Getting Ready for MVHS

8th Grade Parent Information

February 2012

Welcome and IntroductionsCounselors Department:

Marti McGuirk, coordinator; Mariela Ho; Linda Schortz; Carol Bastian;

David Marroquin

College and Career Center:Mai Lien Nguyen, Coordinator

Bilingual Community Liaison:Carmen Mercado

Administration

Principal Keith Moody

Assistant Principals:• Donna Peltz A - G• Sharon Chrisman H – O• Mike Mathiesen M - Z

Graduation Requirements

• History/Social Science • English • Math• Science • World Language/Fine Arts/Practical Arts• Physical Education• Health • Electives

(3.5 year/ 35 credits)

(4 years/40 credits)

(2 years/20 credits)

(2 years/20 credits)

(2 years/20 credits)

(2 years/20 credits)

(1 semester/5 credits)

(60 credits)

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from MVHS, you must:• Enroll in and pass 5-6 classes each year• Earn a total of 220 credits• Remediate any class that you fail• Pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)

In order to go to 4-year college, you must also:• Pass all of your classes with a grade of C or better• Take a specific set of college-prep courses, also known

as a-g requirements

a-g Requirements

a. History/Social Science (2 years required)– World History– US History/Civics

b. English (4 years required)

c. Math (3 years required/4 recommended)– Required courses: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II

d. Laboratory Science (2 years required/3 recommended)– Biology (life science)– Chemistry or Physics (physical science)

a-g Requirements

e. Language other than English (2 years required/3 recommended)

– Must be in same language

f. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)

g. College Preparatory Elective (1 year required)

Core Freshman Classes

• All MVHS freshmen will enroll in:– Survey of Literature (English)– World Studies (Social Studies)– Grade 9 PE (required for all students,

regardless of participation in sports)

What about Honors courses?

• Honors courses:– Are designed by MVHS teachers– Offer accelerated study and greater depth in a

particular subject– Provide excellent challenge and preparation for

college-level work– Are a great way to explore a subject in which you

have an interest or passion

*All AP/Honors classes are weighted in the MVHS GPA.

Math Course OptionsSarah Good

• Math Mastery• Algebra I Enhanced• Algebra I• Geometry or Geometry Honors• Algebra II or Algebra II Honors

*We strongly recommend that students follow the recommendations given to them by their 8th grade math

instructors.

Geometry vs. Geometry Honors

Geometry:• Some class time spent

reviewing Algebra I topics• 30-45 minutes of

homework/night• Homework and test

problems from the first 2/3 of problem set

• Covers proofs, but not as rigorously as Geo H

Geometry Honors:• Minimal class time spent

reviewing Algebra I topics• 45 minutes of

homework/night• Homework and test

problems from last 2/3 of problem set (more difficult and require better problem-solving ability)

• Approach is more theoretical, proof-based, and faster paced.

Science Course OptionsDr. Katie Thornburg

• Earth Science

• Biology

• Covers foundational concepts in astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography

• Recommended for students taking Math Mastery or Algebra I

• Covers topics such as ecology, evolution, classification of living things, biochemistry, cell structure, and genetics

Science Course Options

• Biology Honors

• Chemistry Honors

• Covers same topics as Biology but with a greater level of detail and depth, and with more biochemical emphasis

• Advanced, in-depth, and detailed study of all topics covered in regular Chemistry and additional topics

• Requires excellent math, reading, and problem-solving skills

Foreign Language Course OptionsClotilde Gres

Four languages:

– Spanish: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish II Honors, Spanish III Honors for Spanish Speakers

– Japanese: Japanese I, Japanese II, Japanese III, Japanese IV

– French: French I, French II, French III, French III Honors

– Chinese: Mandarin I, Mandarin II, Mandarin III

KONICHIWA

Social StudiesTim Farrell

• World Studies – introductory social studies course for all 9th graders

EnglishKathy Dewar

• Survey of Composition and Literature – required for all 9th graders

Physical EducationBarbara Kaufman

• Grade 9 Physical Education– one year course required– physical fitness for health and performance– demonstrate knowledge of fitness concepts

and training principles.– all students must pass 5 out of 6 State fitness

tests in order to apply for a 10th grade exemption for athletics

Sample Freshman Schedules

Example #2:

Survey of Literature

World Studies

Grade 9 PE

Biology

Geometry

Foreign Language

Sport

Example #3:

Survey of Literature

World Studies

Grade 9 PE

Biology (Honors)

Geometry (Honors)

Foreign Language

Music Elective

Example #1:

Survey of Literature

World Studies

Grade 9 PE

Earth Science

Algebra I

Art/Music Elective

Sport

MVHS recommends that freshman take no more than 7 classes. However, musicians can and do often take an additional class.

In choosing your schedule, please make sure you have a healthy balance between academics, activities, family time, and personal time.

Elective Options

• Performing Arts (music, drama, choir, dance)

• Visual Arts (drawing, painting, ceramics, photography)

• Computer Science and Technology (pre engineering)

More Electives

• Journalism• Yearbook• AVID• Broadcasting• Student

Government• Rally

Sports at MVHSJohn Payne

MVHS has three seasons of athletics:

fall, winter, spring

– 9th grade sports elective credit only

– Students may only participate on one team per season

– All sports require a tryout in order to participate on a team

– Athletes are required to earn at least a 2.0 GPA in order to participate on a team

Sports by Season

• Fall: Cross country, Football, Water Polo, Girls’ Tennis, Girls’ Volleyball

• Winter: Soccer, Basketball

• Spring: Track, Swimming, Boys’ Tennis, Boys’ Volleyball, Badminton, Softball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Golf

How to Register

• Students will register for 9th grade classes through the Student Information System (SIS)

Student Information System

• Use SIS access codes you receive

• Login access from MVHS home page

• Register for classes within time window• February 7th through February 20th

Timeline

February

March

June

August

• Register for classes

• Receive letter with course selections and opportunities to adjust

• Schedules mailed home

• SAVE THE DATES!

Freshmen orientation Aug 8th

Parent orientation Aug 7th

Questions