SWCSD Middle and High School Elective Choices
Fall Semester, 2026
Below are the choices for the upcoming 6th and 7th periods (the last two 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 Period 6:
Title | Grade Range | Instructor & Course Description |
Middle School Art
| Grades 6-8 15 Students - | Mrs. Carter We will explore various mediums and produce unique personal art pieces. Students will have the opportunity to use acrylic, temperate and water color paint. We will also create clay pieces, leather and wood burning, engraving, and so much more! |
Social Media Marketing | Grades: 9-12 Only 14 students | Ms. Rinearson Students Must have a clear student record regarding infractions of the District’s technology policy. This business course covers the basics of marketing, with a focus on branding and social media presence. We will research employment opportunities in this growing field, with the goal of partnering with local businesses or brands in order to help them create social media content. |
Middle School Leadership | 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. We will also be engaging in group leadership projects. |
Middle 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 the extra help they need to get caught up and keep up with their work. |
Yearbook/Media Studies | Grades 8-12 | Mr. Wells Use Graphic design to create the Yearbook. Take and edit photos using I photo. |
Intro / Advanced Manufacturing | Grades 9-12 Counts toward CTE Course of Study (could count as Math credit with approval) (Maximum 10 students) | Mr. Henson Metal, Wood and Polymer Processing/Production courses allow students to study the physical and chemical properties of wood, metals,metal alloys and plastic polymers and to use these materials to construct usable products according to industry standards. These courses enable students to experience the process of translating an idea into a finished product, with instruction in planning, designing, selecting materials, and using tools and machines including welding and CNC. The Advanced Manufacturing class is designed to prepare students for careers in the manufacturing industry. In this class, students will have an opportunity to take on projects that focus on materials, design, implementation and safety, as well as develop leadership skills for work in the field. Material focus will be metals, polymers, woods, and composites. Intro to manufacturing will be an introduction to all concepts associated with the advanced manufacturing course description. Students will both use computers, paperwork, and practical workmanship to demonstrate competencies in the manufacturing processes. |
Computer Aided Design I/II | Grades 7-12 *Application required for CTE courses (possible certifications) 15 Student Max **Counts toward CTE Course of Study for HS class **To count as a SWCHS dual-college credit, students may not have more than 7 absences in the semester. | Mr. Sowell In this course, the student will learn about computer aided design. Students will collaborate, communicate, critically think and create via project based learning. Do you want to be a Meme Master? Initially we will look at Photoshop to see how modeling in 2-D works. Students will take their knowledge of toolbars and photoshop to explore Adobe Premiere and video editing. Later students will explore laser cutting and engraving using LightBurn. Lastly we will use SolidWorks to create 3-D models. Then with the laser cutter/engraver and 3-D printer they will have something physical to show off to their family and peers. |
MakerSpace Arts | Grades 9-12 (Maximum 10 students) | Ms. Malefyt We will decide as a group what kinds of things we want to ‘make’ in our ‘MakerSpace’ lab. We have so many options! We can create items such as fiber arts (sewing, crochet, embroidery, etc), jewelry arts, vinyl designs (on t-shirts, hats, etc), sublimation printing (magnets, t-shirts, mugs), laser engraved items, and possibly even clay arts! **Please note that this class has an attendance requirement and missed classes will need to be made ++up! |
Piano | Grades 6-12 Limited to 7 students; current students given first “dibs” | 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. |
WR121 *Dual Credit **One semester | Grade 12 only *Prerequisite: WR115 completed with a C/C+ or better as a junior at SWCHS (or at another high school or community college if a transfer student; unofficial transcripts must be provided to the h.s. office in advance of enrollment) **To count as a SWCHS dual-college credit, students may not have more than 7 absences in the semester. | Ms. Knight High School Description: This semester-long course is intended for college-bound students and those who wish to challenge their thinking and writing skills. Students in this class are responsible for completing college-level work, of which 10-12 assignments are graded for their college credit, and additional daily assignments that are also part of the high school grades—including brainstorming, outlining, rough drafts, giving peer feedback, research, reading text, completing notes, discussion, and so forth. Homework is required on a regular basis. Students who earn a C or better on both the high school-grade and the CGCC college grade can proceed to WR122 during the second semester. Organization and excellent attendance are exceptionally important. Proactive communication with the instructor is expected (i.e., concerns and challenges are made clear) in person and via school Gmail. Penalties for late work submitted will be applied, with a 20% deduction. AI-based writing will not be accepted and will be considered cheating. Columbia Gorge Community College Course Description (in brief): Writing 121 is a four credit college course intended to develop skills, primarily in informative writing. Essays must be supported with peer reviewed and academic sources. Students are expected to develop and become more independent in the following areas: —analytical reading (actively and critically read a number of published exemplar essays; identify authorial choices; use literary and rhetorical devices; review peer-created work); —critical thinking (question what we read and examine our responses; understand complexities of chosen topics and research in resources; conference with the instructor and carry out an evaluative discussion for each essay with a final draft, usually outside of class); —writing for academic and professional audiences (personal/reflective, definition, persuasive editorial or essay, analytical or argumentative essay; *these modes are subject to change prior to the start of class in the fall of 2024) Students will compose and revise several essays using a variety of strategies to present evidence in support of a thesis. Students will accurately and effectively incorporate source material and documentation (in-text citations and Works Cited). Source analysis and documentation are incorporated in at least three essays. Grading for the college credit course is based on ten to twelve graded assignments (four final drafts of essays and six to eight assignments related to the essays). Penalties for late work submitted will be applied, with a 20% deduction. Only one final draft of an essay is allowed, without penalty, and a final "late" deadline set that must be met. No other final drafts will be accepted or graded once this option has been granted. |
Independent Online Learning | Grades 8 -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.
