Electives

  • Mears has a wonderful selection of elective classes for students to choose from. Our primary electives: art, computer technology, video production, design and modeling (PLTW), automation and robotics (PLTW), music and world language classes offer two levels of instruction, exploratory/beginner and expanded/advanced. Typically, seventh graders are placed in the exploratory/beginner level and can move to the expanded/advanced level during eighth grade. A primary elective class has a dedicated teacher for the subject. The links to the left will take you to the primary elective websites.

     

    Our primary elective teachers are: Kat Yackel, Diane McLaughlin, and Josh Perry.

    Our world language teachers are: Hiromi Chambers, Kiyoko Loer, and Deb Abshier.

    Our music teachers are: Cari McCubrey, Matthew O'Connor, and Jason Edwards.

     

    Mears also has additional elective classes that are taught by core subject teachers. See below for a list of ALL elective classes.

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    Art Using the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design, students will expand on their knowledge of two and three dimensional art through drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, pottery, and sculpture. Each student will build a sketchbook for daily sketches and art vocabulary, and create several large projects to take home throughout the semester.
       
    Band (Concert or Jazz) Concert band classes are open to everyone who started playing in 6th grade or before. Smaller instruments are furnished by students while the school has a limited number of larger woodwind and brass instruments to be used by students. Concert Band and Advanced Concert Band are offered. Concert band offers the opportunity for the following instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, trumpet/cornet, French horn, alto/tenor/baritone/saxophone, tuba, percussion, tenor/bass trombone, and euphonium/baritone.

    Jazz Band is offered at zero hour, 7:15 AM (before school starts) and students must be enrolled in Concert Band during the school day. All of the instruments in Concert Band may participate.
       
    Choir Choir requires no prior experience! Learn to use your voice properly and perform with a singing group.
       
    Computer Technology This project-based course focuses on computer basics and multi-platform applications. Students in Computer Technology will learn to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and explore Photoshop basics, moviemaking, and computer coding.
       
       
       
    Drama This elective emphasizes the many techniques that humans use to communicate and interact, from the simple to the complex. Students study drama, acting and play production. They are expected to actively participate in small and large group activities.
       
    Family and Consumer Science This semester-long course will provide students with the opportunity to learn and develop skills needed to be a successful consumer in today’s world. Students practice real world skills such as:  cooking, sewing, knitting, personal finance, CPR/First Aid.
       
    History of American Cinema The history of American Cinema introduces students to the vocabulary, history and critical evaluation/analysis of the movie industry. Students will be exposed to various genres of movies while summarizing and critiquing the productions.
       
    Japanese Japanese is a two-year program; 1A for seventh grade, and 1B for eighth grade. Any seventh grade student at Mears can request Japanese as an elective.
       
       
       
    Orchestra Orchestra is open to everyone who started playing in 6th grade or before. Smaller instruments are furnished by the students while the school has violas, cellos, and string basses to be used by the students. Orchestra offers opportunities for the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, and string bass.
       
    Project Lead the Way - Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics Mears is a  (PLTW) School.  Middle school is the perfect time for students to explore and learn that there is more than one way to solve a problem. Design and Modeling is a problem solving and activity based course. Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design and capture research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk® design software, students create a virtual image of their designs. Students create some of their virtual designs in the shop with a variety of hand and power tools. Two PLTW classes are offered at Mears: Design & Modeling, and Automation and Robotics. 
       
    Global Citizenship - This semester-long course will develop students' capacity to participate in the global community. We will work on real life, problem-based service projects, both locally and globally. We will promote peace, inclusivity, security, and sustainability. Be prepared to not only learn about making a difference in the world, but to actually make one! Click the class name to watch a video of what happens in class.
       
    Spanish Spanish is a two year program, 1A for seventh grade, and 1B for eighth grade. Any seventh grade student at Mears can request Spanish as an elective.
       
    Strategies of Succes This elective presents and practices very specific study skills, as well as more complex group skills that can help establish positive ways of interacting at school, at home, in a job, and in our community. This class is enjoyable and productive for all students.
       
    Transition Strategies Mind Education - Mind Education explores intrapersonal and interpersonal skills including self-awareness, self-management, reflection, perception, responsible decision making, and relationship skills. The course will prepare students for life-readiness and provide students with a chance to learn applicable tools that will help them build resiliency to achieve their future goals.
       
    Ukulele Students will learn the basics of playing the Ukulele and reading music.
       
    Video Production This is a semester-long course in which students produce school newscasts and create short films for a variety of purposes. Students learn all roles such as director, anchor, videographer, actor, and editor and are responsible for gathering news and pitching project ideas. Teamwork is essential as students learn to work with other class members to put together every broadcast and project. Students must be responsible, enthusiastic and have excellent attendance.
       

     

    Middle School Program of Studies pdf