High School Scheduling For 8th Grade Students

Graduation Requirements All students will be required to complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate high school Each full year course is worth 5 credits Each half year course is worth 2.5 credits All students will be required to complete Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology, and Personal Finance Literacy to graduate Students must pass of four years of Physical Education in order to receive a diploma. If a student fails Physical Education, he/she needs to repeat the course. This is a state mandated graduation requirement!

High School Attendance Requirements Students must attend 90% of all class meetings 5 days absent in a marking period = “X” grade 10 days absent in a semester course = Loss of Credit 19 days absent in a full year course = Loss of Credit Tardiness To Class 3rd tardy to class = 1 absence 5th tardy to class = 2 absences 7th tardy to class = 3 absences 9th tardy to class = 4 absences and community service 11th tardy to class = 5 absences and community service Cutting Classes 2 cuts in a semester course = NO CREDIT 4 cuts in a full year course = NO CREDIT POOR ATTENDANCE IS THE #1 REASON WHY STUDENTS DO NOT GRADUATE ON TIME!

PLANNING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12 ENGLISH MATH ELECTIVE U.S. HISTORY I U.S. HISTORY II WORLD HISTORY SCIENCE PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH ELECTIVE REQUIREMENT (If not met by the end of 9th grade) LUNCH

Course Levels and Placement Criteria “A” College Preparatory Level – Course is designed to prepare students to enter a competitive four-year college program “B” College and Career Preparatory Level – Course instruction is designed to prepare students to enter some four-year college programs, two-year college programs, and entry-level employment. Academic performance in 8th grade classes Teacher recommendation Standardized test scores Guidance Counselor recommendation

Honors Level Courses Course instruction is designed to prepare students to enter a highly competitive four-year college program . Please review prerequisites per Program of Studies Booklet. Students may be recommended for Honors English. Grades and placement essay will also be determining factors. Students who are currently taking Algebra or Geometry may be recommended for Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra II US History Honors is a new course which requires a teacher recommendation Honors Biology is offered for students who have completed Algebra. A teacher recommendation is required. In addition to a teacher recommendation, students must have the required grades per the Program of Studies Booklet.

Math & Science Level Requirements “A” level Math = “A” level Science “A” level Math = “B” level Science “B” level Math = “B” level Science You can not take a “B” level Math class and an “A” level Science The Math class must be equal to or higher level to your Science class Typical Science Course Requirement Sequences 9th grade – Integrated Science “A” or “B” level 10th grade – Biology “A” or “B” Level 11th grade – Chemistry “A” or “B” Level 12th grade – Physics “A” or “B” level Students with outstanding backgrounds in Math and Science 9th grade – Biology “A” level or Honors 10th grade – Chemistry “A” level 11th grade – Physics “A” level and/or Advanced Placement (AP)Chemistry 12th grade – AP Physics and/or AP Biology

MATH STUDY LAB Math Study Lab is required for students identified as needing additional support in Mathematics Math Study Lab will take the place of one elective course The Math teacher will be the same teacher that students will have for Algebra I B Coincides with Algebra I B course Students will receive (5) Non-GPA credits and will receive a grade, but this course will not fulfill a Math requirement towards graduation

State Mandated Elective Requirements World Language: Spanish 1 French 1 Spanish 2** German 1 Latin 1 Italian 1 Visual & Performing Arts: Art Fundamentals Concert Choir Drawing & Painting I Band 1** Mixed Media Orchestra 1** Piano Lab 1 Development of Music 1 & 2 Piano Lab 2** Jazz Improvisation (2.5 credits) General Orchestra General Band Harmony 1 & 2 Career/Vocational Technical Education: Computer Applications Intro to Electronics & Robotics** Materials Processing Engineering Drawing & CAD Intro to Graphic Arts Tech, Engineering & Social Responsibility Computer Science A** Personal Finance & Career Explorations Introduction to Business Those courses with (**) have a prerequisite. Please check the Program of Studies Book. Is it required that students take at least one elective in each group listed above in order to graduate high school. Select Choir/Gospel Choir are by audition only. Students will be scheduled for Concert Choir. Computer Science A is an elective and will NOT be considered as a Math graduation requirement.

Where to Locate the High School Program of Studies Booklet The Program of Studies Booklet is located in the Guidance Section of both the Steinert High School and Nottingham High School websites.

SPORTS ELIGIBILITY & CLUBS All 9th grade students will be given the opportunity to try out for Fall sports. Those students who are in the marching band can still try out for Fall sports and if he/she makes the team, he/she would not have to march in the band during those games. In order to be eligible to try out for Spring sports, students will be required to pass a minimum of 6 courses in good standing at the close of the previous semester. More information on state mandated requirements for sports participation is in the Program of High School Studies Booklet. The list below is a sampling of clubs that are offered in the high school. It is recommended that students participate in a club(s) or extra curricular activity(s). Student Government Peer Leadership Drama Club Newspaper Yearbook National Honor Society Debate Club Dance Team Math Club Mock Trial World Language Clubs D.E.C.A. – Distributive Education Clubs of America

What Direction Should I Choose? College/University Vocational and Technical School Military Job Market

Choosing College/University Four Year College/University: A learning institution where students can live on campus, declare a major and spend four years obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree. Two Year Colleges: A learning institution where a student can attend and pursue coursework. There is no on campus living. Students need not declare a major and they can graduate with an Associates Degree which is a two year college diploma. Many students choose to continue their education at a four year college to obtain their Bachelor’s Degree.

Vocational and Technical Schools  A learning institution that specializes in providing students job-specific training and education for those who are typically bound for  practical postsecondary education and job training. This type of school typically offer relatively short, career-focused programs that quickly prepare graduates for the workforce.

Mercer County Technical Schools This program prepares students for careers in many high-tech areas. In addition to entry-level technical training, students receive instruction in job interviewing, job search techniques and attitudes necessary for obtaining and keeping a job. Students will spend half the school day at their sending high school and half the school day at the technical school. Bussing will be provided. More information of courses offered is found in the Program of High School Studies Booklet. Most students will be eligible to attend the Mercer County Technical Schools Program in their Junior and Senior years of high school.

Joining the Military Signing up for the military can be done your senior year of high school. If you are 17 years of age you will need your parents signature. At 18 you can sign up for yourself. There will be a waiting period for a basic training departure date

Job Market The job market is where you apply for a job and earn wages. You may not require any training other than on the job training. A person may remain at a job for a lifetime retiring from that job.

Scheduling Procedures Counselors will be meeting with all students during their ELA class to schedule electives. Core courses have been predetermined by teachers and curriculum supervisors. It is strongly suggested that students look at the Program of Studies Booklet found in the Guidance Section of both Steinert and Nottingham high school websites in order to read course descriptions. Students will receive a copy of their schedule once the counselors have completed scheduling all students (approximately one week later).