2024 – 2025 Third Trimester Electives
Dates for Electives Opening in MySchoolBucks
Feb. 10 – 8th Grade
Feb. 11 – 7th Grade
Feb. 12 – 6th Grade
Electives will open in MySchoolBucks. You will only be able to see them in MSB once your student’s grade is open. MSB will open approximately at 9:00 a.m. on each of the above days. If there is a 90-minute delay, MSB will open approximately at 10:30 a.m.; if there is a snow day, MSB will open on scheduled day at 9:00 a.m.
If your student is registered for either 7th Grade Spanish or NJHS-B Day, do not select a B Day elective. If your student is registered for 8th Grade Spanish, Advanced Fiber Arts or NJHS-B Day, do not select a A Day elective. If an elective is not listed in MSB, then the elective is sold out.
Making selections, in MySchoolBucks, using a computer vs the app is typically easier. If you are in MySchoolBucks and don’t see any electives’ options, please refresh your browser or logging in and out of MSB to get the selections.
Electives close at 12:00 p.m. on February 14.
A Day Electives
Ms. Konesky/Ms. Konesky’s Room 278
No Fee
Limit 20 Students
Take your 3D modeling skills to the next level! Whether you learned the basics in 7th grade STEAM class or have experience from outside the classroom, this class is your chance to dive deeper into the world of 3D design. Using SketchUp, you’ll create detailed models for real-world applications, from architectural designs to imaginative projects.
If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and explore the possibilities of 3D modeling, this class is for you!
Focused Skills: design, collaboration, innovation, code learning
Ms. de Bedout/Ms. Hayes’ Room 262
Fee paid 1st Trimester
8th GRADE STUDENTS ONLY THIS IS A
YEAR LONG ELECTIVE
Students pre-registered and do not sign up for an A Day Elective
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Spanish language and culture with this introductory elective course. You’ll develop a strong foundation in basic Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills through engaging activities and interactive lessons. Additionally, explore the rich traditions, music, and cuisine of Spanish-speaking countries, enhancing your global perspective.
Focused Skills: listening comprehension, speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary, memorization, conversational skills
**Ms. Pierce/Ms.Pierce’s Room 144
Fee $20
Limit 20 Students
Requires Teacher Approval
Students pre-registered and do not sign up for an A Day Elective
Designed for students passionate about textile-based art and with prior Fiber Art experience at BFA. This class will move at an accelerated pace and introduce more sophisticated projects and complex techniques. Advanced-level projects may include woven wall hangings, hand embroidery on clothing, and chunky yarn projects. Teacher approval is required to ensure participants have the foundational knowledge and dedication to succeed in this elective.
Focused Skills: fine motor skills, attention to detail, designing, creative thinking
**Please note this was originally on B Day but has been moved to A Day.
Ms. Tickle/Ms. Tickle’s Room 277
No Fee
Limit 26 students
Focused Skills: design, computer technic, coding, language
Ms. Welling/Mrs. Johnson’s Room 268
Fee $15
Limit 20 Students
Step into the spotlight and embark on a high-energy journey through the history of Broadway! In this dynamic class, students will explore musical theatre’s evolution by performing iconic songs and dances from different eras, from the golden age to today’s blockbusters. Through singing, dancing, and acting exercises, students will bring theatre history to life while building confidence and performance skills. By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of musical theatre’s evolution and a chance to shine on the “Broadway” stage of the classroom!
Focused Skills: critical thinking, contrast and compare, vocal arts and performing
Ms. Hinkle/Ms. Hinkle’s Room 286
Fee $10
Limit 16 students
Get your hands in the clay and discover the art of ceramics! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to mold, sculpt, and glaze your own creations, turning raw clay into beautiful, functional works of art. Whether you’re making pottery, sculptures, or decorative pieces, ceramics gives you the freedom to express your creativity while mastering essential artistic skills.
Whether you’re new to ceramics or have some experience, this class is the perfect opportunity to grow your skills, experiment with new techniques, and create one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll be proud to show off!
