ELECTIVES
Heritage Middle School offers "Elective Classes." After the enrollment day, the students then attend their elective twice a week. It is hoped that by offering different learning opportunities students will see how to relate their knowledge and skills in ways they haven't really thought about. Many of these electives are tied directly into Serrano High School's programs as well. We have a talented group of teachers who love developing students' creativity and leadership potential. These are graded and academic classes too!
American Sign Language: Mrs. Otsuka (semseter class)
Students who take this class will begin to develop basic communication skills using American Sign Language (ASL). Students will also receive instruction in ASL grammar and Deaf history and culture. Students who repeat this course will expand their vocabulary, grammar, history, and culture. Taking ASL in middle school is a great way to try out the language before committing to a world language in high school.
Robotics: Mr. Elliot (semester class)
Robotics is a lab-based course that uses a hands-on approach to introduce the basic concepts of robotics, focusing on the construction and programming of autonomous mobile robots. Course information will be tied to lab experiments; students will work in groups to build and test increasingly more complex mobile robots, culminating in several robot challenges. We will be using Lego EV3 Robotics kits as our platform. Students will be divided into groups and complete a variety of robot construction and programming activities within the confines of these groups.
Yearbook: Mrs. Elliot (year long)
The Yearbook elective at Heritage is a year-long course for grades 6th-8th. It is designed to have students understand the role of visual art, design, and persuasive, creative & informative writing. This course will focus on students understanding a designer's target audience and stimulating creativity through a variety of two-dimensional media. Students will then apply this artistic process to create designs for their assigned page. Finally, they will maintain the integrity of design through the editing process, while not only collaborating and communicating with their peers on the yearbook staff, but working closely with the teacher they will be working with to design the teacher's class page. The assignments in the course will demonstrate a student's ability to apply the principles of design, writing and effectively communicate their message.
Leadership and Activities: Mr. Quinn (year long)
The Leadership & Activity Planning, with Mr. Quinn, is an elective that will help students gain confidence by developing their leadership skills such as team building, communication skills, public speaking, activity organization, and leadership ethics. Students will be challenged by using their leadership skills in planning several activities and events for the class and possibly for the school. Mr. Anton is also assisting ASB this year!
The History of Music and Art: Mr. Anton (semester)
At SHS there are many opportunities to take many classes focusing on art and music in history, The History of Music and Art at SHS is an A-G accredited AP class. This class is a prerequisite for it. We will be studying the music of the following eras: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s 1970s, and 1980s. Mr. Anton has an extensive album collection and will bring in albums and a short lesson on them and the time period. Additionally, we will be learning art techniques and drawing, coloring, and painting famous pieces of art from those decades. Mr. Anton was an artist for many Major League Baseball players over the years. Hope to see you there!
Heritage Middle School Band: Ms. Verdin (year long)
Our Heritage Middle School Band is a yearlong elective, which includes rehearsals, concert performances, and a field trip. The band develops a love and lifelong appreciation for music of all kinds. Scholars develop musicianship skills with an instrument of their choice. Snowline District provides loaner instruments for our scholars. This is an opportunity to discover interpersonal cultural artistry. We learn to reach a higher level of musical articulation (expressiveness). Heritage Band holds a close relationship with the Serrano High School band program. Heritage Band is a prerequisite for Serrano’s (HS) Band.
Ms. Slomback- Music Instructional Associate: Choir
Ms. Slomback (year long, pull out program on Mondays)
has been in the Snowline District her whole life. She went to Pinon Hills Elementary, Pinon Mesa Middle School, and Graduated from Serrano in 2019. In college she was in a choir that traveled to Romania, Hungary, and New York
Weight Lifting/Fitness: Mr. Moen (semester)
Welcome to the Heritage School Circuit Training course, where fitness meets fun in a dynamic and energizing environment! This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of circuit training—a versatile and effective method of exercise that combines strength training and cardiovascular fitness.
Course Objectives:
Discover various circuit training techniques that incorporate bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and light weights.
Learn how to perform exercises safely and with proper form under the guidance of Mr. Moen.
Improve muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness through structured workouts.
Develop an understanding of the importance of physical fitness and its benefits for overall health and well-being.
Class Structure: Each session will feature a series of stations arranged in a circuit format. Students will rotate through these stations, performing different exercises at each one. This setup ensures a full-body workout that targets different muscle groups while keeping the heart rate elevated for cardiovascular benefits.
Requirements: Students should come prepared with comfortable workout attire, athletic shoes, and a water bottle. Enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge oneself are encouraged!
Outcome: By the end of the course, students will have gained confidence in their ability to complete circuit training workouts independently or in group settings. They will also understand how regular exercise contributes to physical fitness and overall health, setting a foundation for a lifelong commitment to wellness.
Note to Parents: Safety is the top priority. All exercises and equipment will be supervised by myself to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. Circuit training is adaptable to individual fitness levels and provides an inclusive opportunity for students to explore different aspects of physical fitness.
Join us in embracing the energy of circuit training and discovering the joy of movement and strength!