Windsor Middle School

Electives at WMS

Electives at WMS

Selecting electives:

7^th & 8^th grade Students will be offered electives that will comprise of either a year-long course or two semester-long courses (Fall/Spring). 6^th 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.

Windsor Middle School: Elective Course Descriptions (2025–2026)

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.

6th Grade Elective Rotation

(Quarterly rotation – subject to change)
Students rotate through introductory electives such as Art, Intro to Spanish, Film Studies, Success Skills, Career Exploration, Intro to Theater, STEM, or academic support (if needed).

Band (Beginning) – 6th–8th Grade (Year)

Learn to play flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, bass clarinet, tuba, or saxophone. Percussion auditions available after Winter Concert. Includes concerts, recordings, and optional marching. Helps build brain development and academic performance.

Honor Band – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Band or equivalent.
Advanced band class for dedicated students. Instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, and percussion. Requires excellent behavior and commitment. Includes field trips and festivals.

Strings (Beginning) – 6th–8th Grade (Year)

Entry-level class for violin, viola, cello, or bass. Learn music reading, instrument skills, and ensemble performance. Includes Winter and Spring concerts. Attendance and organization are essential.

Maestro Strings (Honors Orchestra) – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginning Strings or similar experience.
Advanced string orchestra class. Includes classical, jazz, pop, and rock music. Multiple performance opportunities.

Introduction to Performing Arts – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Explore dance, theatre, and music through group performance projects. Includes in-class and showcase performances.

Spanish A (Beginning) – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Introductory course focused on conversation, reading, writing, and grammar. Equivalent to Spanish I, semester 1 at Windsor High School.

Spanish 1 – 8th Grade (Year)

Rigorous full-year course in Spanish. Covers listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. Successful completion qualifies students for Spanish 2 at the high school.

Spanish for Spanish Speakers – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

For native or heritage Spanish speakers. Focuses on language development, cultural understanding, and academic proficiency in Spanish.

Minecraft for Education – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Intro to coding using Minecraft Code Builder. Develop computer science skills through engaging puzzles and Minecraft worlds.

Design and Engineering 1 – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Intro to engineering and design with tools like robots, 3D printers, and cardboard construction. Projects emphasize problem-solving and teamwork. Aligned with NGSS and other standards.

Advanced Design and Engineering – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Prerequisite: Design and Engineering 1 and teacher approval.
Hands-on projects in robotics, coding, and invention. Build a street-legal electric Switch vehicle. Emphasis on creativity and technical skill development.

Build Academy – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Hands-on introduction to carpentry and woodworking. Students use real tools and complete individual and group projects. Includes guest speakers and field trips.

Film Studies – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Explore movie genres, themes, and cinematic techniques. Students analyze films and gain media literacy through guided discussions.

Art – 7th–8th Grade (Semester or Year)

Create visual art using various mediums. Learn about art history, styles, and design principles.

Culinary I (Beginning) – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Learn kitchen safety, nutrition, and cooking skills. Includes gardening and field trips. Emphasis on fresh ingredients and real-world skills.

Culinary II (Intermediate) – 8th Grade Only (Year)

Prerequisite: Completion of Culinary I and teacher approval.
Advanced cooking techniques and hospitality career exploration. Continued gardening, recipe use, and kitchen skills development.

Science of Natural Disasters – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Study Earth’s extreme processes like volcanoes and earthquakes. Includes hands-on activities, simulations, and discussions on disaster prediction and mitigation.

Crime Science Investigation (CSI) – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Explore forensic science through labs on DNA, fingerprints, arson, and evidence analysis. Learn how science applies to criminal investigations and careers.

FOCAS (Future Opportunities Come from Academic Success) – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Develop academic skills such as organization, time management, and study habits. Designed to support success in all classes.

Computer Science – 7th–8th Grade (Semester)

Introduction to programming, digital design, and tech tools. Projects include logos, ads, and interactive media. Tools may include Canva, CodeCombat, Makey Makey, and Micro:bits.

AVID – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and AVID application.
Supports college-bound students through writing, inquiry, collaboration, and organization. Field trips and guest speakers included. For students who may be first in their family to attend college.

Gardening and Cooking – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Learn to grow food in the school garden and cook meals from scratch. Includes field trips, guest speakers, and beehive care.

Law and Debate – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Participate in mock trials and debates. Study the Bill of Rights, government systems, and persuasive speaking. Open to students who are respectful of differing viewpoints.

Leadership – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Application required.
Plan school events, create videos, and organize rallies. Opportunity to serve in ASB officer roles.

Yearbook/Journalism – 7th–8th Grade (Year)

Create the school yearbook and student newspaper. Involves writing, photography, and layout design. Covers all aspects of WMS student life.

Student Aide Options – 8th Grade Only

Prerequisite: 2.5 GPA and application.
Choose one of the following:

Library Aide: Help organize and manage the school library.
Office Aide: Support office staff with clerical tasks and communication.
Teacher’s Aide: Assist teachers in the classroom with materials and student support.

Contact for Assistance with Electives

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