elective Classes

Elective Classes

All students at Placerita take 1 elective class. Incoming 7th grade students, please CLICK HERE to complete a google form to select your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for your elective.

The exploratory Wheel

Placerita students are given the opportunity to explore a variety of classes. These classes are taken for one semester, August-December and January - June.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Performing Groups

These classes are year-long electives. These classes DO NOT require auditions or applications.

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. 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.

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.

Electives That Need Auditions/Applications

These classes are year-long electives. These electives will require either an audition or an application. Please refer to the links indicated for each elective.

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.

Experience is required; no audition needed. For more information, please review this flyer (click here).

Have questions? Please email Mrs. Pohlmann: 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.

Experience is required; no audition needed. For more information, please review this flyer (click here).

Have questions? Please email Mrs. Pohlmann: 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 a faster pace, covers a variety of styles, and involves advanced-level choreography. Prerequisite: Instructor approval with audition.

Audition Dates: FUTURE 7th Graders: Wednesday, May 21 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

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.

Application Process: Click Here (Application deadline is April 4th 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.

Yearbook Flyer: Click Here

Yearbook Application: Click Here (Application deadline is Friday, May 16th)

Yearbook Teacher Email: jdavidson@hartdistrict.org

OTHER electives

This class is a year-long elective.

Body Sculpting

Transform and strengthen your body in this dynamic Body Sculpting class, which combines engaging training sessions, insightful lectures, and hands-on demonstrations. Held at Placerita Junior High, you'll have access to top-notch facilities and equipment, all under the guidance of experienced instructors dedicated to your success.

This class is designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced student-athletes. Each day, you'll participate in physical activities tailored to your current fitness level. After an initial assessment, personalized training plans will be created to help you achieve your individual goals. Whether you're looking to tone, build strength, or improve overall fitness, this class will support your journey with expert guidance and a structured approach.

Join us to sculpt your body, challenge your limits, and see real results!

Class Flyer: Click Here

Body Sculpting Teacher Email: bfrick@hartdistrict.org

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