—Students must be self-motivated and capable of managing their learning.
—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 |
Electives Period 7:
MS/HS Peer Tutoring | Grades 7-12 Max: 15 Students Due to elementary total student enrollment. | Mrs. Carter Get ready to give back! We will be working with Elementary students to provide peer tutoring. This may look like support with a math assignment, practicing multiplication facts, reading with a student, or just being an older student role model. You must be in good academic standing at the end of the 2026 school year, attend school regularly, and be willing and excited to support younger students. |
Theater | Grades 6-12 Previous theater or performance experience required. No limit. | Ms. Rinearson This class will focus on producing the fall/winter production. Students who want to be in the production need to take this course and be available for after school rehearsals. |
Middle School STEM | Grades 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. I will take 4 more additional students to this class only if they are serious about Robotics. |
STEM / Robotics Engineering | Grades 9-12 *Application will be required for CTE courses (possible certifications) **Counts toward CTE Course of Study for HS class **To count as a SWCHS dual-college credit, students may not have more than 7 absences in the semester. | 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. |
Cuisines and Cultures | Grades 6-12 *Maximum 12 students **Preference for grades 8 and above | Ms. Knight This course is meant to study a select number of cultures and generally investigate the development of the culture in terms of some historical events, social developments, and the cuisines that have developed due to geography, climate, and/or outside influences, etc. For each culture studied, two-three recipes will be researched, ingredients purchased, and the food prepared for all to share. Students will partner up to cook and serve their chosen recipe, which means we will not be cooking every day. Students need to earn their food handler's card by learning required content and taking the test ($10), with some class time provided, before participating in any food preparation. Note 1: Some activities and the number of food items prepared will depend on fundraising completed by the instructor over the summer! Note 2: This class is not intended to teach all of the basic cooking skills or techniques 😀 Note 3: Students may need to stay after school on a day they prepare a recipe to complete clean up in the classroom and kitchen. |
EMR | Grades 10-12 Must be 16 years old by the conclusion of the class | Mrs. Wills Students will learn how to respond to an emergency as the lowest level first responder. You must be willing to stay in the class all year. The class leads to certification as an Emergency Medical Responder and the ability to volunteer on our ambulance! |
Film Studies | Grades 6-12 | Mrs. Wills Students will learn the basic blueprints of a good story and how to identify them in a film. We will watch movies as part of the class, BUT there will be elements that you will be looking for, so it will be active watching! We will also explore film history, genres of film, and shot composition. |
Sports Skills | Grades 6-12 | Mrs. Brown 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. |
High School Skills Development | Grades 9-12 By invitation | Mr. Unti Students are provided with 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). |
Electrical Engineering Technology (EET111) | Grades 9-12 Counts toward CTE Course of Study and 5 college credits through CGCC Prerequisite of Completing Algebra 1 with a B or better. Could count as a high school Math Credit upon approval. *Maximum 12 students See full Syllabus here **To count as a SWCHS dual-college credit, students may not have more than 7 absences in the semester. | Mr. Henson This course focuses on analyzing, troubleshooting and communicating about Direct Current (DC) circuits. We will be working on theory as well as a practical lab and simulations. If you are interested in electricity, automotive, HVAC, Maintenance, or manufacturing, this would be a good introduction to electrical systems for you. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: Apply basic electrical DC concepts and theorems to analyze circuits. Build, simulate, and troubleshoot DC circuits and perform measurements with electrical test equipment. Write technical reports using collected experiment data. Use circuit simulation software to analyze DC circuits. Identify the types, sizes and resistances of components and determine their application in a DC circuit. |
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. |
Ancient World History | Grades 6-12 | Mr. Wells This class looks at ancient history and uses projects to enhance learning. This term we will study the history of Ancient Greece and Rome. |
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. High school students who are credit deficient will be given priority enrollment. Students must be self-motivated and capable of managing their learning. This course requires students to take responsibility for their progress and deadlines. 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 |