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Electives at South Lake
Check out all the different elective options here at South Lake! There’s so many to choose from!
Quick Links:
Performing Arts | ASB | Fitness | Intro to Spanish | Media Literacy
Public Speech & Debate | Spanish I | Study Skills | Visual Arts | Yearbook
Performing Arts
For more information on the performing arts electives, please see the performing arts main page.
Advanced Fitness Training
This class is designed to motivate students to get involved in their personal health and fitness. Students will have fun participating in a variety of fitness activities targeting weight training, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Each student will developing a fitness portfolio that includes self-assessment, personal goals, exercise journal and nutrition log.
Intro to Spanish (Trimester)
This class is designed to familiarize students with Spanish and prepare them for Spanish 1. Every week students will learn a set of thematic vocabulary, which they will be able to use in Spanish 1. They practice the weekly vocabulary, as well as one or two expressions to use with the vocabulary in class with Power Point, worksheets, and art projects. The students become familiar with the history, geography, and culture of all 21 Spanish-speaking countries through movies, informational Power Point presentations and by producing arts and crafts typical of these countries.
Media Literacy (Trimester)
An average child will see around 20,000 advertisements a year. Between one thousand and two thousand of those ads will be TV ads for alcohol alone. Advertisements (in particular) and mass media (in general) have had more influence over the lives of people and children than many other factors or institutions in society. This class is based on the belief that we are enlightened and empowered when we explore and understand the technologies and institutions that shape our lives. Students will be encouraged and expected to build their knowledge about mass media, explore the world they live in, the institutions and ideas that shape it, and ultimately, themselves.
Public Speech and Debate (Trimester)
This elective will provide opportunities for students to feel more comfortable and gain confidence in public speaking. Students will develop an understanding of the purpose and definition of debate, as well as the importance of persuasive arguments and supporting evidence.
Spanish I (8th Grade only, Yearlong)
Spanish 1 is considered a first year, high school honors level course. Criteria include: strong English language/grammar skills, excellent work habits, and A/B+ grades. In making this choice, it may be helpful to think about other information regarding high school and college entrance foreign language requirements. To remain in the course for the year and receive a recommendation for Spanish 2 in ninth grade, students must maintain an A/B+ grade. A minimum of two years is generally required for four-year college entrance and three years is highly recommended. Enrollment in the course is by recommendation from seventh grade Humanities teachers. That teacher’s signature is required on the registration card.
Study Skills (Trimester)
The purpose of this class is to help the students develop study skills that will allow them to be successful, not only in middle school, but also in high school. Students will receive help with their work and will be allowed opportunities to augment their nightly homework while working on current coursework. Periodic grade checks will be conducted to ensure that students are keeping current with assignments and grades in their core curricular classes.
Visual Arts (Trimester)
Students will learn the basic Elements and Principles to creating an artistic composition while exploring several different mediums such as charcoal, ink, watercolor, acrylic, and graphite. Students will learn how to create 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional works of art and learn how to express themselves creatively.
For more information, please visit the Visual Arts page.
Yearbook (Yearlong)
Students enrolled in the Yearbook elective will create, design and produce our school’s yearbook. They will learn skills associated with layout and design, digital imaging, photocomposition, journalism, and most importantly, collaboration and cooperation between staff members. Yearbook participants will be expected to spend time outside of school hours completing required assignments. Those students looking for a challenging honors level opportunity should consider the Yearbook class. Enrollment in the course is by recommendation from seventh grade Humanities teachers. That teacher’s signature is required on the registration card.