AROUND THE WORLD: Mrs. Chetanna
Join us as we travel around the world, investigating and experiencing art, language, geography, music, history, food, games and daily life around the globe.

BEGINNING SPANISH: Mrs. Scott
Se aprende hacienda—in doing we learn. Have fun learning to speak, read, and write a new language. Develop basic Spanish vocabulary. Very helpful for students who plan to study Spanish in the future.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM: Mrs. Demerjian
Students will learn the basics of interviewing, researching, and how to put together a video story using Final Cut Pro. They will have access to our own broadcasting equipment including cameras, lighting, microphones, and our green screen. Students will produce, direct, edit, and anchor news programs that will be broadcast to our school and online community on our website.

CHEF’S CORNER: Mrs. Blankenship/Ms. Lilly Califano
Discover the fun of being a chef. Prepare everything from fancy hors d’oeuvres to luscious desserts. Make pasta, pizza, tostadas, and more. Students may be exposed to tree nuts, almonds, eggs, seeds and dairy. Not recommended for students with food allergies.

CREATIVE ROBOTICS (Two Period Course): Mrs. Starodub
Join this hands-on Femineers® STEAM two-period block course. This nationally recognized curriculum was created and designed by Cal Poly Pomona College of Engineering to inspire females in grades 6-12 to pursue STEM careers, but all students will enjoy this engaging course! Students will develop real-world engineering skills to design, create, decorate and build a finished product using microprocessors, LEDs, motors and sensors.

CREATIVE WRITING: Mrs. Zarro-Anaya
Do you love to write? This is a class for all you aspiring authors. Create short stories, poems, perhaps the first chapter of your novel, and much more. Respond to a variety of prompts designed to stimulate creative ideas and innovative thinking.

FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR TEENS: Ms. Tarica
This course is designed to introduce students to basic personal finance skills that are relevant to the lives of teens. Main topics include but are not limited to: Investing, Borrowing, Money Management, Earning Power and how money works in the real world.

KEYBOARDING & MORE: Ms. Tarica
Learn to type accurately on the computer with proper finger positions, without looking at the keyboard. You will be introduced to all of the letters and numbers using computer based programs, in addition to various drills to increase your speed. Some Power Point and Excel may be included.

KEYS TO SUCCESS IN 6TH GRADE: Mrs. Scott
Learn everything you need to know about your new school and campus—from finding your classrooms and lockers to organizing your time. Survival skills such as designing a study environment at home to note-taking, outlining and library resource skills will be included. Learn techniques for increasing your speed and accuracy on tests while reducing anxiety. Have fun while building confidence in your ability to succeed in this next step in your life.

MARINE BIOLOGY: Mr. Kroon
Explore and discover our planet’s incredible underwater world in this class.  With an emphasis on hands-on learning through multiple dissections and labs, students will get a first-person look at life in our ocean.  If you ever wanted to see how a crayfish claw works or feel how rough shark scales are, this is the class for you.  There will be opportunities to research and learn about a variety of underwater animal species, from tiny crustaceans to massive whales, so come join us as we dive into our planet’s amazing oceans and seas.

MATH 6 INTRO: Mr. Fajardo
This class is for incoming 6th graders working at grade level and coded for regular PVCM 6 in the fall, as well as incoming 7th graders needing additional support. This class will cover whole number arithmetic, writing and calculating rational numbers (fractions and decimals), divisibility rules, number theory, and mathematical puzzles.

MATH 7 INTRO: Mr. Fajardo
This class is for students coded into PVCM 6 Accelerated or PVCM 7, and 8th graders needing additional support. This class will cover integer arithmetic, the real number system, order of operations, variables and expressions, equations and inequalities, ratios and proportions, and mathematical puzzles. Incoming 6th graders must be coded for PVCM 6 Accelerated in the fall.

