1. Louisa-Muscatine High School
Freshmen Orientation

2. Credits 52 credits needed to graduate
1 credit is earned for each class each semester
Homeroom is worth .5 credits each semester, 1 credit for the year, credit earned by reaching AR goal
No credit is earned for an F (affects eligibility)
Each class taken for a grade makes up your Grade Point Average (GPA)
Important to pass all classes: retakes
GPA in cumulative- follows you through High School
For courses that take 2 semesters to complete, first semester is the A portion and second semester is the B portion.
QUARTER ENDS SOON!! ONCE QUARTER IS OVER NO CHANGE TO THE GRADES

3. This is the progression of classes
Language Arts 8 credits
This is the progression of classes
English I A, B
English II A, B
English III
1 English elective (of either kind)
1 Composition elective
Creative Writing, Life English, Writing and Film, MCC Comp I, MCC Comp II, MCC Speech
1 Literature elective
World Literature, American Literature, Contemporary Literature, MCC Intro to Literature

4. Math 6 credits 6 Credits from the following:
This is also the progression of classes
students MUST complete Algebra II to graduate
6 Credits from the following:
Foundations of Math A,B (not a math credit, but elective credit)
Algebra I A,B
Geometry A,B
Algebra II A,B
Pre Calculus A,B
Trigonometry (sem 1)
Calculus A (sem 1)
MCC Statistics (sem 2)

5. This is the progression of classes
Science 6 credits
This is the progression of classes
Physical Science A, B
Biology A, B
2 Science Electives (A,B) from the following
Chemistry
Physics
Anatomy & Physiology
General Science

6. Social Studies 6 credits
This is the progression of classes
American History A, B
Geography
Social Problems
American Government
1 SS Elective from the following
Ancient History, Modern History, Recent American History, Current US Topics, Struggle for Equality, Global Issues, or AP US History (online)
College Classes: MCC Economics, MCC Psychology

7. Economics and Financial Lit
Required junior or senior class teaching you about financial responsibility

8. Health Health I is a required course you will take in 9th grade
CPR training, Sex Ed, peer relationships, refusal skills, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, nutrition and other topics are covered

9. Physical Education 4 credits 1 per year PE 9-12– regular PE
PE 9-12 Advanced – more competitive
Personal Fitness – Tae Bo, Fitness Walking
Strength/Conditioning A/B– strength training

10. Electives
Spanish
Courses you are scheduled into for academic help such as: Content Area Reading, Foundations of Math or Study Skills
Agriculture
Art
Business/Computers
Family and Consumer Science
Industrial Technology
Any course after the requirements are met
Music
Health II AR

11. Things to Know Late work policies vary by teacher
Computers are available for check out to take home for homework

12. Silver Cord Volunteer service Log in the counselor’s office Good for:
Experience
Connections
Job/college/scholarship resumes
Forms in guidance office, guidance website, or back of course manual

13. Freshman Year Core requirements: Physical Science A/B
American History A/B
English I A/B
Math A/B
PE (1 semester)
Study Hall

14. How Grades are Figured 45% ( Q1 ) + 45% (Q2) +10% (Final) = Sem Grade
Example:
Q1 Grade 75%
Q2 Grade 90%
Final Exam Grade 95%
.45(75) + .45(90) + .1(95) = PS rounds up = 84%
GPA –hard to come back from a low GPA
GPA scale is on page 12 of planner

15. AR AR Goals based on Time given to read during HR
Iowa Assessment Scores
Time given to read during HR
AR quizzes to meet goal and earn .5 credit
Taken during HR or in English class
One quiz per day
Cannot be read aloud
Book Talks can be done w/Mr Parkhurst or written options are available if there is no test for the book one time per semester

16. Math
Standard Quizzes
Make up times
Homework Check Up
Bell work

17. Eligibility 30 day eligibility by semester grade Activities Football
Baseball
Chess Club
Volleyball
Softball
NHS
Cross Country
FFA
Drama Club
Cheerleading
Colorguard
Student Council
(FB, Wrest, Bball)
Jazz Band
Speech Team
Basketball
Jazz Choir
Soccer (MHS share)
Wrestling
Band
Swimming (MHS share)
Bowling
Choir
Track
Chorale
Golf
Mr. Noll’s Game Night

18. Behavior Expecations
Students will be allowed to use cell phones and other electronic devices during lunch and passing time
Cell phones should be on silent/off/out of sight when the bell rings to begin class
Teachers may occasionally give permission to use phones in class
If a student is caught using their phone in class it will be confiscated and taken to the office

19. Behavior Expectations cont’d
Consequences for cell phone violations:
1st offense – student receives a detention
2nd offense – student will receive 1 day of ISS
3rd offense – student will receive 2 days of ISS
The confiscated cell phone or electronic device will be returned to the parent/guardian only, or held in the office until the end of the of the 3rd full school day

20. Attendance
Please make sure to call your child in if they will miss school
Planner page 18 explains Unexcused vs Excused

21. Falcon Day of Action
LMHS opportunity to give back to the community in the Spring
High School students will go off campus to parks and community members’ homes to give help as needed
Small jobs (ex: yard work or painting)
Each small group of students (less than 10) is supervised by a teacher

22. Helpful Info https://sites.google.com/site/lmguidance/
Powerschool
Planner
All rules and policies
Contact information for teachers and administration
School calendar