Electives

Grade 6:
Business (Intro to Business) - 100130: This course introduces middle school students to the basics of business. Topics include developing a product or service through the marketing phase, personal investment, and communication. This course provides valuable skills that are useful in both business and daily life.
Drama - 100410: This course is intended for those students who would like to explore the craft of acting and theatrical performances. Students will develop skills in acting, playwriting, stage/costume design, and theater management through the process of selecting a play from a variety of theater genres for public performance. One trimester of acting/performance and playwriting, one trimester of theater design arts, and one trimester of production of a play at school.
Exp Art (Introduction to Art) - 100404: A year-long introductory course that explores a variety of 2D and 3D art mediums including drawing with pencil, pastels, painting, printmaking, clay/ceramics, and three-dimensional design. There is no prerequisite for this course. It is open to all students.
Exploring Technology (Exploring Career Pathways) - 100270: This elective gives students the opportunity to explore a different technology-based course each trimester which aligns with high school career pathways Video:
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Digital Photography: Students will learn techniques to take quality digital photos, the basics of exposure and composition, video production and editing, and how to manipulate pictures in a number of artistic projects in Photoshop. This introduction creates a pathway to Yearbook and Advanced Photography.
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Gateway to Technology: Features a project-based curriculum in which Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) are used in the designing and building of projects, including Video Production.
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Green Architecture: Students learn how to apply “green” concepts to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.
The course aims to address the influence of beliefs on mathematical learning, supporting students' beliefs about their ability to succeed. By encouraging positive mathematical identities and fostering an open mindset, students will gain the tools to approach math with curiosity, resilience, and creativity.
Orchestra 1 - 100550: Orchestra is the string instrument section of the music program at Meadowbrook. It consists of violin, viola, cello and string bass. This is a year-long elective which meets daily. Orchestra 1 is for students who have one year of string experience or who are new to playing a string instrument. Students play a variety of string music ranging from pop to classical, movie themes and more. There will be at least 2 evening concerts. School cellos and basses are available to use at school. No prior experience necessary Video
Spanish Workshop MS (Spanish for Spanish Speakers) - 102102: This class is a 3-year commitment that is taught exclusively in Spanish and designed for students from an immersion program and for native speakers. This class will strengthen students’ Spanish language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing by building on their previous knowledge to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their command of grammar, and achieve more confidence and fluency in speaking and writing while learning about the diversity of the Hispanic cultures. The skills acquired in this course will help reinforce students’ bilingual abilities, cultural competence and prepare them for an advanced high school Spanish program. Students will be assessed prior to class placement.
6th GR Expl (Mustang Wheel) - 100615: During the exploratory wheel period, students cycle through a variety of subjects from AVID to tech skills.
6th Grade PE 2 (Team Sports) - 100014: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, and net sports throughout the school year. There is an emphasis on team building and competitive play.
Grade 7:
AVID 7th - 109550: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college prep elective designed to support students in a rigorous academic curriculum using weekly tutorial and improving organization, questioning skills and study skills. Students must complete an application and attend an interview session. Video
Business (Intro to Business) - 100130: This course introduces middle school students to the basics of business. Topics include developing a product or service through the marketing phase, personal investment, and communication. This course provides valuable skills that are useful in both business and daily life.
Business Pathway - 100131:This yearlong pathway course begins a journey into business. Students will analyze and enhance their basic knowledge of personal management with the goal of better understanding their place in the world economy. They will develop and apply math skills to practical applications in the workplace while learning basic economics. As their knowledge of business expands, they will collaboratively create sales and marketing tools while learning professional and effective communication. Throughout the course, human resource skills develop from cooperative learning, planning, organizing, decision-making, and creative thinking.
Concert Band - 100535: Students will continue to develop their instrumental music skills individually and in a group setting. There will be at least 2 band concerts during the year, as well as other performance opportunities. Students will continue to develop skills that will enable them to be successful musicians in high school and beyond. Video
Digital Media Production 1 - 100998: This program serves as an introduction to photography and video production. Students will learn the basics of photo and video composition, creative thinking, and the history of the art forms. Projects will be created through a process that involves careful preparation, deliberate application of aesthetic principles, and the skilled use of equipment. Class Website
Digital Photography - 100876: Students will gain expertise in digital photography and filmmaking. Students will learn techniques to take quality pictures and films using digital cameras, manual controls, and the exposure triangle. Students will learn how to manipulate their photos and films afterwards in a number of artistic projects using digital editing software for photography and film, such as Photoshop. This course is a CTE pathway to Advanced Photography, and High School Photo 1-4. Video Class Website
Drama 100410: This course is intended for those students who would like to explore the craft of acting and theatrical performances. Students will develop skills in acting, playwriting, stage/costume design, and theater management through the process of selecting a play from a variety of theater genres for public performance. One trimester of acting/performance and playwriting, one trimester of theater design arts, and one trimester of production of a play at school.