MATH 8 INTRO: Mr. Fajardo
This class is for students coded into PVCM 7 / 8 Accelerated or incoming 8th graders coded for PVCM 8 in the fall. This class will cover solving simple and complex equations, angles and triangles, graphing and writing single and systems of linear equations, functions, real numbers, the Pythagorean Theorem and mathematical puzzles.

PATHWAY TO PVCM 6 ACCELERATED (Two Period Course): Mrs. Starodub
This two-period block course is available to current 5th grade students who would benefit from further instruction to prepare for entrance into PVCM 6 Accelerated in sixth grade. Completion of this course will strengthen students’ mathematical skill base, provide a stronger foundation of conceptual understanding and better prepare students for the fast pace and rigor associated with the accelerated-level coursework. PVPUSD encourages students to attend this summer program (or enroll in an independent study option**) particularly if the student was not initially recommended by his or her fifth-grade teacher for the PVCM 6 Accelerated course.

TEAM SPORTS: Mrs. Zarro-Anaya
Lace up your athletic shoes and get ready to dive into the world of team sports! This course introduces students to a variety of team-based activities, emphasizing fundamental skills, sportsmanship, and the importance of collaboration. Students will explore popular team sports such as soccer, basketball, pickleball, and more. Our focus extends beyond physical activity, incorporating strategy, teamwork, and leadership to build well-rounded athletes. Join us for an exciting journey that promotes both physical fitness and the development of essential life skills through the thrill of team sports!

VIDEO PRODUCTION: Mrs. Demerjian
Create quality video projects using Apple’s iMovie and Final Cut X editing programs. Work collaboratively to film and create short films, commercials, movie trailers, sports clips and more. Learn to incorporate custom music (GarageBand) for your projects, add video, audio and special effects to create packages, Public Service Announcements and more.

VISUAL ARTS: Mrs. Jimenez
This course provides students the opportunity to explore multiple visual arts mediums through hands-on experience, critical evaluation, and a greater appreciation for the Visual Arts. Students will explore the elements and principles of design, and develop skills in drawing, painting, sculpting, and photography.

*$20 mandatory materials fee

AROUND THE WORLD: Mrs. Ong
Taste mochi from Japan and scallion pancake from Taiwan. Make dancing dolls from Spain. Paint maracas from Mexico. Join us as we travel around the world investigating and experiencing art, geography, music, history, food, games and daily life as you travel with Mrs. Ong. If you had fun last year, come again this year as we will travel to different countries.

BEGINNING/INTERMEDIATE DANCE: Mrs. Loretta Tsudama
Join Mrs. Tsudama, head of the Peninsula Dance Department – Choreo Company, COED Choreo Advisor and Head Coach of the Song and Pep Flag programs, as we explore the art of dance, develop dance techniques, build your confidence and performance quality. Learn how to express yourself and work with others to build a supportive community through the art of DANCE. This class will explore movement in different dance genres like jazz, hip hop, and contemporary while also building or enhancing your dance technique through various stretches and dance conditioning like zumba, yoga, and pilates. We welcome all dancers of all levels and look forward to collaborating and sharing in the love of DANCE.

BOARD GAMES: Mr. Tsudama
Students will have fun while engaging in a variety of different board games.  They will learn and discover the rules and strategies for each game and test their skills in playing them.  Through playing and constructing their own games, students will develop problem-solving skills and teamwork in a creative and enjoyable environment.

BRIDGE TO ALGEBRA (Four Period Course): Mr. Broughton/Ms. Kuykendall
This four-period block course is available to students who have completed PVCM 7 and wish to enroll in Algebra 1 in the 8th grade starting with the 2024-25 school year. Instructional time will include the additional content in PVCM 7/8 Accelerated that is not covered in PVCM 7. PVPUSD encourages students to attend this Bridge class (or enroll in an independent study option**) in order to familiarize them with information they have not yet encountered, provide a stronger foundation of conceptual understanding and better prepare for the content associated with the Algebra 1 course.

