1. High School Scheduling
For 8th Grade Students

2. Graduation Requirements
All students will be required to complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate high school
Each full year course is worth 5 credits
Each half year course is worth 2.5 credits
All students will be required to complete Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology, and Personal Finance Literacy to graduate
Students must pass of four years of Physical Education in order to receive a diploma. If a student fails Physical Education, he/she needs to repeat the course. This is a state mandated graduation requirement!

3. High School Attendance Requirements
Students must attend 90% of all class meetings
5 days absent in a marking period = “X” grade
10 days absent in a semester course = Loss of Credit
19 days absent in a full year course = Loss of Credit
Tardiness To Class
3rd tardy to class = 1 absence
5th tardy to class = 2 absences
7th tardy to class = 3 absences
9th tardy to class = 4 absences and community service
11th tardy to class = 5 absences and community service
Cutting Classes
2 cuts in a semester course = NO CREDIT
4 cuts in a full year course = NO CREDIT
POOR ATTENDANCE IS THE #1 REASON WHY STUDENTS DO NOT GRADUATE ON TIME!

4. PLANNING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS
GRADE 9
GRADE 10
GRADE 11
GRADE 12
ENGLISH
MATH
ELECTIVE
U.S. HISTORY I
U.S. HISTORY II
WORLD HISTORY
SCIENCE
PHYSICAL EDUCATION and HEALTH
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
and HEALTH
ELECTIVE REQUIREMENT
(If not met by the end of
9th grade)
LUNCH

5. Course Levels and Placement Criteria
“A” College Preparatory Level – Course is designed to prepare students to enter a competitive four-year college program
“B” College and Career Preparatory Level – Course instruction is designed to prepare students to enter some four-year college programs, two-year college programs, and entry-level employment.
Academic performance in 8th grade classes
Teacher recommendation
Standardized test scores
Guidance Counselor recommendation

6. Honors Level Courses
Course instruction is designed to prepare students to enter a highly competitive four-year college program . Please review prerequisites per Program of Studies Booklet.
Students may be recommended for Honors English. Grades and placement essay will also be determining factors.
Students who are currently taking Algebra or Geometry may be recommended for Honors Geometry or Honors Algebra II
US History Honors is a new course which requires a teacher recommendation
Honors Biology is offered for students who have completed Algebra. A teacher recommendation is required.
In addition to a teacher recommendation, students must have the required grades per the Program of Studies Booklet.

7. Math & Science Level Requirements
“A” level Math = “A” level Science
“A” level Math = “B” level Science
“B” level Math = “B” level Science
You can not take a “B” level Math class and an “A” level Science
The Math class must be equal to or higher level to your Science class
Typical Science Course Requirement Sequences
9th grade – Integrated Science “A” or “B” level
10th grade – Biology “A” or “B” Level
11th grade – Chemistry “A” or “B” Level
12th grade – Physics “A” or “B” level
Students with outstanding backgrounds in Math and Science
9th grade – Biology “A” level or Honors
10th grade – Chemistry “A” level
11th grade – Physics “A” level and/or Advanced Placement (AP)Chemistry
12th grade – AP Physics and/or AP Biology

8. MATH STUDY LAB
Math Study Lab is required for students identified as needing additional support in Mathematics
Math Study Lab will take the place of one elective course
The Math teacher will be the same teacher that students will have for Algebra I B
Coincides with Algebra I B course
Students will receive (5) Non-GPA credits and will receive a grade, but this course will not fulfill a Math requirement towards graduation

9. State Mandated Elective Requirements
World Language:
Spanish 1 French 1
Spanish 2** German 1
Latin 1 Italian 1
Visual & Performing Arts:
Art Fundamentals Concert Choir
Drawing & Painting I Band 1**
Mixed Media Orchestra 1**
Piano Lab 1 Development of Music 1 & 2
Piano Lab 2** Jazz Improvisation (2.5 credits)
General Orchestra General Band
Harmony 1 & 2
Career/Vocational Technical Education:
Computer Applications Intro to Electronics & Robotics**
Materials Processing Engineering Drawing & CAD
Intro to Graphic Arts Tech, Engineering & Social Responsibility
Computer Science A** Personal Finance & Career Explorations
Introduction to Business
Those courses with (**) have a prerequisite. Please check the Program of Studies Book.
Is it required that students take at least one elective in each group listed above in order to graduate high school.
Select Choir/Gospel Choir are by audition only. Students will be scheduled for Concert Choir.
Computer Science A is an elective and will NOT be considered as a Math graduation requirement.

10. Where to Locate the High School Program of Studies Booklet
The Program of Studies Booklet is located in the Guidance Section of both the Steinert High School and Nottingham High School websites.

11. SPORTS ELIGIBILITY & CLUBS
All 9th grade students will be given the opportunity to try out for Fall sports. Those students who are in the marching band can still try out for Fall sports and if he/she makes the team, he/she would not have to march in the band during those games.
In order to be eligible to try out for Spring sports, students will be required to pass a minimum of 6 courses in good standing at the close of the previous semester.
More information on state mandated requirements for sports participation is in the Program of High School Studies Booklet.
The list below is a sampling of clubs that are offered in the high school. It is recommended that students participate in a club(s) or extra curricular activity(s).
Student Government
Peer Leadership
Drama Club
Newspaper
Yearbook
National Honor Society
Debate Club
Dance Team
Math Club
Mock Trial
World Language Clubs
D.E.C.A. – Distributive Education Clubs of America

12. What Direction Should I Choose?
College/University Vocational and Technical School Military Job Market

13. Choosing College/University
Four Year College/University: A learning institution where students can live on campus, declare a major and spend four years obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree. Two Year Colleges: A learning institution where a student can attend and pursue coursework. There is no on campus living. Students need not declare a major and they can graduate with an Associates Degree which is a two year college diploma. Many students choose to continue their education at a four year college to obtain their Bachelor’s Degree.

14. Vocational and Technical Schools
 A learning institution that specializes in providing students job-specific training and education for those who are typically bound for  practical postsecondary education and job training. This type of school typically offer relatively short, career-focused programs that quickly prepare graduates for the workforce.

15. Mercer County Technical Schools
This program prepares students for careers in many high-tech areas. In addition to entry-level technical training, students receive instruction in job interviewing, job search techniques and attitudes necessary for obtaining and keeping a job.
Students will spend half the school day at their sending high school and half the school day at the technical school. Bussing will be provided.
More information of courses offered is found in the Program of High School Studies Booklet.
Most students will be eligible to attend the
Mercer County Technical Schools Program in their
Junior and Senior years of high school.

16. Joining the Military
Signing up for the military can be done your senior year of high school. If you are 17 years of age you will need your parents signature. At 18 you can sign up for yourself. There will be a waiting period for a basic training departure date

17. Job Market
The job market is where you apply for a job and earn wages. You may not require any training other than on the job training. A person may remain at a job for a lifetime retiring from that job.

18. Scheduling Procedures
Counselors will be meeting with all students during their ELA class to schedule electives.
Core courses have been predetermined by teachers and curriculum supervisors.
It is strongly suggested that students look at the Program of Studies Booklet found in the Guidance Section of both Steinert and Nottingham high school websites in order to read course descriptions.
Students will receive a copy of their schedule once the counselors have completed scheduling all students (approximately one week later).