Our middle school elective courses are designed to give our students an opportunity to exercise their creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative skills. Teachers plan a variety of quarter-long, semester-long and year-long electives to pique the interest of students beyond the core curriculum. At St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School, we aim to equip each one of our middle school students with the tools, confidence, and abilities demanded by our constant innovating world.
In this elective class, middle school students embark on a multifaceted journey of intellectual exploration and enrichment. Through a diverse range of subjects, students delve into a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster academic achievement and holistic learning. Under the guidance of skilled educators, students engage in rigorous coursework tailored to their interests and academic goals.
In "Chopped," students embark on an exciting culinary adventure where they learn the art of cooking. Inspired by the popular television show, students will discover the joy of experimenting with ingredients, flavors, and techniques to create delicious dishes. Under Father JS's guidance, students will explore fundamental cooking skills such as knife handling, food safety, and various cooking methods. From appetizers to desserts, students will have the opportunity to showcase their culinary talents and develop a deeper appreciation for food and cooking. Through hands-on experiences in the kitchen, students will not only learn valuable cooking skills but also cultivate a sense of confidence and independence in the culinary arts.
In this class, middle school students delve into the dynamic landscape of global and local news. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, students explore a wide array of news articles, gaining insights into current events shaping their world both near and far. From political developments and social issues to scientific breakthroughs and cultural trends, students analyze and critically evaluate news sources to develop a nuanced understanding of the world around them. Through this class and with Mr. Contreras, students not only expand their knowledge of current events but also hone their critical thinking, communication, and civic engagement skills essential for navigating an increasingly interconnected global society.
Flexibility of thought, ease of adaptability, and expert collaboration are all skills that will put you 10 steps ahead in your future. In this elective, students will use different strategies and tactics to outthink their opponents in a variety of strategic board games and role playing games. This elective will be a fun way to boost critical thinking and collaboration skills, and it will provide opportunities to build relationships with students
In Coach Mac's video editing class, students embark on an exciting journey through the world of digital storytelling. Through hands-on experiences, students will explore every aspect of video production, from pre-production planning to post-production editing. They will develop skills in scriptwriting, interpersonal communication, teamwork, and media literacy as they work together to bring their creative vision to life. Students will collaborate to create the promo video for the school's highly anticipated Haunted Hallway event. Utilizing a variety of equipment including video cameras, iPads, iPhones, and laptop computers, students will engage in shooting videos, recording sound, and mastering the art of editing using software such as iMovie.
(Fall/Winter Semester ONLY)
In this class, students dive into the realm of journalism as they learn to craft compelling stories and report on the happenings of St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School. With a focus on journalistic principles and practices, students hone their writing, interviewing, and investigative skills to produce articles for The Bobcat Beacon, the school's new, student-run newspaper. Through hands-on experience and collaboration with peers, students not only contribute to a vibrant school community but also develop valuable communication skills and a deeper understanding of the importance of media literacy in today's world.
In this class led by Mr. Genova, students embark on a captivating journey into the art of photography. Through hands-on instruction and creative exploration, students learn essential photography skills, techniques, and principles. With a focus on composition, lighting, and storytelling through images, students develop their artistic vision and technical proficiency. The class emphasizes practical application as students contribute their photography to the school's yearbook, The Bobcat Beacon, and the school’s social media accounts. Under Mr. Genova's guidance, students capture the essence of school life, events, and community moments, adding depth and visual storytelling to both publications. Through this elective, students not only cultivate their passion for photography but also make meaningful contributions to documenting and preserving the memories of St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School.
In this course, students will learn from Mr. Higdon how to program in Java. Java is a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It has evolved from humble beginnings to power a large share of today’s digital world by providing a reliable platform upon which many services and applications are built. New, innovative products and digital services designed for the future continue to rely on Java. This class will program the robot for the FIRST Tech Challenge competition. This includes autonomous as well as driver-controlled programs.
In Mr. Genova's 3D Printing elective, middle school students embark on an innovative journey of design, creation, and sustainability. The course focuses on harnessing the power of 3D printing technology to promote efficiency in our environment. Through hands-on projects, students explore how 3D printing enables the production of complex shapes while using fewer materials compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Under Mr. Genova's guidance, students learn to use 3D modeling software to design their projects, then advance to the printing and construction phases. Throughout the course, students not only develop technical skills in 3D printing but also cultivate creativity, problem-solving abilities, and an understanding of sustainable design principles. By the end of the elective, students emerge as proficient users of 3D printing technology, equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to a more efficient and sustainable world.
(7th and 8th Grade ONLY)
Students will learn vocal anatomy, music comprehension, and how to use their time and talents to give God glory. Performance opportunities will be available to share their musical gifts. No musical background is required to join the choir!
In the year-long theater middle school class led by Ms. Carrizales, students embark on an immersive journey into the world of stagecraft and performance. The first semester is dedicated to preparing for the One Act play, where they delve into script analysis, character development, and technical aspects of production, culminating in participation in the PSIA competition. Following this, the second semester focuses on the spring musical, where students explore various genres of musical theater, including acting, singing, and dancing. Through collaborative efforts, they bring the production to life, refining their performance skills and stage presence. Throughout both semesters, under the guidance of Ms. Carrizales, students not only develop their acting abilities but also foster teamwork, creativity, and confidence on stage.
In the WIN (What I Need) middle school elective, guided by Mrs. Dezso, students embark on a journey to enhance their study skills and academic performance. Through personalized instruction, students explore various strategies to strengthen their organization, time management, note-taking, and test preparation techniques. Mrs. Dezso creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can identify their individual strengths and areas for growth. By the end of the course, students not only acquire essential study skills but also gain the confidence and resilience needed to thrive academically and beyond.
(Year-Long Course. Entry to this class is by teacher selectio based on observation and interview)
FIRST Tech Challenge teams are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Students will use Java as a programming language. The class must attend the competition as part of their grade. Students will develop a business plan, market the program, and generate revenue to support the program. It’s way more than building robots.
(Year-Long Course. Entry to this class is based on application and interview)