ELECTIVE OFFERINGS
In addition to our outstanding academic offerings at Ladera Vista Junior High School of the Arts, we are proud to offer a wide variety of elective choices. You’ll find something for everyone, from Culinary Arts to Ladera Vista Productions. Students are invited to “Chart Your Course! Explore! Learn! Achieve!” Please note that the following expected elective offerings are based upon enrollment and staffing. We ask that all students select six electives and list them in ranked order on their enrollment sheet. Please note that prerequisites and/or auditions are noted in italics after elective descriptions.

CULINARY ARTS
Culinary Arts I – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
In this introductory class, students develop skills in using equipment and utensils safely, as well as basic food preparation skills. Through planning, preparing, and serving simple foods, students learn about nutrition, table setting, manners, and habits of orderliness. Simple breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and one-dish meals are prepared, keeping in mind the food guide pyramid and established cooking principles. This course is a learning experience designed to support students in working together cooperatively. Developing pride in accomplishments and taking responsibility for specific jobs is emphasized. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class.

Culinary Arts II – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Students in this advanced class learn about the culinary history of America, and also have an opportunity to prepare regional dishes from across the USA. Students work more independently and help in the planning of the foods projects. Meal planning, evaluation, nutrition, food purchasing and management procedures are stressed. Culinary Arts II Cooking Projects include: breakfasts, light lunches, hearty lunches, and dinners. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class. Successful completion of Culinary Arts I and Teacher Recommendation is a prerequisite.

GRAPHIC DESIGN I & II

In this elective, students are introduced to the latest technology in graphic design.  At the same time, they are taught about elements of art, principles of design, color theory and typography. Students will utilize these skills to develop compositions to express ideas, communicate messages or to create pleasing art for self-expression.  Students also create projects that promote school productions, concerts and events. Apple Pencils, iPad Pros, the Adobe Creative Suite and the Procreate App are used.  This year-long course combines beginning and advanced graphic design into one class.

3D DESIGN & PRINT LAB

This course will introduce the basics of three-dimensional design and processes. Students will explore the principles and meaning of form, space, function, mass, and structure as they relate to three-dimensional design. It will cover topics that include mechanical drawing, hand-building models/sculptures, mold making, and an introduction to creating, editing, and analyzing 3D models using software programs like TinkerCad and Blender. Students will develop foundational skills to work with and navigate the digital 3D modeling workspace to create 3D objects to print on 3D printers.

CYBERSECURITY I 

Cybersecurity is defined as the steps and processes taken to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from unauthorized access that can result in theft or damage.  Designed for students with no security experience or background, this course covers basic terminology and concepts of CyberSecurity. This course introduces students to problem-solving skills, reasoning, cybersecurity careers, IoT (Internet of Things), and basic online cybersecurity skills needed in an increasingly connected world. This is the prerequisite for CyberSecurity 2.

CYBERSECURITY II 

This Course is a continuation of CyberSecurity 1, exploring deeper into concepts and skills. The course is foundational to many pathways in CyberSecurity and/or Technological careers and certifications. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they learn security principles and practice using Packet Tracers.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of Cybersecurity 1.

PERFORMING ARTS
(Please note: Attendance at all performances is a required component of all Performing Arts Classes)

Beginning Band – Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This course is open to all students. No previous musical experience is required, although experience on piano or other instruments, or voice experience can be helpful. This class includes note reading and basic instrumental techniques on band instruments. Students are exposed to famous musicians throughout history, along with contemporary music as well. Students may be placed in either Intermediate or Advanced Band in the Second Semester based on individual improvement.

Intermediate Band – Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This course is open to students who are definitely beyond the beginning stages of learning how to play a musical instrument. Some Intermediate Band members have the opportunity to move to Advanced Band in the spring semester if they show marked improvement. Director recommendation is a prerequisite for this class.

Advanced Band – Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This group of musicians is made up primarily of 8th grade students with some advanced 7th grade students. The class focuses on more complex musicianship, with an emphasis on mastery of a variety of musical styles. Students must be available to go on field trips for off campus performances. Some after school rehearsals may be required. Director recommendation is a prerequisite for this class.

Guitar – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester – May Be Repeated)
Mastering the Guitar is an innovative, exciting way to learn music. In this class students will learn a variety of musical styles and techniques found in today’s music. Students will learn notation and tablature along with a vast array of guitar solo, duet and accompaniment styles. Guitars are available for student use. Material is designed for students to work at their own pace, so this class is appropriate for all levels beginning through advanced. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class.

Choir I – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester; May Be Repeated)
This is a one-semester class for 7th and 8th grade boys and girls with little or no previous singing experience. Students will sing various styles of music from different cultures and different historical periods. They will study all musical elements including music vocabulary, history and
theory. Students will compare and contrast musical works to apply their skills in aesthetic valuing and artistic perception. They will perform a varied repertoire of music and begin to compose original works. This is a performance-based class. Students will perform at the Winter Concert in December and Spartan Sweets in the Spring. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class.

Choir II – Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
This yearlong class is an auditioned group for experienced singers only (7th and 8th grade boys and girls). Students will use their increased vocabulary for in-depth exploration of the musical elements, music history and theory. They will practice sight-reading at a more difficult level. Students will continue to apply their skills in aesthetic valuing and artistic perception and will compose short pieces in various meters. They will perform a varied repertoire and will be evaluated for their accuracy and expressive quality. This is the select performing ensemble at LV. Students are expected to participate in many events both on and off campus over the course of the year. This may include Disneyland, Festivals and special District events. Students will participate in the Winter Concert and Spartan Sweets. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class. Audition and teacher approval is a prerequisite.

