STUDENT ELECTIVES

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ADVANCED COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

To enroll in Advanced Computer Apps., a student must have completed Computer Literacy with a grade of 90 or above and have the recommendation of the computer teachers. The class is an extension of the Computer Literacy class. The first six weeks, is a review of all of the applications taught in Computer Literacy, with more complicated activities. The second six weeks is mainly Internet research, which is then applied to PowerPoint slide shows and a teen magazine or newsletter done with Publisher. The third six weeks is devoted to learning the basics of HTML and the creating of web pages with a generator.

AFTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS

Go to Sports to view athletic programs offered at J.L.Long.Competitive Sports are not offered for credit during the school year or to replace P.E. as an elective.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

American Sign Language is an elective offered for both seventh and eighth graders. ASL is a beautiful, exciting language that uses hand signs, gestures, and facial expressions. The class will strive to enhance the educational process, broadening the scope of understanding between the world of hearing and the world of deafness. This class is designed to improve eye-hand coordination, acknowledge cultural differences, and strive to better students' communication skills.

ART

Students with a special love and talent in drawing, sculpting , or painting will want to take this class to embrace their creativity. A variety of mediums are explored and students learn how to correctly use them. Painting and drawing techniques are included in several two- dimensional projects and students complete at least one three-dimensional artwork during the semester. Art history lessons are combined with hands on projects to educate students in an appreciation for Art worldwide. Portfolio work can be compiled for application to Dallas' Arts Magnate school in the Fall of an 8th grader's school career.

by Rocsana Bueno	by Victoria Alvarez	by Jacqueline M.
Middle Schoolers interpretations of the Mona Lisa after researching - www.monalisamania.com - and studying the art of Leonardo Da Vinci.

BAND

Band is divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. All bands are a mix of 7th and 8th graders:

Beginner students have little or no experience with musical instruments. Students are encouraged to choose an instrument and will perform with other bands.

Intermediate students must have had Beginner Band or equivalent. This band is for the student with some experience and works on technique and performance.

Advanced students must audition and are placed by selection of the band teacher. Band members must be willing to consistently apply themselves to the study of music in preparation for competitions and performances throughout the year.

In the Spring the band will be competing in an All-City UIL Contest and a metro-plex UIL competition. In addition students may perform for the school at various assemblies and meetings. A fundraiser is held before Christmas each year so students have a chance to earn money that will pay for their uniforms (red long-sleeved shirt and black pants).

CHOIR

The choir program at Long consists of 7th Grade Girls' Choir, Boys' Choir, and 8th Grade Girls' Choir. Students will learn to use proper vocal techniques, read music, sight sing, and participate in numerous performance activities that include the spring musical. A good attitude, a desire to learn to perform, hard work and dedication are required for this class. NO audition is necessary. All students must maintain a passing average in all classes.

EXPECTATIONS

Expectations is the advanced choral group of 8th graders at J.L. Long. Students must audition to qualify for this elective in the spring semester of their 7th grade year. A passing average in all classes is required at all times.

Expectations performs throughout the year in UIL competitions, a Holiday Concert, and have the opportunity to be in the J.L. Long Musical at the end of the year.

Expectations 2003

GENERAL MUSIC

This course is an introduction to the world of music. Students will learn about the different styles of music and learn to read music by playing recorders and rhythm instruments. No previous music experience necessary.

HEALTH

Health class at J.L. Long is about life! We explore many issues that are relevant to middle school students now and in the future.

Check out many of the topics we explore: building relationships, self esteem (what you think about yourself), friendships, family relationships, decision making, peer pressure (negative & positive), rights & responsibilities, jobs (resume, cover letters, applications, interviews), human sexuality, STD’s, HIV & AIDS, body systems (skin, skeletal, muscle, circulatory, reproductive, endocrine), team work, prejudice and racism, violence, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and nutrition. The aim of Health class is to enable students through activities, interaction, and discussion, make well-informed, healthy choices and to develop behaviors that contribute to the well being of themselves and others.

MATH TEAM

Math Team is an elective for 7th and 8th grade students who love math and want to learn more than they ever imagined possible. J.L. Long Math Team competes in local, regional, and state contests. The highlight of the competition year is the annual state contest in San Antonio. Math Team is led by Sharon Morgan, who says:

"Our team wins team awards at every contest we attend usually from 1st to 3rd place in Number Sense, Mathematics, and Calculator. Numerous students win individual awards each week. Students are not required to go to each of the 18 contests, although some do. Our team highlight was in 2002 when the J.L. Long Math Team won regional MathCounts, beating St. Marks' for the first time in history."

Placement in Math Team is by standardized national tests. Additional admission is on a space available basis.

NEWSPAPER

The newspaper class requires students to write different forms/styles of writing while producing The Treasure Chest, the school-wide newspaper. Students will learn elements of a newspaper, production and distributing skills, newspaper ethics, use of a desktop publisher, and related skills pertaining to the field of Journalism.

ROTC

A strong military career begins with a strong ROTC background and J.L. Long offers it. The Cadet Corp of J.L.Long is a junior ROTC. Students learn military order and patriotism, as well as organizational skills. Studies include Leadership Development, Military Skills, and Adventure Training. Army ROTC teaches students how to succeed in a competitive world both in college and beyond.

Students participate in competitions and drills. Uniforms are required.

SCIENCE TEAM

Science Team is an elective for 7th and 8th grade students who love science and want to learn more than they ever imagined possible. J.L. Long Science Team competes in local, regional, and state contests. Science Team is led by Armelia King. See The Armelia King Award.

Placement in Science Team is by standardized national tests. Additional admission is on a space available basis.

SKILLS FOR LIVING

Available for both 7th and 8th graders, Skills for Living is designed to provide opportunities for students to explore family relationships and personal development, personal management and planning for the future. Emphasis is on the importance of families, effective communication skills, management skills, how to get along with others including family members and peers, decision making, acceptance of responsibility and child care practices that promote positive development.

Other topics include positive self-image, nutrition, wellness, personal appearance, managing multiple roles and career options. Cooking labs occur every two weeks.

WOODSHOP

Industrial Education at J.L. Long can be found in elective of Woodshop. Safety rules and operation of machinery are taught to young craftsmen and women. Students are required to make projects out of wood.