Elective Department
Elective Courses
At Slater Middle School, we are proud to offer a rich selection of ten diverse elective classes, allowing students to explore their interests and passions beyond the core curriculum. From art and music to culinary arts and ethnic studies, our electives provide a wide range of opportunities for creative expression, hands-on learning, and cultural exploration.
Students can immerse themselves in subjects like biodiversity, where they learn about environmental stewardship, or dive into culinary classes that teach essential cooking skills. Each elective is designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth, empowering students to discover their unique talents and build a well-rounded educational experience. With such a large variety of electives, Slater truly supports every student's journey toward self-discovery and academic success!
Art - Aileen Cormack
In art class, students explore their creativity and develop essential artistic skills through a variety of projects and mediums. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to experiment with drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art while fostering an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. Through collaborative projects and individual assignments, students enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Culinary Class - Gena Lilligren
The Culinary class is off to a great start! First of all, thank you so much to all of the families that donated $50 to help our class buy food supplies. We spend an average of $100 a week on food supplies for three classes as we cook each week. It adds up really fast. After starting the year with food preparation basics and getting to know our kitchens, we are moving forward to more complicated menu items. Each week we do something new and it's always exciting!
Welcome, all new and returning Spartans.
We'll have fun in the kitchen preparing and eating some great foods while learning culinary basics, a variety of cultural foods, nutrition and food production and celebrating holidays.
Bring your appetite and let’s “get cooking!”
The culinary class supplies everything you need to participate thanks to your generous donation of
$25.00 during the first month of school. Checks can be made payable to HSMS.
Recommended Supplies:
- 3 ring binder
Band, Choir, Orchestra and Guitar- Sara Williams
Our middle school music program offers a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their musical talents, with classes in band, orchestra, choir, and guitar. Throughout the year, students showcase their skills by performing at school events and community venues, while also attending inspiring performances to enrich their musical experience.
Spanish- Carmen Osorio
In middle school Spanish class, students are introduced to the basics of the Spanish language, including foundational vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Through interactive lessons, students practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish, building confidence in everyday conversations. Cultural topics are also explored to help students appreciate the diverse Spanish-speaking world. Whether they're just starting out or advancing their skills, the class encourages language development in a fun and engaging environment.
cosorio@srcs.k12.ca.us
Drama - Gena Lilligren
Drama is a great class! It is a wonderful place to make close friendships and lasting memories. Students learn acting and vocal technique and improvisational skills, in preparation for the class productions. Typically we have two productions in a school year. The Winter Showcase, comprised of a one-act play, a series of monologues, and a few musical numbers, will be at the end of the first semester. The second production will be a full-on musical performed at the end of the school year. As a drama student, you will be required to: 1. Participate in classroom assignments
2. Memorize lines and blocking when assigned
3. Attend afterschool rehearsals when required (calendars will be provided in advance) 4. Attend at least one Saturday work party per semester (Don’t worry! They’re fun!) 5. Attend and participate in ALL scheduled performances.
Industrial Tech - Kyle Desideri
In industrial tech class, students explore the fundamentals of hands-on technology and engineering. Through a variety of projects, they learn to work with tools, materials, and basic machinery to design and build functional products. The class fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking as students gain practical experience in areas such as woodworking, drafting, and simple electronics. Industrial tech equips students with valuable skills for future STEM-related fields while encouraging teamwork and safe practices in a workshop setting.
Leadership - Wendy Provost
Slater Middle School's Leadership class is a dynamic group of students dedicated to making school events and activities unforgettable. From coordinating dances and rallies to helping organize Back to School Night, the Leadership team plays a vital role in building school spirit and community. Students in this class develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills while planning events that bring Slater's students, staff, and families together throughout the year.
Biodiversity- David Healy
In our middle school biodiversity class, students explore the incredible variety of life on Earth, from the tiniest microorganisms to the largest ecosystems. Through engaging activities, discussions, and hands-on investigations, students will learn about species interactions, habitats, and the importance of conservation. The class aims to foster an understanding of how living organisms are interconnected and the role humans play in maintaining biodiversity for a balanced and thriving environment.
Media/Yearbook- Megan Covey
In this incredibly fun yearbook/multimedia class, students become creators and storytellers, capturing the highlights and memories of the school year through photography, design, and digital media. They will learn to take compelling photos, conduct interviews, and design layouts using creative tools like Canva. With hands-on projects, students will collaborate to produce a yearbook that reflects the school’s unique community, while gaining valuable skills in multimedia production and storytelling.
Ethnic Studies - Nadia Bowen
In ethnic studies class, students delve into the rich and diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of various ethnic groups. Through discussions, projects, and critical thinking, students will explore topics like identity, social justice, and the impact of historical and contemporary events on different communities. This class encourages empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of how diversity shapes our world, helping students develop a more inclusive perspective on society.
