Advanced Art (Yearlong): Unleash Your Creativity in Advanced Art! Are you passionate about drawing, painting, sculpture, or creating amazing works of art? This class is your chance to take your skills to the next level! You’ll work on one-of-a-kind projects like designing murals for the school, painting ceiling tiles, sculpting life-sized creations, mastering figure drawing, experimenting with printmaking, and building unique clay structures. But the best part? You get to choose your creative path! With tons of options and materials to explore, you’ll develop your own artistic style while learning exciting new techniques. Get ready to bring your vision to life and make your mark on the world through art! Prerequisite: Completion of Art 1 or teacher approval based on portfolio.

Advanced Band (Yearlong): Our most advanced band class, designed primarily for 8th grade students with at least one year of experience in band. 7th grade students with significant experience on their instrument may contact Mr. Felix to be considered for this class. Instruments in this ensemble include the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, and percussion. Advanced Band plays at school concerts, high school football games, elementary recruitment assemblies, community performances, festivals, and field trips such as Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, and Disney World. Some school owned instruments may be available for use. Questions can be directed to Mr. Felix, our Band Director. Prerequisite:  Prior experience in 7^th grade or an audition is required

Advanced Media Production (Trimester): Through the analysis of film and media forms, learn to deconstruct master-level techniques of specific film and broadcast genres to create short-form film narratives, documentaries, and news features. Leave RSM with an impressive portfolio and a skill-set that sets you apart from novice filmmakers. Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking

Advanced Orchestra/Strings (Yearlong): Our most advanced orchestra class, designed primarily for 8^th grade students with at least one year of experience in Orchestra. 7th grade students with significant experience on their instrument may contact Mr. Felix to be considered for this class. Instruments in this ensemble include the violin, viola, cello, bass, and 1-2 spots for piano. Advanced Orchestra plays at school concerts, elementary recruitment assemblies, community performances, festivals, and field trips such as Knott's Berry Farms, Disneyland, and Disney World! Some school owned instruments may be available for use. Questions can be directed to Mr. Felix, our Band Director. Prerequisite: Prior experience in 7^th grade or an audition is required

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)(Yearlong): 🚀 Join AVID – Achieve Your Dream of Going to College! 🚀 AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) is an academic elective that prepares you for success in college, career, and beyond! You’ll develop skills in writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading while growing as a leader and team player. Learn goal-setting strategies, focused note-taking, and teamwork in a supportive environment that builds confidence and communication. AVID also offers guest speakers, field trips, and research projects to explore college and career opportunities. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, grow academically and socially, and take the next step toward your future, AVID is for you! Apply today and start your journey to success! 📚🎯 Prerequisite: Application (current 7th grade AVID students do not need to complete an application) and student must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA

Aide - Office (Trimester): This program offers practical experience in school office clerical duties. Office aides will assist RSM's front office in a variety of duties, including delivering items around camus, maintaining communication between the office and classroom teachers, operating office equipment, answering phones, assisting with attendance, sorting and delivering mail, and helping the office staff as needed. Office aides must maintain excellent academic and citizenship grades in all classes or they will be placed in an alternative elective. There are a limited number of spaces, so not all students who complete an application are guaranteed a spot. Prerequisite: 8th Grade student, Aide Form, and office staff recommendation required.

Aide - Student (Trimester): Student Aides will learn useful skills in organization and responsibility as they assist teachers in their classrooms with various tasks. Selection to become an aide will be based on grades, citizenship, work habits, and a teacher recommendation. Students may not have any D's/F's, N's/U's, or disciplinary issues. There are a limited number of spots, so not all students who fill out an application are guaranteed a spot. Prerequisite: 8th Grade student, Aide Form, and teacher recommendation required.It is the student's responsibility to find a teacher who is in need of an aide.

Art I (Trimester): Love to draw, paint, or create? Or maybe you're just curious about trying something new? This class is for YOU! Dive into the world of art as you experiment with pencil, colored pencils, clay, paint, and more! You'll learn cool techniques like three-dimensional drawing, color mixing, and working with clay while creating awesome projects—from drawing realistic hands to designing mandalas and sculpting clay pinch pots. No experience? No problem! Beginners get step-by-step guidance, while experienced artists are challenged to take their skills to the next level. Unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life!

Art 2 (Trimester): Take Your Creativity to the Next Level! 🎭✨Ready to push your artistic skills further? Art 2 builds on what you learned in Art 1, introducing new materials, techniques, and creative challenges! You’ll continue to explore drawing, painting, and clay, while also incorporating technology to create unique, original works of art. Exciting projects include: Designing your own logo like a pro, Mastering portrait drawing to bring faces to life, and Sculpting a working clay whistle—yes, it really plays! Just like in Art 1, your creativity and self-expression are at the heart of everything you do. Prerequisite: Art 1—so bring your skills, ideas, and imagination, and let’s create something amazing!

