The stress is high as hundreds of Day Creek students are choosing their seventh and eighth-grade electives for the upcoming 25-26 school year.   

The elective application process varied among grade levels. 8th grade candidates had to fill out an application form and submit an essay, video, poster, or other kind of project, while 7th grade candidates simply submit a signed interest form. Throughout the process, many of these students requested advice from teachers and counselors.

“Students that want to have conversations with me about year long electives are usually conversations about their character, their work ethic, their dedication, and the time that they have to spend on a year long elective,” said Ms. Gaines, a counselor at Day Creek. 

Options among the four electives make it tricky, as some kids are torn between the three choices. 

“I think it really boils down to talking with the student and seeing what they’re most passionate about and what their long term interests are. A lot of students come to me and tell me what they want to do in high school. So starting in these yearlong electives in middle school is a really good idea if that’s what their long term plans are,” Gaines said.

According to Youth First, one of the most common sources of stress for middle schoolers is change in routine, so the elective they choose comes with plenty of consideration. 

“I wanted a yearlong elective and I feel that leadership suits me because I like to be making a change and leading people,” said seventh grade student Leah C. “I think [Leadership] opens doors when I go to high school. I can do it there and it will look good on my college application.”

A study by ScienceDirect examined how enrichment activities have the potential to add stress to a student’s life. The results show that too many of these activities can have an adverse effect, as students feel the increased anxiety. Though this is a challenge, kids still aspire to be chosen.

“I wanted to do an elective [in the elective wheel] at first, but not so much anymore. I heard that some people say [some classes aren’t as interesting], and it was only for six weeks, and I wanted a year-long elective,” Aria P. said. 

Another sixth grader, Miles Y., talked to his family for advice during the application process.

“I’ve asked my mom about it because she was in journalism and band. I wanted to get her opinion,” said Miles Y.

Mr. Gossage has had similar requests for input as his journalism class is the only 7th grade yearlong elective. Many of his students came to him for potential elective ideas and advice.

“In a class like journalism there is an expectation that you work well with others and complete a project or task. When you’re talking about Yearbook, CNN, or Leadership, they have huge parallels. You’re working together and trying to get something accomplished,” Mr. Gossage said.

Mr. Gossage and Mrs. Gaines both stressed that a student’s personality is a significant part of the equation. Mrs. Gaines also emphasized other factors like personal dedication and freetime. 

“We want to make sure that students are prepared, because it does take a lot of time management, and a lot of dedication to go into a yearlong elective instead of something on our elective wheel,” said Mrs. Gaines. 

Mr. Gossage tries to create opportunities for kids with the skills that journalism needs: a willingness to interview and communicate with creativity and interest.

“I’m looking for kids that bring in personality and have an ability to speak with others,” Mr. Gossage said. “Do they enjoy mixing it up in groups? Are they comfortable creating a video or a podcast? Are they creative in nature? That type of personality is usually a really good fit.” 

A student’s past behavior is also an important factor when it comes to deciding the best elective fit.  

“When teachers and principals are looking at applications, they look to see if that student has a good record of behavior. We need good students in those roles – students that are able to show us by their grades that they have good time management skills, that they can still be a part of this yearlong elective, but they can still go back home and manage their day-to-day homework routine. So things like time management, character, are you a team builder, can you work well with others, any discipline that might have occurred are discussed,” Ms. Gaines said about the course selection process. 

Ms. Gaines also highlighted how much of an impact being in a yearlong elective can on Day Creek’s campus. 

“When stories are written or broadcast about stuff here at school, it goes out to everybody, so I think the impact a student has by participating in a yearlong elective is very meaningful,” said Ms. Gaines.