Counseling » 2026-2027 8th Grade Elective Information

2026-2027 8th Grade Elective Information

2026-2027 8th Grade Elective Information
These elective options are for current 7th grade students. Please make sure you review requirements and due dates.
  • Exploratory Wheel: The exploratory wheel classes offered include: Exploratory Art, Intro to Culinary Arts, and Intro to Construction (woodshop). These elective classes are semester long (August - December & January - June). Students will have the opportunity to take 2 wheel elective classes every year. Specific elective requests cannot be made, students are randomly assigned. In some classes, students construct take-home projects.
  • Beginning Band: Beginning Band is a semester-long introductory course designed to develop fundamental skills necessary for playing an instrument and reading music. Instruction is given in all wind, brass, and percussion instruments. There is no prerequisite. Students move into Intermediate after one semester of Beginning Band. 
  • Advanced Band: This year-long class stresses refinement of tone and a more advanced understanding of basic performance technique. Intonation, balance, and blend required in ensemble playing are developed. Fun and challenging band literature is studied with an aim toward perfection in performance. No audition required. experience shared through elective interest survey question will determine if student is placed in advanced music classes.
  • String Orchestra: This year-long class offers advanced instruction in all stringed instruments - violin, viola, cello, and bass. It is geared to enhance technique in both reading and playing music for students with prior experience. No audition required. experience shared through elective interest survey question will determine if student is placed in advanced music classes.
  • Choir: This year-long course develops skills in ensemble singing as well as in understanding structure and meaning of music. The chorus will perform various styles of choral literature, consisting of pop, jazz, the American musical, spiritual, and contest selections, for school and/or community programs. No audition is required. 
  • Beginning Dance: This year-long course is designed to introduce and promote the art of dance and encourage physical, emotional, and social growth. With a strong emphasis on basic jazz technique, dance will explore several areas of movement. This class will prove rewarding and challenging for experienced and non-experienced dancers alike. 
  • Intermediate Dance: This year-long course is designed for students who have already taken Beginning Dance and will promote the art of dance and encourage physical, emotional, and social growth. With a strong emphasis on basic jazz technique, students will continue to explore several areas of movement. This class will prove rewarding and challenging for experienced dancers. An audition is required for this class. 
    • Audition Dates: Current 7th grade students/future 8th Graders: Thursday, May 14 3:00-5:30. Auditions will be held in our dance studio,  room 1002.   Please drop your child off  in the parking lot on the corner of Dalby and Newhall (where the Golden Oak Adult school is located)  Students can enter the gate closest to the 1000 building
    • Audition Process: Click Here Students notified May 15th
    • Dance Teacher email Mrs. Sucheck [email protected]
  • Advanced Dance: This year-long class is designed for students who have an extensive background in dance. Students must audition or gain permission from the teacher to participate. The Advanced Dance class covers more difficult choreography and technique and students are expected to create and perform their own choreography. An audition is required for this class. 
    • Audition Dates: FUTURE 8th Graders: Thursday, May 14 3:00-5:30. Auditions will be held in our dance studio,  room 1002.   Please drop your child off  in the parking lot on the corner of Dalby and Newhall (where the Golden Oak Adult school is located). Students can enter the gate closest to the 1000 building
    • Audition Process: Click Here Students notified May 15th
    • Dance Teacher email Mrs. Sucheck [email protected]
  • Honors Spanish I, II, III: Students will be assessed and placed into Honors Spanish I, II, or III based on their current skill level. This multi-year honors pathway develops students’ proficiency in Spanish through increasing levels of vocabulary, grammar, and real-world communication. Instruction builds skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while exploring the cultures of Mexico, Latin America, and Spain. Emphasis is placed on meaningful communication, including describing daily life, discussing leisure and travel, and engaging in conversations about health, food, and culture.
    • Successful completion of each course with a grade of “C” or better is required to advance to the next level. With teacher recommendation, successful completion of this course with a “C” or better will fulfill one year of high school foreign language requirement. Prerequisite: “B” average required in English and a minimum 3.5 GPA. If we have more eligible students than room in the classes, we will fill the classes in descending order of G.P.A. beginning with 4.0 students. 
  • Associated Student Body (ASB) Leadership: This year-long class in leadership training is for the student interested in learning basic concepts of democratic government, leadership, parliamentary procedure, group process, speaking and writing, and organization in practical school situations. Prerequisite: 2.5 G.P.A. required and application process.
  • Yearbook: Students will study layout and design of pages, photography, copywriting, and organization in order to produce a yearbook. Organizational skills, working to deadlines, and other business related skills will be developed. An application is required for this class. Students notified by May 29th via email
  • Student Service: Student service is a year-long course. An opportunity is provided for responsible 8th graders to serve as assistants in the office or library. Also, students may be utilized to assist teachers in classrooms or physical education classes. Prerequisite: 3.0 G.P.A. required, good attendance and no behavior issues. You may see Ms. Barranco in the attendance office to pick up a student service request sheet if you want to serve with a particular teacher. 
  • Body Sculpt: Body Sculpting is a year long class featuring a combination of training sessions, classroom lectures, and hands-on demonstrations. Participants will have access to Placerita Junior High’s facilities, equipment, and experienced teachers who will guide and monitor their progress. Regardless of current fitness, all student-athletes will be expected to participate in physical class activities each day. Space is limited.
  • M@P Lab is a year-long, hands-on makerspace elective where students turn ideas into real creations. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and creativity. Students participate in project-based design challenges, create custom spirit wear for school and team events, explore 3D printing and other high-tech maker tools, and learn digital design using platforms such as Canva and Cricut. This course is ideal for students who enjoy making things, being creative, and want a unique elective that supports school spirit while building real-world design and problem-solving skills. An application is required for this class.
  • Makerspace Lab: Art and Literature is a hands-on class where you bring stories to life through creative projects. You’ll read exciting books and short stories, then design and build things like art pieces, models, and multimedia projects based on what you read. Instead of just talking about characters and themes, you’ll show your understanding by creating something unique. If you like reading, making things, or working with others, this class is for you. An application is required for this class.