ASB/Leadership (Yearlong): Our ASB class is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students who will learn the principles and dynamics of leadership and represent RSM Intermediate on campus and in our community. Our ASB leaders will be enrolled in this yearlong class and will plan a variety of extra-curricular activities, which include dances, fundraisers, student orientations, lunchtime activities, homeroom and school-wide competitions, and much more. This class requires periodic time commitments before and after school for ASB led activities and a variety of services at RSM Intermediate.  Prerequisite  Application, interview and student must have and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA

Beginning/Intermediate Band (Yearlong): Do you want to learn how to play a musical instrument? Or continue playing an instrument you just started playing? If so, then you should join this class! Depending on availability, students can chose between the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion. Opportunities for performance can include school concerts, community performances, holiday concerts, field trip performances at local schools, and possibly trips such as Disneyland. Some school owned instruments may be available for use. Questions can be directed to Mr. Felix, our Band Director. Prerequisite: None

Beginning/Intermediate Orchestra (Yearlong): Designed for students who started their instruments in 5th or 6th grade and want to continue as well as for students who want to start playing an instrument in 7th grade. Depending on availability, students can choose between the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Opportunities for performance can include school concerts, community performances, holiday concerts, field trip performances at local schools, and possibly trips such as Disneyland. Some school owned instruments may be available for use. Questions can be directed to Mr. Felix, our Band Director. Prerequisite: None

Digital Filmmaking (Trimester): Improve camera techniques, hone video editing and composition skills, and experience all aspects of filmmaking through this hands-on introduction to digital storytelling. More than simply an outlet for creative expression, this class provides actual experience and marketable skills that will help students succeed in any career.

Digital Photo (Trimester): SNAP IT! Get ready to turn your photos from meh to WOW! Whether you're rocking a smartphone or a digital camera, this class is your backstage pass to pro-level photography skills. You’ll learn how to take eye-catching pics, nail the perfect angles, and unlock your camera’s coolest hidden features. Try out fun photography styles like macros (super-close shots that reveal tiny details), portraits (hello, epic selfies!), action shots (freeze the moment!), and more. Plus, we’ll show you awesome studio and natural lighting tricks to make your pictures pop like never before. This trimester-long elective is your chance to get creative, level up your skills, and capture the world through your unique lens!

Foods (Trimester): Love food? Want to learn how to cook delicious meals while having fun? In this hands-on class, you’ll get to chop, mix, and cook your way to becoming a kitchen pro.  Learn the basics of kitchen safety, how to read recipes, and the secrets behind baking and cooking. Work in teams and on your own to build your cooking skills, try new foods, and discover the fun of creating meals from scratch. Join us and begin your culinary adventure!

Guitar 1 (Trimester): A beginning level class that introduces students to music theory, finger mechanics, rhythm, melody, chords, and building their ears to excel in music. Students will learn to read music using standard notation as well as TAB and song sheets. By the end of the course, students will be able to read melodies as well as learn chords and songs from a variety of styles of music including rock, jazz, country, and R&B. A class set of guitars will be used and the course will be designed to allow plenty of time to practice in class. Prerequisite: None

Industrial Technology (Intro to Project Lead the Way) (Trimester): Develop apps, design electronic circuits, and create CAD drawings at high-tech workstations. Apply manufacturing and woodworking processes to create airplanes, race cars, and structures. Prepare for a career in the engineering and design, applied science, or technology fields.

Intro to Drama (Trimester): 🎭 Lights, Camera, Action! 🎬✨Get ready to have a blast as you step into the exciting world of theater! Think you’re not a theater kid? No problem! This class is all about fun, creativity, and trying new things—no experience needed! You'll dive into directing, set design, and even stage combat (yes, you’ll learn how to fake fight like the pros!). Love performing? You’ll get to improv, act out scenes, master monologues, and even bring your favorite movie moments to life—with awesome props and costumes! No matter what you’re into, there’s something for everyone in this class. So, are you ready to step into the spotlight and give it a try? 🎭✨

Jazz Band (Yearlong): Designed for students who want to play in a “big band” style ensemble and have the chance to play,  blues, swing, bebop, latin, rock, and pop. This class is a great way to increase your playing ability on your current instrument, learn how to double on another instrument, and learn how to improvise a melody. Primary instruments in this class are saxophones, trombones, trumpets, bass, drums (by audition), piano (by audition), and guitar (by audition). However, students on any instrument can join. This group will perform 2-4 concerts at RSM per year along with other community and school events. The group will also have a chance to perform off campus at music festivals and trips to places that may include Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, Universal Studios, or Sea World. Questions can be directed to Mr. Felix, our Music Director at felixp@svusd.org. Prerequisite: 7th Grade Students - must audition. 8th grade students - prior 7th grade experience or by audition. All Jazz Band students MUST be concurrently enrolled in one of the band or orchestra classes during the day.

