Spring 2009 Freshman Scheduling

High School Jargon Semester First Semester: August to December Second Semester: January to May Courses are either semester or year long. Credit Hour 1 credit is earned per semester per class. To earn a credit, you must have a passing grade, this is or a D- or above. In one school year you can earn up to 14 credits.

Block Scheduling You will have red and white days that meet every other day. You will attend four block classes on red days and four block classes on white days. Homework: Don’t wait until the day before it is due. You will have a study hall every other day. You will have a 30 minute IRP daily.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Grades are calculated on a 4.0 scale. A= 4.0 B= 3.0 C =2.0 D=1.0 Weighted Grades: Example: Honors Biology A = 5.0 Regular Biology A = 4.0 Honors classes are weighted Project Lead the Way is weighted See page 8 and 9 in your course guide for a comparison between weighted and non-weighted grades.

Diploma Tracks CORE 40 Basic diploma needed to progress into college Foreign language is not necessarily required for Core 40, but it is recommended for entrance into college Minimum Requirements – 3 Years of Math, 3 Years of Science, 3 Years of Social Studies, 4 Years of English, 1 Year of PE, 1 Semester of Health Electives: You will be encouraged to take electives that are focused towards your career goal. Must pass Algebra I and English Credits

Diploma Tracks ACADEMIC HONORS Meet all Core 40 requirements Minimum Requirement- 4 Years of Math Minimum Foreign Language Requirement- 3 years of one language or two years of two different languages Minimum Fine Arts Requirement- two credits of art and/or music You must meet one of the following: Complete a minimum of two advanced placement classes and take the AP exams 6 college credits earned through dual high school/college courses 1200 on SAT 26 on ACT You must earn a C or above in all courses You must have a GPA of a 3.0 (B Average)

Diploma Tracks TECHNICAL HONORS Meet Core 40 requirements You must earn a C or above in all courses You must have a GPA of a 3.0 You must take 8 to 10 credits in a career-technical program You must earn a state-recognized certification or certificate of technical achievement in the career- technical program.

Required Courses English Algebra Biology Geography and History of the World Keystone (Semester 1)/ PE (Semester 2) Elective Study Hall

Fine Arts Electives Introduction to 2-D Art Complete 3-D projects (shading, design, personal interest) Learn art vocabulary and theory 2-D Art Advanced Must have passed Intro to 2-D Art Will learn about and use acrylic paint Learn watercolor painting techniques Design a figure composition using oil pastels

Fine Arts Electives Music- Auditions will be later to place in the appropriate leveled music class. BC: Descants & Gents (Choir) Allegro Band (Band) Concert Orchestra (Orchestra)

Business Electives Digital Communication Tools Learn hand held electronic devises such as PDAs, PC scanners, digital cameras, and speech and hand recognition software Computer App. Adv. I Use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel Will write a research paper with citations Computer App. Adv. II Will learn advanced Excel, Publisher, Access, PowerPoint, and Voice Recognition Must have completed Computer App. Adv. I If completing both Computer App. Adv I and II courses, student could meet Dual Credit requirement for Academic Honors Diploma

Business Electives Entrepreneurship The reading level is advanced in this class Must be a self-directed student to be successful Will explore the processes of starting a business Will study famous entrepreneurs Personal Finance The reading level is advanced in this class Must be a self-directed student to be successful Will keep a check book and budget Find their personal net worth Learn how to invest in stocks/bonds, buy a house/car, get insurance, and save for retirement and college

Application Electives Application Electives (CGTV I, Newspaper, Yearbook, Tech Theatre) Sign up for alternatives just in case not selected Technical Theatre Responsible for activities scheduled in the auditorium Graded for their involvement in the fall and spring plays Build sets, learn sound and lights, learn stage terminology Career Info. Leadership Application required (sign up for alternatives incase not selected) Those currently in leadership roles or those who have interest in obtaining a leadership role might want to consider this option for next year or future years. Expected to facilitate large and small group meetings.

Application Electives In order for students to be considered for one of the Application Electives (CGTV, Newspaper, Yearbook, Technical Theatre, or Leadership), the application must be complete and stapled to the pink scheduling form. Take an application today from your teacher. Be ready to turn it in on Feb. 27. You will need teacher signatures. Ask for these in advance.

Family and Consumer Science Electives Interpersonal Relationships Expected to cover personality development, values clarification, conflict resolution, stress management, self esteem, dating and personal relationships, and communication skills Nutrition and Wellness Study nutrition and basic cooking techniques Participate in cooking labs Advanced Nutrition and Foods Must pass Nutrition and Wellness Participate in food labs Plan, prepare, and present a party. Study careers in the food industry and food history

Family and Consumer Science Electives Textiles and Fashion Technologies Study fabrics, fads, and fashions of clothing Construct two simple garments Research paper on a fashion designer Textiles and Fashion Technologies II Must pass Textiles and Fashion Technologies I Construct two to three garments Study the basic techniques of embroidery, knitting, and crocheting

Foreign Languages Options are: Spanish I, Spanish II, French I, French II, Japanese I, Japanese II To take a F/L the student must have a B- or above in Language (first semester average) If grades are lower than required and you are requesting to take a foreign language, your parents must contact Jeanne Hodgin at If you are currently in a foreign language and are unsure if you are ready to move on to the second year of that foreign language, talk to your teacher or Mrs. Paul/Mrs. Stremming. Students who received a C- semester grade or lower and want to take the second year of that language must contact Jeanne Hodgin

Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) / Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering Class (first class of a series-leading to a Career Major in Engineering) It is an Elective and is weighted (this class could affect overall class rank) To take the class, the student must have an “A” or “B” in 8 th grade math

Engineering and Technology Electives Communication Systems Basic drafting, computer graphics, radio broadcast and TV simulation Will use CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) Construction Systems Floor plan evaluation and design Scale model bridge and house Will work with wood

Engineering and Technology Electives Manufacturing Systems Will learn about manufacturing processes Will design and construct a project using metal and wood Will learn about mass production and material costs Transportation Systems Will complete projects related to land, water, air, and space. Example course activities: carbon dioxide cars, gliders, and boats

English Lab / Math Lab The high school may require you to take a lab class. Most students who are required to take lab classes have not passed ISTEP. You will find out if this pertains to you by the end of this week. Lab classes are year long and take the place of one or both of your electives (ex. If required to take both lab classes- no electives can be selected). If a student/parent would like to appeal the lab requirement, the parent would need to contact the high school.

Honors Questions??? The high school may recommend you to take one or more honors classes. You will find out if this pertains to you by the end of this week. You may have received or will be receiving a letter from the high school about honors recommendations. Keep this letter to turn in with your high school schedule. If you would like to register for an honors class, but were not recommended, you may appeal. The appeal process will be explained later this week by Mrs. Stremming and Mrs. Paul. Stay tuned.

Reminders High School Scheduling Day: F eb. 20 with Mrs. Paul and Mrs. Stremming Early College Info Meeting (Parents/Students): Feb. 24 at 6:00 in the High School Auditorium Parent/Student Scheduling Info Night: Feb. 24 at 7:00 in the High School Auditorium Schedules Due: March 3 to Mrs. Harmon or Mrs. Souder Freshman Orientation: July 29 at the High School