Focused Skills: design, clay technique, creative and critical thinking, presentation, artistry
Mr. Knudsen/Mr. Knudsen’s Room 272
No Fee
Limit 20 Students
This comprehensive class equips students with essential skills to navigate the intricate landscape of personal finance. From budgeting and investments to understanding credit and building a solid financial foundation, this course empowers individuals to make informed and strategic decisions, fostering a lifetime of financial well-being.
Focused Skills: listening comprehension, math and budgeting, strategic planning, memorization, conversational skills
Mr. Russell and Mr. Macias/Turf
No Fee
Limit 30 students
Get ready to jump into the action with our Flag Football elective!
Students will develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills while mastering the basics of passing, catching, running routes, and defensive strategies. This class is for those that have experience playing and should be able to understand the concepts of football.
Each session will include skill-building drills, engaging mini-games, and exciting scrimmages that promote sportsmanship and physical fitness. Come join us on the field and experience the thrill of the game!
Focused Skills: team building, sportsmanship, fitness and football fundamentals
Ms. Johnson & Ms. Svensen/Middle School Commons
Fee $50
Limit 30
7th & 8th Grade Students
This one’s for the girls! Girls, get ready to grow up knowing you have the ability to accomplish anything you put your mind to. We will focus on emotions, peer pressure, mindfulness, and maintaining confidence throughout our teenage years. We will learn about healthy lifestyles, and take a field trip to The Institute where their top coaches will teach us to use the weight room. We will also bring in guests for a day of yoga and take a different day to learn self-defense skills appropriate for teenage girls. We will also learn to navigate around a strange city, and take the light rail downtown using maps and paper directions. We will also focus on skills useful now as well as later in life such as budgeting finances, getting ready to be hired for your first job and navigating social situations needed for middle school and high school. Discussions and activities will be geared toward mature students, and some families may want to wait to take the class. A permission slip is required.
Focused Skills: team building, mindfulness, healthy lifestyle and budgeting
Mr. Babb/Mr. Babb’s Room 172
Fee $10
Limit 24 Students
In this engaging and interactive elective, students will explore the history of golf through a mix of films, literature, and hands-on practice. The class will watch and discuss four inspiring golf movies: Tommy’s Honor, The Greatest Game Ever Played, The Legend of Bagger Vance, and The Long Game. Each film highlights different aspects of golf’s rich history, from its origins and legendary players to key moments of triumph and adversity.
In addition to the films, we will read and discuss The Match by Mark Frost, a captivating book that delves into a high-stakes golf match between two of the game’s greatest players, showcasing the sport’s deep-rooted traditions and the personalities that have shaped it.
As the weather warms up, students will also have the chance to practice their skills with some chipping and putting on the school grounds (when time allows), giving them a hands-on connection to the sport they’ve studied.
By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of the history of golf, the importance of sportsmanship, and the connection between the game and broader social and cultural movements. Whether you’re a golfer or a newcomer to the sport, this class offers a fun and dynamic way to learn about one of the world’s oldest and most beloved games.
Focused Skills: golf skills, critical thinking, and contrast and compare
Ms. Gelley/Thunder Gym & Stage
Fee $35
Limit 15 students
Mrs. Murphy/Initial meeting in Murphy’s Classroom (otherwise in assigned classroom)
No Fee
Limit 12 students – 7th and 8th Grade NJHS Students Only
Students pre-registered and do not sign up for a A Day Elective
Students in the elective will be paired up with a teacher and will assist this teacher in several different capacities. Students will receive 35 hours of individual service hours for this elective.
Focused Skills: volunteerism, teaching training, youth development, reading/writing, assisting classroom
Ms. Salberg/Ms. Salberg’s Room 246
No Fee
Limit 12 Students
Students who are pre-registered for this elective, do not sign up for a A Day Elective
Does your student struggle with reading? Could they benefit having an elective where they have more time with teacher assistance, iReady and/or Lexia? This elective is designed to foster a love for reading while increasing comprehension and critical thinking skills. This course aims to create a supportive environment where students can grow as confident, thoughtful readers and apply their skills to both academic and real-world contexts.
