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. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Exploring 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. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

CTE Industrial Crafts

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. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Exploring Computer Science

This semester class focuses on Digital Citizenship using Common Sense Media’s Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum.  It covers the topics of Privacy & Security, Digital Footprint & Reputation, Self-Image & Identity, Creative Credit & Copyright, Relationships & Communication, Information Literacy, and Cyber-bullying & Internet Safety. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Beginning Band

Beginning Band is a semester introductory course designed to develop fundamental skills necessary for playing an instrument and reading music.  Instruction is provided for woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments.  All students will be provided with a school loaned instrument as inventory allows.  Students graduate into Intermediate Band after one semester of Beginning Band. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19). There is no audition needed. If you're interested, please open this flyer (click here).

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. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Beginning Dance

Beginning Dance is year-long and explores several areas of movement, strongly emphasizing hip-hop and basic jazz technique.  This course is designed to introduce the art of dance and encourage physical, social, emotional, and artistic growth.  Students also explore their own creativity through various performance opportunities and choreography projects.  Experienced and non-experienced dancers are welcome. There is no audition needed. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Advanced Band

This year-long class stresses refinement of tone and a more advanced understanding of basic performance technique.  Intonation, balance, and blend required in ensemble performance are developed.  Fun and challenging band literature is studied with an aim toward accuracy in performance.  Students may be required to rent or purchase their own instrument.  Students participate in school concerts, area band competitions, and community performances. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Audition is needed. For more information, please review this flyer (click here).

Band Teacher Email: kpohlmann@hartdistrict.org 

Advanced String 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.  (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Audition is needed. For more information, please review this flyer (click here).

Band Teacher Email: kpohlmann@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 faster pace, covers a variety of styles, and involves advanced level choreography.  Prerequisite: Instructor approval with audition. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Audition Process: Click Here

Dance Teacher Email: 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, and prospective students are required to interview for available positions. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Application Process: Click Here  (Application deadline is March 29th by 5:00pm)

ASB Flyer Click Here

ASB Teacher Email: lschultz@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. (Classes may differ because of COVID-19)

Yearbook Flyer: Click Here 

Yearbook Application: Click Here (Application deadline is Friday, April 26th)

Yearbook Teacher Email: jdavidson@hartdistrict.org