ELECTIVES 

An introductory elective course allowing students to experience different career pathways in Science Technology Engineering and Math fields (STEM). Students will rotate through 19 different stations throughout the year. Each station is specially equipped with the hardware, software, tools, and instructional materials needed to learn such technologies as Flight, Robotics, Electricity, Architecture, Computer Graphics Animation, Forensic Science, and Alternative Energy, to name just a few.  All of the lessons are hands-on, real-world projects that require students to critically think and solve problems.

An introductory elective course allowing students to experience different college and career pathways. Students will rotate through 16 different stations throughout the year. Each station is specially equipped with the hardware, software, tools, and instructional materials needed to learn about different career paths such as: EMT, Sports Medicine, Culinary Arts, Fashion Design, Veterinary Medicine to name a few. All of the lessons are hands-on, real-world projects that require students to critically think and solve problems.

Students will learn basic concepts of programming from java script to HTML and learn how to create their own website.  Using Construct 2.0, students will also create their own game; they will learn the concepts of game design and develop a game that can be used on any device. After they create their game, there will be a unit on marketing and understanding how to sell and promote a game after it’s created.  This class will use Microsoft Office, Web 2.0, PowerSchool and other computer applications.

Students will build a solid foundation in various art techniques, materials, and mediums.  Students will participate in a ceramics unit in which they will learn hand-building skills with clay. Lessons will include a glimpse into famous artists throughout history, contemporary art, art critique, and art vocabulary.

For student success in Foreign Language, students are encouraged to score mid-level “Basic” or higher on their most recent SRI Test. Foreign language study is a two-year commitment.  Students who wish to study foreign language in middle school must begin in the 7^th grade with 1A and then complete 1B in the 8^th grade.  Successful completion of 1A and 1B fulfills the equivalent of one year of high school foreign language which  will allow the student to start at Level II in high school.

Theater Arts is an introduction to the world of theater. Students develop theater skills and become more comfortable in front of an audience through participation in performances, study of theater history, and investigation of careers in dramatic arts.

Students must have 2.5 GPA, no U’s or N’s in 7th grade, and maintain a B or better in English.  Students will work on photo editing, take pictures of school activities, and create journalistic articles while working together to produce the school yearbook.  Yearbook teacher and current classroom teacher recommendations are also part of the approval process. 

Open to students with no musical experience. Students will learn how to read music and learn to play a woodwind (flute, clarinet, or sax), brass (trumpet, trombone, or euphonium), or percussion (drums) instrument. Students will perform in 2 concerts throughout the year.

This is a premier band at Cerro Villa and showcases our finest musicians! This band performs at major school and district events, and also travel locally to perform in festivals and parades with the Villa Park High School Band. Open to students with 1 or more years of musical experience. All students must audition with the Band Director.

Open to students with no musical experience. Students will learn how to read music and learn to play a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass).  Students will perform in 2 concerts throughout the year.

This is a premier orchestra at Cerro Villa and showcases our finest musicians! This orchestra performs at major school and district events and also travel locally to compete in festivals. Open to students with 1 or more years of musical experience. However, all students must audition with the Orchestra Director.

This is an exciting group at Cerro Villa where we play jazz, pop, rock, and Latin music. The band is made up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section (guitar, piano, bass guitar, and drum set). Students must have at least 1 year of musical experience; however, it can be on any instrument, not just those listed above. Jazz students will be enrolled in two periods of instrument classes.

This class is available to eligible students by application only. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and no “N’s” and/or “U’s” in citizenship will be eligible to apply. Students must be able to occasionally stay after school to help edit video/photographs. This class teaches the basics of filmmaking, interviewing, hosting, acting, editing, photography, green screen technology, and storyboard writing. Students will photograph, interview and videotape various school events on and off campus. After filming, students will produce weekly segments to be shown on campus television.
A $20.00 lab DONATION is recommended and/or a USB flash drive is needed in order to save student work.

PLEASE WRITE A LETTER EXPLAINING WHY YOU SHOULD BE SELECTED FOR THIS CLASS,
AND ATTACH IT TO YOUR CVTV APPLICATION.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY BUT ALWAYS WELCOMED!