Kastner Intermediate

KASTNER INTERMEDIATE ELECTIVES DESCRIPTION 2026-2027

Please review the options below carefully with your family. After reviewing all of your options, please select 3 electives in order (1st choice, 2nd choice, & 3rd choice) and enter the corresponding course request electronically via student connect. If your elective selections require an application, letter of recommendation, or try-out process, placement in these courses is based upon completing the correct paperwork and being selected by the advisor or coach (you are not guaranteed placement as application electives are highly competitive).
YEAR-LONG ELECTIVE SELECTIONS
Students will take the following electives for the entire school year. If students register for 2 yearlong electives, they will be required to enroll in Zero Period PE (starts at 7:25 am, M-Th) or Lunch Time PE (during lunch 5 days a week students will have a shortened time to eat). Students will not be eligible to take Zero Period PE or Lunch Time PE unless they are in 2 yearlong electives.
Percussion i Course Code: 80068
Percussion is part of the instrumental music program, but is a separate class, and is open to students who wish to learn percussion. Most students will have an additional instrumental music class. Students will learn music theory as well as rhythmic and fundamental which includes both reading and writing music. In addition to participating in the concert band setting, these students will primarily focus on exploring the snare drum and keyboards.
Concert Band / Intermediate Band / Symphonic Band Course Code: 80051
Bands are for students who play or would like to learn how to play brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. We have three bands at Kastner. Symphonic Band is our advanced group and is mostly 8th graders. Intermediate Band is our intermediate group and is a combination of 7th and 8th graders. Concert Band is our beginning to intermediate group and is mostly 7th graders. There is an audition process that will take place at students’ elementary feeder schools to determine which band, or bands, you will be placed in. Each child will be placed into one or more of our bands. All band classes are yearlong courses and do have concerts.
String Orchestra / Chamber Orchestra Course Code: 80059
Orchestra is for students who play, or would like to learn how to play, a string instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello, or String Bass. Chamber Orchestra is our advanced group and consists of mostly 8th graders. String Orchestra is our intermediate group and consists of both 7th and 8th graders. String Orchestra is open to any student who would like to learn how to play a string instrument regardless of skill level or experience. There is an audition process that will take place at students’ elementary feeder schools to determine which class you will be in. All orchestra classes are yearlong courses and do have concerts.
Jazz Band Course Code: 80058
Pre-Requisite: Enrolled concurrently in another instrumental music class.
Jazz Band is open to all students who play, or wish to play, a traditional jazz instrument. Jazz Band is our advanced group. Students must be concurrently enrolled in another instrumental music class at Kastner in order to participate in Jazz Band at Kastner. Due to the requirement for participation in two ensembles at Kastner (Jazz plus one other), this course also will require students to enroll in Zero Period PE or Lunch Time PE. All Jazz Band classes are yearlong courses and do have concerts. There will be an audition for any students interested in joining Jazz Band I, students will be notified following auditions if they have been selected to be in Jazz.
Intermediate Drama Course Code: 80056
Intermediate Drama is a standards-based year-long theatre arts class designed to create well-rounded citizens. It is a fun class for students who want to develop leadership skills, build self-confidence, learn how to solve problems, build team-working skills, and expand their creativity. Students in Intermediate Drama will have opportunities to perform memorized scenes (including a night of short scenes in the spring), and develop their own improvised scenes, but this will only be one aspect of the course. The academic focus is a more in-depth knowledge of all theatrical skills and subject matter, based on the CA Visual and Performing Arts Standards.
Advanced Drama Course Code: 80050
Pre-Requisite: Approval from the Drama Director and Previously Enrolled in Drama
Advanced Drama is a standards-based year-long theatre arts class designed to build on and delve deeper into concepts taught in previous drama courses (like performing memorized scenes and developing improvised scenes and characters). This class will venture into technical theatre elements and show production as well as further general knowledge of all theatrical skills and subject matter, based on the CA Visual and Performing Arts Standards. This is a performance-based class. We will also work toward a class production or an evening of scenes which may require an after-school rehearsal or two. Theatre arts classes are designed to create well-rounded citizens. They are fun classes for students who want to develop leadership skills.
