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Electives

Welcome to our electives page, where students can explore a diverse range of opportunities to ignite their passions and develop new skills! Beyond the core curriculum, we offer enriching experiences in the arts and technology, allowing students to express their creativity and prepare for future success. Whether you're drawn to the harmonious melodies of Band, the visual expression of Art, the performative joy of Theatre Arts, or the innovative world of AVID, our elective courses provide a platform for exploration, growth, and personal enrichment.

Band

Grade Levels Offered: 6-7-8

Email Chris Koenig    Phone: 512-278-4630

The Raven Bands serve as representatives of DMS both within the school and in the wider community. Students are afforded opportunities to perform at concerts, pep assemblies, and sporting events, in addition to participating in UIL and TMEA sanctioned contests and festivals. Visit the Official DMS Program Page HERE.

Theatre Arts

Grade Levels Offered:6-7-8

Email Trina Simon    Phone: 512-278-4630

The Theatre program at DMS is headed by Trina Simon. better known to her students as "Miss T!"

Trina Simon was a Radio City Rockette for 14 years.  For 10 of those years she served as the Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer.  She has also performed in 57 theatrical productions in regional and summer stock theatres across the country. Trina graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Acting from Texas Christian University. Before teaching, Trina was an Announcer, Judge and Master Class Instructor for Showstopper American Dance Championships & Conventions. 

Since at DMS, the One-Act Plays that Miss T has directed have Won the Championship in 2022 and received a Silver Award 1st Runner-up in 2023 & 2024.

Art

Grade Levels Offered: 6-7-8

Email Stephanie Ivey    Phone: 512-278-4630

Ms. Ivey teaches our Visual Art program and offers a comprehensive exploration of the arts, aligning with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). She incorporates both two- and three-dimensional art in her courses, as well as how to use technology to create art.  Different media used include watercolor, pencil, charcoal, paint, as well as clay and other texture based materials.  Art can be made by anyone. Students are encouraged to explore their imagination and creativity as they learn the elements of art and the techniques to build skill in the different mediums used. 

 

AVID

Grade Levels Offered:6-7-8

Email Ruth Hernandez    Phone: 512-278-4630

AVID is not just another program. At its heart, AVID is a philosophy: Hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge. Simply, AVID trains educators to use proven practices in order to prepare students for success in high school, college, and a career, especially students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

AVID brings research‐based strategies and curriculum to educational institutions in elementary, secondary, and higher education. The AVID System annually provides more than 30,000 educators with training and methodologies that develop students’ critical thinking, literacy, and math skills across all content areas throughout the entire campus, in what we call Schoolwide AVID.  AVID:

  • Provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships 
  • Teaches skills and behaviors for academic success
  • Creates a positive peer group for students
  • Develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination

As a result, policymakers and educators now consider AVID's mission to be an essential strategy for closing the achievement gap, making college access and success available to all students. Manor ISD has five AVID campuses: Decker Elementary, Oak Meadows Elementary, Decker Middle, Manor High School (including Manor Early College High School and Manor Senior High School) and Manor Excel Academy.