Alta Sierra Intermediate

Note: Elective course offerings are subject to change based on student enrollment and space availability.

These electives require the completion of an online application in addition to selecting them in Student Connect during registration. Students may only apply to two application electives, and must choose a third general elective during course selection on Student Connect.

AVID or Advancement Via Individual Determination / Mrs. Rose (coordinator), Mrs. Reyolds (7th) and Mr. Regier (8th): AVID is a seventh through twelfth grade program that prepares eligible students for admission to a four-year college or university. The AVID elective supports students as they challenge themselves in more rigorous classes by teaching study skills, note taking, time management, writing and research skills. Click here for more information about AVID.

Video Production / Mr. Downer: Video Production is a year-long course in which students will design, film and edit their own videos using state of the art computer technology. These videos will frequently be posted on the school’s social media accounts, web site, etc. Students will create video announcements as members of the school’s film crew and special edition videos for school events/activities. The class assists with creating a positive school climate and culture through the production of the school news program. Students will learn the various steps of digital storytelling from start to finish.

Interactive Animations & Games (Esports) / Mr. Grady: Students learn to code in Game Lab as they create programmatic images, animations, interactive art, and games. String off with simple, primitive shapes and building up to more sophisticated sprite-based games, students become familiar with the programming concepts and design process computer scientists use daily. Students learn how these simpler constructs can be combined to create more complex programs. In the final projects, students develop a personalized, interactive program. Along the way, students practice design, testing and iteration, as they come to see that failure and debugging are an expected and valuable part of the programming process.

Introduction to Education / Mrs. Hutchason: This course will assist students in exploring careers in education. The content includes, but is not limited to, the development of leadership skills; exploration of careers in the field of education; exploration of children's literature; thematic units; cooking within the classroom; reading buddies with young children; and horticulture within the classroom.

Collaborative Mentoring / Mrs. Zunich and Ms. Bishop: This course is for the General Education student who desires to help and mentor others who have special needs. Mentor students will work one-on-one with a Special Education student in elective courses. Mentors will develop leadership skills, learn problem solving skills, and behavior management techniques.

Leadership / Mrs. Martin: Leadership students participate in the planning and execution of a variety of campus activities, such as setting up dances, rallies, and other school functions. Leadership students also support their peers through new student tours and activities, and participate in community service outside the school day.

Peer Counseling / Mrs. Albee: Peer counseling is a program in which students are trained to help fellow intermediate students with problems faced in everyday life. The goal is not to give advice, but to guide others to develop their own solutions to problem situations. Students will also work on developing leadership skills. 

Yearbook / Mrs. Milhous: This course is open to students who are interested in working on the school yearbook. Students develop skills in layout design, story writing, editing, proofreading, advertising, marketing, and production experience. Computer and camera knowledge is helpful.

These elective courses are open to all students interested in taking a full-year elective and do not require an application.

Choir / Mr. Burdick: Choir is an elective that all students have an opportunity to participate in. Students can also participate in ASI's Tenor/Bass Choir, Soprano/Alto Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir. 

Click here for the ASI Choir website.

For frequent updates and photos, please follow the ASI Choir Instagram (@asichoir).

Instrumental Music / Mr. Charnow: The Buchanan Educational Center (BEC) Instrumental Music Program serves the students of Buchanan High School and Alta Sierra Intermediate in Clovis, California. The Buchanan and Alta Sierra Band program consists of two high school concert bands, three middle school concert bands, color guard, jazz, marching band, and percussion. The orchestra program is comprised of four string orchestras and a symphony orchestra with 170 students participating, grades 7-12. To learn more about the program, please visit the Buchanan Educational Center Instrumental Music or Jazz Bands websites.

Drama / Mr. Estep: Every ASI student has the opportunity to take Intermediate Drama. For students who take Intermediate Drama in 7th grade and wish to continue, Advanced Drama is available as a year-long elective for 8th-grade students. 

Click here to view the ASI drama website. 

Colorguard / Ms. Tucker: Colorguard is a combination of dance, dramatic performance, and equipment work. This performing group is an essential part of marching band in the fall. During the winter and spring, members of colorguard participate in the winter guard season in various competitions. Visit the Buchanan Educational Center Instrumental Music website for more information.  