Soprano-Alto Choir Course Code: 80064
This course provides the Soprano and Alto female voices the opportunity to sing and perform choral music in school and at community concerts. Special attention is given to the fundamentals of voice production, general music knowledge, and the development of musicianship in ensemble singing. It will focus on daily rehearsal procedures and song literature specific to the female voice. Students will also have travel opportunities to local festivals, workshops, and an optional end of the year incentive choir trip. There is an audition process that will take place at students’ elementary feeder schools to determine which choir you will be placed in. Each child will be placed in one of our choirs if you are interested in joining. All choral classes are yearlong courses and do have concerts.
Tenor and Bass Choir (Boys) Course Code: 80053
This is a progressive course that provides the Tenor and Bass voices with the opportunity to sing and perform choral music in school and at community concerts. Special attention is given to the fundamentals of voice production, general music knowledge, and the development of the musicianship in ensemble singing. It will focus on daily rehearsal procedures and song literature specific to lower voices. Students will also have travel opportunities to local festivals, workshops, and an optional end of the year incentive choir trip. There is an audition process that will take place at students’ elementary feeder schools to determine which choir you will be placed in. Each child will be placed in one of our choirs if you are interested in joining. All choral classes are yearlong courses and do have concerts.
Audition ONLY Choirs- Concert/Chamber/Jazz Choirs
Pre-Requisite: Audition required (Date/Time TBA) & preferred prior choral class.
These Choirs are for highly motivated and musically talented students who can perform at the highest level of proficiency. It will prepare students for advancement to other performing groups at the high school level. These ensembles will have multiple competitions, performances, and travel opportunities in and out of school time and will represent Kastner Intermediate to the highest caliber out in the community. Students will also have the option to participate in an end of the year incentive choir trip. There is an audition process that will take place at students’ elementary feeder schools to determine which of these audition-only choirs you will be placed in. All choral classes are yearlong courses and do have concerts as well as after school practice which are mandatory to attend.
Computer Application i Course Code: 30027
This course is a prerequisite for 8th Grade Robotics.
This course is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun. It is an accessible and engaging course for all students, regardless of background or prior experience. The course focuses on the skills that enable students to create and express themselves in a variety of contexts and media. Whether they are developing their own website, designing an app, building a game, or creating a physical computing device, students bring their ideas to life.
Spanish I (8th Grade Only) Course Code: 98811i
Need a strong GPA to be selected.
Spanish I is an introduction to the Spanish language. Vocabulary and grammatical structures will be presented through thematic units with an emphasis on oral, listening, reading, and written expressions. Students will develop an appreciation for Hispanic culture, and its influence throughout the world. Students who complete this course with 85% or higher and are passing History, English, Math, and Science with A’s and B’s can go on to Spanish II.
Intro to Spanish i Course Code: 90051
This is an introductory course to the Spanish language. Students will become proficient in simple directions, conversation and social pleasantries. Customs of the Spanish culture will also be explored.
ESports i Course Code: 3i011
This course introduces students to the dynamic world of esports, blending technology, teamwork and strategy. Students will explore the history and growth of gaming, understanding the hardware and mechanics behind gameplay and develop communication and collaboration skills essential for team success. Through hands-on projects, students will learn about player health, digital citizenship and career opportunities in the esports industry. The course culminates in a student-led esports tournament and portfolio project showcasing each learner’s growth, leadership and creativity.
The following electives students will take for the entire school year.
They also require an application to register and are very competitive; NOT Guaranteed.
Yearbook i Course Code: 00056
Pre-Requisite: Application (google form) required to register.
This course is open to students who are interested in working on the school yearbook. Students develop skills in layout design, story writing, editing, proofreading, advertising, marketing, and production experience. Computer and camera knowledge is helpful.
Leadership i Course Code: 00054
Pre-Requisite: Application (google form) required to register.
