SWCSD Middle and High School Elective Choices
Fall Semester, 2025
Below are the choices for the upcoming 6th and 7th periods (last and second to last periods of the day). Students will be choosing their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices. This document allows you to see what student options we have available in order to guide your choices, and for families to discuss options, if desired.
Each elective has a title, grade range for eligibility, and a short description. Prerequisites are listed.
Electives Per 6
Title | Grade Range | Description |
Introduction and Advanced Manufacturing (Continuation into Period 7, students can choose one or both) | Grade Levels: 9-12 Counts toward CTE Course of Study (Maximum 10 students) Note that CTE courses operate as a professional work environment, so excellent attendance and a strong work ethic are expected. | Mr. Henson 2 period class: Periods 6 and 7. This hands-on course introduces students to the exciting world of modern manufacturing through project-based learning and real-world applications. Students will explore key manufacturing processes including welding, CNC machining, CNC plasma cutting, metal bending, woodworking, and polymer fabrication. Using these tools and techniques, students will design and create functional products that connect to their local community and environment through place-based learning. In addition to building technical skills, students will gain valuable experience with industry standards in safety, precision, and production practices. Emphasis is also placed on developing durable workplace skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability—critical for success in any manufacturing career. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of how things are made, from concept to finished product, and be prepared for further study in advanced manufacturing, engineering, or skilled trades. |
Creative Spotlight: Student-Directed Theatre Workshop | Grades 6-12 Max students (with TA): 30 Max students (no TA): 15 Old Gym / Stage Theatre Classroom Green Room | Ms. Rinearson Step into the spotlight—or work the magic behind it! In this semester‑long workshop, middle‑ and high‑school theatre‑makers design their own artistic journey while collaborating on a full class production. During the first week, each student drafts a personal “Focus Plan,” choosing one primary track and one exploratory track from options such as: Stagecraft, Directing, Playwriting, History of Theatre, Study of Musical Theater, Producing & Management, or a Workplace Theatre Internship (seniors only). HS Students will choose from an array of course titles to be able to diversify their transcripts. Skill labs, workshops, and guided studio blocks let students dive deep into their chosen specialties, but the heartbeat of the course is ensemble creation. Together, we’ll select a published one‑act or devise an original piece, then rehearse, design, and present it for a live audience. By the final curtain, participants will have:
Whether you dream of center stage or love the organized chaos of the booth, the Student‑Directed Theatre Workshop puts your passion at the front of house. All skill levels welcome—bring curiosity, teamwork, and the courage to create! |
Media Studies Publication | Grades 8-12 | Mr. Wells In media studies we learn how to design and produce a yearbook. This involves taking pictures, editing in iPhoto, using the website to layout a page, and write headlines and captions. |
Middle School Leadership/Middle School Study Hall | Grades 6-8 | Mrs. Howell Required for student council representatives. Optional for others. In this course, the Middle School Student Council will meet in order to complete the operations of the student council. All Student Council Officers are required to take this course, but all students who are interested in being part of the decisions, vision, events, and planning for the middle school are encouraged to join. We have official meetings every week, and we also spend class time and non-school days doing community service. In this course, you will learn about being a leader, organization, fundraising, community service, and event planning. Students work as a team to create a positive community where everyone can engage, have fun, and make lasting memories. |
Middle School School Skills Development
| Grades 6-8 By invitation | Mr. Unti During this class, there will be a study hall offered where students who need extra help and are behind in classes can get extra help they need to get caught up and keep up with their work. |
Sports Skills/Strengthening (Weight training) | Grades 7-12 (6th with application and approval) | Mrs. Carter A course designed to provide students with the opportunity to improve their basic physical condition, secure useful neuromuscular development, and gain recreational skills. Routine weight training. We will teach safe lifting techniques and will record progress throughout the semester, with accessory work and muscle conditioning. During sports seasons, we will be improving our conditioning skills with specific drills related to traditional fall, winter and spring sports. We will conduct weight training and participate in circuits. |