Interested in joining Colorguard for the 2025-26 school year? Complete this form to sign up: Welcome to Alta Sierra PE - Dance & Colorguard!

Computer Science Discoveries / Ms. Holtermann and Mr. Nason: Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices.

Digital Art & Design / Mrs. Hernandez: Digital Art and Design is an introductory course with an emphasis on computer generated artwork. Students will build a repertoire of digital and traditional skills that will allow them to create art pieces with technology. Students will also gain a deeper understanding of principles of design and elements of art. We will discuss historical and cultural influences in art and students will use this knowledge to create relevant pieces.

Cooking & Life Skills / Mrs. Zunich: This course introduces students to everyday essential life skills with a focus on cooking and its practical applications. Through units on nutrition, financial literacy, textiles, and career readiness, students will learn to plan and prepare balanced meals, manage grocery budgets, and develop kitchen safety and organization skills. Hands-on projects include meal preparation, sewing kitchen essentials, and creating digital cookbooks, fostering independence and creativity. Students will also explore career paths in culinary arts, enhance their professional communication, and build healthy habits that promote personal well-being and lifelong success.

These elective courses are open to all students and do not require an application. If you choose one or two semester-long electives as one of your three choices during registration, your second semester elective will be any one of the three other semester-long electives we offer. If you do not like one or more of the semester-long electives, it is highly encouraged that you only select yearlong elective courses during registration.

Art / Mrs. Hernandez: Art is a one-semester course where students will learn about design through the use of paper, glue, clay, wire, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, and other mediums. Students will also explore the historical and cultural influences present in artwork.

Beginning Drama / Mr. Estep: This is a one-semester introductory course to theater. Students will learn basic theater concepts and stage terms and be introduced to various performance techniques through interactive games and lessons. 

Teen Living / Mrs. Zunich: Teen living is a hands-on one-semester course introducing the main home economic areas. Units of study include nutrition, food preparation, self-esteem development, decision-making, money management, job skills, and clothing care.

Only 8th grade students are eligible to select these courses during registration.

Academic Assistant / TA: Students enrolled in this course are assigned to a classroom teacher, administrative office, or the library media center. Course work includes helping other students in various content areas and assisting in clerical tasks such as filing or using the computer. 

Advanced Drama / Mr. Estep: Advanced Drama is open to 8th grade students who completed Intermediate Drama in 7th grade. Advanced Drama students will be required to perform in production with their class. Students will also complete projects using theater techniques such as: documentaries, silent films, and scene work.

Advanced Art /Mrs. Hernandez: Advanced Art is open to 8th grade students who completed Art in 7th grade and have the recommendation of their teacher. In this course, students will explore more advanced drawing and painting techniques. Students will also study art as a form of communication and expression, learn and use the principles of art and design, and explore the role of artists throughout history. 

Certain students may be placed into support electives that provide targeted instruction to strengthen essential skills. These classes are designed to ensure that students receive the guidance and practice they need to build confidence, experience success in their core subjects, and be well-prepared for future academic challenges.  Students are able to exit these courses when they have demonstrated that they have mastered the skills necessary to be successful without extra supports.

AVID Excel / Mrs. Valenzuela or Mr. Wilkins: AVID Excel is designed to support English Learner (ELD) students by accelerating their academic language development and preparing them for success in rigorous coursework. The program focuses on building strong literacy, critical thinking, and organizational skills while giving students strategies to succeed in all subject areas. Its ultimate goal is to help students gain the confidence and tools they need to transition smoothly into college-preparatory pathways.

Study Strategies / Mr. O’Brien: Study Strategies is designed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in their core classes. The course focuses on improving organization, developing effective study habits, and providing targeted support to help students raise their grades. Its goal is to equip students with strategies that build confidence and set the foundation for long-term academic success.

Read 180 / Mrs. Albee or Mrs. Jager: Read 180 is a research-based reading intervention program that supports students who are reading below grade level. The course offers targeted instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and writing, helping students to develop the skills necessary to access grade-level texts. The goal is to accelerate reading growth and equip students with the confidence and strategies necessary for success across all academic subjects.