Electives Inspire a Love of Learning for Cortez Students

For years, Montezuma-Cortez Middle School students have moved through their school days with few elective options—no photography, no dance, no gardening, no outdoor education—leaving them without opportunities to explore new skills and discover passions that could shape their futures. One teacher at Montezuma-Cortez Middle School saw an opportunity to rekindle a love of learning among students, so he reached out to LOR with an idea. LOR’s funding will help Montezuma-Cortez Middle School purchase cameras, memory cards, and card readers for photography; PVC piping and mirrors for dance and gymnastics; paints, canvases, and craft materials for art; scrapbooking, leather craft, horticulture, and clothes-making supplies for 4-H; soil, potting mix, and indoor lights for gardening; and clipboards, first aid kits, and water bottles for outdoor education. Offered in 6- to 9-week rotations taught by core curriculum teachers sharing their own passions, the elective program will strengthen teacher and student engagement and create lifelong learners.