CERAMICS: Mrs. Edmonds
Students will embark on a creative journey of imagination and wonder about the significance of pottery through different cultures and time periods. Students will explore clay methods while developing skills in hand building, pinch, slab, coil, & sculpture as well as decorative and glazing techniques. Join in on the fun while expressing your creativity!

CREATIVE WRITING: Mrs. McArthur
Creative Writing: Discover your own unique voice through a variety of writing challenges and opportunities. Class will begin each day with warm-ups, tricks of the trade, guided freewriting, vocabulary building, and move on to partner pieces, and finally meaningful individual projects. Along the way, students will have exciting choices to make. A supportive writing community will offer encouragement and constructive feedback. We all have a story to tell…and no one can tell your story but you!

DRAMA: Mrs. McArthur
Enjoy a delightful hour of drama games, improvs, scene study, and fun activities in a supportive theater environment! Not only will you learn the fundamentals of stage acting, you will gain confidence in public speaking, a necessary skill in most classrooms and almost any career. Drama offers students the opportunity to express themselves, as well as develop a lifelong appreciation of this ancient and important art form. Whether you have acted before or never even seen live theater, you are welcome. You will learn a lot, while having a great time!

DRAWING & PAINTING: Mrs. Edmonds
Join us as we delve into an adventure of fun, art, and learning! Students will explore various methods of drawing, painting, and mixed media using pen & ink, watercolor, pastel, and tempera paint. Students will learn techniques using the elements and principles of design. Come and express your creativity and imagination!

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: Mr. White
This is a digital photography course designed to provide self-directed, advanced instruction and knowledge of digital photography. Students will use Adobe Photoshop editing software to create digital portfolio projects and individual photos. Emphasis will be placed on basic camera handling skills and proper utilization of natural/artificial light and electronic flash, film speeds, aperture, and lens capabilities. Students are expected to bring their smartphone or digital cameras (6 mega-pixels minimum). Students’ final work will be saved to flash drives (provided).

INTRODUCTION TO DEBATE:  Mr. Ellis
Are you tired and frustrated of losing arguments, even when you know you are right?  That may be because you haven’t refined your skills of persuasion.  This class can do just that!  Learn how to change the mindset of those who challenge your intellect. There’s no limit as to who you may influence, convince or persuade to your way of thinking with the debate skills you will learn from Introduction to Debate.

INTRO TO MATH 6: Mrs. Ong
This class is for incoming 6th graders working at grade level and coded for regular PVCM 6 in the fall, as well as incoming 7th graders needing additional support. This class will cover whole number arithmetic, writing and calculating rational numbers (fractions and decimals), divisibility rules, number theory, and mathematical puzzles.

INTRO TO MATH 7: Mrs. Choi
This is a math class for students who need more instruction on integers, decimals, fractions, division, and solving equations. Instruction will be for those who need a better understanding of the basic math calculations and who need more time to grasp the foundation of basic math skills. The 7th grade math book can be challenging for students who struggled in 6th grade, and this class will help boost student’s confidence prior to entering seventh grade. This is not an accelerated course and students who enroll should be those who need extra time learning new concepts and need more explanation on topics not quite mastered from sixth grade.

INTRO TO MATH 8: Ms. Choi
This is a math class for students who want to get a head start in learning pre-algebra concepts for 8th grade. Instruction will focus on solving multi-step equations with fractions, decimals, and integers, graphing linear equations and understanding slope, Pythagorean Theorem, and exponents. This course will not only prepare them for the upcoming year, but will give them instruction on concepts they will be expected to master in Algebra 1. This course is designed to boost student’s confidence prior to entering 8th grade math.

KEYS TO SUCCESS: Ms. Smith
Learn how to be organized! Get ready for 6th grade at RIS with a class that will teach you the fundamentals of organization, planning, creating a to-do-list, prioritizing what to tackle first, and the basics of studying. Start your middle school career off right!

