ELECTIVES

Through the study of technology applications, including technology-related terms, concepts, and data input strategies, students will learn to make informed decisions about technologies and tools in order to enhance technology integration into the academic experience.  Students will progress through Bloom's Digital Taxonomy as they develop Higher Order Thinking Skills in discovering innovative applications of digital media and computer systems. 

The goal of this course is to create a culture of high expectation and continuous improvement that provides middle school students with a foundation for success in high school, future studies, and careers.  Students explore college and career planning within specific career cluster(s).  Students will use decision-making and problem-solving skills for college and career planning.  Students will explore valid, reliable educational and career information to learn more about themselves and their interests and abilities.  Students integrate skills from academic subjects, information technology, and interpersonal communication to make informed decisions.  This course is designed to guide students through the process of investigation and in the development of a high school, college and career plan.  Students will use interest inventory software or other tools to explore areas of personal interest.  Students will use this information to explore educational requirements for a variety of chosen career paths. Students will also participate in the Plan Your Path field trip, choose an endorsement, a pathway and create a four year plan.

Students explore various use of technology tools to enhance communication skills.  Through the course students gain knowledge and skills in the application, design, production, and assessment of communication systems.  The study of Communication Technology allows students to reinforce, apply, and transfer their academic knowledge and skills to a variety of interesting and relevant activities, problems, and settings. In addition to their general academic and technical knowledge and skills, students gain an understanding of career opportunities available in technology and what employers require to gain and maintain employment in these careers. 

Students gain knowledge and skills in the application, design, production, and assessment of products, services, and systems. Along with increase of knowledge and skills in the proper application of technology, students increase understanding of computer hardware and software by performing specific task in the design process, investigation of emerging technologies, the management of computer projects, and decision and problem solving strategies. 

This course is a fun and exciting co-ed physical education course.  Students are taught life-long skills by using integrated curriculum of science, math, writing, critical thinking skills, and computer technology.  The focus is on outdoor activities such as: archery, orienteering, survival skills, first aid, trip planning, angling, tackle crafts, hiking, backpacking, camping, outdoor cooking, conservation/environmental issues and certifications through the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).  On campus activities include: archery, angling, first aid, survival skills, trip planning, tackle crafts, and orienteering.  

This beginner level course is designed to introduce students to basic programming and problem solving strategies through robotics.  Students will learn how to use feedback, applied mathematics, and measurement to program their robot to navigate its environment.  Students will have the opportunity to complete multiple challenges involving guided research, problem solving, and working in teams in order to successfully complete their assigned tasks. 

This course allows students to provide clerical assistance in the school office or library.  The duties are specified in writing and agreed upon in contract by the student, office personnel or librarian, and the principal. 

This course is designed for highly-motivated, independent, and creative individuals who wish to create and design the school yearbook. Students learn various aspects of design and production as it relates to the yearbook.  Students will be responsible for a number of pages and the respective layouts of those pages.  This may include collecting and taking photographs, conducting interviews, writing captions and stories, meeting deadlines and editing pages. Students should also have strong photographic and writing skills.  Class work time may be required outside of the regular school day.