JMHS Curriculum

Current Graduation Requirements 24 Total Credits 4 English credits 4 Math credits 3 Science credits 4 Social Studies credits PE Health Fine Art (Art, Band, Choir, Music Appreciation, etc) Career Cluster (4 electives from one career concentration) 2 Personalized Electives (Any two electives of your choice.) * Note: 2 Years of one world language is required for college bound students

Grade 11 Required Core Classes English 11 or AP English Math III TR, Math III LA or Math III STEM Contemporary Studies or AP Social Studies course Chemistry or Physical Science (can take 11th or 12th grade)

Grade 12 – Required Core Classes English 12 or English 101 Math IV TR, Transition Math, College Algebra or College Trigonmetry The only online senior math credits available are AP Calculus and AP Statistics. Online college courses will not count as your final high school math credit. Civics or AP Government Chemistry or Physical Science (can take 11th or 12th grade)

PEP – Personalized Education Plan You will track your progress toward graduation using your PEP. Each year you will record the courses you have completed and plan for the following year. It is important to keep an accurate record of credits earned in order to stay on track to graduation. Use your PEP to assist you in choosing classes related to your career interests.

What is a course catalog? A course catalog is a catalog listing the courses, and their descriptions, offered by a school. The JMHS course catalog can be found online at jmhscounseling.weebly.com under Academic Counseling. You can request a paper copy of the course catalog from the guidance office.

What is an elective? An elective is any course that is not listed as a specific graduation requirement. For example, cluster classes are electives. However, Health and PE are not electives because they are specifically listed as gradation requirements.

Math III Credits Math III STEM: Math III STEM is an advanced math class for students wishing to pursue a career in the field of STEM. This class covers each of the Next Gen Standards for Math III, in addition to several more advanced standards. Math III LA: Math III LA is a math class for college bound students who may not be pursuing a STEM related career. Math III TR: Math III TR is a math class for students who prefer to cover math standards with a more in-depth approach. Math III TR covers the first half of Math III LA. Students who take this class, will take Math IV TR during their senior year.

College Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement Classes: These courses provide students with the opportunity to complete college level classes while they are still in High School. Students must pass the AP exam to claim credit. JMHS AP Classes: Biology, English Language, English Literature, US History Dual Credit Classes: These are courses where students can enroll in a college course and simultaneously earn college credit and high school credit for the course. JMHS Dual Credit Opportunities: To claim college credits, students must pay $75 for these classes. You do not have to claim college credit to take the courses. It is important to remember that dual credit courses begin your college transcripts and GPAs. -From NRCTC: Civics, College Algebra, French, Trigonometry -From WVU Tech: English 12

WV Virtual School Students can take courses from WV Virtual School beginning in 10th grade. Students should be self-motivated and be able to direct their own learning to fulfill course requirements and achieve academic success. Specific technology skills, learning styles, study habits, and communication skills are indicators of success in virtual courses. To view the course options visit http://virtualschool.k12.wv.us/vschool/index.html.

Career Clusters MCTC Clusters Agribusiness Biomedical Business Carpentry Early Childhood Education Health Sciences Nursing Public Law and Safety NON CTE Clusters: James Monroe High School has developed a large number of choices for Non-CTE Clusters. These may be found on the James Monroe High School Counseling website www.jmhscounseling@weebly.com or stop by and discuss your career interests with your school counselor. Essentially, career clusters exist to help individuals complete four classes in their career interest to ensure they will be college and/or career ready.

Planning for Careers and College Colleges, Employers and Scholarship Donors are looking for strong transcripts and resumes. It is more important to take advanced classes than it is to have a high GPA. Inflating your GPA by taking easy courses will not help you get ahead. Attendance is a key factor in building a strong resume. Community Service is an important component of your resume. Start earning hours now. Visit jmhscounseling.weebly.com for volunteer opportunities.

PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP Begin working toward the PROMISE Scholarship now! A low GPA in 9th or 10th grade can keep you from receiving the scholarship. Requirements: 3.0 GPA (Overall and Core) ACT Composite Score: 22+. ACT Sub-Scores: 20+ in each subject SAT Total score 1100.Math 520. Evidence Based Reading and Writing 530 Remember: Credits earned in middle school (typically Spanish or Math I) are part of your JMHS GPA. Therefore, they will be part of the GPA calculated to determine PROMISE eligibility.

Academic, Emotional and Social Counseling For assistance with any of your academic, emotional or social needs see the guidance office. Mrs. Dransfield and Mrs. Jones are here to assist you with your entire high school experience. See them with any questions you may have.

School Counseling Office Email Mrs. Dransfield or Mrs. Jones to make an appointment to discuss any questions or concerns. Mrs. Dransfield: tdransfield@k12.wv.us Mrs. Jones: mtjones@k12.wv.us Visit the JMHS School Counseling website at jmhscounseling.weebly.com for more information from the school counseling office about curriculum, scholarships, career counseling, upcoming events and more. Receive announcements from the guidance department by texting @jmhsguid to 81010.