99thth Grade Course Grade Course SelectionSelection

Academic CatalogAcademic CatalogYou can find the 2014-2015 Course

Catalog online at:

http://www.friscoisd.org/ly/parentsStudents/

HighSchoolCourseAcademicCatalogs.htm

All course offerings are subject to change! Funding levels and student

interest may affect whether or not an offering is available.

Tentative Changes in Texas Tentative Changes in Texas Graduation Plans (HB 5)Graduation Plans (HB 5)

► Creates a Foundation High School Program► Allows a student to earn an Endorsement in one of the following:

● Arts & Humanities● Business & Industry● Multidisciplinary● Public Service● STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

► Provides for a Distinguished Level of Achievement► College Admission Requirements versus High School Graduation Plans

What is a Credit?What is a Credit?

A student needs 26 credits in order A student needs 26 credits in order to graduate. A half-credit is earned to graduate. A half-credit is earned

each semester for each class each semester for each class passed with a 70 or above average.passed with a 70 or above average.

All 9All 9thth grade grade students must students must be enrolled in be enrolled in

eight class eight class periods.periods.

Current Recommendations for Current Recommendations for College Readiness College Readiness (Distinguished Level of Achievement)(Distinguished Level of Achievement)

Subject Credits Required CoursesEnglish 4 English 1, 2, 3**, 4Math 4 Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II**, 4th mathScience 4 Biology, Chemistry, Physics, 4th science

OR Biology, IPC, Chemistry, PhysicsSocial Studies 4 World Geo, World History, U.S. History,

Government & EconomicsForeign Language 2 Spanish, French, Chinese, ASL* 1&2P.E. 1 P.E., Athletics/Training, Fall Band, Fall Color Guard,

Drill Team, Cheer, Dance (not an option for athletes)Health .5 Health, Health Science (prereq Medical Terminology)Speech .5 Communication ApplicationsFine Arts 1 Art, Theater Arts, Choir, Band, Dance, Orchestra,

DGA, Elements of Floral Design (grade 10+)Technology 1 BIM, Digital Interactive Media, DGA, Computer

Science, Web Technologies, Computer Maintenance, Yearbook, Video

Technology, Broadcast + possible additions

Electives (Endorsements) 4

Total 26 *ASL does not meet all college admissions requirements.

Distinguished Level of Distinguished Level of AchievementAchievement

Requires completion of the following:

► Four credits in math which must include Algebra 2► Four credits in science with one course being advanced (courses to be determined)► The remaining curriculum requirements► The requirements for at least one endorsement

Registration ProcessRegistration Process

8th Grade YearFour-Year Plan December

Group Presentations

January

Individual Meetings – Verification Forms

January

Changes & Addition of Alternates

February

Last Day to Make Changes

May 9, 2014

Fall 9th Grade YearGuidance October

Four-Year Plan Review

October

Changes to Four-Year Plans

November

Spring 9th Grade YearIndividual Meetings – Verification Forms

February

Changes & Addition of Alternates

February

Rank in Class Rank in Class PolicyPolicyRank in class, honor

graduate status, valedictorian and

salutatorian determination shall be based on a

weighted grade point average (GPA) system.Grades will be weighted

according to the level of the course.

AP/PAP Dual Credit

On-Level Grade Point

9595 100100 5.55.5

9494 9999 5.45.4

9393 9898 5.35.3

9292 9797 5.25.2

9191 9696 5.15.1

9090 9595 100100 5.05.0

8989 9494 9999 4.94.9

8888 9393 9898 4.84.8

8787 9292 9797 4.74.7

8686 9191 9696 4.64.6

8585 9090 9595 4.54.5

8484 8989 9494 4.44.4

Incoming 9th Graders will not receive a GPA and Rank until after the first Fall semester at

Independence!

Top 10% RuleTop 10% Rule► Class Rank and GPA are used to determine if you are in the “Top 10%” of your class.

► Students who are in the top 10% of their class are automatically accepted into Texas public colleges. (UT Austin is now top 7%)

► Freshman grades count! Start strong and do your best from your first day of high school. For admissions purposes, rank at the close of junior year dictates the top 10% of the class.

PrerequisitesPrerequisite - required or necessary as a prior

condition.In order to take the classes below, a prerequisite class is required first.

