Poway Unified - Academics

Grade 6 Electives | Grade 7 Electives | Grade 8 Electives | Dual Language Program

Grade 6:

Art -100210: A year-long, beginning level course designed to explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design through Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design, and Ceramics.
Band (6th Grade Band) 100510: Students will participate in a 5 day a week band program that will pick up where 5^thgrade band left off. Students will learn how to play more challenging and fun music as individuals and in a group setting. There will be at least 4 band concerts a year as well as a band competition and field trip to Knott’s Berry Farm during the year. Students will be able to switch to new instruments such as Oboe, Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, French horn, Tuba and Percussion! Video
Chorus (Int. Chorus) 107110: A year-long course where students will learn how to sing- no experience needed! Students will participate in a choral music experience in which they share and work toward a common goal – performances of the highest quality. Video
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:

Students will complete Disney’s Imagineering-in-a-Box curriculum which is designed to pull back the curtain to show you how artists, designers, and engineers work together to create theme parks. In this course students will go behind the scenes with Disney Imagineers and complete project-based exercises to design a theme park of their very own.
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.
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.
Computer Graphic Arts: Students learn various aspects of graphic design while they create graphic art in Adobe Photoshop. Video

Intensive Spanish Program (6th Grade Intensive Spanish Program) - 100500: Students have an opportunity to learn Spanish in this unique three-year academic class. Students who choose this elective are committing to 3 years and exhibit a willingness to learn study skills and demonstrate consistent effort. After studying Spanish for three years, students will be assessed for placement to enter a high school Spanish 5/6 class in PUSD. Students from the Dual Language program may wish to consider this as an elective to build their skills in Spanish. Video
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. Students develop fundamental technical skills and aesthetic awareness. An emphasis is placed on individual and group performances. School cellos and basses are available to use at school only. No prior experience necessary. Video

Grade 7:

Incoming 7^th Grade Course Request Form

Students will complete Disney’s Imagineering-in-a-Box curriculum which is designed to pull back the curtain to show you how artists, designers, and engineers work together to create theme parks. In this course students will go behind the scenes with Disney Imagineers and complete project-based exercises to design a theme park of their very own.
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.
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.
Computer Graphic Arts: Students learn various aspects of graphic design while they create graphic art in Adobe Photoshop.

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. This is a year-long course. Video
Intensive Spanish Program - (7th Intensive Spanish Program) - 100501: 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. 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
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.

Grade 8:

Incoming 8^th Grade Course Request Form

Art - 100210:  A year-long course designed to explore the Elements of Art and Principles of Design in-depth through Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design and Ceramics. There is no prequisite for this course. It is open to all students.
Art Advanced-100220:  A year-long course that builds on knowledge and skills learned in Art 100210. Students will learn advanced techniques in Drawing with Pencil, Pastels, Crayons and Markers, Painting, Printmaking, Three-Dimensional Design and Ceramics. Art -100210 is a prequisite for this course.
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. There will be at least 4 band concerts during the year, as well as a trip to the Poway Band Festival. Students will take a field trip to Disneyland and get a chance to perform in the park. Students will continue to develop skills that will enable them to be successful musicians in high school and beyond. Video
Chorus (Int. Chorus) - 107110:  A year-long course where students will learn how to sing-no experience needed! Students will participate in a choral music experience in which they share and work toward a common goal-performances of the highest quality. Video
Computer Graphic Arts - 100975: Students learn various aspects of graphic design while they create graphic art in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. This is a year-long course. There is no prerequisite for this course. It is open to all students. Video
Digital Media Production I (Photo/Video) - 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 II – 100877: 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. *Prerequisite =Digital Media Production I. Video Class Website
Gateway to Technology - 100480:  Features a project-based curriculum in which Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) are used in the designing and building of projects. This is a year long course. Video
Intensive Spanish Program (8th Intensive Spanish Program) - 100502: This course is the third year of the three-year commitment of the Intensive Spanish Program. After three years of Spanish, students will be assessed for placement to enter a PUSD high school Spanish level 5/6 class. Video
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
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
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. Prerequisite = Digital Media Productions 1.
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.

Dual Language Program:

MBMS Dual Language Program
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.

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:

English learners who speak Spanish
Students who speak English and Spanish
Valley Elementary Dual Immersion students who would like to continue their Dual Language training
Any students wishing to join the MBMS program who have not previously been enrolled in a Dual Language program will take a short assessment.

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 on the annual registration form or contact MBMS Assistant Principal Alicia Pentz-Lopez at apentzlopez@powayusd.com for more information.

Staff Contacts
Rebecca Novick - Dual language teacher
Román Delgado - Dual language teacher
Susan Manly - Intensive Spanish teacher
Lea Garza - School Counselor

Electives

Academic Departments