Electives
Portola Students can pursue a wide range of electives to unlock their potential and explore their interests. Elective offerings include:
Art
Color and Design
This year-long lab course is designed for 7th and 8th grade students. Building upon their foundational understanding of color, line, value, form, shape, space, and texture, students will delve deeper into these elements of art.
Through hands-on projects and experiments, students will create original artwork using a variety of materials and techniques. They will also learn and apply the vocabulary of the visual arts to analyze their own work and that of other artists.
As the course progresses, students will develop a portfolio of their artwork, which will be presented at school and district exhibitions.
Drawing and Painting
This year-long course offers students the opportunity to explore drawing and painting as creative and expressive forms of art. Through a variety of materials and techniques, students will create original works of art.
They will also learn the vocabulary of the visual arts and apply it to their own artwork and the work of others. By studying the historical and cultural aspects of the visual arts, students will gain a deeper appreciation for their significance.
Additionally, they will explore current technology in the visual arts, discover connections to other artistic disciplines and subjects, and investigate careers in drawing, painting, and design.
AVID
AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a comprehensive academic support program designed to prepare middle school students for college and beyond. Through a variety of strategies and activities, AVID students develop essential skills such as effective study techniques, strong writing abilities, critical thinking, teamwork, organization, and reading comprehension.
AVID students are expected to be active participants, complete assignments on time, and maintain passing grades in all classes. By taking ownership of their learning and striving for excellence, AVID students are well-prepared to achieve their academic and personal goals. Student must complete an application to be admitted into AVID>
Career Education
Career Focus Business
This course offers a fascinating exploration of the diverse world of business and service industries. You'll delve into exciting fields like entrepreneurship, where you'll learn how to start and run your own business. Discover the art of providing exceptional customer service and gain valuable insights into financial planning.
To make learning even more engaging, this course includes hands-on practical experiences in business administration, sales and marketing, and hospitality. You'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios and develop essential skills for future success.
Leadership
Leadership
Our middle school leadership program is designed to empower students to become confident, responsible, and compassionate leaders. Through a variety of activities, students will develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, responsibility, and service. By participating in student government, clubs, sports teams, and community service initiatives, students will gain confidence, build relationships, and make a positive impact on their school and community.
Music
Beginning Band
Beginning Band is a yearlong course in which students will explore playing band instruments as a creative endeavor. Students will explore and perform musical pieces using a variety of styles reflecting many historical periods. Students will learn the vocabulary of instrumental music, playing techniques, and music theory and apply them to these musical pieces. Students will learn how their songs and exercises fit into the historical aspects of music. They will experience connections to the other arts and subjects and study the types of careers that are available to them through music.
Advanced Band
Advanced Band is a yearlong course in which students will explore playing band instruments as a creative endeavor. Students will explore and perform musical pieces using a variety of styles reflecting many historical periods. Students will learn the vocabulary of instrumental music, playing techniques, and music theory and apply them to these musical pieces. Students will learn how their repertoire fits into the historical aspects of music. Students will learn how technology has affected music throughout the years and how they can utilize that technology to create their own music. They will experience connections to the other arts and subjects and study the types of careers that are available to them through music.
Beginning String Orchestra
Beginning String Orchestra is a yearlong course in which students will explore playing a bowed string instrument as a creative endeavor. Students will explore and perform musical pieces using a variety of styles and many historical periods. Students will learn the vocabulary of instrumental music, playing techniques, and music theory and apply them to musical pieces.
Students will learn how their repertoire fits into the historical aspects of music. Students will learn how technology has affected music throughout the years and how they can utilize that technology to create their own music. They will experience connections to the other arts and subjects and study the types of careers that are available to them through music.
Advanced String Orchestra
Advanced String Orchestra is a yearlong course in which students will explore playing a bowed string instrument as a creative endeavor. Students will perform and explore musical pieces using a variety of styles and many historical periods. Students will learn the vocabulary of instrumental music, playing techniques, and music theory and apply them to musical pieces.
Students will learn how their repertoire fits into the historical aspects of music. They will experience connections to the other arts and subjects and study the types of careers that are available to them through music.
Spanish
Spanish I A and Spanish I B
Spanish I is designed to help students develop the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing through the study of the basic elements of the sound system of the language, the basic language patterns, and the vocabulary. Emphasis will be placed upon the listening and speaking activities. Reading and writing activities will be introduced simultaneously. Cultural topics will also be presented.
Spanish for Spanish Speakers
Spanish for Spanish Speakers is a course designed for the native speaker to challenge and further enrich his/her ability to communicate in Spanish. The course will emphasize written communication, as well as verbal articulation, through the study of significant Spanish literary selections and contemporary Spanish publications which will enhance written and verbal communication skills.
Theater
Theater
Theater Arts is a collaborative program that enhances communication through script writing, direction, acting, design, and production. Students build their communication skills through participation in acting exercises, theatre games, and scenes from plays. Students will learn basic acting techniques and stage terminology, while developing an appreciation of the theatre, confidence, and self-awareness.
Verizon Lab
Verizon Innovative Learning Lab: Immersive Media
The Immersive Media (IM) course empowers students to become digital storytellers and 3D content creators by using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and branching narrative software. Students travel to four virtual planets in this galactic-themed adventure to complete a series of "missions" that hone their technical and soft skills. Students then put their skills to the test by choosing from a menu of three sustainability projects per planet.