Focused Skills: critical thinking, reading comprehension, analyzing, group discussion
Mrs. Nichols/Lightning Gym
No Fee
Limit 10 students
Focused Skills: physical and emotional well-being strengthen resilience, appreciation of outdoor running, increase self-confidence, physical activity
Mrs. Fritzsche/Mr. Russell’s Room 274
No Fee
Limit 8 students per grade level
Students in this elective will have additional time to complete homework and work on their academic assignments. There will be 24 spots total per A or B day – 8 per grade level. This is not an off period.
Focused Skills: time management, organization, reading & writing, fostering independence, accountability
B Day electives
Ms. de Bedout/Ms. Hayes’ Room 262
Fee paid 1st Trimester
7th GRADE STUDENTS ONLY THIS IS A
YEAR LONG ELECTIVE
Students pre-registered and do not sign up for a B Day Elective
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of Spanish language and culture with this introductory elective course. You’ll develop a strong foundation in basic Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills through engaging activities and interactive lessons. Additionally, explore the rich traditions, music, and cuisine of Spanish-speaking countries, enhancing your global perspective. Focused Skills: listening comprehension, speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary, memorization, conversational skills.
Focused Skills: listening comprehension, speaking, pronunciation, vocabulary, memorization, conversational skills
Ms. Tickle/Technology Lab Room 277
No Fee
Limit 26 students
Focused Skills: design and program, learn to code, problem solving, teamwork
Ms. Hinkle/Ms. Hinkle’s Room 286
No Fee
Limit 20 students
Step into the fascinating world of art history! In this class, we’ll journey through time to explore the masterpieces that have shaped cultures across the globe. From ancient masterpieces to the bold expressions of modern art, you’ll explore how artists have conveyed ideas, told stories, and captured significant moments throughout history.
Whether you’re an art lover or new to the world of art history, this class will inspire you to see the world through the eyes of artists from the past and present.
Focused Skills: analyzation, creative and critical thinking, presentation, artistry
Ms. Harms & Ms. Erbaugh/Lightning Gym, Courtyard and Turf
Fee $15
Limit 28 students
Get ready to have fun, stay active, and build skills in “Backyard Games”! This course focuses on learning and playing a variety of engaging outdoor games, all while building teamwork, problem-solving, and sportsmanship using the Colorado state physical education standards.
Focused Skills: team building, sportsmanship, fitness, strategy and fundamentals
Ms. Murphy/Ms. Murphys Room 276
Fee $15
Limit 20 students
Unleash the power of your imagination in our Creative Writing Workshop, an engaging and dynamic elective designed for middle school students with a passion for storytelling. This course provides a supportive and inspiring environment where budding writers can explore and develop their unique voices while honing essential writing skills.
Focused Skills: essential writing, storytelling, proofreading, creative and critical thinking skills
Ms. Inman/Ms. Konesky’s Room 278
Fee $35
Limit 15 Students
Join us to explore competitive e-sports through the lens of Rocket League, a high-paced, physics-driven game that blends soccer with vehicular acrobatics. Students will develop advanced gameplay strategies, teamwork, mechanical skills, and game sense essential for high-level competition. Through structured training, analysis of professional gameplay, and hands-on practice, students will improve their aerial control, positioning, rotations, and decision-making.
Focused Skills: critical thinking, teamwork, analyzing, group discussion, mechanical skills
Ms. Welling/Stage
Fee $35
Limit 15 Students
Step into the world of dramedy—a unique blend of drama and comedy—where students will explore how humor and heartache can coexist on stage. In this class, we’ll come together to bring an exciting dramedy to life. Students will learn how to balance the light and the heavy, creating characters and scenes that are both funny and emotionally resonant. We will learn to explore the art of dramedy, develop strong characters, practice emotional range, work on scene structure, engage in collaborative storytelling, build confidence on stage. By the end of the course, students will have gained experience in performing a rich, multi-layered production that showcases both their acting chops and their ability to engage with different tones. Whether you’re drawn to comedy, drama, or both, this class will give you the tools to bring complex, relatable characters and stories to life in a fun and creative environment.