KRSM (Yearlong): Become part of the production team responsible for producing KRSM’s live morning show! Learn to plan, script, and direct a live broadcast with opportunities to be on-air talent. You will operate studio cameras, teleprompters, title generators, video and audio mixers, and digital media players. Class meets daily during zero period (7:20 - 8:10 am). Prerequisite: 8th grade student, Digital Filmmaking, Application, and audition

Music Appreciation (Trimester): Designed to inspire an appreciation for music from a variety of genres and cultures while exploring how music has changed throughout history. Students will apply the elements of music to learn how to learn how to listen to and analyze music. Students will also learn how to read and apply rhythmic notation to create simple melodies and basic writing skills. Students will enjoy various hands-on activities, including original songs/compositions, composer research, and music careers. 

Performing Arts/Chorus: Step into the world of music with our vibrant performing arts/chorus program! From introducing music theory to refining vocal techniques, we've got you covered. Explore a diverse repertoire of current popular music and dazzle audiences with several evening performances for family, friends, and the community. Plus, get ready to shine with auditions for a Disneyland workshop. Whether you find yourself singing in the car or have dreams of performing at sold out concerts, all students are welcome! Questions can be directed to Mr. Mills at mills@svusd.org.

Project Lead the Way (STEM) (Yearlong): Apply high-tech engineering and design principles using cutting edge 3D CAD stations and multi-dimensional printers and other high-tech tools. Prepare for successful careers in the core technology, science and mathematical fields. Building and coding of VEX robots will bring automation education to life. This class is based on the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Prerequisite: 8th grade student and Industrial Tech

Spanish 1 (Yearlong): Get ready to jump into the exciting world of Spanish with this rigorous, high school level course designed for motivated and mature 8th grade students! In this full-year class, students will build foundational skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while exploring Spanish-speaking cultures through authentic music, videos, conversations, and creative projects.

This course follows the Five C’s of World Language Learning: Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities, with a strong emphasis on daily verbal participation in Spanish. Students should be comfortable practicing Spanish conversations with partners, participating in small groups, and presenting in front of the whole class through live skits, dialogues, video projects, etc. Spanish 1 is an academic college prep course with regular homework and assessments. Students can expect approximately 10–20 minutes of homework per night and weekly quizzes or projects. Strong study habits, organization, and consistent effort are essential for success. Because this course is equivalent to a high school Spanish 1 class, grades are recorded on the student’s permanent high school transcript and may be reviewed by colleges. Spanish 1 is a full-year commitment, and students are expected to remain engaged and motivated throughout.

This course is best suited for 8th grade students who: 

• Are responsible, motivated, and complete assignments consistently 
• Are willing to actively participate and speak in Spanish every day 
• Feel comfortable presenting in front of others
• Have strong reading, writing, and organizational skills 
• Are interested in continuing Spanish through Spanish 3, 4, or beyond, or want to get a strong head start for high school and college 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be prepared to continue with Spanish 2 in 9th grade. Come join the challenge, ¡y la diversión también!

Theater Production (Trimester): Take your acting to the next level! Enroll in Theater Production to experience advanced improvisation, interactive scene work, complex character development, and much more! Prerequisite: Intro to Drama and audition required

Yearbook (8th Grade: Yearlong, 7th Grade: 2-3 Trimesters):  Get ready to capture the heart of our school! In this class, you’ll become a designer, photographer, writer, and storyteller as you help create the official school yearbook. You’ll learn how to take amazing photos, design eye-catching pages, and write engaging pieces that bring our school’s memories to life. Teamwork is key—you’ll collaborate with classmates and staff to make sure every page represents our school at its best. To succeed, you’ll need to be responsible, a strong writer, and a team player who can follow directions and meet deadlines. This class also requires some time before and after school to cover events and finish projects. In trimester 3, this class transforms into a newspaper team! You’ll shift from yearbook production to running the school newspaper, reporting on events, writing opinion pieces, and covering the latest news around campus. If you’ve ever wanted to be a journalist, this is your chance! Are you ready to tell our school’s story? Join us and make your mark! Prerequisite:  Application