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Windsor Middle School

Electives

Electives at WMS

Windsor Middle School: Elective Course Descriptions (2026–2027)

Important Note:
Elective offerings may change based on staffing, facilities, and demand. Some electives are restricted to specific grade levels (6th, 7th, or 8th), and others require prerequisites. Students should read descriptions carefully before selecting electives. Students should also select acceptable alternate choices, as first choices are not guaranteed.

Selecting electives:

7th & 8th grade Students will be offered electives that will comprise of either a year-long course or two semester-long courses (Fall/Spring). 6th grade students will experiance an exploration of electives every quarter unless the choose to join a yearlong Art Class, Begining Band or Strings. Electives will be finalized and scheduled depending on available staffing, facilities, and number of requests. Also, some electives have prerequisites or applications.

6th Grade Elective Rotation

Course Length: Quarter Rotation

Sixth-grade students participate in a rotation of introductory elective courses. Each rotation provides opportunities to explore new interests and develop skills in a variety of subject areas.

Elective offerings rotate each quarter and may change from year to year.

Students may participate in courses such as:

  • Art
  • Introduction to Spanish
  • Film Studies
  • Success Skills
  • Career Exploration
  • Introduction to Theater
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
  • Math intervention (as needed)
  • English intervention (as needed)

Art 1

Grade Level: 6

Course Length: Year

Art 1 introduces students to the fundamentals of visual art.

Students will:

  • Learn basic art concepts and techniques.
  • Create a variety of original art projects.
  • Explore different art materials and creative processes.
  • Build artistic skills and confidence.
  • Express their ideas through visual art.

This course provides a strong foundation for students who are beginning to explore the visual arts.

Beginning Band

Grade Level: 6

Course Length: Year

Course Description

Beginning Band is a year-long course for students who want to learn to play a musical instrument. No previous band experience is required.

Students will learn to play one of the following instruments:

  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Tuba
  • Pitched percussion (xylophone)
  • Non-pitched percussion (concert snare drum)

Throughout the year, students will develop fundamental music skills, including instrument technique, music reading, and ensemble performance.

Performance Opportunities

Students are expected to participate in:

  • Winter Concert
  • Spring Concert
  • Brooks Elementary School Assembly Concert

At the Spring Concert, Beginning Band students perform one piece together with the Advanced Band.

Continuing Music

Students who successfully complete Beginning Band are encouraged to continue in Advanced Band during 7th and 8th grade.

Advanced Band students have additional opportunities that may include:

  • Recitals
  • Sonoma County Honor Band (optional)
  • Performing with the Windsor High School Band
  • Music festivals

Beginning Orchestra

Grade Level: 6

Course Length: Year

Course Description

Beginning Orchestra is a year-long course for students who want to learn to play a string instrument. No previous orchestra experience is required.

Students may learn to play one of the following instruments:

  • Violin
  • Viola
  • Cello
  • Double Bass

Throughout the year, students will develop beginning skills in:

  • Instrument technique
  • Music reading
  • Ensemble performance

Performance Opportunities

Students are expected to participate in:

  • Winter Concert
  • Spring Concert
  • Brooks Elementary School Assembly Concert

At the Spring Concert, Beginning Orchestra students perform one piece together with the Advanced Orchestra.

Continuing Music

Students who successfully complete Beginning Orchestra are encouraged to continue in Advanced Orchestra during 7th and 8th grade.

Advanced Orchestra students have additional opportunities that may include:

  • Recitals
  • Performing with the Windsor High School Orchestra
  • Windsor String Orchestra (optional)
  • Music festivals

Spring Concert

Advanced Band

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 6th Grade Beginning Band.

Course Description

Advanced Band is a year-long course for students who have successfully completed Beginning Band and wish to continue developing their musical skills.

Students will:

  • Improve instrument technique and musicianship.
  • Perform more advanced music.
  • Build confidence as ensemble musicians.
  • Continue developing music reading and performance skills.

Performance Opportunities

Students are expected to participate in:

  • Winter Concert

  • Additional performance opportunities may include:

  • Music recitals
  • Sonoma County Honor Band (optional)
  • Performing with the Windsor High School Band
  • Music festivals

At the Spring Concert, Advanced Band students perform one selection together with Beginning Band students, serving as role models and mentors for younger musicians.

