Elective Course Descriptions

Academics

Study Hall:  A time for students to complete homework or schoolwork on their own and get help from the teacher when needed. Two study halls are offered per day: one for 3th - 5th grades and one for 6th - 8th grades. Study Hall is considered an elective class, therefore students must be enrolled in the class and not just drop in on an as needed basis.

Mystery Science: For grades 1st and 2nd. Each week students will explore science through experiments or projects geared for this age group. Class is limited to students who have not taken this elective class in the past. 

Arts

Primary Arts & Crafts:  For grades K-2. Students will make arts and crafts projects geared for this age group.

Primary Art:  For grades K-5. Students will become familiar with the principles and elements of design while completing a variety of projects and experimenting with different media and processes. In addition to creating masterpieces, students will be introduced to art history and aesthetics.

Jr. High Art:  For grades 5-8.  Students will explore multiple mediums of art, including watercolor, acrylic on canvas, charcoal sketching. Encouraging creative thinking and application of learned techniques.

Beginning Sewing: For grades 4-8. Students will gain basic sewing skills, using sewing machines and hand stitching, to complete their project. 

Advanced Sewing:  Students will expand their sewing skills in the completing of a sewing project. Requirement: Must have completed one year of Beginning Sewing or have instructor approval.

Ceramics: Grades 5-8. Students will work with clay, creating art pieces that will be kiln dried. Students will explore the use of paints and glazes used to complete the projects.

Athletics

Gymnastics: Grades K-4. Students will learn the fundamentals of gymnastics in a high energy setting. We will teach the importance of stretching and conditioning while students learn to safely grow in their skills.

Schoolyard Games: Grades K-4. Time to get moving and have fun with many fun variations on tag and other classic schooolyard games. Students should wear appropriate clothing and footwear to school for this elective.

Primary Basketball (Fall Semester): Grades 3-5. Fun and age appropriate learning of the basics of dribbling, shooting, and the rules of the game. Students should wear appropriate clothing and footwear to school for this elective.

Baseball (Spring Semester): Grades K-6. Fun and age appropriate learning of the basics of batting, fielding, and the rules of the game. Students should wear appropriate clothing and footwear to school for this elective. 

Beginning Archery (Fall Semester): Grades 5-8. Target archery instruction for beginning levels only - one year or less experience. Recurve bows will be provided. There will be an archery contest at the end of the semester. Requirement: Must have Mr. Boyle's approval.

Advanced Archery (Spring Semester): Grades 6-8. Target archery instruction for advanced levels only. Recurve bows will be provided. Students may bring their own bows if they  desire (these MUST be placed in Mr. Boyle's office upon arrival at school in the morning.) There will be an archery contest at the end of the semester. Requirements: Must have completed at least two semesters of archery and have Mr. Boyle's approval. 

Beginning Volleyball: Grades 4-6. Learn the basics of competition volleyball including serving, setting, passing and the rules of the game. Students must wear appropriate clothing and footwear for this elective.

SportsMania: Grades 4-8. Instruction and friendly team competition in a variety of sports including football, ultimate Frisbee, and badminton. Focus on overall fitness and working together as a team.

Running Club & Cross Country (Fall Semester): Running and fun exercises. Running Club and Cross Country competitions will be at various locations around Shasta County. Running Club races will be on Fridays. Cross Country races will be on Thursdays. 

Performing Arts

Primary Choir: Grades K-4. We will sing songs and learn simple hand motions for some of them. No previous experience is required. There will be an after school performance toward the end of the school year which will be open to the public.

Jr. High Choir: Grades 5-8. A class for students who wish to learn to sing in a group setting. This class will focus on basic vocal technique and music theory through learning ensemble songs of various genres. Solo opportunities may be available as the instructor deems appropriate.

Drama: Grades 5-8. Focus on the basics of acting, stage terminology, and performing as an ensemble. Individual and group exercises are utilized to help each student grow as an actor and a team member.

Violin, Group Class: Grades 1-8. Learn to play the violin in a group class setting. 

Beginning Dance: Grades 1-4. Introduction to ballet, jazz, and modern dance in a fun and energetic setting.

Technology

Beginning & Continuing Beginning Technology: Grades 4-8. Introduction to photo manipulation and graphic design using programs such as SIMP. This class is for students who have never taken a technology course at CCCS and those students who have taken technology for one semester the previous school year.

Advanced Technology: Grades 5-8. This class is for students who have completed at least one year of Cottonwood Creek Charter School Technology classes. Students will learn advanced animation and video editing. Requirements: Must have completed 2 semesters of Technology classes and have instructor approval. 

Team France: Grades 5-8. This team will be continuing the collaborative movie production with the school in France. Requirement: Instructor approval. 

Team Iceland: Grades 5-8. This team will be continuing the collaborative movie production with the school in Iceland. Requirement: Instructor approval.