7th Grade Elective Options

Art  - This course develops students’ perception, creative expression, knowledge of art theory and critical evaluation.  Students will foster reflective thinking and imagination into visual and sensory awareness and problem solving while working to produce a variety of expressions through drawings, paintings, ceramics, fiber art, sculpture, or other form. 

Girls or Boys Athletics 7 – Students are expected to participate actively in at least one sport and will run or participate in activities to remain in condition in the off-season from their sport.  Sports include football, volleyball, basketball, cross country, track, tennis, and golf. 

Band 7/8 – Students learn the fundamentals of music from instrument maintenance to reading and playing music.  This course is open to students who wish to begin a serious study of a band instrument.  The main focus of this group is learning to play together as an ensemble, so mastery of basic technical skills is essential for participation.  Areas of study include the elements of balance and blend, tone production, musical notation, musical symbols, musical structure, and instrument care and maintenance. Home practice is required for participation.  Students must perform at two concerts, one in December and the other in May.  Students have the option of participating in a spring music festival in May. 

Students who were in band in 6th grade and would like to continue with band will audition for either Symphonic or Honors band.  

Choir - Aimed at intermediate level training, this class will start with the basics for any 7th and 8th grade  boys or girls who want to learn to sing a variety of music styles.  Students may perform in concerts.  

GT-ISM (Gifted and Talented Interdisciplinary/Mentor Seminar) - This course, based on the exit-level Texas Performance Standards Project for gifted and talented students, offers a non-traditional learning experience to those students who have the ability to create innovative products or performances. Students will develop a product proposal, compile a portfolio, conduct in-depth research, be matched with a mentor from the business or professional community, and prepare for a public presentation of their product or performance at the end of the school year to be evaluated by an audience that includes expert(s) in the field. Students work with their mentor to create a related product with real-world application and tangible documentation. The final product is to be shared with an authentic audience outside the school setting.  (HS Credit)

This engaging and hands-on robotics course introduces students to the exciting world of engineering and technology. Students will explore the engineering design process, learning how to identify problems, brainstorm real-world solutions, and test their ideas. 

The course fosters group collaboration, encouraging students to work in teams, communicate effectively, and share responsibilities as they tackle challenges together. Students will also develop foundational coding skills, using programming languages and platforms to bring their robotic creations to life.

Through robotic design and construction, students will build and program robots capable of completing specific tasks, enhancing their understanding of mechanics, electronics, and systems thinking. By the end of the course, students will have developed critical skills in innovation, teamwork, and technology while gaining confidence in their ability to create and problem-solve.

STEM – The goal of BMS STEM is to foster a learning environment that supports students in the development of knowledge and skills to solve problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information through the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical concepts.  To be eligible, students must have participated in STEM in the 6th grade or in Pre-AP Math and Pre-AP Science in the 6th grade, and passed their 2025 Math STAAR exam.  If a student does not meet the requirement they must request a BMS STEM Committee review for possible entrance into the program. 

Theatre Arts -  Theatre II is a continuation of Theater Arts I and is designed for students with a genuine interest in theater. Topics include advanced stage movement, voice and diction development, audition techniques, and character analysis. Performance work consists of memorized monologues, duets, scene work and short plays. 

Yearbook- Yearbook is a production-based elective course that creates the Bandera Middle School yearbook. Because the staff is solely responsible for the content, design, layout, and sale of the book, students who choose to be a part of this business must ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively. Staffers must be cooperative, punctual, professional, creative, and productive. Students are responsible for taking digital photos, conducting interviews, maintaining signage, and composing, designing, and editing all elements of text, and digital photography layouts. This course requires students to be available outside of regular class hours to attend sporting events, student activities, etc. Students are expected to be organized, motivated, and possess strong reading and writing skills upon entering the class. 

Journalism (P3) Paw Print Press- Who? What? When? Where? Journalism provides us with the answers to these questions for the events that affect our lives. In this course, students will learn how to gather information, organize ideas, format stories for different forms of news media, and edit their stories for publication. Students are expected to be organized, motivated, and possess strong reading and writing skills upon entering the class.