Fun Facts About Electives
Future 7th & 8th Graders
What it will look like as a 7th or 8th Grader?
- 6 Classes Daily
- Core classes of English, Science and Social Studies will be selected for you
- You will select your Elective classes
- Electives are Yearlong or a Semester
Yearlong Electives
- Music
- Spanish
Semester Electives
- New! Automation and Robotics
- New! STEAM Innovation Lab
- Ceramics & Visual Art
- Student Government/Leadership
- PE 7 & 8
- Yearbook
Descriptions Below!
Yearlong Electives
Whitman Music
Class options: No experience needed: Introductory Band, Introductory Orchestra.
Experience Needed: Intermediate Band and Concert Orchestra.
By Audition Only: Concert Band
Band Instruments
- Flute
- Oboe
- Clarinet
- Bassoon
- Saxophone
- French Horn
- Trumpet
- Trombone
- Baritone & Tuba
- Percussion (learn mallets + drums)
Orchestra Instruments
- Violin
- Viola
- Cello
- Bass
- Piano & Harp by permission only (must be taking private lessons outside of school and talk to Ms. Gunn)
Things Our Students Say About Music
- “It’s a fun hobby that has a rewarding payoff”
- “This is my favorite class of the day!”
- “A life long skill I can always come back to”
- “Now that I’ve started playing I can’t stop”
- “Music is my second family”
Fast Facts
- Play three concerts a year on our stage.
- Learn to play music from movies, rock/pop, classical, fiddling, jazz, and music from other countries!
- Our classes go on field trips to UW, Western Washington University, Wild Waves, and more!
- 40% of our music students started playing their instrument in middle school so it’s never too late!
- Whitman has instruments to loan for free
- Learn more on the Whitman Music Program page.
What about Jazz Band and Drumline? Jazz Band is a 0-Period class before school and is not included in the electives selection process. Please contact Ms. Gunn if you are interested in joining Jazz Band. Drumline is a club after school anyone is welcome to join.
Spanish 1 and 2
- Spanish 1 in 7th or 8th grade
- Spanish 2 in 8th grade (for those who took Spanish 1 in 7th grade)
- Each year worth 1 high school credit (transfers to high school with grade)
- Counts toward high school graduation requirement (2 credits of the same world language)
- Students may take a placement test in the Spring to enter Spanish 2 without taking Spanish 1
Why Learn Spanish?
- After English, Spanish is the most common language spoken at home in the US.
- Spanish is the official language in 20 different countries!
- You can lean about other cultures or diversity within your own!
- You can travel and have access to different jobs
- Language learning is fun!
- We learn Spanish through: Music, Games, Books, Videos, and Group Work
Staff
- Laura Howell
- Katie Storrs
Semester Electives
Ceramics & Visual Art
Whitman MS Ceramics & Visual Art
Instructor: Dever K. Dunnett
Students grow artistically in a safe, fun, and creative environment as the artistic boundaries of imagination are pushed.
Learn more on the Ceramics & Virtual Art page.
PE 7 & 8 Facts
In PE classes, students participate in activities that focus on 3 main areas.
- Increased personal fitness (cardio, muscle endurance, strength and flexibility)
- Improved motor skills (kicking, throwing, catching striking and many more
- Increased knowledge of health and fitness content (learning about body systems, nutrition, fitness concepts, goal setting, consumerism, safety and first aid and more)
New! Automation and Robotics
This course will introduce students to coding as we turn the classroom into a game design studio and learn the basics of game design and coding as we make our own video games. The unit culminates in an open house where we will showcase our creations for our families! The second unit applies our new knowledge of coding as we learn the foundations of robotics design and construction. The course is a great primer for high school robotics as we work in teams to design the fastest robot car! Available to Grades 7 & 8 only.
New! STEAM Innovation Lab
Counts as Fine Arts or Other Elective
In the STEAM Innovation Lab course, you will bring together science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to solve real-world problems through design challenges and the creative process.
You’ll explore topics such as 2D and 3D modeling and printing, animation, and video and film editing. You will learn how to use current and emerging digital technologies for artistic expression while collaborating with others to manage safe and proper use of STEAM materials, tools, and equipment. No previous experience necessary. Available to Grades 6 & 7 only.
Student Government/Leadership
Plan Events
- Dances
- Lunch activities
- Pride Store
Build Confidence
- Speaking in public
- Leading others
- Organization and completion
Having a voice
- Policies
- Fundraisers
- Student Budget
Yearbook
Students who choose Yearbook for a semester will be responsible for putting the Whitman Middle School Yearbook together.
Questions?
- Talk to your current grade level counselor if you have questions about electives or what electives you should sign up for the school year.
- If you have questions about the online form or registration process, please contact the school registrar Elaine Llandover: elllandover@seattleschools.org or 206-252-1208.
As of March 27, 2026