Examples:

Spanish II

Prereq: Spanish I

Health Science (10th Grade Course)

Prereq: Medical Terminology (9th Grade)

The 2014-2015 Course Catalog will outline the Prerequisites and the Grade Restrictions

Course Pathways at CTE Course Pathways at CTE CenterCenter► Arts & Humanities

● Art● Dance● Music● Theatre● Language

► Business & Industry● Advanced Journalism● Ag, Food & Natural Resources-Animal Science● Ag, Food & Natural Resources-Horticulture/Landscape● Ag, Food & Natural Resources-Ag Mechanics● Architecture & Construction

Course Pathways at CTE Course Pathways at CTE CenterCenter► Business & Industry continued

● Arts, AV Technology & Communication● Business Management & Administration● Financial Systems● Hospitality & Tourism● Information Technology● Marketing, Sales & Service● Sports & Entertainment Management

► Multidisciplinary► Public Service

● Education & Training● Government & Public Administration● Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security

Course Pathways at CTE Course Pathways at CTE CenterCenter► STEM

● Computer Science● Health Science● Math● Science

More information regarding Career & Technology pathways can be found online at

http://schools.friscoisd.org/spc/cte

75%

62%

54%

52%

27%

21%

Grades in Challenging Classes

Strength of Curriculum

SAT/ACT Scores

Grades in ALL Classes

Essays

Recommendations

NACAC 2008

What Counts in College What Counts in College AdmissionsAdmissions

Admission Trends: Trends Survey 2008 NACAC

Pre-AP and Advanced Placement Pre-AP and Advanced Placement ProgramProgramWhat is the Pre-AP/AP What is the Pre-AP/AP

program?program?Allows students to participate in college preparatory courses and college level courses while still in high school

Who can enroll in a Pre-AP/AP course?Who can enroll in a Pre-AP/AP course?Any student can enroll

Better preparation for college

What are the advantages of Pre-AP/AP What are the advantages of Pre-AP/AP courses?courses?

Students committed to completing the course they sign up to take

Changes will be allowed at the 1st six-week point and at semester

Students may receive college credit in high school, saving both time and money

Colleges and universities look favorably on students who have completed this course work

PAP/AP Six-Weeks PAP/AP Six-Weeks CommitmentCommitment

► Students who sign up for a PAP/AP class will be required to stay the entire first six weeks. At the close of the first six weeks, students who wish to drop will meet with their teacher, parent and counselor to discuss the move. The grade the student has at the end of the six weeks will go with the student to the new class.

► Following the close of the first six weeks, students will not be allowed to drop the course until second term begins.

High School ScheduleHigh School Schedule

► Known as an A-B block schedule► 8 total classes► A Day = 4 classes; B Day = the other 4 classes► 30-minute lunch is based on student’s 3rd period class► School begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:10 p.m.► Each class is 90 minutes with 5 minutes between each class

Block ScheduleBlock Schedule

SundaySunday MondayMonday TuesdayTuesday WednesdWednesdayay

ThursdayThursday FridayFriday SaturdaSaturdayy

AA DayDayPeriodsPeriods 1-41-4

B DayB DayPeriods1-4Periods1-4

A DayA DayPeriodsPeriods 1-41-4

B DayB DayPeriods 1-4Periods 1-4

AA DayDayPeriodsPeriods 1-41-4

B DayB DayPeriods 1-4Periods 1-4

AA DayDayPeriodsPeriods 1-41-4

B DayB DayPeriods 1-4Periods 1-4

AA DayDayPeriodsPeriods 1-41-4

B DayB DayPeriods 1-4Periods 1-4

Typical Schedule for a Typical Schedule for a Student in Student in P.E. ClassP.E. Class

A Day B Day

1st period: Algebra I 1st period: Biology

2nd period: English I 2nd period: Health/Speech

3rd period: Art I 3rd period: World

Geography

4th period: PE 4th period: Spanish I

Typical Schedule for a Typical Schedule for a Student in Band or Student in Band or Athletics Every DayAthletics Every DayA Day B Day

1st period: Algebra I 1st period: Biology

2nd period: English I 2nd period: Health/Speech

3rd period: Spanish I 3rd period: World

Geography

4th period: Athletics or Band

4th period: Athletics or Band

99thth Grade English Grade English

► English I OR PAP English I

● PAP English I requires Summer Reading● Check the website in May for book titles

99thth Grade Math Grade Math

► Students who are taking 8th grade math will take Algebra 1 or PAP Algebra 1.

► Students who complete Algebra 1 or PAP Algebra 1 in the 8th grade will take Geometry or PAP Geometry.

► Students who are taking Geometry this year will take Algebra 2 or PAP Algebra 2.

99thth Grade Science Grade Science

► IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry), Biology, PAP Biology, Physics, or AP Physics 1

99thth Grade Social Studies Grade Social Studies

► World Geography or AP Human Geography

Spanish in Middle Spanish in Middle SchoolSchool

► Students who have successfully completed the two-year Spanish program in 7th and 8th grades have Spanish 1 credit and will take Spanish 2 or PAP Spanish 2 to satisfy the two-year requirement for graduation

Ways to Meet P.E. CreditWays to Meet P.E. Credit► Take PE class:

● Personal Fitness● Aerobics● Team/Individual● Weightlifting● Adventure/Outdoor

► Make an athletic team (football, volleyball, soccer, etc.)► Make Color Guard (fall PE credit only)

► Make Drill Team► March in the Band- (fall PE credit only)► Make Cheerleading► Be an Athletic Trainer (+ Sports Medicine and application)► Take Dance I (course cannot be taken with athletics)

Athletic Try-OutsAthletic Try-Outs

► All students are free to sign up for any athletic class they wish, but they must make the team in order to stay in the class. PE teaches how to play various sports, but the athletic teams in high school are competitive and require you to already know how to play.

