Electives

  • ART: In this class, students will learn a number of artistic techniques to use as instruments of self-expression and help to develop positive self-concepts. Students will be exposed to a variety of artists, artworks, techniques, and media. No prior experience required (1 semester).​
  • BOOK MAKING (Creative Writing): In this class students learn and practice a variety of writing tools and strategies to create their own short stories to be published in the class book (actual book). They also read a book published by students from previous years (1 semester ).
  • CHORUS: The major emphasis of this course is to develop students’ technical abilities in singing and vocal production. The course develops the skills necessary for ensemble singing of simple unison and two-part choral literature appropriately arranged for middle school voices, and in reading music notation. The course also provides opportunities for growth in the understanding of musical elements as applied to the music performed (1 semester ).
  • CREATIVE WRITING: Students participate in a 10-week wheel in which they get to express themselves in their own creative way but through structured and guided assignments. They write stories, poems, and comics. They also learn about dialogue, description, figurative language, point-of-view, and more (10-week).
  • EVENT PLANNING: This fun course is for those who like to plan events; Teaches how to schedule, budget, manage, book, etc. different types of events using research and life skills/computer programs. We will also be incorporating ice breakers and team building activities (1 semester).
  • EXPLORING VIDEO PRODUCTION: This brand-new CTE (Career Technical Education) class provides an introduction to the world of professional video and production. You’ll experience every aspect of the filmmaking process, including screenwriting, storyboarding, equipment operation, green screen production, and editing, and work with industry-leading applications and equipment. Plus, our world-class Advisory Board members (including Oscar and Emmy award winners) will be offering their expertise and career guidance (2 semesters).
  • FILM APPRECIATION: Students participate in a 10-week wheel in which they will be introduced to phenomenal films and relates each film to our character counts motto at Portola Middle School. At Portola one of our many visions is for students to have positive character development. This elective helps to enhance this in our students (10-week).
  • HOME ECONOMICS: Students will learn the basics of sewing, woodworking, and career and family budgeting (1 semester).
  • INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE: The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for middle school theatre students to study the art of theatre, including theatre history, acting, dramatic literature, production techniques, and stage design. Students will learn improvisation techniques, stage movement, voice, and diction, pantomime, and how to create a character. Students will demonstrate their learning in all aspects of theatre through the production of scenes, short plays, student-written works and/or full productions of plays and/or musicals for school and community audiences (1 semester).
  • JR. LEADERSHIP: The goal of this class is to develop student leaders that positively represent the voices of the school, selflessly serving students and staff, while reaching the community. Junior Leadership will support the student body by being positive examples and providing a fun, exciting atmosphere in which all students feel involved. Students will learn to teach, train, and develop the skills and behaviors of good leadership, including understanding leadership styles, goal-setting, time management, communication skills, human relations, managerial skills, and project management (2 semesters). 
  • MATH ART: This course combines art with mathematical concepts. Students are guided through basic art projects and are graded on their effort to complete these projects, not their artistic ability (1 semester).​
  • MUSIC APPRECIATION:  Students participate in a 10-week wheel in which they will explore the history of music and its genres (10-week).
  • ROBOTIC, CODING, AND ENGINEERING: In this class students can sign up to learn and practice engineering skills to solve real-world problems through interactive coding and robotics activities (2 semesters). 
  • SURVIVING 6TH GRADE: This class will get students started in middle school with organizing and using their lockers, using Schoology for grades and communication, and creating a network for current 6th grades. Middle school is a new transition and this class can help students make it a smooth transition (1 semester).
  • STRINGS A & B – (Beginning Strings): This is an introductory class in orchestral strings (violin, viola, cello & string bass). It is usually for 6th graders. No experience is necessary but would help (2 semesters).
  • TAEKWONDO - Beginner Level: (No physical contact): Students will learn the basics of the Korean martial art and will gain an understanding of how to apply its tenets (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit) in their daily lives through physical training, discussions, and other mindfulness activities (1 semester).
  • WINDS A & B – (Beginning Winds): This is an introductory class in wind instruments (flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, snare drum, bells). It is usually for 6th graders. No experience is necessary but would help (2 semesters).​