Advanced Orchestra

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of 6th Grade Beginning Orchestra.

Course Description

Advanced Orchestra is a year-long course for students who have successfully completed Beginning Orchestra and wish to continue developing their skills as string musicians.

Students will:

  • Improve instrument technique.
  • Perform more advanced music.
  • Continue developing ensemble and performance skills.
  • Strengthen music reading and musicianship.

Performance Opportunities

Students are expected to participate in:

  • Winter Concert
  • Spring Concert

  • Additional opportunities may include:

  • Music recitals
  • Performing with the Windsor High School Orchestra
  • Music festivals
  • Windsor String Orchestra (optional for qualifying students)

The Windsor String Orchestra includes advanced student musicians from Windsor and Santa Rosa who perform middle school-level music.

At the Spring Concert, Advanced Orchestra students perform one selection together with Beginning Orchestra students, providing leadership and encouragement for younger musicians.

Guitar

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester or Year 

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Guitar is a year-long beginning music course. No previous music experience is required.

Students will learn:

  • Basic music concepts, including rhythm, pitch, note values, and rest values.
  • Guitar parts and proper instrument care.
  • Correct playing technique.
  • Music reading.
  • How to tune a guitar.
  • How to perform simple melodies using all six guitar strings.

  • As students master beginning skills, they will progress to:

  • Playing chords.
  • Performing chord progressions.
  • Accompanying melodies.
  • Playing school-appropriate songs.

Students are expected to handle all instruments carefully and respectfully throughout the course.

Acting and Performance

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Acting and Performance introduces students to the fundamentals of theater through hands-on activities and performances.

Students will:

  • Build confidence through improvisation games.
  • Practice acting through scene work and rehearsals.
  • Develop voice, movement, and stage presence.
  • Learn how to create believable characters.
  • Prepare for a mainstage theater production.

  • This course is appropriate for both beginning and experienced performers.

    Assessment

    Student grades are based on:

  • Participation
  • Effort
  • Personal growth
  • Collaboration

Students who are willing to participate and practice will have opportunities to develop their performance skills.

Film Studies

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Important: This course may only be taken once. Students who complete Film Studies in 7th grade should select a different elective in 8th grade.

Course Description

Film Studies introduces students to the history, language, and techniques of filmmaking.

Students will:

  • Learn about the history of film.
  • Explore the filmmaking process.
  • Watch and analyze age-appropriate films.
  • Discuss storytelling, culture, and history.
  • Examine how filmmakers use cinematic techniques to communicate ideas.

  • Topics include:

  • Plot
  • Theme
  • Suspense
  • Symbolism
  • Visual storytelling

Students will develop critical thinking skills while learning how movies communicate ideas and emotions.

Build Academy

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Build Academy introduces students to the fundamentals of construction, carpentry, and woodworking through hands-on projects.

Students will learn:

  • Basic carpentry skills
  • Measuring and layout
  • Safe use of hand tools
  • Teamwork and project planning
  • Problem-solving through construction projects

  • Students will complete both individual and group projects while developing practical building skills.

    Career Exploration

    The course also introduces students to careers in the skilled trades through:

  • Guest speakers from the construction industry
  • Field trips
  • Information about advanced construction pathways available at Windsor High School

  • Build Academy is designed for students who enjoy building, creating, and working with their hands.

Spanish A (Beginning)

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Spanish A is an introductory course designed for students who are beginning to learn Spanish.

Students will develop skills in:

  • Speaking and conversation
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary development

This course is equivalent to the first semester of Spanish I at Windsor High School and provides a strong foundation for continued language study.

Spanish 1

Grade Levels: 8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Spanish 1 is a year-long, rigorous language course that develops proficiency in Spanish through academic and interactive learning experiences.

Students will build skills in the four areas of language learning:

  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading
  • Writing

Students will also:

  • Build vocabulary and language structures.
  • Practice conversations in Spanish.
  • Develop grammar skills.
  • Explore the cultures, traditions, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries.
  • Compare cultural practices from around the world.

High School Credit Opportunity

Students who successfully complete the course and receive a teacher recommendation may enroll in Spanish 2 at Windsor High School.

Design and Engineering I

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Design and Engineering I is a hands-on course that introduces students to the engineering design process through creative problem-solving and project-based learning.

