mexico. 

This course is designed to introduce all students to the joys of woodworking. Through required  projects, they will learn how to safely operate the band saw, scroll saw, miter saw, drill press, disc/belt  sander and various hand held power and hand tools. This elective course will help students explore career opportunities available to them and allow them to develop their creative abilities. 

A $30 lab fee is required to cover students’ supplies and materials.  (Lab fees may be waived if necessary.   See teacher or counselor for more information.) 

The DRMS Geek Squad elective offers students the opportunity to develop valuable technology skills while providing support to both students and teachers in the school community. As a member of the DRMS Geek Squad students will gain hands-on experience in computer troubleshooting, maintenance, and technology support throughout the school building.   Effective communication skills a plus!  

Application Required - applications completed in late spring.   

In 8th grade PE, students will improve on their skills learned in 6th and 7th grade by participating in both team and individual sport activities. 8th grade PE will have an increased focus on athletic performance improving strength, endurance, coordination, and overall physical fitness.  While PE is required in 6th & 7th grades, 8th grade PE is a self-selected elective opportunity -- however, if students have not yet fulfilled their NM state physical education requirements, they will automatically be placed in this course.  

Important Notes for All PE Students:

Specific clothing is expected to be worn by all students during physical education class. Navy blue  athletic shorts with a minimum 7” inseam, grey t-shirt, socks and tennis shoes with non-marking soles.  For your convenience, the PE department will be selling the t-shirt and shorts set for a flat fee of $20. 

• Cold weather clothing may be worn over PE clothing during inclement weather. ∙ Clothing must be permanently marked for identification. 

• Students are expected to take clothes home each Friday to be laundered. 

• Caps and sunscreen are encouraged when classes are held outdoors. 

• Uniform fee may be waived, if necessary. (See teacher or counselor for more information.) 

Exemptions from PE require a doctor-ordered notice.  

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports and sports activities that promote teamwork, cooperation, and friendship. Unified Sports brings together students of all ability types to train, compete, and learn from one another in a supportive and inclusive environment.  During the semester, students will engage in a variety of sports and recreational activities tailored to accommodate all skill levels and abilities. Students will develop physical fitness, sportsmanship, and social skills while having fun, building lasting friendships, and promoting a campus spirit of inclusivity at Desert Ridge.   Join us to foster acceptance and unity through the power of sports.

  In this dynamic, hands-on course, students will develop essential media literacy skills while creating their school's yearbook. Students will learn to become thoughtful media creators and consumers, understanding how images, text, and design work together to tell compelling stories about their school community.   

In Makerspace, you’ll design your own projects using cool tools like 3D printers, , Laser Cutter, Embroidery Machines and more. Whether you're dreaming up a robot that can dance or crafting a gadget to solve everyday problems, the sky's the limit!

Work solo or join forces with your friends as you take on challenges that spark your imagination. You’ll get to create everything from funky 3D models to amazing electronic circuits, and even upcycle old materials into something fabulous!

By the end of our adventures, you’ll have your own creations that showcases your unique style and skills. Come join the fun, explore new ideas, and let your imagination run wild!