Electives

Art:
Art engages students in a process of continuous refinement and growth. In an environment that encourages observation, exploration, experimentation, and discovery, students will learn how to best express themselves in their work, interpret works of art, and appreciate the natural designed world around them.
Band:
In 6 - 8th grades (Junior High Band), the students continue to explore their musical talents by continuing where they left off in fifth grade, as well as take in those interested in starting something new. This ensemble performs for Thursday morning church services several times per year.  The JHB has three major test grades per year which are:  homecoming pep rally, Christmas concert and the Mai Fest fundraiser concert at the end of the year. These students learn more complicated theory and also develop their sight-reading skills.  Popular music and rhythms are used to make the class fun, fast paced with 100% participation.  As in 5th Grade Band, there are not after school rehearsals - at home individual practice is encouraged.  
Choir:

Culinary Arts:
Students learn their way around a kitchen by cooking and baking delicious snacks and treats for school and home. Students learn to follow recipes, measure ingredients and make a shopping list. Under the guidance of our devoted cafeteria staff, our students see their learning turn into a tangible, and tasty, product.
Drama:
Students get to present oral dramatizations and pantomimes, act out various characters, animals, and situations, and learn how to project their voices.  Students try out for parts in a play, memorize lines and present the play for the rest of the school.
Elementary Spanish:
Students will learn vocabulary, numbers, colors, shapes and simple greetings and salutations. Students will also identify cultural items and foods that have come from Spanish speaking countries. 3K-5th Grade visit Mrs. Sanchez 1-2 times a week for 45 minutes.
Gardening:
SMS embarked on a new, educational, gardening elective in Spring 2018. The students raised and cared for seedlings in the classroom until the project was built at The Pioneer Museum. It's a beautiful partnership between the school, the community, and the passion of a donor, Stan Zwinggi, with a vision for a learning opportunity in conjunction with the Master Gardeners Program. This partnership with The Pioneer Museum links the Fredericksburg community and tourism industry with the school students and families for an educational opportunity. The rough cut cedar raised beds have an automatic drip system. A shed was purchased with the One Wish Grant from The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The fencing was given by Jeff Dittmar. Students began work in the gardens at the Pioneer Museum grounds in late Spring and were picking vegetables, like radishes, by the end of school.
Knitting:
Junior high students learn the basics of knitting and work to complete projects of their choosing. Students master different stitches and knitting techniques, learn about the uses for various types of yarn, and are introduced to basic sewing skills as they finish their projects.
Music:
Lower grades, 3rd and 4th, have the opportunity to explore their musical abilities as well. They start off learning the recorder, which is a great introduction to music and playing an instrument. They learn to read music, based on their level of development, and perform what they have learned for a grade.
Yearbook:
Students in Yearbook design, compile and produce an annual publication documenting the school yea