8th Grade Elective Options

This course will discuss the 5 endorsement pathways available to students in High School:

• Arts & Humanities (May explore different Fine Arts to include Debate, Journalism and Theater)

• Business & Industry (May explore Agriculture, Construction, Engineering, Culinary and Technology)

• Public Service (May explore Education, Psychology, and Health Sciences)

• STEM (Math or Science)

• Multidisciplinary Studies

 By taking this course, students are better prepared to make an informed decision regarding their High School Career.

Art 8 I/II - Art nurtures students’ perception, creative expression, and knowledge of art.  Students engage in projects throughout the year.  

Girls’ or Boys’ Athletics 8 – Students are expected to participate actively in at least two sports and will run or participate in other activities to remain in condition in the off-season from their sport.  Sports include football, basketball, volleyball, track, tennis, golf, cross country. 

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 – This is an accelerated opportunity for students who are exceptional in Math and Science.  Students must have been in STEM in the 7h grade or in Pre-AP Math and Pre-AP Science in the 7th grade, and passed their 2025 Math STAAR exam.  If a student does not meet the requirement they must request a BMS STEM Committee review. 

Student Aide- Students who are serious, responsible, dependable and honest may help by handling papers, picking up attendance forms, delivering messages, and many other tasks.  Office, Nurse and Library Aide Positions available by application and acceptance only.  May apply by filling out the form found in the front office.

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. 

Theatre Arts III- Theatre III , is an audition for admittance class and is designed for students with an intense interest in theater. This course focuses on advanced voice and diction, stage movement, and character analysis with heavy concentration on acting styles, script analysis, and performance techniques. Performance work consists completely of scripted work. Theatre III students will participate in at least one production each semester. 

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.