elective Classes

Exploratory Art

This course is designed to develop a basic understanding of the fundamentals of design, drawing, painting, and sculpture through varied art activities.  Students are encouraged to explore and experiment in a variety of media.  Creativity is stressed and art history and appreciation is integrated throughout the quarter.  Projects may include color wheel, drawing using perspective, value studies, painting, graphic design, collage, sculpture, and printmaking. 

CTE Into to Culinary 

Class emphasis is placed on developing basic cooking skills and stresses the importance of proper nutrition in meal planning.  Laboratory experiences help students select and prepare foods from a variety of regional and foreign cuisine.  Various cooking opportunities will develop proper techniques in understanding and following recipes and will increase students’ self-confidence in the kitchen. 

CTE Intro to Construction (Woodshop)

This course is an introduction to drafting, woodworking, and metalworking.  Emphasis is placed on the problem-solving approach to learning through hands-on projects.  Students will acquire extensive knowledge and skill through the use of hand tools, bench tools, sheet metal tools, some machining, and soldering.  This class will also explore the possibility of careers in each discipline through educational media and in class lessons.  Additional emphasis is placed on English, mathematics, and science throughout the curriculum.

Beginning and Advanced Band

Beginning Band is a year-long introductory course designed to develop fundamental skills necessary for playing an instrument and reading music. Instruction is provided for woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. School-loaned instruments are available as inventory allows. Students are required to participate in school concerts, area band competitions, and community performances. Upon successful completion of Beginning Band, students may advance to Advanced Band.

Advanced Band is a year-long course for students with prior band experience. Student placement is based on experience shared through elective interest survey questions; no audition is required. This course emphasizes refinement of tone and a more advanced understanding of performance technique, with a focus on intonation, balance, and blend in ensemble settings. Students study fun and challenging band literature with an emphasis on accuracy and musical growth. Students are required to participate in school concerts, area band competitions, and community performances. School-loaned instruments are available as inventory allows. 

If you're interested, please open this flyer for more information (Click the following: English Flyer or Spanish Flyer)

Have questions? Please email Ms. Long: klong@hartdistrict.org  

Chorus

This year-long course develops skills in ensemble singing as well as in understanding structure and meaning of music.  The chorus will perform various styles of choral literature for school concerts, community programs, and local choral festivals.  Requirements include exemplary citizenship and a positive attitude.  There is no audition needed. Students are required to participate in school concerts, area music competitions, and community performances.

If you're interested, please open this flyer for more information (Click the following: English Flyer or Spanish Flyer)

Have questions? Please email Ms. Long: klong@hartdistrict.org  

Advanced Strings/Orchestra

This year-long class offers advanced instruction in all stringed instruments - violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano.  It is geared to enhance technique in both reading and performing music for students with prior experience.  The school has a limited supply of instruments.  Students may be required to rent an instrument.  Orchestra members participate in school concerts, orchestra competitions, and community performances. 

If you're interested, please open this flyer for more information (Click the following: English Flyer or Spanish Flyer)

Have questions? Please email Ms. Long: klong@hartdistrict.org  

Beginning Dance

Beginning Dance is a year- long elective that explores several areas of movement, with a strong emphasis on hip-hop and basic jazz technique.  This course is designed to introduce and promote the art of dance and encourage physical, social, emotional, and artistic growth.  Students will also be able to explore their own creativity through various performance opportunities and choreography projects.  Experienced and non-experienced dancers are welcome to take this elective, as it will prove rewarding and challenging for all levels.

Have questions? Please email Mrs. Sucheck: tsucheck@hartdistrict.org 

Advanced Dance

Advanced Dance is a year- long elective designed for students who have an extensive background in dance as well as exemplary technique.  Students must audition or gain permission from the teacher to be in this class.  Advanced Dance has the same goals and objectives as the other courses, but moves at a faster pace, covers a variety of styles, and involves more difficult choreography.  Advanced Dance students are expected to maintain good grades, be actively involved in performances and productions, and to be responsible for representing/promoting Placerita’s dance program.  Advanced Dancers will have several performance opportunities throughout the school year. Prerequisite: Instructor approval with audition. 

Audition Dates: FUTURE 7th Graders: Wednesday, May 13 3:30-5:30. Auditions will be held in our dance studio,  room 1002.   Please drop your child off  in the parking lot on the corner of Dalby and Newhall (where the Golden Oak Adult school is located)  Students can enter the gate closest to the 1000 building

Audition Process: Click Here

Have questions? Please email Mrs. Sucheck  tsucheck@hartdistrict.org 

Associated Student Body (ASB) Leadership

Leadership training is for the student interested in learning basic concepts of democratic government, leadership, parliamentary procedure, group process, speaking and writing, and organization in school situations.  ASB students must have good grades, attendance, and behavior.  Incoming 7th graders will be able to apply at the end of their 6th grade year.  Applications will be available online by March 5th and prospective students are required to interview for available positions. Interviews will be held on April 23rd for incoming 7th graders from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Placerita Junior High. Students are expected to remain the entire duration of the interview time.

Application Process: Click Here  (Application deadline is April 3rd by 5:00pm)

ASB Flyer Click Here

Have questions? Please email Mrs. Leon:  eleon@hartdistrict.org 

Yearbook

Students can learn the essentials of digital photography while creating the school yearbook.  Students will become an important part of Placerita’s history while they learn journalism techniques and the value of working as part of a team.  No experience is necessary.  This elective requires commitment and is for responsible students only. 

Yearbook Flyer: Click Here 

Yearbook Application: Click Here (Application deadline is May 22)

Yearbook Teacher Email: jdavidson@hartdistrict.org 

M@P

M@P Lab is a year-long, hands-on makerspace elective where students turn ideas into real creations. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and creativity. Students participate in project-based design challenges, create custom spirit wear for school and team events, explore 3D printing and other high-tech maker tools, and learn digital design using platforms such as Canva and Cricut. This course is ideal for students who enjoy making things, being creative, and want a unique elective that supports school spirit while building real-world design and problem-solving skills. 

M@P Flyer: Click Here 

M@P Application: Click Here (Application deadline is May 13 @ 4:00 p.m.); 

M@P Application PDF Version: Click Here (Application deadline is May 13 @ 4:00 p.m.); 

M@P Teacher Email: jmvelazquez@hartdistrict.org