Electives @ Ramirez are really fun!
Numerous electives are offered at Ramirez Intermediate School. Students are asked to select two elective courses, which will be on a space available basis. Some elective courses have prerequisites. Elective choices range from the visual and performing arts to academic and technology offerings:
Spanish Exploration: An introduction to Spanish including projects and cultural activities.
High School Spanish 1: A course for serious 8th grade students. It will cover the first year of high school Spanish. You will be able to start Roosevelt High School in Spanish 2. This course is not for the Native speaker.
Intramural Sports: Intramurals provide an arena for students to explore a variety of sports through team play and competition. This is a class for students who have knowledge of most sport skills and want to put those skills toward competitive play. Students are expected to participate each day, have a healthy attitude toward competition and exhibit good sportsmanship.
ASB (Associated Student Body): This course is designed to empower students to become effective leaders on campus. Students will explore various components of what it means to be an effective group member and leader through planning and implementing activities, programs, and events for Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School students and faculty. Students will be selected through an application process for this course.
Computer Graphics I: This course is a digital art class providing students a hands-on, working understanding of graphic design utilizing Adobe Illustrator. Mastery of computer operations will further enhance the students’ grasp of technology in the world of art.
Digital Photography I: This course explores the digital photographic process. Course topics include digital camera operation, camera manipulation and restoration with special emphasis placed on Adobe Photoshop.
“Gray Wolves” Advanced Band: This course is open to students who have had 2 to 3 years of band (teacher approval required). This is the school’s premiere performing group with the top musicians who will represent Ramirez Intermediate School at extra-curricular events such as festivals, competitions, concerts, and community functions outside of the school day.
“Howlin’ Wolves” Jazz Band: This course is advanced and students must have teacher approval and audition. This very select group will participate in many concerts, festivals, competitions, and community events throughout the year. It requires the most practice and dedication of all the music groups. It is also limited to the “correct” standard jazz instrumentation (Saxes, trumpets, trombones, piano, bass, guitar, and set drums). You must also be a member of the advanced band to participate.
“Red Wolves” Intermediate Band: This course is for students who have had some band experience in elementary or private lessons. We will continue practicing fundamentals of music reading, tone quality, and technique (scales and articulation).
“The Pups” Beginning Band: This course is for students who have not had any previous experience. We will learn the fundamentals of the instruments, read music notation, progress through a method book/supplements, and perform several concerts. This is a building block for the music program.
Acoustic Guitar: This course is open to beginners only (must have good citizenship grades in previous year’s classes). You will learn the fundamentals of music; note/rhythm notation, chords, scales, proper technique, and improvisation. This class will also perform at a few concerts. School will supply acoustic guitars or you may use your own.
“Wolf Pack” Choir: This course is for students with and without any musical experience. In this class you will learn several styles of music, music reading, piano, ear training, theory, and proper voice technique. This class will do extra-curricular performances at competitions, festivals, and community events throughout the year.
Robotics: This course is an in-depth exploration of building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorms NXT Robotics System. Students will practice construction and programming with the NXT intelligent brick with servo style motors and ultrasonic sensor. Students build a variety of robots and program them with a computer to move, react, and make sounds in order to solve challenges. Students work in pairs and small teams, sharing a robotics kit and computer.
Introduction to Designing Web Graphics and Websites in Adobe Photoshop: This course is an introduction to using Adobe Photoshop to create, prepare, and modify visual elements for web page creation and functional web pages/websites. Students will learn how to use the basic elements of
Adobe Photoshop layers, selection tools, and channels to edit Images used for print or web design.
Introduction to Video Production: This course is an introduction to creating television production, audio recordings, and film projects. Students will be introduced to video procedures, practices, and production equipment. Students will learn the basic components, proper care and use of a video camera and editing equipment, the three stages of the production process and electronic storytelling.
Journalism/School Newspaper: This course is designed to keep the students of Ramirez Intermediate up to date on the latest news, information, and hot stories that will keep everyone informed and entertained. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to show your school spirit.
Drama: This course is designed to be a place where you can come and express yourself. Whether you love to work on stage or behind the scenes, everyone will find a place where they can show off their talent. We need actors, actresses, singers, producers, stage crew, and students that want to be the Stars of Ramirez.
Speech and Debate: During this course, students will learn how verbal and non-verbal communication contributes to speaking. As the students learn these skills, they will get the opportunity to create speeches that reflect their personal interests and demonstrate their knowledge of topics and skills learned throughout the course. Most students have a fear of speaking and in this class we face the fear head on. Students are encouraged to praise and motivate each other as they learn that the skill of communicating effectively will benefit them in all aspects of their lives.
Industrial Arts (CAD/3D Modeling): This is a 12 week introduction to Computer Drafting and 3D Modeling. Students design, create and render various objects using computer programs.
AVID: This course is a college preparatory program in which students become the facilitator of their own academic success. AVID provides daily study groups directed by professional tutors, a structure of note-taking, and organizational skills aimed at supporting students taking the most rigorous courses offered at Ramirez Intermediate School.