Focused Skills: critical thinking, contrast and compare and presenting.
Ms. Nichols/Ms. Harm’s Room 170
No Fee
Limit 26 Students
In this class, you will work together to create the elementary field day t-shirts and stations. You will be responsible for running a specific station for the K-5 field day. You must fill out this form before signing up for this class. You will miss one or two days of classes so your classroom teachers will have input before acceptance into this class.
Students need to fill out the Field Day Planning Form. Application is due by Friday, February 7th.
Focused skills: planning and developing, leadership skills, fitness, coordinating
Ms. Gelley/Ms. Erbaugh’s Room 174
Fee $10
Limit 25 Students
This hands-on course invites students into the world of improvisation and collaborative performance creation, also known as Devised Theater. Focusing on the power of ensemble work, the class will guide you through the process of building original theater pieces through group exploration and spontaneous creativity. We will master improvisation techniques, collaborate as an ensemble, develop original performance works, explore physicality and vocal expression, learn storytelling and structure, practice creating with limited resources. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to create live performances from the ground up, while embracing the process of collaboration, experimentation, and trust. Whether you’re an actor, writer, director, or theater enthusiast, this class will expand your creative horizons and deepen your understanding of theater as a shared, dynamic art form.
Focused Skills: performing, reading, public speaking, and vocal arts
Mr. Astler & Ms. Dychus/Ms. Dychus’ Room 264
No Fee
Limit 20 Students
Unlock the world of engineering and technology with our Lego Robotics class! Designed for curious minds in middle school, this hands-on course combines creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork to bring your own robotic creations to life. Using Lego Spike Prime, you’ll build robots and program them to complete real-world tasks like navigating mazes, solving challenges, or even competing in mini-competitions!
Whether you’re a first-time builder or already a robotics enthusiast, this class will fuel your curiosity, teach valuable STEM skills, and inspire you to innovate and think like an engineer.
Focused Skills: design & build, learn to code, problem solving, teamwork
Mrs. Murphy/Initial meeting in Murphy’s Classroom (otherwise in assigned classroom)
No Fee
Limit 12 students – 7th and 8th Grade NJHS Students Only
Students pre-registered and do not sign up for a B Day Elective
Students in the elective will be paired up with a teacher and will assist this teacher in several different capacities. Students will receive 35 hours of individual service hours for this elective.
Focused Skills: volunteerism, teaching training, youth development, reading/writing, assisting classroom
Ms. Johnson/Ms. Johnson’s Room 184
No Fee
Limit 20 Students
Mr. Case and Mr. Macias/Mr. Case’s Room 244
No Fee
Limit 25 students
This course delves deep into the riveting stories of individuals who not only mastered their chosen sports but reshaped their very essence. Uncover the remarkable journeys, triumphs, and enduring legacies of these pioneers, as we examine the pivotal moments that forever altered the landscape of sports, leaving an indelible mark on the history books.
Focused Skills: critical thinking, contrast and compare and presenting
Mrs. Fritzsche/Middle School Commons
No Fee
Limit 8 students per grade level
Students in this elective will have additional time to complete homework and work on their academic assignments. There will be 24 spots total per A or B day – 8 per grade level. This is not an off period.
Focused Skills: time management, organization, reading & writing, fostering independence, accountability
**Ms. Pierce/Ms. Pierce’s Room 144
Fee $15
Limit 24 Students
Students will explore Taylor Swift’s life, career, music, and cultural influence. Along the way, we’ll investigate her groundbreaking business moves, such as re-recording her albums, and examine her philanthropy, including her support for disaster relief and education. Through activities like breaking down the lyrics of All Too Well (10-Minute Version, of course), creating promotional campaigns inspired by her album rollouts, and brainstorming a class charity project, students will discover how Taylor Swift’s influence extends far beyond music. And, of course, there will be friendship bracelets.
Focused Skills: listening comprehension, business strategies, fine motor skills, critical thinking, conversational skills
**Please note this was originally on A Day but has been moved to B Day.