Electives

This class is all about animals-their anatomy, special characteristics, predator/prey relationships, and eating habits. The class is basically a zoology class. Many drawing and labeling assignments are backed with discussions and videos. Students investigate myths, legends, facts, fiction, and skills of animals. Emphasis is on details of insects, sharks, spiders, wolves, lions, snakes and venomous creatures.

A variety of art concepts are explored in Fine Art and Design. You will learn to draw buildings, people, places, still life objects, and cursive/calligraphy. We mix colors with paint/pigments/pastels and learn various painting techniques as we discuss careers and discover how art influenced cultures, society, and history throughout the world.

AVID is a college-focused program designed to help students develop necessary skills such as; organizational techniques, critical thinking, note-taking, and additional strategies that improve learning. Twice a week students take part in tutorials where they work in collaborative settings alongside tutors to persevere through challenging academic roadblocks. AVID students are taught to self-advocate, speak with confidence, and be leaders on the Chaboya campus. The AVID elective is available to eighth grade students with a 2.5-3.5 G.P.A. Students must have the desire to do well academically, attend college, commit to a year long elective, and a willingness to invest time and effort to excel in their studies. Priority is given to 1st generational college hopefuls.

• Beginning Band is open to all students who play a band instrument or who want to learn to play one. This band gives students the opportunity to explore music making and prepares them to play in the Advanced Band. Students play from the book, “Traditions of Excellence” levels 1 and 2. Students play at concerts and top music festivals. Students learn new skills every day.
• Advanced Band is a top award-winning band. Entrance is through audition or permission by the director only. The band plays from, “Traditions of Excellence” levels 2 and 3, as well as many selected pieces from standard band repertoire. Students learn technical skills, musical independence, musical artistry, and mastery while they play in top-level competitions, music festivals, concerts, and assemblies.

Chaboya is always searching for the next Bobby Fischer. If you have ever wanted to beat your friends at chess or your brother or sister, Chess is the elective for you. If you do not know the difference between the Dragon Variation and a Poison Pawn Sicilian, this is the class for you. We will study the games of past world champions like Anand, Capablanca, Kasparov, and Tal. Anderssen’s Immortal Game, Lasker’s famous double bishop sacrifice, and The Game of the Century played by a 13 year-old Bobby Fischer, and you will see them all. Along the way, you will improve your writing and presentation skills, organization, and critical thinking.

Music is for everyone. In both guitar and ukulele classes, students learn to read staff notation and tablature, as well as chords and bass charts. Students learn how to accompany themselves and others on the guitar or ukulele. Basic tuning concepts are also introduced. Students are invited to perform before a live audience in either the winter or spring concert.

Chaboya's Student Body Leadership is an elective class that is primarily for 8th graders, however, students in 7th grade may also participate if they have a teacher recommendation from their elementary school. Students that participate in Leadership are committed to being helpful and spirited to make the school a better place for all the students attending Chaboya. Leadership class holds many activities for our students. Spirit rallies, noontime activities, fundraisers, the student store, special events days, and dances are provided for all students in good standing.

Students will apply skills learned from core subjects to real-life situations to better prepare them for their futures. Personal and social cooking is highlighted as students learn about nutrition and proper etiquette to plan, prepare, and serve simple foods at home and in class. Students will engage in Home Ec skills including food science, cooking safety, consumer education, personal finances and budgeting, goal setting, independent living, job applications, and interview techniques.

This introductory course is designed to immerse our students in the Spanish language and culture through a variety of activities. By participating in this course, 8th grade students will have the foundation needed to succeed in the next level of high school Spanish.

Using your excellent writing, photography, design, and communication skills, work to produce Chaboya's annual yearbook and quarterly newspaper. Develop skills to: write news articles; interview students and staff; take beautiful, well-composed photographs; create graphic design; and market your product.