Seventh graders at Wantagh Middle School got a hands-on look at what their final year of middle school could offer — and it goes far beyond the basics.
The school hosted its first-ever elective showcase on Dec. 22–23, introducing students to the wide range of courses they’ll be able to choose from as eighth graders. The event was designed to help them make informed decisions ahead of course selection, which begins in January.
“This is a nice way to quite literally showcase all of the amazing electives we have to offer,” said Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi. “Once they hear about a class and see what it has to offer, it might pique their interest.”
Each seventh-grade team had two full class periods to rotate through nine showcase stations, with each one highlighting one or more of the 12 elective courses available next year. Teachers led short presentations at each table, while eighth graders currently enrolled in the electives shared their experiences and answered questions. Students also reviewed sample projects and got a feel for what they’d be doing in the class.
Electives span a wide range of disciplines — from art and business to family and consumer sciences, physical education, science, social studies, technology and theater. Some of the most popular highlights included hands-on baking and culinary classes, robotics and automation, and personal fitness.
Quattrocchi noted that these electives allow students to explore subjects that aren’t part of the traditional core curriculum. The showcase not only energized students for the coming school year, she said, but also helped educators guide students toward interests they may continue to pursue in high school and after finishing up their secondary education.