PATHWAYS TO PVCM 6 ACCELERATED (Two Period Course): Mrs. Cooper
This two-period block course is available to current 5th grade students who would benefit from further instruction to prepare for entrance into PVCM 6 Accelerated in sixth grade. Completion of this course will strengthen students’ mathematical skill base, provide a stronger foundation of conceptual understanding and better prepare students for the fast pace and rigor associated with the accelerated-level coursework. PVPUSD encourages students to attend this summer program (or enroll in an independent study option**) particularly if the student was not initially recommended by his or her fifth-grade teacher for the PVCM 6 Accelerated course.

PATHWAYS TO MATH 7/8 ACCELERATED (Two Period Course): Ms. Choi
This two-period block course is available to current 6th grade students who would benefit from further instruction to prepare for entrance into PVCM 7/8 Accelerated math. Completion of this course will provide an introduction to the math 7 standards and prepare students for the fast pace and rigor associated with the accelerated-level coursework. This course is encouraged particularly for those students who were not enrolled in Math 6 Accel but are planning to join the accelerated pathway in 7th grade, or those students who have completed Math 6 Accel but feel they need to build a stronger foundation. This course will focus on the math 7 standards that students from Math 6 Accel will have been exposed to prior to entering Math 7/8 Accel – integers, rational number system, algebraic expressions and equations.

PUZZLE MASTERS: Mrs. Ellis
Embark on a cerebral adventure with our Puzzle Masters class! This intellectually stimulating course is tailored for young minds eager to unravel the mysteries of logic, strategy, and problem-solving. Students will explore a variety of puzzles, including brainteasers, riddles, crosswords, and jigsaw puzzles, honing their critical thinking skills in an enjoyable and collaborative setting. From classic puzzles to modern mind-benders, this class encourages creativity and persistence while fostering a love for analytical thinking. Join us for an enriching journey into the captivating realm of puzzles, where every solution is a triumph, and every challenge is an opportunity to expand your cognitive toolkit!

SCHOOL SUCCESS 101 (Miraleste 6th graders only):  Ms. Chetanna
Learn everything you need to know to get off to a solid start to the school year.  Sixth graders will get the scoop on their new campus–opening locks, using the library, PE uniforms, clubs and activities plus survival skills for organization, test-taking, note-taking and so much more to help you start off great. This class is for Miraleste 6th graders only.

STEM FUNDAMENTALS: Mr. Woodward
This dynamic foundation to engineering class is divided into the four fundamentals of STEM: Coding, Gaming, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and Robotics. Students will learn JavaScript and Python through platforms like Code Combat, Make Code, and more. Create your favorite platform, maze, and scrolling games with the dynamic “Game Salad” and “Game Maker” programs. Learn to design like an architect with the awesome 3D modeling software, “Sketchup”. Build and Operate Lego “Spike Prime” Robots to perform intricate maneuvers using specific Sensors and coding. Explore a world of virtual robotics using “Vex Code” as you program them to navigate through a variety of mazes. All of this and a lot more awaits you in the fun and challenging class of STEM Fundamentals!

TEAM SPORTS: Mr. Kim
Lace up your athletic shoes and get ready to dive into the world of team sports! This course introduces students to a variety of team-based activities, emphasizing fundamental skills, sportsmanship, and the importance of collaboration. Students will explore popular team sports such as soccer, basketball, pickleball, and more. Our focus extends beyond physical activity, incorporating strategy, teamwork, and leadership to build well-rounded athletes. Join us for an exciting journey that promotes both physical fitness and the development of essential life skills through the thrill of team sports!

VIDEO COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. White
Have you dreamed of being a filmmaker? Winning an Oscar? Video Comm is for you! Students will learn about video composition, different types of cameras, filming with personal devices, tripods, shot types, media storage, lighting, audio, and editing in their various projects as well as how to work collaboratively with others producing quality video projects. All video/audio content must adhere to copyright laws in terms of use of other copyrighted material (music, video segments, etc.), saving, and sharing work safely.