Piano | Grades 6-12 (Limited to 9 students; preference will be given to previous Piano students) | Mrs. Wills In Beginning Piano, students will learn how to read music in treble and bass clefs and basic performance technique. This will involve some written work, flash cards, playing exercises (such as scales), and playing songs. Other activities will be added at the teacher's discretion. Playing in recitals outside of school hours will be required (one or two each semester). Students will be required to treat all equipment and materials with respect. As time allows, students will also learn about music history and famous composers from the classical period. |
River Works | Grades 6-10 (11-12 with application and approval) | Mr. Hansen Oregon is home to some of the most famous rivers in the world. The Deschutes, John Day, McKenzie, Umpqua, Willamette, Rogue, and mighty Columbia rivers are just a short drive away, or in our backyard! These rivers support countless communities through a variety of industries. Learn about fish, bugs, water, rocks, and explore possible occupations in fishing, rafting, ODFW, fisheries, biology, and hydrology! |
Creative Writing | Grades 8-12 Grade levels: 8-12 (6-7 with teacher recommendation) | Ms. Knight Develop and expand your current writing skills with creativity and develop style by increasing knowledge and use of literary devices, rhetorical strategies and structures, and vocabulary. We will also spend time regularly writing in journals to build fluency and select from several options longer pieces of formal text to write, edit, give peer feedback to, and revise. If possible, we will also publish one issue with your selected creative writing to share with the school in an informal 'zine (a small batch set of copies for the students and staff to enjoy). |
Independent Online Learning (updated 4/22/25) | Grades 6-12 | Ms. Rethwill Intended for students in grades 6-12 seeking initial credit, credit recovery, or additional study time for college-level courses. Utilizing Edmentum, a comprehensive online learning platform, this class offers a flexible and self-paced approach to education.
Effective time management and organizational skills are essential. Students should be able to prioritize tasks, set goals, and track their progress independently. While independence is key, students will have access to guidance and support from the course facilitator. Regular check-ins and progress monitoring ensure students stay on track and achieve their academic goals |
Computer Science 161a | 7-12 Teacher permission required for 7-8 grades (possible CGCC college credit for 10-12) Counts toward CTE Course of Study for 9-12 | Mr. Sowell CS161 is the gateway to the world of computer science and software development.
Students will design algorithms and build simple programs to solve real-world problems, develop strong debugging and testing skills, and learn to document code using readable and professional programming styles. The course also introduces pathways to computing careers, offering a broader view of the field and its opportunities. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Electives Period 7
Theatre Arts (05052) Advanced Theatre Production | Grade 7-12 (6th grade students must have special permission) 1‑semester elective ‧ Prerequisite: foundational drama course or instructor approval. Enrollment cap: 30 Old Gym / Stage Theatre Classroom Green Room | Ms. Rinearson Advanced Theatre Production (Grades 7 – 12) Step beyond scene work and into the full creative engine of a working theatre company. In this advanced course, students become the artistic team responsible for mounting a complete public production—from the first read‑through to the final curtain call. Students will experience the following core processes of production:
For the serious theatre artist or curious newcomer ready for a leap, Advanced Theatre Production offers an authentic, high‑stakes creative laboratory. Students leave with résumé‑ready experience, leadership skills, and the confidence that comes only from raising the curtain on a show they built together. |
Agriculture in Wasco County/ Oregon: Career survey | Grades 7-12 Prerequisite Intro to Agriculture required | Mrs. Carter This class will bring in local farmers and ranchers to talk about and share activities related to their own practices in agriculture. Students will learn about crop rotation, dry farming vs. irrigation, range land practices for livestock, and other related topics. Students will also be introduced to the wide range of agricultural practices in the state of Oregon, as well as the advancements in technologies in the industry. |
Robotics Engineering | 8-12 Teacher permission required for 8th grade Counts toward CTE Course of Study for 9-12 | Mr. Sowell Dive into the exciting world of robotics with the VEX Robotics Engineering elective! This hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering, programming, and problem-solving through the design, construction, and operation of VEX robots. Working individually and in teams, students will explore key STEM concepts such as mechanics, electronics, and coding using the VEX V5 platform and VEXcode programming environment. Throughout the course, students will apply the engineering design process to build robots capable of completing real-world challenges and participate in classroom competitions modeled after official VEX Robotics Competition (VRC) events and possibly the VEX competition itself.. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation. By the end of the course, students will have gained valuable experience in robot construction, autonomous programming, and strategic planning—skills that are transferable to college, careers in STEM, and beyond. |
