VPA/ELECTIVE DESCRIPTIONS

Definitions:
Magnet Program - Year-long programs whose admission is based on application, audition, or eligibility.
Students who are not zoned to Booker Middle School may audition or apply for these programs and are eligible
for admission and transportation.
Subject to Teacher Approval – Year-long programs whose admission is based upon teacher approval.
Encore - Semester-long non-required courses open to all students.
1. Art: 2D/3D
VPA Fine Arts - Focus on technical studio art skills and exploration of art concepts and medias.
Encore- Broad overview of elements of art and principals of design.
2. Band:
VPA – Development of instrumental skills in a performing ensemble environment.
Encore- Introduction to a wind or percussion instrument through individualized and classroom instruction.
3. Spanish:
Students will learn Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and conversation.
4. Chorus:
VPA - A performance-based course focused on healthy ensemble singing through a variety of music genres, time periods, and
languages.
Encore-An introductory music course exploring music history, popular music, and the elements of singing.
5. Computer Technology:
Technology Encore - Coding, Game Design, 12 Synergistic Tech Lab modules, 3d Design / Printing, Laser Engraving, CO2 Race
Cars, CNC mill, Solar Cars, Digital Literacy, Sea Perch ROV, etc. Can’t fit Tech in your schedule? Join the after school Tech Club !!
Tech Adv.- Same as above with additional emphasis on competitions Vex Robotics, 30 TSA Competition choices, Drone and
Virtual Robot Coding
6. Creative Writing:
VPA- A project-based creative approach to poetry, short story, memoir, and creative non-fiction focusing on publication, performance
and contests.
Encore – Introduction to the power of words through a variety of genres.
7. Dance:
VPA- Focus on ballet, modern, and jazz with an understanding and appreciation of dance vocabulary, anatomy and history of dance
with fully staged dance productions.
Encore- Introduction to the dance art form focusing on body awareness, coordination and control.
8. Drama:
VPA - Enables students to broaden and develop theatre arts knowledge/skills into final productions using varied techniques and
processes.
Encore – Provides the student with a broad overview of the study and practice of theatre arts, with an emphasis on performance.
9. Graphic Design:
VPA – Exploration of advanced elements and principles of design using industry standards and software. Includes Yearbook creation.
Encore- Introduction to basic design principles using a computer.
10. Musical Theatre:
VPA only - Enables students to broaden and develop knowledge of musical theatre skills culminating in the performance of a fully-
staged musical.
11. Orchestra:
VPA – A performance oriented course designed to fully immerse students in string performance. There are 2 to 4 concerts a year.
Encore – A beginning course designed to develop a technical foundation in string playing (violin viola, cello, and string bass)
12. Physical Education:
Encore – This course is for students who are taking PE to complete their state requirements of one semester per middle school year.
Students are required to dress out daily.
***** PE UNIFORMS*****
$15 provides a t-shirt & shorts ($8 sold individually) OR students may wear dark shorts and a plain gray t-shirt.
Locker rental fees - $3 and PE Locks are $7.00.
13. Tech-Animation Coding
Introduction to technology, computer programming and digital literacy. Students will write code that runs computer animation online.
Both lines of code and block code will be used for animations. Students will also be able to earn certifications in coding and in digital
literacy/responsibility. Semester and Year-long (Advanced)
14. TV/Film:
Encore – Introduction to basic film-making, story development, and script-writing
Intermediate and Advanced TV/Film—Learn advanced film making techniques to express your ideas through video (full year course).
15. Circus Arts:
VPA. Learn the beginning craft of becoming a circus performer. Program will be aligned with Sailor Circus at Sarasota High.
16. Technical Theatre: VPA. Students learn about everything that goes on beyond stage acting, such as props, lighting, costumes, sound.

17. Modern Band: VPA. Students will learn music basics such as how to read music and play instruments.

18. Yearbook: Yearlong course for students in learning about picture taking, layout, design, other aspects of yearbook production.