How to Rank Electives Video

Remember to rank the elective choices you most want at the top. Then, rank down by order of your personal preference. You may receive ANY of the classes you rank, but order shows which you would like most.
​(Remember to scroll down and review elective options)
Computech Course Catalog
Yearly Course Offerings at Computech
 Course 7th Grade  8th Grade 
 GATE English  Literature, writing, and language arts  Literature, writing, and language arts
 GATE History  World history and geography  United States history
 Math  Accelerated Math 7 or Math 7     Math 8 or 8th grade Algebra I  
 Physical Education  Co-Ed PE  Co-Ed PE
 GATE Science  Science 7  Science 8
 CompuTECH Elective  CompuTECH: Technology used to communicate, collaborate, and create.  Choice Elective 1 (NOTE: In keeping with longstanding tradition, students must be registered for at least one technology-based elective, as indicated by a symbol.)
 Elective  Choice Elective 1  Choice Elective 2
 Elective  Choice Elective 2  Choice Elective 3

Choice Electives

Students choose from the electives below to satisfy the Choice Elective requirements above. Students may opt for their choice of any 2 (7th grade) or 3 (8th grade) year-long electives from the list below. Due to enrollment, master schedule, or other factors, some of these courses may not all be offered for the 2020-2021 academic year.


Course Ranking Instructions: Please rank your top 8 choices in ATLAS, in order of your preference. If your top electives are full or unavailable, ATLAS will automatically select your next choices down the list. The name of courses as listed in ATLAS are noted in (gold), so please use those to rank your elective class requests. The course titles as noted in black are the actual course titles. Courses with required applications or auditions are noted as such, but please rank those courses according to your interest in ATLAS during registration. Second year foreign language courses require successful completion of the prior year's course. 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Electives (STEM) 7-12 Pathway Electives

ClassDescriptionInstructorNotes
Engineering and Design
(Exploring Engineering & Design) 		Use the creative design process to push the limits of creativity—design and prototype your projects using maker-space fabrication tools. Imagine and build the highest-flying model rocket, improve the design of your pinewood derby-style race car, and design a large cardboard boat for you to race inside during our regatta. Build. Test. Re-design. Re-Prototype. In this class, learning from your failures is the best way to succeed. Your journey through Engineering Design culminates in real-world competition-based capstone projects and includes several opportunities to earn real-world industry certifications. There is no homework. This course fills quickly, so make sure to rank it high on your requests. Vinson
Potential for industry certification
Video
Robotics
(Robotics & Electronics)		 Robotics isn't just for NASA engineers. If you are interested in working with LEGO Mindstorms technology to design, build, and program robots, then this class is for you. Students will work with EV3 based LEGO robotics kits to learn how to design, build, and program robotic devices. Projects include, Battle Bots, Robo Soccer, Sumo Bots and many more. This course fills quickly, so make sure to rank it high on your requests.
 West
Robotics Engineering
(Explo Information Tech)		 In this "fusion" class, students will explore Engineering and Computer Science with Robotics. Combining the best parts of Robotics and Engineering, this is a great class for students of all skill and interest levels. Students will learn how to program and build various robots using some or all of the following hardware; VEX, Arduino, and Raspberry PI. Students will also get a chance to learn 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Vinyl Cutting, and so much more. Yes, there will be robot battles. No, there will not be homework. This course fills quickly, so make sure to rank it high on your requests. Vizthum
Potential for industry certification
Medical Detectives/BioMed
(Exploring Health and Medical Tech)		 Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they collect and analyze medical data to diagnose disease. They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, measure and interpret vital signs, dissect a sheep brain, investigate disease outbreaks, and explore how a breakdown within the human body can lead to dysfunction. This course fills quickly, so make sure to rank it high on your requests. Bernyk
Potential for industry certification
8th grade students only

Visual Arts

ClassDescriptionInstructorNotes
Art
(Art)		 Students in art class will learn about classic visual principles essential to any artistic medium. Whether it be an advertisement in a magazine, your favorite animation, or a historic piece of art, the classic visual principles are at play. Students in art class will not only learn how to identify these principles within a work of art, but how to use them to create meaning in their own art. Projects in art will allow students to experience a variety of mediums and disciplines that are at the core of artistic creation. From creating gel printing plates for vintage t-shirts, face casting, to modern mediums like edible art and designing App icons complete with marketing campaigns. Students will get comfortable with art by sampling different artistic mediums in an effort to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Williams Promotional Video
Photography & Yearbook
(Explo Arts & Media)		 This course provides students an understanding of the processes and skills common to careers in publishing, printing, graphic design, photography, and advertising. Students will learn industry specific design software, and use their designs to design, photograph, and produce the 2020 Computech Yearbook. Students will also be exposed to practical business operational strategies, and will have opportunities to make connections with businesses and organizations from the community. This is the class that makes Computech Yearbook, as well as designs and produces Computech Merch. Vinson Potential for Industry Certification