​7th and 8th Grade ElectiveS

  • ADVANCED BAND: Advanced Band - Approval of instructor required. 1-year minimum prior playing experience required. Must be able to read music. This course is for winds and percussion only.
  • ORCHESTRA MS: (Intermediate Orchestra) Approval of instructor required. 1 year of prior experience required. Must be able to read music. This course is for violin, viola, cello, and string bass only.
  • ADVANCED ORCHESTRA: Approval of instructor required. 2-year minimum prior experience required. Must be able to read music. This course is for the violin. viola, cello, and string bass only.
  • DRAMA/PRODUCTIONS: Intermediate and advanced students will apply theater arts skills in acting, directing, playwriting, and stagecraft. The purpose of this course is to provide an opportunity for middle school theatre students to study the art of theatre, including theatre history, acting, dramatic literature, production techniques, and stage design. Students will learn improvisation techniques, stage movement, voice and diction, pantomime, and how to create a character. Students will demonstrate their learning in all aspects of theatre through the production of scenes, short plays, student-written works, and/or full productions of plays and/or musicals for school and community audiences.
  • ART: In this class, students will learn a number of artistic techniques to use as instruments of self-expression and help to develop positive self-concepts. Students will be exposed to a variety of artists, artworks, techniques, and media. No prior experience required.
  • ADVANCED ART: This course is designed to provide 8th-grade students with the opportunity to utilize their imagination and personal experiences to create original artworks. Students will develop their own artistic vision and form a broader knowledge and understanding of our rich and diverse historical and cultural heritage through the study of art.
  • CARTOON ANIMATION: Students learn how to use a variety of professional digital media applications, such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Toon Boom Animation to create their own original 2D animations. This hands-on class will help you build the skills you need in the world of professional character animation.
  • DIGITAL IMAGING: Students learn how to work with Photoshop, the industry-leading application for image editing and creation, to solve real-world graphic design challenges. This hands-on course is an opportunity to unleash your creativity and acquire professional digital design skills.
  • EXPLORING VIDEO PRODUCTION: This brand-new CTE (Career Technical Education) class provides an introduction to the world of professional video and production. You’ll experience every aspect of the filmmaking process, including screenwriting, storyboarding, equipment operation, green screen production, and editing, and work with industry-leading applications and equipment. Plus, our world-class Advisory Board members (including Oscar and Emmy award winners) will be offering their expertise and career guidance. Click here to watch an informative video!
  • FORENSIC SCIENCE
  • INVESTIGATIVE VIDEO PRODUCTION: This brand-new CTE (Career Technical Education) class offers an advanced film/video production experience. In this hands-on course, you’ll work with professional tools to creatively solve real-world digital video challenges. Plus, our world-class Advisory Board members (including Oscar and Emmy award winners) will help you take your game to the next level and prepare for higher education and career opportunities. Click here to watch an informative video!
  • LEADERSHIP: Application and interview required. We will notify you when the application is ready.
  • ROBOTICS, CODING, and ENGINEERING: In this class students in 7th or 8th grade can sign up learn to practice engineering skills to solve real-world problems through interactive coding and robotics activities.
  • SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: Students will learn about financial planning to be college and career ready. It will incorporate supports student mental, physical, and emotional health.
  • SPANISH I: Learn basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversational Spanish. If completed successfully, this course meets A-G requirements for High School. Must have a “B” in English.
  • SPANISH II: A continuation of Spanish 1. Spanish II Meets the high school A-G requirement. Requires teacher approval.
  • YEARBOOK: Students create and design our yearbook. 

Magnet Electives

  • ENGINEERING DESIGN: (6th grade) Young engineers will explore the engineering design process as they work together to solve real-world problems through research, hands-on exploration, and collaboration. Each project will culminate with a technology project that presents the process and product.
  • EXPLORING ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: This is a laboratory-based course that investigates the structure and function of the human body and other organisms. Through dissections of organs and hands-on projects, the students will learn all the major bo​dy systems along with the impact of diseases.  One of the goals of this course is to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in future science classes in high school and to develop an interest in health related careers. 
  • EXPLORING BIOTECHNOLOGY: (7th/8th grade) In the Exploring Biotechnology course, the students learn skills that are currently used in the industry through project-based learning experiences with real-world applications. This lab course is designed in partnership with Amgen Biotech and Coastal Marine Bio labs for the next generation of scientists to be able to work in a modern biotechnology lab setting. The students learn by blending theory with hands-on lab skills.
  • MATHCOUNTS: (6th/7th/8th grade) MathCounts will focus on applying middle and high school grade-level skills. The goal of this course is to provide students with opportunities to solve Mathcounts competition problems and to develop efficient problem solving strategies. Students will be working independently and in small groups to collaboratively solve math problems using multiple strategies and present their findings using effective reasoning skills.
  • MUN GLOBAL WORLD: Become a delegate as you develop and practice critical thinking, reading, writing, listening, speaking, role-playing, diplomacy, and leadership skills. This class is for learners who are interested in global affairs. They will start the year exploring and analyzing their own culture and heritage. This will include geography, economic systems, iconic historical events, and governmental systems. Learners will then move on to analyzing current events, additional governmental systems, economic systems, resources, philosophies, art, and iconic historical events of other countries. This will be done through the process of Model United Nations where learners are assigned individual countries and learn how to develop, represent, and advocate for their countries (year long).