Students will:

  • Design, build, and test solutions to real-world challenges.
  • Learn the engineering design process.
  • Develop teamwork and communication skills.
  • Practice time management while completing projects.

Students may use tools and equipment such as:

  • Robots
  • 3D printers
  • Cardboard construction tools
  • iPads
  • Design models

Skills Developed

Students will strengthen skills in:

  • Creativity
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Collaboration
  • Engineering design

Course activities are aligned with science, mathematics, and college and career readiness standards.

Advanced Design and Engineering

Grade Levels: 8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite:

  • Successful completion of Design and Engineering I
  • Teacher approval

Course Description

Advanced Design and Engineering expands on the concepts learned in Design and Engineering I through advanced, hands-on engineering projects.

Students will:

  • Solve complex engineering challenges.
  • Work collaboratively on long-term design projects.
  • Explore robotics, coding, invention, and construction.
  • Learn to use advanced tools and technology.
  • Apply creativity and engineering skills to real-world problems.

Major Project

During the second semester, students participate in a project to build and drive an all-electric, street-legal Switch vehicle.

Skills Developed

Students will continue developing:

  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Critical thinking
  • Engineering design
  • Problem-solving
  • Innovation

This course emphasizes learning through hands-on experiences while preparing students for future STEM and engineering opportunities.

Art

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Introduction to Art is a beginning visual arts course that encourages creativity while teaching fundamental artistic skills and techniques.

Students will:

  • Create original artwork using a variety of materials.
  • Learn drawing and painting techniques.
  • Explore digital art and mixed-media projects.
  • Create collage and craft projects.
  • Study the elements and principles of design.
  • Learn about art history, artistic styles, and creative expression.

This course provides opportunities for students to develop artistic skills while expressing their ideas through a variety of visual art forms.

Gardening and Cooking

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Application required.

Course Description

Gardening and Cooking is a year-long course that combines gardening, food preparation, and sustainability through hands-on learning.

Students will:

  • Grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the Windsor Middle School garden.
  • Learn sustainable gardening practices.
  • Harvest fresh ingredients.
  • Plan and prepare recipes using produce grown in the school garden.
  • Develop basic cooking skills using fresh ingredients.
  • Care for and maintain the school beehive.
  • Learn about honey production.

Learning Experiences

Students may also participate in:

  • Field trips to local farms and commercial kitchens.
  • Activities that connect gardening and cooking to career opportunities.
  • Collaborative cooking projects using seasonal ingredients.

This course is designed for students interested in gardening, cooking, sustainability, and learning where food comes from.

Culinary I (Beginning)

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Culinary I introduces students to the fundamentals of cooking and food preparation in a safe and supportive kitchen environment.

Students will learn:

  • Kitchen safety and sanitation.
  • Measuring techniques.
  • Food preparation skills.
  • Basic cooking methods.
  • Recipe reading and following directions.
  • Food presentation.

Students will prepare a variety of recipes while developing confidence in the kitchen.

Skills Developed

Students will strengthen:

  • Organization
  • Teamwork
  • Time management
  • Food safety practices
  • Basic culinary techniques

Students will have opportunities to sample many of the foods they prepare during class.

Culinary II (Intermediate and Café)

Grade Level: 8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisites:

  • Successful completion of Culinary I
  • Teacher approval

Course Description

Culinary II builds upon the skills learned in Culinary I through advanced cooking experiences and café operations.

Students will:

  • Expand their cooking and baking skills.
  • Practice advanced food preparation techniques.
  • Learn kitchen organization and efficiency.
  • Prepare a wider variety of recipes.
  • Create specialty beverages.
  • Operate the student café.
  • Explore hospitality and food service careers.
  • Learn basic business and customer service skills.

Skills Developed

Students will continue developing:

  • Food preparation
  • Kitchen safety
  • Customer service
  • Collaboration
  • Time management
  • Leadership
  • Business operations

This course provides students with practical experience in culinary arts while introducing careers in the hospitality and food service industries.

Forces of Nature

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Forces of Nature explores the science behind Earth's natural environments and natural hazards through hands-on activities and outdoor adventure concepts.