Performing Arts

ClassDescriptionInstructorNotes
Band (Beginning)
(Band-Beginning)		 This is a band class designed for students who are interested in starting a band instrument for the first time in either seventh or eighth grade. The primary focus for this class is on basic instrumental skill development and music reading. The goal of this class is to develop the student so they can advance to a higher level middle school band or entry level high school ensemble the following year. The beginning Band will perform at all concerts. The following instruments are offered to beginners: flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, and limited percussion. Salanitro Promo Video
Band (7th Grade)
(Band-Intermediate)

The Symphonic Band is an ensemble that provides students with learning and performance opportunities on woodwind and brass instruments, as well as percussion. The primary focus is on the development, continuation, and expansion of basic skills begun in previous years that are necessary for effective instrumental music performance. Students in Symphonic Band will perform in all concerts and two festivals a year. All 7th grade students with a minimum of one (1) year playing experience are welcome. No audition is required for admission to the Symphonic Band.

Salanitro Promo Video
Band (8th Grade)
(Band-Advanced)

The Wind Ensemble is Computech’s most advanced performing group for woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists. This year long course introduces comprehensive musicianship through music performance of challenging and varied literature. Skills and concepts from previous years are developed and expanded upon. In addition to continued refinement of individual performance skills, greater emphasis is placed on ensemble performance skills. Students will continue to develop their knowledge of music theory, begin to analyze and evaluate music, and use critical thinking skills to make refinements in their performance. Individual and ensemble skills will be expanded through musical expression and technical accuracy. Students in the Wind Ensemble will perform at several concerts and festivals during the school year. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in honor bands and private lessons. Auditions are available for 7th grade students that have at least two (2) years of experience or take private lessons. For audition requirements or to schedule an audition time, please email Mr. Salanitro at charles.salanitro@fresnounified.org

 

 Salanitro Promo Video
Choir
(Chorus)		 Are you the next "Computech Idol"? Even if you do not have "The X Factor", and are only "The Voice" of singing in the shower, the Computech Choir is the class for you. Regardless of skill level, choir students will learn to use their vocal instrument to create a correct and pleasing singing sound. In addition to learning proper vocal production and technique, students will also learn music reading skills, sight-singing skills, and performance skills. Choir is a great place for students to develop teamwork and leadership skills. The choir participates in concerts and festivals throughout the year. No audition is necessary, but students will be evaluated during class for voice placement only. Salanitro  
Forensics (Speech & Debate)
(Forensics)		 Forensics is a nationally recognized program which runs from middle school through college. Forensics is broken into two parts: Speech and Debate. Speech students must memorize a piece of literature or media and perform it in a presentation. Students will learn public speaking techniques and have the opportunity to write their own pieces. Debate teaches students how to form an argument, research tactics and the laws of our country. Students are taught how to argue in an organized, objective way. This class gives students the opportunity to participate in competitions throughout the year at the middle school level and the high school level. Students will have the opportunity to perform in our annual Showcase and the chance to audition for our National Team. We compete in the National Middle School Speech and Debate tournament annually. Hibler Weekend and evening practices and performances required
Promo Video
Theatre
(Drama)		 Theatre is an active, performance-based program for students interested in stage acting training. Students will learn skills such as improv, pantomime, musical theatre dance, stage combat, script writing, and auditioning. Students will perform on stage regularly and have the opportunity to perform in a class show. This program teaches students how to work in professional theatre and provides opportunities to audition for local productions. Theatre students will have the opportunity to audition for and crew the fall school show with The Computech Players. Hibler Weekend and evening practices and performances required
Promo Video
Orchestra (Intermediate)
(Orchestra-Intermediate)		 Our intermediate orchestra is open to all students with at least one (1) year of playing experience. Students need to have played in elementary school, or be taking private lessons to sign up for intermediate orchestra. Our intermediate orchestra is open to students that play violin, viola, cello or bass – traditional orchestral string instruments. Piano players and harp players are also encouraged to be part of our orchestra. The intermediate orchestra performs at all concerts and 1 festival each year. Students in the intermediate orchestra will work on developing good playing techniques, proper intonation and ear-training skills, as well as sight-reading. Salanitro  
Orchestra (Advanced)
(Orchestra-Advanced)		 Our advanced orchestra is open to students with at least 2 years of playing experience, students taking private lessons, or admission by audition. This is one of the top performing groups on campus, and has earned the reputation of performing high quality music at a very advanced level. The advanced orchestra performs at all concerts and at least two (2) festivals a year. Students in the advanced orchestra are encouraged to expand their musical experience by auditioning for honor groups and taking private lessons. The advanced orchestra is open to Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano and Harp. Students in the advanced orchestra will refine their playing skills – including vibrato, shifting, and more advanced bowing techniques. To schedule an audition time, contact Mr. Salanitro at charles.salanitro@fresnounified.org Salanitro  
Stagecraft
(Stagecraft)