Exp Art (Introduction to Art) - 100404: A year-long introductory course that explores a variety of 2D and 3D art mediums including drawing with pencil, pastels, painting, printmaking, clay/ceramics, and three-dimensional design. There is no prerequisite for this course. It is open to all students.
Exploring Technology/Exploring Career Pathways - 100270: This elective gives students the opportunity to explore a different technology-based course each trimester which aligns with high school career pathways. Students who had this course in 6th grade can not take it again. Video
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Computer Science and Introduction to Coding is also included throughout the course.
- Digital Photography: Students will learn techniques to take quality pictures, the basics of exposure, and how to manipulate pictures in a number of artistic projects, including an introduction to Yearbook editing software.
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Gateway to Technology: Features a project-based curriculum in which Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) are used in the designing and building of projects, including Video Production.
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Green Architecture: Students learn how to apply “green” concepts to the fields of architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability as they design affordable housing units using Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software.
Intensive Spanish Program (7th Intensive Spanish Program): This seventh grade course is the second year of the three-year commitment of the Intensive Spanish Program. After studying Spanish for three years, students will be assessed for placement to enter a PUSD high school Spanish 5/6 class. If enrolled in Intensive Spanish Program (ISP), you will automatically be enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year. Video
Orchestra 2 - 100555: This class is for students with at least one year of experience playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, and string bass). Students will further skills on musical instruments and perform different styles of music. A greater emphasis is placed on individual and group performance. Students provide their own instruments. School cellos and basses are available to use at school only. Video
Science through Technology (STEM Lab) - 100271: This is a year-long project and lab-based elective for students who are interested in exploring science and engineering. The focus is on current topics and real-world problem-solving in areas such as medical disease detectives, human body systems and nutrition, green architecture, and energy and the environment. This course will emphasize collaborative, hands-on learning.
Spanish Workshop MS (Spanish for Spanish Speakers): This class is a 3-year commitment that is taught exclusively in Spanish and designed for students from an immersion program and for native speakers. This class will strengthen students’ Spanish language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing by building on their previous knowledge to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their command of grammar, and achieve more confidence and fluency in speaking and writing while learning about the diversity of the Hispanic cultures. The skills acquired in this course will help reinforce students’ bilingual abilities, cultural competence and prepare them for an advanced high school Spanish program. If enrolled in Spanish for Spanish Speakers, you will automatically be enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year.
Yearbook -100360: Students will learn all aspects of producing our school yearbook - including design, layout, sales, and distribution. Students will also learn digital photography and editing. This is a great elective choice for our most responsible and accountable students-we have real world deadlines and we produce a high value end product.
3D Art (Sculpture/3D Art) - 100225: A year-long, hands-on, beginning-level course designed to explore three-dimensional sculpture and public art. Projects will include clay/ceramic sculpture and design, murals, mosaics, and wire sculpture among others.
7th/8th Gr PE 2 (Team Sports) - 100026: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, and net sports throughout the school year. There is an emphasis on team building and competitive play.
Grade 8:
AVID 8th - 109600: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college prep elective designed to support students in a rigorous academic curriculum using weekly tutorial and improving organization, questioning skills and study skills. Students must complete an application and attend an interview session. Video
Band (Wind Ensemble) - 100525: Students will continue to develop their instrumental music skills individually and in a group setting. Wind Ensemble students will perform a minimum of four concerts per year, including our district music festival and other performance opportunities. Eighth grade students in this band will perform along with other student musicians from our local high schools at 8th grade night and football game. Video
Business (Intro to Business) - 100130: This course introduces middle school students to the basics of business. Topics include developing a product or service through the marketing phase, personal investment, and communication. This course provides valuable skills that are useful in both business and daily life.
Business Pathway - 100131:This yearlong pathway course begins a journey into business. Students will analyze and enhance their basic knowledge of personal management with the goal of better understanding their place in the world economy. They will develop and apply math skills to practical applications in the workplace while learning basic economics. As their knowledge of business expands, they will collaboratively create sales and marketing tools while learning professional and effective communication. Throughout the course, human resource skills develop from cooperative learning, planning, organizing, decision-making, and creative thinking.
Digital Media Production I - 100998: This program serves as an introduction to photography and video production. Students will learn the basics of photo and video composition, creative thinking, and the history of the art forms. Projects will be created through a process that involves careful preparation, deliberate application of aesthetic principles, and the skilled use of equipment. Video
Digital Photography - 100876: Students will gain expertise in digital photography and filmmaking. Students will learn techniques to take quality pictures and films using digital cameras, manual controls, and the exposure triangle. Students will learn how to manipulate their photos and films afterwards in a number of artistic projects using digital editing software for photography and film, such as Photoshop. This course is a CTE pathway to Advanced Photography, and High School Photo 1-4. Video Class Website
Digital Photography 2 - 100877: Students will expand expertise in digital photography and filmmaking. Students will take quality pictures and films using digital cameras, manual controls, and the exposure triangle. Students will manipulate their photos and films afterwards in a number of artistic projects using digital editing software for photography and film, such as Photoshop. Students will participate in a variety of local exhibitions and competitions. This course is a CTE pathway to High School Photo 1-4.
