Zachary High School Class of 2012 Parent Meeting February 22, 2011

Objectives for the Meeting To review graduation requirements To review TOPS curriculum and requirements To prepare for registration To share information regarding Journey to College and Career

Core 4 Graduation Requirements English 4 Units English I, II, III, and IV Mathematics4 Units Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and 4 th Math Science4 Units Biology, Chemistry, 3 rd and 4 th Science Social Studies4 Units World Geography or World History, Civics & Free Enterprise, American History, and 4 th Social Studies Physical Education 1½ Units Can substitute ROTC Health ½ Unit Foreign Language 2 Units Two years in the same language Art Elective 1 Unit Fine Art Survey, Art, Music, or Drama Electives 3 Units Total: 24 Units

TOPS Requirements English 4 Units English I, II, III and English IV Mathematics 3 Units Algebra I, Algebra II, and one of the following: Geometry or Advanced Math or Calculus or Discrete Math Science 3 Units Biology, Chemistry, and one of the following: Physical Science or Environmental Science or Earth Science or Biology II-AP or Chemistry II-AP or Physics or Agriscience I & II Social Studies 3 Units American History, Civics/ Free Enterprise, and either World Geography or World History Addtl. Math/Science 1 Unit Geometry, Advanced Math, Calculus, Discrete Math, Physics, Biology II-AP, or Chemistry II-AP Foreign Language 2 Units Two units in the same language Fine Arts Survey 1 Unit … or 2 units of visual/performance arts … or one additional unit from TOPS core Computer ½ Unit Total: 17½ Core Units Opportunity Performance/Honors 2.5 Core GPA 3.0 Core GPA ACT Score: 20 ACT Score: 23, 27

Basic Core vs. Core 4 After sophomore year, students have the opportunity to change from the Core 4 curriculum to the Basic Core curriculum. Both curriculums earn the same standard diploma; the difference is the coursework taken. Core 4 prepares students for entry into a 4-year college or university and Basic Core prepares students for community college, technical college, other training, and employment. Requires approval by parents, student, and school.

Career Clusters Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Architecture and Construction Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication Business, Management, and Administration Education and Training Government and Public Administration Human Services Health Science Information Technology Manufacturing Marketing

Rigorous Coursework Honors  Independent student learning  Faster pace Advanced Placement (AP)  Possible college credit  AP test  12 th grade courses: English Literature, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Biology II, Chemistry II, World History, History Dual Enrollment  College-level courses taught by BRCC professors and held at ZHS  Students must have at least an 18 on the ACT  Psychology (1 semester) and Sociology (1 semester); Count as high school social studies course and will count for college credit if earn “C” or better  Anticipate offering College Algebra and English Composition I next year

Honor Programs Blue Ribbon Academic Curriculum  10 Honors or AP courses  3.25 cumulative GPA by mid-term of senior year  23 ACT by April 1 st of senior year  Recognition at graduation National Honor Society  3.5 cumulative GPA  By invitation junior and senior year  Must have attended ZHS for the previous year  Four characteristics: Leadership*, Scholarship, Service* and Character

Honor Programs Academic Letter  Junior and/or senior year  3.5 cumulative GPA  3.0 core GPA  Must have attended ZHS for the previous year

Registration Information Course selections should be driven by the student’s career interest and postsecondary plans. Course Offerings Current 9 th graders – February 23 rd – 25 th Current 10 th graders – February 28 th – March 2 nd Current 11 th graders – March 9 th – 11 th

Journey to College and Career (JTCC) Goals Worksheets  Junior year  Senior year Volunteer Opportunities   ZHS Counseling Department website Important dates, essential information, helpful links Summer enrichment activities Scholarship database

Questions? Tiffany Montelepre, Counselor This PowerPoint and any handouts will be posted online at