Rio Norte Elective Course for Students

Specialty Electives (Application Required)

These courses offer an in-depth experience and require an application, audition, or interview for placement.

Associated Student Body (ASB)

• Instructor: Angela Welch | [email protected]

• Website: [ASB Website Link]

• Description: ASB is the heart of student leadership and school spirit at Rio Norte. As a member, you'll be part of a dynamic team responsible for planning, organizing, and running major school events like rallies, dances, spirit weeks, and community service projects. This is a hands-on class where you'll learn valuable skills in project management, public speaking, budgeting, and marketing. Students work a minimum of 20 hours outside of class time per quarter, making this a significant but rewarding commitment for those dedicated to making Rio Norte a better place.

Concert Band

• Instructor: Mr. Gilbert | [email protected]

• Website: [Band Website Link]

• Description: This year-long, advanced instrumental ensemble is for dedicated musicians ready to take their skills to the next level. The Concert Band serves as the musical ambassador for Rio Norte, performing at school functions, football games with the Valencia High marching band, and competitive music festivals. Students will refine their technical proficiency, sight-reading skills, and understanding of music theory while learning to perform cohesively within a large group. Students are expected to maintain a minimum 2.2 GPA due to the high level of commitment.

• Audition Info: Auditions will be held in Room G-4.

• How to Apply: [Band Audition Form Link]
  
  

Concert Choir

• Instructor: Mr. Gilbert | [email protected]

• Website: [Choir Website Link]

• Description: This is a year-long vocal ensemble for students passionate about singing and performance. In Concert Choir, you will explore a wide range of choral music, from classical to contemporary pop. The curriculum focuses on developing proper vocal technique, learning to sing in harmony, sight-reading music, and building stage presence. The choir performs at school concerts, community events, and adjudicated festivals. Students are expected to maintain a minimum 2.2 GPA.

• Audition Info: Auditions will be held in Room G-4.

• How to Apply: Auditions consist of: Tonal Memory (the singing of a given group of four pitches) Short -Capella song of your choice Music Interest Form | Choir Audition Form | Jazz-Hawks Audition Form

Production Drama (Drama Hawks)

• Instructor: Mr. Owston | [email protected] 
  
  
• Website:  [Theatre Department Website]
  
  

• Description: Home of  the Drama Hawks, is a year-long elective intended for students with a more advanced skill set who are seeking opportunities to perform for an audience. Students collaborate to produce both the Fall and Spring theatrical productions. This course emphasizes the exploration of a range of acting techniques and the improvement of rehearsal discipline. Production Drama also incorporates technical theatre elements such as lighting design, sound design, marketing, and more. Students who possess a strong desire to perform for an audience and wish to become a member of The Drama Hawk Family are encouraged to audition Production Drama.

• Intermediate Drama (T2) is a new year-long elective and  is open to both incoming and current 7th graders interested in acting, directing, and playwriting. Students will explore theatre history, build performance skills (movement, projection, enunciation, expression, and interaction), and learn the basics of directing, performance, and technical theatre. T2 emphasizes monologue, scene work, and student directed projects. Each year T2 will present a student produced spring production. Note: T2 is distinct from Production Drama and offers a supportive space to take creative risks and grow as an artist.

  Auditions:

  Open Call April 23,2026
  3 pm to 6 pm in the MPR
  
  Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue from a play or musical. (No songs. No movie monologues) Monologue must be fully memorized. For questions please contact Mr. Owston "Mr. O" at [email protected]
  
  Callbacks: Mr. "O" will contact students and parents if they have been admitted to the class or not.

  Drama Production Interest Form

Rio TV (Advanced Video Production)

• Instructor: Mr. Ippolito | [email protected]

• Website: [Rio TV Website Link]

• Description: This class is the creative engine behind Rio TV, our daily morning broadcast. More than just being on camera, you will learn the entire production process from start to finish. Students work in teams to write scripts, film segments, operate cameras, edit footage using professional software, and manage a daily production schedule. It's a fast-paced, project-based class that develops skills in communication, technology, and teamwork. This class is for mature, hard-working students who can meet daily deadlines.