Leadership students will be participating in the planning and execution of a variety of projects, such as setting dances, rallies, painting signs and various school functions. Students will be involved in running school fundraisers. Leadership students will be involved with civic activities at school and in the community. There will be cooperative learning activities and oral presentations. Leadership students will develop leadership skills that are relevant to junior high life.
Video Production i Course Code: 7i000
Pre-Requisite: Application (google form) required to register.
Video Production is a year-long course in which students will design, film and edit their own videos using state-of-the-art computer technology. These videos will frequently be posted on the school’s social media accounts, web site, etc. Students will create video announcements as members of the school’s film crew and special edition videos for school events/ activities. The class assists with creating a positive school climate and culture through the production of the school news program. Students will learn the various steps of digital storytelling from start to finish.
Peer Counseling i Course Code: 00064
Pre-Requisite: Application (google form) required to register.
Peer counseling is a program in which students are trained to help fellow intermediate students with problems faced in adolescence. The goal is not to give advice, but to guide others to develop their own solutions to problem situations. Student leadership skills are also emphasized. A training session is required.
Academic Assistant (8th Grade Only) Course Code: 00050
Pre-Requisite: Application required to register (Grades, Attendance & Behavior are Reviewed)
Students enrolled as a Teacher Assistant can be assigned to a classroom teacher or administrative office. Students will work with the teacher or office to complete tasks and assignments. At the end of the semester, students will earn a “P” pass or “F” fail. They will not receive a letter grade for this course.
AVID- Advancement Via Individual Determination Course Code: 00075
Pre-Requisite: Application (google form) required to register.
The Kastner AVID elective is designed to increase student learning, performance, motivation, and organization and prepare students to achieve college and career readiness. In AVID, students will be provided with academic instruction and other support to prepare them for college success and career readiness. They will also learn coping skills, organization, study skills, motivation, and career awareness. There are a limited number of spots available in this course so all applications will be reviewed by course advisors and students will be notified whether they have been selected for the course.
Robotics i (8th grade only) Course Code: 5I001
Pre-Requisite: Taken Computer Science/Computer Applications & Application required to register.
This course is designed for students who are interested in the FLL (First Lego League) and computer programming. This course will incorporate the study and programming of robots, design of Lego robots, programming of robots, and robotics competitions. Participating in this course will offer students an opportunity to try out for our competitive robotics team. There are a limited number of spots available in this course so all applications will be reviewed by course advisors and students will be notified whether they have been selected for the course.
Collaborative Mentoring i (8th Grade Only) Course Code: 00076
Pre-Requisite: Application required to register (google form).
This course is designed for students who desire to work with students with special needs. These general education students are what we refer to as Mentors. Mentor students will work one on one with a student with special needs in elective courses. Mentors will develop leadership skills, and learn problem solving skills, and behavior management techniques. Mentor students will assist their partners with projects in their elective course.
Advanced Art (8th Grade Only) Course Code: 70055YR
Pre-Requisite: Approval from Art Teacher
This course is an expansion on the artistic challenges that have already been introduced to students who have completed the Art elective class. Students will expand on their abilities and push the limits of their talents, building confidence in their ability and technique.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All students will be enrolled in a Physical Education Class. Most students will have a general PE Class course code 10050 unless specifically requesting and qualifying for one of the PE classes below.
Physical Education –Zero Period Course Code: 10050.0
Pre-Requisite: In order to be accepted into Zero Period PE, students must be enrolled in two yearlong elective classes. Students will be expected to be dressed out and ready to participate, M-Th. Zero Period PE begins at 7:25 am and there is No bus available for transportation at that time. This course fulfills a student’s PE requirement.
Physical Education –Lunchtime Course Code: 10050.7
Pre-Requisite: In order to be accepted into Lunchtime PE, students must be enrolled in two yearlong elective classes. Students will be expected to be dressed out and ready to participate, M-F. Lunchtime PE takes place during the students’ lunchtime, with a few minutes to eat. This course fulfills a student’s PE requirement.
Physical Education –PE Strength and Weight Training i Course Code: 11016.7i
Students in PE Strength and Conditioning will have an opportunity to improve muscular strength and endurance. Students will study muscular and cardiovascular systems, nutritional aspects of fitness, and assess body composition. Students will still complete PE fitness testing, run the mile, and participate in PE units.
