Electives
Music Department
Students can take beginning band and beginning orchestra in any grade level. After students have taken one full year of a music class they would qualify for an advanced class.
Theater Department
Students will be introduced to the basic concepts of theatre arts in beginning Theatre. It is designed to accommodate students who have no experience or may have previously been involved in theatre. After the student has taken one year of Theatre they may qualify for Advanced Theatre Lab or Advanced Theatre Production.
Theatre Department Video Link
Robotics Department
Robotics at Van Nuys Middle School is a robust program offering an array of skills from coding to engineering. All stuents have the opportunity to go through three years of Robotics if they are in the STEAM Magnet.
Here are some photos and videos of students in action.
Machine Shop/ Makerspace
This course is designed to be “ Art to Part “. Ideas that are designed digitally on a computer are then produced in the shop using various machine tools, 3D printers, and lasers. Students will also become familiar with hand tools and learn safety procedures in any given environment. They will learn how a manufacturing makerspace can be used to model their ideas. Students will learn about the present and emerging technologies that drive manufacturing.
Valley Environmental Academy (VEA)
One Semester Yoga - Certified Yoga Instructor teaches students basic yoga poses and relaxation techniques.
One Semester Environmental Studies - Students run the school's recylcling program, learn about sustainable practices such as gardening and composting. For SAS sixth grade students in the VE Academy.
Yearbook
Students will work together to plan, photograph, edit, & submit events, advertisements, and short student interest pieces to document student life at VNMS. All 7th or 8th grade students invited to apply. Requires teacher approval.
Advanced Via Indivual Determination (AVID)
AVID is a proven national program designed to support and assist all students to succeed in a college preparatory path for admission to universities and colleges. All 7th or 8th grade students invited to apply. Requires teacher approval.
Leadership / Associated Student Body (ASB)
Students help to plan and advertise school events and activities with sponsor teacher support. They are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or above. All 7th or 8th grade students invited to apply. Requires teacher approval.