Writing 115 *one semester only | Grades 11-12 dual-credit *this is a newly established prerequisite course you must take prior to enrolling for WR121-WR122 as a senior | Ms. Knight This course is meant to more fully prepare juniors and seniors in expanding their reading, writing, discussion, and research skills. Students can expect to —read a variety of informative texts (news articles, commentaries and opinion pieces, research articles, and others) with the intention to paraphrase and summarize them —examine texts and write analytical and evaluative notes and write ups about the author's purpose, thesis, organization, content, audience, and effectiveness —participate in formal academic discussions —write shorter texts and fully developed essays of their own (at least 5 formal essays) —complete vocabulary study —read, edit, and revise their own essays and those of their peers. This is a dual-credit course, meaning students may need to enroll as a student at Columbia Gorge Community College, with their parents' permission, then register for the course—meeting specific deadlines to register and/or drop (if needed). It is considered an advanced course, so if a C grade or better is earned, it counts for the honors diploma at SWCHS. A C/70% or better is required to earn the credits for the CGCC transcripts. |
MakerSpace & Entrepreneurship | Grades 9-12 | Ms. Malefyt Students will learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur (through lessons with the Youth Entrepreneurship Program) and how to market a product or service. Students will also participate in making products for the school to sell using various technologies and processes. Students need to be driven and willing to work through tutorials independently to learn various software programs and to learn how to use a variety of machines (3D printers, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, hot presses, etc). CTE courses operate as a professional work environment, so excellent attendance and a strong work ethic are expected. |
High School Skills Development | Grades 9-12 By invitation | Mr. Unti Students are provided small class support to complete assignments from regular classes. This course provides both the extra time and direct support to succeed in other classes during the day. Particular focus is placed on graduation required core classes (Pass/Fail). |
Introduction and Advanced Manufacturing (Continuation from Period 6, students can choose one or both) | Grade Levels: 9-12 Intro to Manufacturing or teacher permission required Counts toward CTE Program of Study
Note that CTE courses operate as a professional work environment, so excellent attendance and a strong work ethic are expected. | Mr. Henson 2 period class: 7 and 8. See above for description |
Music Foundations A | Grades 6-10 (11–12 with teacher permission) | Mr. Hansen Have you ever wanted to write a song or play in a band? Music Foundations is the class for you! This class is open to students 6th through 10th grade. We will learn the basics of reading, writing, and playing music using ukuleles, guitars, percussion and voice. Large and small group performances will take place throughout the year. No experience required. |
Reading Intervention Support | Grades 6-8 By invitation | Ms. Jackson Targeted support for improving reading skill. Focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. |
Middle School STEM | 6-8 | Mrs. Howell STEM in middle school gives you opportunities to dive deeper into STEM subjects and explore more challenging concepts. You will be introduced to complex engineering, robotics, prototyping, intermediate mathematics, computer science, and more. |
Night at the Museum: Ancient World History | 6-12 | Mr. Wells This class looks at ancient history and uses projects to enhance learning. This term we will study the history of the Indus Valley and The Byzantine-Islamic Civilizations. |
Independent Online Learning | Grades 10-12 | Ms. Rethwill Intended for students in grades 8-12 seeking initial credit, credit recovery, or additional study time for college-level courses. Utilizing Edmentum, a comprehensive online learning platform, this class offers a flexible and self-paced approach to education.
Effective time management and organizational skills are essential. Students should be able to prioritize tasks, set goals, and track their progress independently. While independence is key, students will have access to guidance and support from the course facilitator. Regular check-ins and progress monitoring ensure students stay on track and achieve their academic goals |
Intro to Engineering | Grades 9 -12 Strongly recommended as a prerequisite for manufacturing classes and technology classes. | Mrs. Wills We will learn how engineers go from an idea to a prototype. Example units include: Teamwork, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Systems and Optimization, and Basic Electricity. There will be an emphasis on the hands-on Engineering Design Process, report writing, documentation, and technical drawings. |