Elective Offerings

 

Intensive Spanish Program (6th Grade Intensive Spanish Program) - 100500:  Students are invited to launch into an exciting three-year adventure in Spanish language and culture. This program is designed for motivated learners who are ready to challenge themselves, strengthen their study skills, and commit to steady growth. Through dynamic instruction, guided practice, and ongoing support, students build confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Spanish at a pace that promotes success. By the end of the three-year sequence, students will be assessed for placement into high school Spanish 5/6 within PUSD — opening the door to advanced language study.  This course is ideal for students who are meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations and motivated to learn in a class that provides guidance every step of the way.

 

Spanish for Spanish Speakers - 102103: 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.

Team Sports (6th Gr Phys Ed) - 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. This is a PE elective in addition to the required PE class.

Art 1 (Exp 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.

 

Art 2 (Art) - 100210: This Advanced Art course is open to students who have already taken Intro to Art or Sculpture/3D Art. Students will expand expertise in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and three-dimensional design. Students will exhibit their art in a variety of local exhibitions and competitions. 

 

AVID 7 - 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

 

Broadcast Journalism (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 responsible for the creation of the weekly Meadowbrook News Broadcast.

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 introduces students to photography, computer graphic arts, and audio/video production as part of the Arts, Media and Entertainment (AME) career pathway. Students will learn the fundamentals of photo and video composition, sound design basics, and digital design principles while developing creative thinking skills. Through hands-on projects, students will explore visual and multimedia storytelling using cameras, microphones, editing software, and industry-standard digital design tools. Projects are developed through a structured creative process that reflects industry practices and prepares students for advanced AME coursework and future careers in digital media.

 

Gateway to Technology - 100480: This year-long course features a hands-on, project-based curriculum where Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) concepts are applied through the design and construction of real-world projects. Students use Tinkercad for 3D modeling and design while exploring architecture, product design, and business planning. They will also investigate electronics and basic circuitry, create projects using laser engraving technology, and design and test model bridges. Additional modules include woodworking, plastic and metal processes, rocketry, and more. Students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and engineering design skills through collaborative, creative challenges.

Intensive Spanish Program (7th Intensive Spanish Program) - 100501: Seventh Grade Spanish is the second year of our three-year Intensive Spanish Program. In this course, students continue building their skills and confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Spanish while deepening their knowledge of culture and communication.  As part of the three-year commitment, students will be assessed at the end of the program for placement into Spanish 5/6 at the high school level within PUSD. Students who have successfully completed ISP 6 will be automatically enrolled in ISP, ensuring a seamless path toward advanced language study.

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, 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 Wheel - 100271: Are you ready to think like a real scientist? In our middle school Science elective, you’ll dive into 3 trimesters of up-close Science.  One trimester will involve exciting dissections (frogs, chicken wings, and pigs!) to explore anatomy and how living things are put together.  Put your engineering skills to the test in another trimester through building and racing your own wind powered cars along with other engineering projects. Step into the role of a medical detective for a trimester, solving mysterious patient cases using clues, data, and critical thinking. You’ll work hands-on, collaborate with friends, and tackle challenges that feel like they’re straight out of a real lab. If you love discovering how things work and solving puzzles, this is the class for you!

Spanish for Spanish Speakers - 102103: 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 next 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. 

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. This is a PE elective in addition to the required PE class.

 

 

AVID 8 - 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

 

Broadcast Journalism (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 responsible for the creation of the weekly Meadowbrook News Broadcast.

Digital Media Production I - 100998: This program introduces students to photography, computer graphic arts, and audio/video production as part of the Arts, Media and Entertainment (AME) career pathway. Students will learn the fundamentals of photo and video composition, sound design basics, and digital design principles while developing creative thinking skills. Through hands-on projects, students will explore visual and multimedia storytelling using cameras, microphones, editing software, and industry-standard digital design tools. Projects are developed through a structured creative process that reflects industry practices and prepares students for advanced AME coursework and future careers in digital media.

 

Gateway to Technology - 100480: This year-long course features a hands-on, project-based curriculum where Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) concepts are applied through the design and construction of real-world projects. Students use Tinkercad for 3D modeling and design while exploring architecture, product design, and business planning. They will also investigate electronics and basic circuitry, create projects using laser engraving technology, and design and test model bridges. Additional modules include woodworking, plastic and metal processes, rocketry, and more. Students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and engineering design skills through collaborative, creative challenges.

Intensive Spanish Program (8th Intensive Spanish Program): Eighth Grade Spanish marks the final year of our three-year Intensive Spanish Program. In this culminating course, students refine their skills in speaking, reading, writing, and listening while strengthening their understanding of Spanish language and culture. At the end of the program, students will be assessed for placement into Spanish 5/6 at the high school level within PUSD. Students who have successfully completed ISP 6 and ISP 7 will be automatically enrolled in ISP 8, ensuring a seamless continuation of the three-year program and preparation for advanced high school coursework.

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 Wheel - 100271: Are you ready to think like a real scientist? In our middle school Science elective, you’ll dive into 3 trimesters of up-close Science.  One trimester will involve exciting dissections (frogs, chicken wings, and pigs!) to explore anatomy and how living things are put together.  Put your engineering skills to the test in another trimester through building and racing your own wind powered cars along with other engineering projects. Step into the role of a medical detective for a trimester, solving mysterious patient cases using clues, data, and critical thinking. You’ll work hands-on, collaborate with friends, and tackle challenges that feel like they’re straight out of a real lab. If you love discovering how things work and solving puzzles, this is the class for you!

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. 

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 next 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. 

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.  This is a PE elective in addition to the required PE class.
 

Students in Meadowbrook’s dual language program have the unique opportunity to practice Spanish every day in an encouraging and welcoming environment. Our Dual Language Program students develop into reflective and culturally sensitive citizens who can read, write and speak fluently in two languages. Their language skills and expanded worldview prepare them with the skills necessary to be successful in the 21st century.

 
Who can join?
Any student who can speak, read, and write in Spanish can join the dual language program. Specifically:

What classes will students take?
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 by contacting your school counselor.
 
Staff Contacts
Guillermo Burgos - Dual language teacher
Susan Manly - Intensive Spanish teacher
Lea Garza - School Counselor