Stagecraft is a hand-on class designed for students interested in the backstage and crew work of theatre. Students will learn every aspect of production from costume design and construction to set design and building and stage makeup design and application. Students will have the opportunity to create online portfolios and tutorial videos of their work. Students will be trained to operate The Computech Theatre’s lighting and sound as well as managing the stage. Stagecraft students will have the opportunity to crew every school show with The Computech Players.

 Hibler
Weekend, evening and after school rehearsals and performances required.
Promo Video

Language Other Than English

Note: Our Language Other Than English courses are high school credit classes, and material is presented at a high school level. Upon successful completion (C or better), students will receive a year of high school credit for this course. Each student may only take one Language Other Than English course at a time.

ClassDescriptionInstructorNotes
French I
(French I)		 French is the second international language after English. It is spoken on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. French 1 is an introduction to the French language and culture. The objective of the class is communication. Students will be speaking French from day one and will have learned the basic language skills to communicate effectively by the end of the year. Participation is important, as students will be conversing, writing, and reading in French. Some of the activities students will be participating in include a fashion show, performing skits, designing their own restaurant menus, virtual tours, and learning many songs in French, to name just a few. Ordiano  8th Grade Only
French II
(French II)		 This class is for students who have mastered the fundamentals of French I. French II allows students to communicate about past events and expand their vocabulary and fluency. Participation is important, as students will be conversing, writing, and reading in French. Some of the activities students will be participating in are: a fashion show, making pen pal videos, creating home tours, performing skits, learning many songs in French, and virtual tours, to name just a few. TBD This class is taught at Edison High School and only offered to 8th grade students.
Hmong Heritage Speakers I
(Hmong Heritage Speakers)		 This class can accommodate students from a wide range of backgrounds, from those who are only culturally familiar with the Hmong language and traditions to those who are more proficient and/or fully literate in Hmong. Yang This class is taught at Edison High School and only offered to 8th grade students.
Spanish I
(Spanish I)		 Due to the constantly increasing Hispanic population, there is a high demand for Spanish speakers. Spanish One is an introduction to the language and the Hispanic culture. The objective of the class is to be able to speak, read, write, and understand basic Spanish. Students will be speaking Spanish from day one and will learn language skills to communicate effectively by the end of the year. Daily and constant participation is required which, if accomplished, will enable students to speak understand, read and write Spanish. This class is designed for the non-native speaker. Ordiano or Valencia  
Spanish NASP Bridge
(Spanish NASP Bridge)		 Spanish NASP Bridge  allows students to expand their vocabulary and learn how to talk about past events. They learn to order food in a restaurant, barter, design a restaurant menu, and write about their own childhood. Students should be prepared for a more rigorous, yet rewarding experience. Bolaños or Valencia  Not a high school Course. Recommended middle school level prep course for Spanish NS 1. 7th grade only.
Spanish Native Speakers
(Spanish Native Sp I)		 The purpose of this class is a) to enhance the oral and written performance, in Spanish, of students who already speak that language; and b) to familiarize students with the cultures of other Spanish-speaking people worldwide. Students learn about aspects of daily life in other Spanish-speaking cultures. They read a variety of styles of literature, engage in conversations, and write essays, all at increasingly sophisticated levels of Spanish. Admission is at teacher discretion, based on performance on a written and oral test administered during registration. Bolaños This course is only offered to 8th grade students. Spanish NASP Bridge is strongly recommended during 7th grade.

Leadership

ClassDescriptionInstructorNotes
Leadership
(Leadership)		 The purpose of the Leadership class is to develop leadership skills in middle school students. Students serving in an elected student government position are required to be in the Leadership class. Leadership students will be actively involved in planning and implementing Campus Culture activities during school, lunchtime, and after school. The class will work to make a positive impact on the Computech student body to insure that our school is the best middle school in California. Students in this yearlong elective will work closely in teams to provide spirit posters, lunchtime activities, rallies, and other special activities throughout the school year. Leadership’s purpose is to make Computech a fun and welcoming school for all students. Community service, regular positive participation, public speaking, decision-making skills, and Character Counts are taught in this course. As a leader on campus, you need to be active in attending school activities, showing school spirit, demonstrate good citizenship, and support other students in their co-curricular activities. Also, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Valdivia