Students will study:

  • Earthquakes
  • Volcanoes
  • Hurricanes
  • Tsunamis
  • Weather and climate
  • Earth's changing landscapes

Students will also learn outdoor survival and navigation skills, including:

  • Reading topographic maps
  • Using a compass
  • Understanding elevation
  • Planning safe travel routes

This course combines Earth science, outdoor exploration, and problem-solving while helping students understand the natural forces that shape our planet.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) introduces students to forensic science through hands-on investigations.

Students will learn about:

  • Fingerprint analysis
  • DNA evidence
  • Hair and fiber analysis
  • Arson investigations
  • Crime scene evidence collection
  • Scientific problem solving

Students will investigate simulated crime scenes while learning how science is used in criminal investigations and forensic careers.

Computer Science

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Computer Science introduces students to programming, digital design, and creative problem-solving through technology.

Students will:

  • Learn computer programming concepts.
  • Create digital projects.
  • Explore graphic design.
  • Build problem-solving skills.
  • Learn computer fundamentals.

Students may use technology tools such as:

  • Canva
  • Code.org
  • Google Drive
  • Makey Makey
  • Micro:bit

Students will also have an opportunity to learn introductory soldering techniques.

This course encourages creativity while developing technology skills that support future academic and career opportunities.

FOCAS (Future Opportunities Come from Academic Success)

Grade Levels: 6–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

FOCAS helps students develop the academic skills needed for success in middle school and beyond.

Students will strengthen:

  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Study skills
  • Academic habits
  • Goal setting

The course provides strategies that help students become more confident, independent learners.

Minecraft Education

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Minecraft Education introduces students to computer science through coding in the Minecraft learning environment.

Students will:

  • Learn introductory coding concepts.
  • Use Minecraft Code Builder.
  • Solve coding challenges.
  • Develop computational thinking skills.
  • Practice problem-solving through interactive activities.

This course provides an engaging introduction to programming and computer science.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisites:

  • Teacher recommendation
  • Completed AVID application

Course Description

AVID prepares students for success in rigorous high school coursework and college readiness.

Students will develop skills in:

  • Organization
  • Note-taking
  • Study strategies
  • Time management
  • Goal setting
  • Collaboration
  • Critical thinking

Students also participate in:

  • College and career exploration
  • Guest speakers
  • Field trips
  • Socratic seminars
  • Portfolio development

The course is designed to support students who demonstrate academic potential and are motivated to prepare for college.

Leadership

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisite: Application required.

Course Description

Leadership provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills while serving the Windsor Middle School community.

Students will:

  • Plan school activities and events.
  • Organize assemblies and rallies.
  • Create school announcements and videos.
  • Work collaboratively with classmates.
  • Build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Students may also serve in Associated Student Body (ASB) leadership positions, including:

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer

Yearbook and Journalism

Grade Levels: 7–8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Yearbook and Journalism gives students the opportunity to document school events while developing communication and publication skills.

Students will:

  • Write stories and articles.
  • Take photographs.
  • Design yearbook layouts.
  • Interview students and staff.
  • Learn basic journalism skills.
  • Work collaboratively to produce the Windsor Middle School Yearbook.

Students also contribute to the school's student newspaper, the Jaggy Journal.

This course develops skills in writing, creativity, communication, teamwork, and graphic design.

Student Aide Opportunities

Grade Level: 8

Course Length: Year

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • Completed application

Student aides provide support to Windsor Middle School staff while developing responsibility, organization, and workplace skills.

Library Aide

Library Aides assist with daily library operations.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Organizing books and materials.
  • Assisting students.
  • Maintaining library organization.
  • Supporting library staff.

Office Aide

Office Aides assist office staff with daily administrative tasks.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Greeting visitors.
  • Delivering messages.
  • Answering phones.
  • Running school errands.
  • Assisting with clerical tasks.

Teacher's Aide

Teacher's Aides support classroom instruction under teacher supervision.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Organizing classroom materials.
  • Assisting with classroom activities.
  • Supporting students during lessons.
  • Helping teachers prepare instructional materials.

This position helps students develop responsibility, leadership, and communication skills while supporting the classroom learning environment.

 

Contact for Assistance with Electives

Need help or assistance viewing or accessing our school electives, please contact our school counselor, Leonor Goff at lgoff@wusd.org or (707) 687-7567