AMMS Electives

Apopka Memorial Middle School (AMMS) Elective Course Descriptions

Note: Every effort is made to provide students with their preferences, however:

  • Another elective will be assigned If an elective is full, conflicts with a required course, or is no longer offered.

  • P.E. is a State requirement for each year of middle school. Parents may complete a PE Waiver; however, we must have space in another elective in order for your child to opt out of P.E. If your child has a medical condition preventing him/her from taking P.E., please provide physician documentation to the Guidance Counselor.

  • Students who score below grade-level in Reading or Math may be placed in an Intensive Reading and/or Intensive Math course.

  • Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may need a Learning Strategies elective and/or a Social/Personal elective.

Directions:

  1. Read all elective descriptions below.

  2. Watch the videos on our website: apopkams.ocps.net, “Guidance,” “5th Grade Transition.”

  3. Complete the Google form called “AMMS 5th Grade Elective Interest Form.”  You must assign a number to each of the eight electives (Agriculture, Art, Band, Chorus, Computers, Drama/Theater, Orchestra, and Spanish). Select number 1 for your favorite elective, number 2 for your next favorite, number 3 for your next favorite, and so on.

  4. AMMS 5th Grade Elective Interest Form

List of Elective Choices

Agriculture
 

Students learn about agricultural mechanics, small animal care, livestock, crop production, horticulture, research, leadership, and forestry and natural resources. Agriculture students may join the FFA Club, which competes in the county fair and is active in community service. The 8th grade Agriscience Foundations course counts as a high school Science credit. Questions, contact Mr. Sikes at 407-884-2208, extension 5004501, [email protected].

Art

Students create a variety of 2-D artworks through drawing, painting, printmaking, and collage. Students practice, sketch, and manipulate the structural elements of art. This course incorporates hands-on activities and consumption of art materials.

Band

Students develop instrumental technique, music literacy, and aesthetic musical awareness through rehearsal and performance. The curriculum provides the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

Chorus

Students with little or no choral experience develop beginning vocal technique, critical and creative thinking skills, and an appreciation of music from around the world and through time. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day.

Computers (Information and Communication Essentials 1)

Students will learn computer, digital, and information technology skills necessary for success in their future academic and occupational settings. The content includes but is not limited to web development, multimedia, word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet communications, cybersecurity, and computer programming.

Orchestra

Students who have little or no experience with a string instrument will acquire performance skills, music literacy and aesthetic awareness. The curriculum provides the fundamentals of music notation, sound production, instrument care and maintenance, and personal and group rehearsal strategies. Students may be required to attend and/or participate in rehearsals and performances outside the school day. This course may also require students to obtain a musical instrument (e.g., borrow, rent, purchase) from an outside source.

Spanish, Beginning (Middle School)

This course introduces students to the Spanish language and its culture, including instruction in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students have the opportunity to take Spanish 1 in the subsequent year as a high school credit course.

 

AVID and STEM Programs Application Deadline March 6, 2024

AVID and STEM are programs which require an application and acceptance in order to be on the student’s schedule. Students who apply to these programs are still required to complete the AVID and STEM students are expected to have exemplary behavior and to keep up with assignments and projects. These are rigorous, academic electives for students who have a strong work ethic and work well in groups. 

  • AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is for hard-working college-bound students who are in the middle academically.

  • The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Program includes the following electives: Agriscience, Engineering and Health. Students can apply to one, two, or all three STEM electives.

 AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination)

AVID is designed for students in the academic middle (FSA level 3’s) who are college-bound. Students  learn Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organizational and Reading strategies (WICOR) and take rigorous courses including advanced and/or honors courses. AVID is not a remedial program but rather a program to support hard-working students as they take challenging coursework. For more information, please log on to the AVID website to learn more , and/or contact Laura Donlon, AVID Coordinator: 407-884-2208, ext. 5004193, [email protected].

To apply to AVID, complete the Goggle Form by clicking the link below:
AVID Application

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

Agriculture

Students will learn about agricultural mechanics, small animal care, livestock, crop production, horticulture, research, leadership, and forestry and natural resources. All Agriculture students may join the FFA Club which competes in the county fair and is active in community service. The 8th grade Agriscience Foundations course counts as a high school Science credit. For questions, please contact Mr. Sikes at 407-884-2208, extension 5004501, [email protected]

Engineering

Students will develop problem-solving skills, gather data, and document results while working cooperatively in groups. Students can continue with STEM in 7th and 8th grade. For questions, contact Angel Maldonado at 407-884-2208, extension 5004185, [email protected]

To apply to STEM, complete the Google Form by clicking on the link below:
STEM Academy Interest Form

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. King, 6th Grade School Counselor, at 407-884-2208, extension 5002250 or email: [email protected]