Drama 100410: This course is intended for those students who would like to explore the craft of acting and theatrical performances. Students will develop skills in acting, playwriting, stage/costume design, and theater management through the process of selecting a play from a variety of theater genres for public performance. One trimester of acting/performance and playwriting, one trimester of theater design arts, and one trimester of production of a play at school.
Exp Art (Introduction to Art) - 100404: A year-long introductory course that explores a variety of 2D and 3D art mediums including drawing with pencil, pastels, painting, printmaking, clay/ceramics, and three-dimensional design. There is no prerequisite for this course. It is open to all students.
Gateway to Technology - 100480: Features a project-based curriculum in which Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) are used in the designing and building of projects. Modules include 3-D design and printing, wood, plastic, and metal process, robotics, rocketry and more! This is a year-long course. Video
Intensive Spanish Program (8th Intensive Spanish Program): This course is the third year of the three-year commitment of the Intensive Spanish Program. After studying Spanish for three years, students will be assessed for placement to enter a PUSD high school Spanish 5/6 class. If enrolled in Intensive Spanish Program (ISP), you will automatically be enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year. Video
Journalism - 100361: This course begins a journey into the dynamic world of journalism and media. Students will explore the fundamentals of journalistic writing and production, developing skills in research, interviewing, and storytelling. They will focus on reporting school news, events, sports, and other topics that connect and engage the school community, fostering a sense of shared identity and pride. Students will apply their creativity and critical thinking to craft news articles, opinion pieces, and multimedia content, while also learning layout design, photography, and digital publishing.
Orchestra 2 - 100555: This class is for students with at least one year of experience playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, string bass). Students will further skills on musical instruments and perform different styles of music. A greater emphasis is placed on individual and group performance. Students provide their own instruments. School cellos and basses are available to use at school only. Video
Science through Tech (STEM Lab) - 100271: This is a year-long project and lab-based elective for students who are interested in exploring science and engineering. The focus is on current topics and real-world problem-solving in areas such as medical disease detectives, human body systems and nutrition, green architecture, and energy and the environment. This course will emphasize collaborative, hands-on learning.
Spanish 1/2 - 100470: A first year course that develops the four communication skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing with basic vocabulary, grammar, and idiomatic expressions. Successful students may go on to Spanish 3-4 in high school. Video
Spanish Workshop MS (Spanish for Spanish Speakers): This class is a 3-year commitment that is taught exclusively in Spanish and designed for students from an immersion program and for native speakers. This class will strengthen students’ Spanish language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing by building on their previous knowledge to expand their vocabulary, strengthen their command of grammar, and achieve more confidence and fluency in speaking and writing while learning about the diversity of the Hispanic cultures. The skills acquired in this course will help reinforce students’ bilingual abilities, cultural competence and prepare them for an advanced high school Spanish program. If enrolled in Spanish for Spanish Speakers, you will automatically be enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year.
Video Tech (MBMS News) - 100580: Students learn that video products are created through a process that involves careful preparation, deliberate application of aesthetic principles, and the skilled use of equipment. Students will be involved in the creation of the weekly Meadowbrook News Broadcast.
Yearbook- 100360: Students will learn all aspects of producing our school yearbook - including design, layout, sales, and distribution. Students will also learn digital photography and editing. This is a great elective choice for our most responsible and accountable students-we have real world deadlines and we produce a high value end product.
7th/8th Gr PE 2 (Team Sports) - 100026: Students will participate in field sports, court sports, and net sports throughout the school year. There is an emphasis on team building and competitive play.
Dual Language Program:
What are the benefits of Dual Language?
- Students develop high levels of literacy in Spanish and English.
- Students in dual language programs perform at or above grade level than students in English-only classes.
- English learners in dual language immersion programs make better progress in acquiring full proficiency in English than students in traditional English language development program models.
- Classrooms bring together students from different language, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, where students learn firsthand about cultures that are different from their own.
Who can join?
Any student who can speak, read, and write in Spanish can join the dual language program. Specifically:
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Valley Elementary Dual Immersion students who would like to continue their Dual Language training
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English learners who speak Spanish
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Students who speak English and Spanish
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Any students wishing to join the MBMS program who have not previously been enrolled in a Dual Language program will take a short assessment.
Students in the dual language program will take Social Studies in Spanish. This replaces their traditional social studies class. Students follow the same content standards as other social studies classes, accompanied by a focus on Spanish language development.
Students are encouraged to also sign up for the Intensive Spanish Program as their elective to enhance their Spanish language development.
How to join the MBMS program
Students currently enrolled in a Dual Language program will automatically continue in the program. If you would like to join the Dual Language program for the first time, please express your interest on the annual registration form or contact MBMS Assistant Principal Claudia Bugarin at [email protected] for more information.
Staff Contacts
Claudia Bugarin - Assistant Principal
Guillermo Burgos - Dual language teacher
Susan Manly - Intensive Spanish teacher
Lea Garza - School Counselor