9th Grade Elective Class Description

2026-2027

3D Design:  This is a 3-dimensional course that explores the basic methods and materials used to create 3-dimensional works of art.  There is an emphasis on studio production. This course is designed to develop higher level thinking skills.  Fee required.

Art Foundations: a comprehensive introduction to 2D and 3D design, focusing on fundamental elements and principles, materials, and critical thinking through critiques, preparing students for advanced art study or personal expression, following state standards

Band/Beginning 1 - Large Ensemble: Brass includes: Trumpet, French horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba. Woodwinds include: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, and Bassoon.  Students are introduced to basic-music reading skills and instruction. Instrument required. Purchase or rental of instruments is the parent’s responsibility. Fee required.

Band 1 - Percussion: Percussion includes: drums and rhythm instruments. Students are introduced to basic music reading skills and beginning instruction. Students will move to Beginning Band 2nd Semester. Percussion kits are required. Fee required.

Beginning Brass: Brass includes: Trumpet, French horn, Trombone, Baritone, and Tuba.  Students are introduced to basic-music reading skills and instruction. Instrument required. Purchase or rental of instruments is the parent’s responsibility. Fee required.

Beginning Woodwinds: Woodwinds include: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, and Bassoon.  Students are introduced to basic-music reading skills and instruction. Instrument required. Purchase or rental of instruments is the parent’s responsibility. Fee required.

Band II - Large Ensemble: Prerequisite Beginning Band or competencies. Basic instrument knowledge and musical skills will be expanded on. Attendance at various performances is required. Instruments and fee required.

Band II - Percussion (Int/Adv): Prerequisite of Percussion I - Performs with Int/Adv Band II. Fee required.

Business Office Specialist: This course applies advanced concepts and principles using Word Processing spreadsheets, databases and electronic presentation software. Students may have the opportunity to obtain a Microsoft Office Specialist Industry certification through Microsoft Certiport per District discretion. The certification is recognized worldwide as the best method for employers to validate computer proficiency. Students will integrate applications learned. The course builds on skills in Digital Literacy. 

Chorus I - Mixed: Open to male and female voices. Students will study how to sing in harmony and how to take care of the voice.  Concert performance is required for each term.  Fee required.

Chorus II - SA (Soprano/Alto) - By Audition: Open to male and female voices. Students will study how to sing in harmony and how to take care of the voice.  Concert performance is required for each term.  Fee required.

Chorus II - Mixed (Int/Adv) - By Audition: Open to male and female voices by audition only.  Students will study how to combine the female and male voices into a choral experience.  Many concert performances may be required for each term.  Fee required.

Construction Tech:  Provides students with an understanding of how construction impacts their lives using the five elements that include: Career opportunities, design measurements, tools and materials.  Eye protection & fees required.

Creative Writing: Teaches the skills and strategies necessary to write creatively

Current Events: Students will discover and analyze current events through many different outlets such as newspapers, television, radio, and the internet. Many different current topics will be discussed, you will engage in conversations and debates related to the recent events in the news. 

Digital Business Applications: Students will learn how to improve internet investigation skills and access business information. Students will explore freeware on the internet (IE. Open Office, Google Apps, Gimp) and learn how to use cloud computing to improve productivity. Students will explore social networking as a business tool, as well as E-books, “apps” and cell phone technology and its uses in business. Counts as Digital Studies Credit.

Exploring Business & Marketing:  Fundamental skills taught include basic business concepts, communication, human resources, entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, and leadership.  Skills gained by researching, marketing business, preparing financial documents and playing the stock market. 

Fine Arts Dance: a course of study that prepares students for careers in dance performance and choreography.

Food and Nutrition I:  Students will learn the principles of nutrition and food preparation, care of food, meal management, creative cookery, and optimal use of the food dollar.  Fee required.

Guitar/Beginning: Students are introduced to musical symbols, notes in first position and basic music reading skills. Basic care of guitar and tuning will also be covered. Students will experience different genres of music and learn about famous guitarists. Acoustic guitar and fee required. 

Guitar/Intermediate: Students will learn basic chords and strumming patterns.  They will continue to build basic skills with the left and right hand.  Students will be introduced to ensemble playing.  Acoustic guitar and fee required.

Manufacturing Tech:  A hands-on course that introduces students to changing raw materials into a finished product using wood and metals.  This course will also explore the many careers associated with the manufacturing process.  Eye protection & commodity fees required.

Music Appreciation: Students will learn the history, culture, physics, maintenance and repair associated with instruments and their materials, while also learning how to create their own music. 

Orchestra/Beginning: Students explore classical, bluegrass and jazz styles while learning to play the violin, viola, cello or bass.  Instrument and fee required.

Orchestra/Advanced: Beginning Orchestra competencies are required.  Field trips and festivals are planned to enhance the musical experience.  Instrument and fee required..

PE Athletic Conditioning:Emphasis on core strength and stability as the foundations for developing muscle endurance, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, and cardiovascular endurance. 

PE Dance: introduces students to theory and techniques of dance movement therapy (DMT). 

Project lead the way: Students will be exposed to a variety of STEM related fields using 3D Modeling software, 3D printers, Robotics, and laser engravers in this fun, project based, class.

Release Time: This course covers religious class work.  This course is not part of the public school program.  No credit is given for this course.

Enrichment Reading:any type of reading - fiction or non-fiction - that students engage with in their free time and of their own volition.

Sewing Construction  This class introduces the student to basic clothing constructions techniques, clothing care and maintenance.  Students will have opportunities to sew a variety of articles.  Fee required.

Spanish I:  The emphasis of Spanish I is oral communication.  Students will discuss and learn about Spanish speaking countries and their culture.

Spanish II: Prerequisite Spanish I:   This class is a continuation of Spanish I.  Students will discuss and learn about Spanish speaking countries and their culture.

Spanish III: Prerequisite Spanish II.  The emphasis of this course is oral communication and philosophy that is centered on reaching fluency.

TAP I: Learn more about yourself, how you learn and how human development influences learning. Explore careers in education including school counseling, teaching, media services, or other education professions. Learn about the past, present and future of education in the U.S.

Teen Wellness(Intro to behavioral health):An introduction to the behavioral health industry. Topics that will be introduced in this foundational level course includes understanding, self-concept,effective communication, healthy relationships, addictive behaviors,mental health disorders, and protective laws plus rights to patients and practitioners.

 Technical Theatre - By Audition: Full year class with two distinct purposes. The fall semester will include participation and performance in a “straight” play without singing, and the spring semester will be associated with learning the skills of a stage crew including: lights, sound, curtains, construction and staging associated with a play, concert or musical.

Drama 1: You will be introduced to communication skills and dramatic arts. You will have the opportunity to perform pantomime, improve, monologues, commercials, and a final scene.  Fee required.

Drama 2: Prerequisite Drama I. This course is a continuation of Drama I. You will have opportunities to perform pantomimes, monologs, write scenes, children’s stories, creative drama, and improv.  Students will learn theater history.  Fee required.

Drama 3: Prerequisite Drama I & II. Students will learn the concept of technical theater, costuming, makeup, scenery and other aspects of play production. Students will perform monologs, humorous readings, scenes, creative drama and improv.  Fee required.

Yoga: Provides a look into traditional yogic practices while using a modern understanding of the body and mind to curate the healthiest body and mind possible for your unique self.