Electives » Elective Classes

Elective Classes

 Art

Course Description:

This quarter long course will challenge students’ in grades 6th-8th and their way of thinking by experimenting with new artistic skills. This course will help students develop creative thinking to get to higher problem-solving skills while learning art techniques. Students will work with a variety of art materials to gain exposure to different forms of art to find what they connect with.

Design and Modeling

Course Description:

This one-quarter, hands-on career tech class for 7th graders introduces students to essential design and engineering skills. Students will learn how to sketch, measure, and dimension accurately, and they will also gain experience using 3D modeling software. By applying the design process, students will work on solving real-world problems, developing practical skills that can be applied to future STEM opportunities.

 

Drama

Course Description:

6th Grade Drama is a one-quarter elective designed to help students build confidence in their presentation and performance skills. Through engaging activities such as Reader’s Theater, skits, character analysis, and student-driven projects, students collaborate to create unique productions. This class fosters creativity and teamwork, providing a fun and dynamic environment for students to express themselves and explore the art of drama.

 

Finance

Course Description:

This nine-week course equips 8th graders with essential money management skills. Students will learn about budgeting, saving, investing, credit, and managing everyday expenses. By the end of the class, they’ll understand how to create a budget, save for big purchases like a car or home, and plan for the future through college and retirement funds.

Key topics include saving, budgeting, credit cards, debt management, taxes, investing, and career planning. This course will give students the tools they need to confidently handle finances in the real world.

 

Leadership

 
Course Description:
 
Leadership is Selkirk Middle School’s student government program, designed to develop confident and positive student leaders. In this year-long elective, students learn valuable skills such as teamwork, goal setting, decision making, and time management while representing their peers in Student Council meetings. Leadership students also take on the responsibility of organizing key school activities, including assemblies, spirit days, fundraisers, community service events, socials, Parent Night, and Back to School Night—making a significant impact on the school community.How Leadership Works: As part of the Leadership program, students commit to participating throughout the entire school year. Student Council meetings are held during class time, but leadership responsibilities extend beyond the classroom. While the course is fun and rewarding, it also demands dedication, responsibility, and involvement in school activities outside of the regular school day.How to Enroll: Leadership students are selected through an application process. Applicants must demonstrate responsibility, positive leadership, and a commitment to serving as role models at school. Leadership students are also expected to maintain at least a 3.25 GPA and complete 4 service learning (volunteer) hours per quarter. Elections will take place later in the year, but students must first complete and submit their application packets by the deadline.Successful Leadership students are:
  • Responsible, organized, and proactive
  • Willing to participate in school events beyond school hours
  • Academically successful with a minimum 3.25 GPA
  • Individuals of high moral character
 

Robotics: 

Course Description:

In this 8th-grade robotics course, students will explore the exciting world of engineering and automation by building a variety of mechanisms and programming them to perform specific tasks. Through hands-on projects,  they will learn coding, programming, and automation skills, using sensors to create systems that react to environmental inputs, such as detecting colors. Collaboration is key, as students work in teams to design and build innovative products for "clients." There are plans to expand the robotics program to 7th grade in the near future, offering even more opportunities for students to develop these valuable skills.
 

Textile Arts:

Course Description:

In this class, students will explore the basics of textiles, learning hand sewing and embroidery skills while working on small projects. They will also practice using sewing tools and vocabulary. By the end of the course, students will apply their techniques to create a three-dimensional pillow from a flat paper pattern, using materials like felt or broadcloth.

These skills can be used to repair clothing, craft personal items, or even inspire future interests in fashion design and related fields like apparel design, pattern reading, or textile innovation. The possibilities start here!

 

World Cultures

Course Description:

In this quarter-long project-based class, students will explore a country of their choice by conducting in-depth research on various aspects of its culture, geography, and way of life. Throughout the course, students will gather information on topics such as population, geography, major tourist attractions, political and religious systems, language, cuisine, pop culture, and daily life.

Using their research, students will create engaging materials like maps, language guides (e.g., “5 must-know phrases in Thailand” or “3 slang terms to sound like a local in Brazil”), and an end-of-course brochure showcasing their chosen destination. At the end of the quarter, students will present their brochures to the class, sharing insights into the unique qualities of their destination. This class encourages creativity, cultural awareness, and presentation skills while allowing students to immerse themselves in global learning.

 

Yearbook

Course Description:

Yearbook is a hands-on, behind-the-scenes class focused on documenting and communicating the events of the school year. Primarily an 8th-grade course, students create the school's yearbook, ensuring every student is featured at least twice, while learning teamwork, goal setting, decision-making, and time management. In addition, students manage Selkirk’s social media, collaborate with the Leadership class on activities, and organize assemblies and videos.

How Yearbook Works: This year-long elective is divided into four sub-groups: Social Media, Photography, Yearbook Design, and Marketing/Sales. These groups collaborate to meet deadlines and produce a high-quality yearbook. Though fun, the class requires responsibility, dedication, and time outside of school.

How to Apply: Yearbook students, primarily 8th graders, must be creative, responsible, and willing to work beyond school hours to meet deadlines. Selection is based on a completed application. A successful yearbook student attends events, works independently, and contributes to the overall success of the team. Attendance at quarterly work parties and photographing events outside of school (minimum of two per quarter) are required.  

See the Yearbook Page for more information.