1. 8th Grade: High School Course Selection Information

2. Timeline February 21st-24th: ONGOING: TODAY: UNTIL NEXT YEAR:
Explore Career Cruising and Interests
Course Selection in the Classroom (bring signed form)
TODAY:
UNTIL NEXT YEAR:
Explore Electives and Courses
Keep Grades Up
THIS WEEK AND NEXT:
Give Effort on State Assessments
Discuss Options with Parents/Guardians
Parent Meeting on Thursday night
Talk to Teachers about Options

3. Credits
At the high school, you do not simply “pass” grades anymore; you earn CREDITS.
You must earn 26 credits to graduate. You will take up to 28 credits.
You must earn a certain number of credits each year to move onto the next grade level.
There are many required courses, and then there are elective courses (ones that you choose).

4. Courses for 9th grade Required for ALL: Wellness: 1/2 year, .5 credit
Fitness: 1/2 year, .5 credit
World Cultures: 1 credit
Advisory: no credit, similar to Homeroom

5. Courses for 9th grade
Required, but LEVELED (recommended by teachers based on ability, test scores, and efforts):
Math- Intermediate Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, or Advanced Algebra II; worth 1 credit
Science- Advanced Biology or Earth & Space Science; 1 credit
English- English I or Advanced English I, 1 credit
NOTE: Recommendations can change if you do not continue the same path you are on.

6. Courses for 9th grade Elective Courses (Based on Interests):
You will choose two courses.
Most 9th grade elective courses are worth 1 credit.
These courses carry just as much weight as your other courses and are just as important.
You need to select courses that you are interested in because you will go there EVERY day for the ENTIRE year. Do not make selections based on what your friends are choosing.
You may not get your first choices, so consider second choices.

7. Electives:
As you choose your electives, keep in mind: -What are your interests? -What sorts of jobs are you interested in? -Are you planning to learn a language to prepare for college? (2+ years required at most schools) -What are you good at? -Will you be able to balance your expectations and responsibilities? **It may be helpful to take some notes today! **Use your Educational Planning Guide to help you make selections. For each pathway, there are suggestions.

8. Agriculture Electives
If you are interested in being in FFA, you MUST be in at least one Agricultural course.
Two choices as a freshman:
Hand & Power Tools
Elements of Agriculture

9. Ag Classes At Solanco HS

10. Elements Of Agri-Science
Grades 9
Overview of all agriculture topics
Includes classroom, outdoor, & shop instruction
Introduction to FFA and SAE books (important for anyone interested in FFA club)

11. Hand And Power Tools Technology
woodworking
learn how to operate hand tool and the table saw
safety procedures – Get Your OSHA Certification
all instruction is hands on
Hand And Power Tools Technology
grades 9 and 10

12. FFA Structure
Class Study
FFA Activity
SAE

13. Art Electives Drawing Design Recommendation required
Still-life, portrait and figure studies, landscape, architectural interiors/exteriors
Class critiques
Design
Basic introductory art course
Sketchbooks and independent projects
Drawing, painting, sculpting intro

14. Art Electives- Continued
Ceramics
Intro to ceramics materials, techniques, and aesthetics
Produce sculptural and functional objects
Must keep up with projects
Photography
Black-and-white photography
Study the entire technical process, not just the art and creative side
Must provide your own camera

15. Art Electives- Highlights from the Department
Chances for awards and local, state, and national recognition
Chances for scholarship
National Art Honor Society
Field Trips
Art Renaissance
Halloween Hallways

16. Business Electives Intro to Business Software Applications Photoshop
Intro to economics, marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting, and personal finance
Learn to manage checking account, use credit, file income tax returns, develop a budget, and invest
Software Applications
Split into two semesters: Word/Powerpoint and Excel/Access
Photoshop
Photo-editing software
Edit scanned and digital images
A lot of independent work required

17. Business Electives- Highlights from the Department
Future Business Leaders of America-
Activities in the school
Local, State, National competitions
Opportunity for leadership
Classes that apply to various career fields

18. Family and Consumer Science Elective
Life Skills
Topics of Study:
LIFE: goal setting, relationships, values, character
MONEY: managing resources, credit
FOOD: nutrition, meal-planning
SEWING: basic machine skills, apron
Good course for ANY student!

19. World Language Electives
Spanish
French
You MUST take at least two years to be accepted to most 4-year schools. Some prefer 3 years.
You may choose to start taking a language in 10th grade, but you limit your options in your senior year if you wait.

20. Why should I take French
at the High School?

21. English owes nearly half its
vocabulary to French!

22. The majority of French speakers today are not living in France….

23. Experience the l’art à noueau!
Literature, art, film

24. An international language
for the job market…
European Union

25. Spanish Department Highlights
Spanish Honor Society
AP Spanish
Tutoring

26. Music Electives Band Orchestra Must do Band Camp in the summer
Marching, concert, football games
Lots of fun opportunities
Orchestra
No auditions for strings but wind and percussion need to audition
First period of the day

27. Music Electives, continued
Chorus
Last period of the day
No tryouts
Can do Band and Chorus
Chorale auditions for 10th and above
Piano Keyboarding
No previous keyboarding or piano skills
Work at your own pace

28. Technology Electives
Introduction to the Technology Department Electives:

29. Technology Electives- continued
CADD: Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (Brock)
Learn how to use programs called SolidWorks and ArchiCAD, which are used by engineers and architects
Design and draw structures
You need to be able to work at a quick pace and independently.
Design Engineering
Formulate and design solutions to problems
Electricity, basic mechanical systems
Project-based

30. Technology Electives- continued
Graphic Communications
Printing methods, screen printing, editing pictures and photos on the computer, photography, printing press
Computer and hands-on
Project-Based
Manufacturing Systems I
Woodworking, Sheet Metal, Machining, Welding, and Forging
Multimedia and Technology
You’ll learn about: Digital Video Cameras and Tripods, Non-linear editing equipmen, Macintosh Computer Systems, iMovie, GarageBand, iPhoto, iTunes, LiveType and more
Teamwork and Creativity required!

31. Other electives and options…
Students in the Gifted Program:
Gifted Explorations
Gifted Applications
Solanco Virtual Academy:
On occasion, a student needs to take an extra course. This can be done through SVA, but students must be completely aware of the added responsibility and prepared to handle it.

32. Important information:
No teacher requests
No changing electives after the second week of school
If you are recommended for an Advanced course, it is probably the best option for you!
Encourage your parents to come to the meeting on Thursday evening

33. Questions/comments
Questions for Mrs. C or the students from the high school??
Advice from the high school students…

34. Next steps Talk to your parents Ask questions!
Review the Educational Planning Guide
Read about the different pathways
Start planning courses that you are interested in
Make your selections and have a parent sign off on your form
Be prepared to select courses in a couple of weeks!