Leadership, Creative Writing, And More

Montera Middle School offers a variety of elective courses that help students explore their interests, build new skills, and prepare for future learning.

African American Male Achievement (AAMA)

This course is designed to address the needs of African-American males with a focus on providing additional support to be successful in middle school and the prerequisite skills needed to succeed in high school and college. The curriculum addresses areas of self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.

Black Girls Brilliance (BGB)

This course examines the schooling experiences of Black girls in America. It addresses such topics as identity, Black feminism, Black sisterhood, social mobility, and activism from a socio-historical perspective. Students will participate in field trips, Black History celebration, mentoring, school/community projects, and community service as they explore the diversity that exists within Black girlhood and the Black diaspora as a whole.

Introduction to Computers

All students take this course along with Introduction to Spanish. Introduction to Computer Science 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.

Creative Writing

Students will read short stories, essays, and poems from a diverse collection of authors. This material will serve as the inspiration for students’ own creative writing. They will produce works spanning multiple genres and forms and develop key skills around peer review and feedback.

Health - Introduction to Nutrition and Fitness (6th)

Students will explore the fundamentals of nutrition and fitness to develop healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. Through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and fun projects, students will learn about the importance of a balanced diet, proper hydration, and the significance of physical activity. Students will have the opportunity to understand the food groups, learn how to read nutrition labels, and discover the impact of different foods on their bodies. They will also explore various forms of exercise, from basic stretches and cardio activities to strength training and sports, promoting overall health and well-being. By the end of this course, students will not only have a better understanding of how nutrition and fitness contribute to a healthy lifestyle but will also be equipped with practical tips and strategies to make informed choices to lead a healthy and active life.

Latino Male Achievement

This course empowers students by fostering self-awareness and personal growth through a foundation of social-emotional learning and the El Joven Noble / The Noble Youth rites of passage curriculum. Students will explore historical and contemporary events shaping the Chicano/Latino community while developing leadership skills and a strong sense of identity. Through cultural and community projects, they will engage in meaningful experiences that promote resilience, responsibility, and social impact.

Leadership

This elective is for students who are excited to grow their leadership skills. Students will work to support positive behavior rewards and celebrations, build school spirit, support club culture, and build community involvement. Students will also be trained in restorative justice practices. Students will use their training to help peers with conflicts and lead peer circles. Leadership students should be respected by both students and teachers alike and want to represent the student body of Montera by being their advocates and voices. Leadership students need to have a 2.0 GPA and no citizenship grades of a “U.” Application required.