1. Coming to BHS
Class of 2021

2. Objectives for Tonight’s Session
Review Graduation Requirements
Prepare for 9th grade scheduling

3. Our Goal at BHS: Our goal is that every student graduates …AND
is prepared to continue to post-secondary training OR
has the skills/certifications needed to obtain a high-paying job upon graduation

4. What is required to graduate?
Take specific courses
Earn specific industry certifications*
Earn at least 23.0 course credits
Pass 3 EOC exams

5. Two diploma options
Jump Start TOPS Tech Career diploma: 2 year college, technical/trade school, military, or employment
TOPS University diploma: 4 year college/university
Everyone takes similar courses in 9th and 10th grade
At the end of 10th grade, students will select a diploma option which will determine 11th and 12th grade courses

6. Jump Start TOPS Tech Career Diploma
Prepares students for community college, trade/technical school, military, or employment
Focus is on getting career ready with specific skills/training
Requires certain electives and certification courses
Students WILL NOT GRADUATE without earning the REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS for the chosen career area
23.0 credits: 4 English, 4 Math, 2 Science, 2 Social Studies, 2 Health/PE, & 9 career electives

7. TOPS University Diploma
Prepares students for 4 year college/university
Focus is on completing rigorous academic courses
24.0 credits: 4 English, 4 Math, 4 Science, 4 Social Studies, 2 Foreign Languages, 1 Art, 2 Health/PE, and 3 electives

8. Scheduling for Freshman year!
We are not scheduling today, but you can start planning for next year’s courses today
Initial schedule selections will be made on Transition Day (April 13th). Students will work with us to complete their Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) on that day
The counselors will come to BMS on April 24th-25th to sit individually with your child and schedule his/her courses for 9th grade

9. Typical Freshman Schedule
English I
Algebra I
*Students currently taking Algebra I will take Geometry next year
Physical Science
World Geography
PE (or Sports Conditioning for BHS athletes, Cheer, or Dance team)
Career Awareness
IBCA or other Elective

10. Scheduling Variations
We consider each student’s prior grades and test scores, as well as teacher input, to place students in the courses we feel he/she will be most successful
For example, students advanced in math and science may be placed in Biology Honors instead of Physical Science
In another example, a student needing extra support in English may be placed in a Reading elective to help strengthen their skills

11. Honors courses Honors classes are on a 10 point grading scale
Honors classes move faster and go more in-depth than standard classes. Be sure you are ready and willing to handle the extra work and effort that will be required Ability + Effort = Success
Honors classes are on a 10 point grading scale
Prepare students for advanced level courses in the future, such as AP and dual enrollment
We encourage you to take the most rigorous level course you can handle. Taking honors/AP classes has been linked to higher ACT scores

12. Freshman Electives
Most freshmen will take PE, Career Awareness, and IBCA or another career elective
Dance team, Cheer, and Sports Conditioning can be taken in place of PE for students participating on a BHS team
Students do not typically take a foreign language in 9th grade. Most students will begin foreign language in 10th or 11th grade if they are on the TOPS University track

13. BHS Career Academies
Our electives are grouped into 4 academies: Health & Human Services, Craft Construction Trades, Business/Information Technology, and STEM
For now, choose a career academy that interests you. All 9th graders will schedule similar core courses, but your academy interest will help determine your elective options

14. HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES:
First Responder*
Nutrition & Food
Health Science
Home Ec
BUSINESS/ INFO TECHNOLOGY
IBCA or BCA*
Principles of Business*
Entrepreneurship
Digital Media
CRAFT CONSTRUCTION
First Responder*
NCCER Core (Workplace Safety)
Carpentry/ Electrical/ Welding
STEM
Intro to Engineering *
Principles of Engineering
AP Computer Science
***The following courses are considered universal and fit in all Academies:
IBCA, BCA, Speech, Principles of Business, Personal Finance, & First Responder
Other electives include: Band, Talented Art, and Fine Arts Survey

15. Questions?