Physical Education –PE Dance/Cheer PE Course Code: 10002
There will be a try-out day for students interested in joining Kastner’s Pep and Cheer Program. Students will be notified of following tryouts if they have been selected to be on the team. Students selected for the Kastner Pep and Cheer team will be enrolled in PE Dance (Cheer PE). Students will still complete PE fitness testing, run the mile, and participate in PE units. Students who make the pep and cheer teams will have additional outside of school practices and performances which are all mandatory to attend. This is a yearlong course.
PE Band & Colorguard Course Code: 11005i
Colorguard members participate in two dance recitals during the year and all colorguard members participate in the competitive winter guard during the second semester. Colorguard is also part of any parade in which the Kastner bands participate, and they will also perform at the CUSD Band Night. There will be a try-out day for students interested in joining colorguard. Students will be notified following try-outs if they have been selected to be on the team. There are after-school and weekend practices, as well as performances, which are all mandatory to attend.
SEMESTER LONG ELECTIVES
Each of the following classes is offered for one semester only (half of the school year). Once the 1st semester concludes, students will be given a 2nd semester class. Due to electives being offered in different periods, we cannot guarantee which 2nd semester elective they will be given. Any elective from the list below is a possibility depending on enrollment and teacher availability.
Music Appreciation i Course Code: 80069
Music Appreciation/ Music Technology has the purpose of increasing a student’s musical awareness and give students the tools to actively listen to, discuss and critique various styles of music. The first portion of the course will focus on learning the basic elements of music Melody, Rhythm, Harmony, form, Texture, Tempo, and Dynamics. Using appropriate music vocabulary students will study and discuss a variety of musical genres, including Classical, Jazz, Rock, Musicals, and World Music. Additionally, this course will delve into technology and how it relates to music in the 21st century.
Film Studies i Sm Course Code: 7i001
This is a semester course. While film is commonly seen merely as a form of entertainment, it does whether viewers are fully aware or not, shape and reflect the way people think. Our goal in Film Studies is to watch movies with multiple levels of awareness so that students can develop an appreciation for film as a storytelling art form and analyze what messages are being conveyed in what they watch. Through watching, analyzing, and critiquing classic and contemporary films, students will explore how film functions in our society as both art and literature. This course will study the language, formal elements, and development of film while establishing a deeper understanding of the societal impact of the film.
Art i Sm Course Code: 70053
Art is a one semester course that encourages students to discover design through the use of paper, glue, clay, wire, cardboard, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, tempera, and an assortment of other mixed medium. Techniques of both design and sculpture will be studied extensively. Emphasis is placed upon aesthetic design, good craftmanship, and development of skills and exploration of cultural and historical influences.
Ceramics i Sm Course Code: 70054
This course provides a beginning foundation in the basic techniques for creative ceramic-making. Emphasis is placed upon hand-building techniques that provide a solid foundation for ceramic design and craftsmanship.
Interactive Animation & Games i Sm Course Code: 0i004
In the Interactive Animations and Games class, students learn to code in Game Lab as they create programmatic images, animations, interactive art, and games. String off with simple, primitive shapes and building up to more sophisticated sprite-based games, students become familiar with the programming concepts, and the design process computer scientists use daily. They then learn how these simpler constructions can be combined to create more complex programs. In the final projects, students develop a personalized, interactive program. Along the way, they practice design, testing and iteration, as they come to see that failure and debugging are an expected and valuable part of the programming process.
Teen Living i Sm Course Code: 30031
Home economics course for the 21st century. Teen living is a hands-on semester course introducing the main home economics areas. Units study includes nutrition, food preparation, self-esteem development, and decision-making. Money management, job skills, and clothing care.
Keyboarding Sm Course Code: 30015 i
This course is intended for students who desire keyboarding skills that will enable them to use a computer efficiently. Students will master the touch method of keying the alphabet and number keys and the numeric keypad. Students will have some exposure to basic computer application skills.