Spanish 1A/1B (8th Graders Only)

• Instructor: Ms. Grandbois | [email protected]

• Description: This is a high school-level course that offers students a chance to earn high school credit while in junior high. The class provides a comprehensive introduction to the Spanish language, focusing on building conversational skills, mastering essential grammar, and exploring the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. The curriculum is rigorous and prepares students for success in Spanish 2. A grade of "C" or better is recommended to continue to the second semester.

  How to Apply:

  8th graders only
   

  Spanish Course Application
  
  Spanish Course Teacher Recommendation 
  Meeting:
  There will be a lunch meeting TBA, for seventh graders who are interested in taking Spanish in eighth grade for the 2026–27 school year.
  Deadline: Friday, 4/17/26

Yearbook

• Instructor: Ms. Bretthauer | [email protected]

• Website: [Yearbook Website Link]

• Description: The Yearbook staff are the official storytellers of our school year. In this project-based class, you'll learn the fundamentals of journalism, graphic design, and photography. Students work collaboratively to plan the yearbook's theme, conduct interviews, write articles, take photos at school events, and design layouts using professional software. This class requires strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to meet strict deadlines.

  Application Links:

  Incoming 7th: Interest Form, incoming 7th graders

  7th to 8th: Interest Form, 7th grade to 8th grade

General Electives

These courses are open to all students and do not require a special application.

Beginning Art

• Instructor: Ms. James (Art James)

• Description: This semester-long class is a hands-on exploration of the world of art. You will experiment with a variety of media and techniques, including life drawing, animation, watercolor painting, and ceramics. Students learn the foundational elements and principles of design while creating amazing projects and learning about famous artists.

Beginning Band

• Instructor: Mr. Gilbert

• Description: Have you ever wanted to learn an instrument? This is the place to start! This year-long course is designed for students with little or no prior musical experience. You will learn the basics of how to read music and play a band instrument like the flute, clarinet, trumpet, or percussion in a supportive, group setting. Beginning Band Interest Form

Beginning Choir

• Instructor: Mr. Gilbert

• Description: This one-semester class is perfect for anyone who loves to sing. You will learn the fundamentals of healthy vocal technique, how to read music, and the joy of singing in harmony with others. The chorus performs various styles of music at school concerts. No prior singing experience is required.

Beginning Drama

• Instructor: Mr. Owston 

• Description: This semester-long elective is all about building confidence and creativity through the fun of theatre. You will participate in improvisation games, scene work, and fun practical activities designed to develop performance skills and help you feel comfortable in front of an audience.

CTE - Exploring Pathways

• Instructor: Mrs. Bonilla

• Description: This semester-long course is a "sampler" of various career fields, designed to expose you to the numerous opportunities available in high school and beyond. Through research and hands-on projects, you will investigate your interests and aptitudes in a variety of areas, including:

  • Computer-Aided Drafting & Design (CADD)

  • Computer Graphics & Game Development

  • Criminalistics

  • Design & Marketing

  • Emergency & Fire Management

  • Flight & Drone Technology

  • Hospitality & Tourism

  • Intro to Health Science Careers

  • Sports Medicine

  • Veterinary Medicine

  • Video Production

CTE - Intro to Media/Photo

• Instructor: Ms. Mandel

• Description: In this introductory course, you'll learn how to take your photos from simple snapshots to compelling images. Students learn the basics of manual control of a DSLR camera, the principles of lighting and composition, and how to edit images using professional software.

CTE - Culinary Arts

• Instructor: Ms. Prieto

• Description: This semester-long class teaches you the fundamentals of cooking and kitchen safety. You will learn essential skills like proper knife techniques, how to read a recipe, and accurate measuring. Working in teams, you'll create a variety of delicious dishes and explore careers in the culinary industry.

Journalism

• Instructor: Ms. Simmons

• Description: In this class, you will learn how to think and write like a reporter. Students develop skills in conducting interviews, responsible reporting, and writing news and feature articles. You will create original content for the school website and a published magazine.

Peer Tutoring

• Instructors: Special Education Teachers

• Description: This elective offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the life of another student. You will be paired with a student with special needs, providing them with academic support and friendship. This class is for students who are patient, empathetic, and want to develop their leadership skills. Peer Tutoring Interest Form