Dance I – Grades 7 & 8 (One or Two Semesters)
In Dance I, the students learn to execute beginning jazz dance isolations, steps and combinations to music. They also learn to demonstrate the relationship of movement to music (count, rhythm, tempo, time signature, polyrhythms). In time, students are expected to choreograph short combinations and conduct self-evaluations. The class also highlights different forms of dance (tap, lyrical, modern, ballet) and includes some of the history of dance. California Fitness Testing is included. This class may also be taken as a Physical Education Choice.

Dance II – Grades 7 & 8 – (One or Two Semesters)
In Dance II, students build upon the Dance I content with the semester culminating in a student- choreographed production, in which students are responsible for the choreography and presentation of a dance production concert. They will perform a variety of dance styles (tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary, Latin) with costumes, lighting, and sound. Audition and teacher approval is a prerequisite requirement. This class may also be taken as a Physical Education Choice.

In Dance III, students build upon the Dance II content with the semester culminating in a student-choreographed production, in which students are responsible for the choreography and presentation of a dance production concert. Audition and teacher approval is a prerequisite requirement. California Fitness Testing is included. Please note: Students must audition and be accepted in order to participate in this specialized class.

Theatre Arts I – Grades 7 & 8 (One or Two Semesters)
This course is an introduction to Theatre Arts. Students will participate in ensemble activities and do work in mime and movement, improvisation, vocal variations, and characterization. Students will also learn important Theatre Arts terminology that will be applied to monologues and scene work.

Theatre Arts II – Grade 8 (One or Two Semesters)
In Theater Arts II, we will build on the Theatre Arts I curriculum with more advanced activities in mime and movement, improvisation, vocal variations, and characterization. Our big project is our Performance Night. For this performance, the students will be working on scenes to perform for an audience. Completion of Drama 1 or LV Production with a “B” or better and teacher recommendation is a prerequisite.

Ladera Vista Productions – Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)
Students will perform a full length Broadway style musical in the Spring and will participate in all aspects of production, including acting, singing, dance and various aspects of technical theatre, such as stagecraft, lighting and sound. Strong ability is a plus, but is not a prerequisite. All students must have a desire to be a vital part of a production and must work well as part of a team. Auditions and teacher approval is prerequisite.

VISUAL AND APPLIED ARTS
Art I – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
This beginning course serves as an introduction to two-dimensional art making practices. Art 1 is designed to introduce the art elements and to develop the artistic skills of the students. Projects include drawing and shading techniques, painting, and color exploration. Students will explore various types of media. Visual vocabulary will be used in classroom discussion. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class.

Art II – Grade 7 & 8 (One Year)
Advanced art students will learn how to improve their drawing and painting skills. They will experiment with different types of media and be expected to take a more independent and responsible approach to exploring the elements and principles of art. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class. Successful completion of Art 1 and teacher recommendation is a prerequisite.

Arts and Crafts Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
This course serves as an introduction to three-dimensional art making practices. A wide range of media is used in this course including, but not limited to, wire, cardboard, paper mache, tooling metal, yarn printing ink, origami, and paint. Projects may include sculpture, assemblage, mask making, coil basket weaving and printmaking. Voluntary donations are accepted to offset the costs of the class.

Ceramics – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)
Students in our new Ceramics Class will learn the basics of ceramics in this introductory course, along with the rich history of ceramics throughout time. Beginning with basic projects, building to slab construction and finally creating thrown pottery on the wheel, students will have the opportunity to create beautiful works of art. Various types of clay and use of glazes will emphasize the chemistry of color. Construction techniques and the business side of art production will be included in this newly developed curriculum.

Mosaic – Grades 7 & 8 (One or Two Semesters)
The art of glass mosaic dates back to the earliest cultures. Students will explore the world of glass mosaic from ancient day to present and will learn a variety of techniques related to the beautiful art form. After completing an individual project, students will work collaboratively on projects designed for installation on our school campus and throughout our community. One of our first projects will be a beautiful piece for our local Saint Jude Hospital. Students will have the opportunity to meet with representatives to learn about the vision and placement of the piece, create an initial design to present to our “customers”, gain feedback through video-conferencing, make adjustments to their designs as needed, and finally, create and install a beautiful work of art to be enjoyed by our entire community.

WORLD LANGUAGES
Speaking, listening, understanding, reading and writing are the communication skills emphasized in learning a foreign language. The culture of the countries in which the target language is spoken will be taught. Oral and written practices are stressed in individual and group assignments. Homework assignments, from 20 to 30 minutes each, are assigned each school night. Upon completion of 1A and 1B, with a “B” or better average in the a foreign language, and with a recommendation from the instructor, the student may qualify for advanced placement in the 2nd year class as a high school freshman.

Spanish IA and Spanish IB (Two Years)
Learn about the language, culture and people of Spanish speaking countries. The emphasis of this class is on mastery of conversational Spanish, as well as an increased ability to read and write in Spanish. Students must score Proficient or Advanced score on the 5th or 6th Grade English Language Arts CST and/or Benchmark Assessments as a prerequisite.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Ladera Vista ASB Leadership (Grade 8 – Year Long, Grade 7 – Second Semester + One Year)
Student leaders plan and coordinate school wide activities while developing leadership skills. Students may choose to apply for an elected or appointed position. Qualified students should complete an application for each semester. Application, references and teacher approval required as a prerequisite.

AVID's mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing ALL students for college readiness and success in a global society. For one period a day, students receive the additional academic, social, and emotional support that will help them succeed in their school’s most rigorous courses. For the 2022-2023 school year, Ladera Vista will offer the AVID elective class for both 7th and 8th graders. All students at Ladera Vista benefit from the AVID program as AVID classroom activities, teaching practices, and academic behaviors can be incorporated into any classroom to improve engagement and success for all students. The majority of our teachers are AVID trained and incorporate AVID strategies to help all students, not just those in AVID, to become more college- and career-ready.