► Try-outs typically occur the first two weeks of each semester.

► Those not making the team will be moved to P.E. and to elective classes that are STILL OPEN.

Athletics♦ Football♦ Basketball♦ Swimming♦ Volleyball♦ Soccer♦ Tennis♦ Golf♦ Softball♦ Wrestling♦ Track/

Cross Country♦ Trainer♦ Baseball

Only one sport will appear on the

schedule - the sport that starts first.

BAND► Band is a double-blocked class; band

director must approve a student wanting to single-block.

► Fall band is marching band.

► The band director and athletic coach must be contacted if a student wants to participate in both band and a sport.

Dance – Fine Arts & PEDance – Fine Arts & PE

► One year of Dance fulfills Fine Arts requirement for 1 credit AND

► PE requirement for 1 credit

► Athletes cannot sign up for Dance 1

DGA – Fine Arts & DGA – Fine Arts & TechnologyTechnology

► One year of DGA fulfills Fine Arts requirement for 1 credit AND

► Technology requirement for 1 credit

Programs Needing Applications Programs Needing Applications or Teacher Approvalor Teacher Approval

Back Up ClassesBack Up Classes

► Make sure and complete the alternate electives on the verification form for your current campus. These will be used if the student’s first choice does not work.

► We will pick these FOR THE STUDENTS if they don’t! And, they won’t be able to change once school begins.

State AssessmentsState Assessments

► 5 STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) Exams

● English I

● English II

● Algebra I

● Biology

● US History

Making a Schedule Making a Schedule ChangeChange► Your last opportunity to change an

elective is on or before:May 9, 2014

► Only approved program changes (in or out of athletics, band, etc) can be made the first two weeks of the new semester.

► PAP/AP students must complete the first six-weeks grade cycle before a change to on-level will be considered.

► Please see your current counselor at your current campus in order to update any schedule requests!

How to Help Your How to Help Your Students…Students…► Encourage them to do their homework on the

day that it is assigned.

► Monitor their grades on Home Access but don’t make it your homepage!

► Help them with organizational skills.

► Begin to shift responsibilities to them. Allow them an opportunity to learn how to manage time and handle difficult situations on their own.

“The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get

along without them.”--Frank Clark

Family ConnectionFamily Connection► Family Connection is a website run by the counseling center to keep you and your student informed of upcoming events and deadlines.

► College information, scholarship opportunities, summer internship possibilities, career and personality tests, SAT/ACT links, class rank.

Community ServiceCommunity Service► Community service is not a requirement for graduation, but it does enhance a college application.

► Students are responsible for finding and keeping up with all hours earned.

► Students who earn 100 hours or more by April 1 of graduating year will be recognized with a special cord at graduation.

www.x2vol.com

Thinking of SummerThinking of SummerSchool???School???

► The following courses will be offered in summer school for advancement:

● Business Information Mgmt (1 credit/2 terms)● Digital Interactive Media (1 credit/2 terms)● Health (.5 credit/1 term)● Communication Applications (.5 credit/1 term)● IPC (Integrated Physics & Chemistry)

(1 credit/2 terms)● Medical Terminology (.5 credit/1 term)

**Can take up to 1 full credit in summer school. Counts in GPA calculation for Freshman

Entering HS Fall 2013**

Credit By Exams for Credit By Exams for AccelerationAcceleration

► Current 8th graders need to test prior to the end of school this year to ensure that grades are received in time for an accurate schedule at schedule pickup.

► A student’s schedule will not change until grades have been received.

► Grade does not count in GPA.

RemindersReminders► Elective choices cannot be changed after May 9, 2014. Be sure the student’s choices and alternate choices on the verifications are classes the student wants!

► Course verifications will be given to the students during our individual student meetings at their current campus. Please sign and return to your current school counselor as soon as possible.

► Don’t forget to list alternate choices! Your student’s schedule may not work out as planned, and we prefer not to make that choice!

Dates to RememberDates to Remember

► May 9, 2014 – Last Day for Elective Changes

► August 2014 - Schedule Pickup (Date TBD)

Balance – There are only 24 Balance – There are only 24 hours in a day! hours in a day!

► Try not to overload yourself. We do not recommend that a student take all advanced-level classes, join numerous activities (band, athletics, student council…), and expect to be successful in EVERYTHING.► We all need some down time. Consider your well-being and choose carefully.

IHS Lead IHS Lead CounselorCounselor

Heather Holmes

469-633-5914

holmesh@friscoisd.org