Embedded Files
View the Google Slides presentation to the right in order to see additional course information beyond may be listed in the traditional course descriptions below. This is the presentation used with students in their classroom presentations from our DRMS counselors. This Google Slides presentation includes pictures and hyperlinks with sample student work, videos, and concerts for most elective courses.
Required 6th Grade Electives
Required 6th Grade Electives
One semester of each
One semester of each
Physical Education
Physical Education
This is a required semester introductory course to physical education. The first middle school physical education experience will be one of excitement, sportsmanship and minimal competition. Emphasis will be on basic skills in both team and individual sport activities. A daily activity program, along with assessment results from the Fitnessgram Fitness tests, will assist students in meeting District Physical Education Standards.
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.
Info Tech
Info Tech
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.
Elective Options
Elective Options
6th Grade students choose: 1 Full-Year Music Elective OR Exploratory Elective Wheel
6th Grade students choose: 1 Full-Year Music Elective OR Exploratory Elective Wheel
Full-Year Music Electives
Full-Year Music Electives
Exploratory Elective Wheel
Exploratory Elective Wheel
Beginning Band
Beginning Band
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
What is the elective wheel?
What is the elective wheel?
Wheel classes rotate at each 9-week grading period. Our wheel classes are designed to give students an introduction and exposure to some of the elective offered in future grade-levels.
Past offerings have included art, drama, music, woodshop, coding/programming, Spanish, STEM, and family/consumer science.
Options and offerings may vary year to year and there are no guarantees of which class your student may have during the school year. Students are randomly assigned 4 of 5 wheel class offerings by the computer.
Cadet Band
Cadet Band
This course is specifically designed for students who have had one year or more of instruction in fourth and/or fifth grades. A large emphasis will be placed on review of skills. The students will begin the second year method book and continue working on their technique and group performance skills. This is a good course for students who have had previous instruction or are switching to a different instrument. The students will perform in several concerts throughout the school year and will perform at District VII Band Festival. Students will also have the opportunity to spend a weekend at Hummingbird Music Camp in the spring.
Prerequisites: One year Beginning Band or one year previous band instruction or private lessons.
Selection Process: Current teacher recommendation; new students please contact Aaron Lovato (lovato_aa@aps.edu)
Beginning Orchestra
Beginning Orchestra
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
Beginning Choir
Beginning Choir
This is a non-auditioned 6th Grade choral group comprised of students with minimal experience. Beginning Chorus 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
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