introduction to high school 2011-2012 school year parent presentation the information in this...

Introduction to High School

2011-2012 School Year

Parent Presentation

The information in this presentation is subject to change.

Registration Materials (given out 4/1/11 and 4/5/11)

Freshman Course Catalog

Registration Form4-Year Plan

What do I do with all this “stuff”?

Everything should be taken home and shown to your parents. They will play an important part of this process.

Become familiar with the information located in the course catalog.

Become familiar with the important dates that will be covered at the end of this presentation

Make sure you and your parents discuss all decisions.

Scheduling Definitions

Pages 3-4

Credit (page 3) A student earns CREDITS for

successful completion of each course.

Students will have the opportunity to earn 7 or 8 credits during their 9th grade year.

Core Course (page 3)

Those courses that are required for graduationEnglishMathScienceSocial Science

Prerequisite (page 3)

A course that must be “passed” to move forward in a sequence of courses. EXAMPLES

English 9 must be passed before English 10 is taken.

Algebra must be passed before Geometry can be taken.

Biology is the “prerequisite” for every science course except Physical Science.

TeacherRecommendations Recommendations are made to provide

each student with the best match for success in a specific course.

Recommendations are based on the students performance during the school year.

Students should get recommendations from their math, science and English teachers.

Recommendations Teachers will announce when they

will be signing registration forms so it is the responsibility of each student to bring their form and get it signed.

Recommendations must be gotten BEFORE you can start filling out the registration form or the 4-year plan

Recommendations If it is decided that a different course other

than the one recommended will be taken then the parent should fill out the override section of the registration form.

Please give overrides careful thought. Once a student is placed in an override course then they will not be able to “drop” that course.

Course Selection (page 4)

Course selection is very important. Students planning on going to college are

encouraged to contact several colleges in which they are interested to determine the academic requirements for admission. This should be done early and reviewed each year.

Course Fee A fee is required for certain courses to

assist with the cost of maintaining equipment, and purchasing lab materials.

No fee will be collected for courses required for graduation.

Please check the course catalog to see if there is a fee attached to that course.

Points Of Interest

Pages 4 and 5

Advanced Placement (page 4)

Only offered at Bob JonesAccelerated in rigor and paceAllows students to complete college level studies while in high school.

AP test is required

What background does my child need in order to succeed in an AP Course?

The content of AP courses is more sophisticated than that in typical high school honors courses.

Students should have had practice in analyzing content, drawing comparisons, and reasoning through problems.

They must be able to read perceptively and independently.

AP Background Students will need to be proficient in

writing clear, concise essays. Students who are not skilled in these areas

must be even more highly motivated to make up the deficiencies at the same time they are taking more rigorous courses.

The keys to success are motivation, self-discipline, and academic preparation.

Honors Courses

Designed for the advanced college bound student

Curriculum is covered in an accelerated pace

They follow the Alabama Course of Study but also include enrichment activities, extra projects, research, and/or lab experiences.

LMS offers English 9 Honors and Biology Honors and for those students successfully completing Algebra 1 in 8th grade then Geometry Honors/Algebra II w/Trig Honors.

9th Grade TestingPSAT- Preliminary Scholastic

Aptitude Test This test measures verbal and

mathematical reasoning Test is administered in October Open to all 9th grade students Fee required

Testing ACT Explore-

EXPLORE is the first part of a testing system that goes on to include PLAN and the ACT.

Typically, students take EXPLORE in the 8th or 9th grade, PLAN as 10th graders, and the ACT as juniors or seniors.

All three test you in English, math, reading, and science. However, the material tested in each program gets more difficult.

Testing AHSGE-Alabama High School

Graduation Exam 8th graders passing Honors Algebra 8

will test in the fall 9th graders passing Algebra 1 and/or

Biology first semester will test in the spring.

Procedures Related to Grades/Credits(Page 6-7)

Grade Placement Sophomore- A student must have earned a

minimum of 6 credits.

Junior- A student must have earned a minimum of 12 credits

Senior- A student must have earned a minimum of 18 credits and be on track to graduate.

Progress Reports and Report Cards Students receive progress reports every

three weeks during a nine week period. At the end of a nine week period a student

will receive a report card. The grading calendar is published on the

Madison City web site. Parents may use Inow daily to review

grades, attendance, and homework for their student.

Attendance Good attendance enhances learning Almost all core courses are only 18 weeks

in length. Excuses must be turned in within 3 days of

returning to school After the 3rd day the absence stays

unexcused All unexcused absences result in zeros for

any grade taken on those days. This could lower your grade and GPA.

Weighted Grading Scale

Students electing to participate in the rigorous academic courses such as Honors, Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment are given additional weight on the grading scale.

The weighted GPA will be recorded on the students’ report card, transcript and included in the students’ overall GPA calculation.

Grading Scales

Regular Honors AP & DualEnrollment

A 90-100 (4)

90-100 (5) 90-100 (6)

B 80-89 (3) 80-89 (4) 80-89 (5)

C 70-79 (2) 70-79 (3) 70-79 (4)

D 65-69 (1) 65-69 (2) 65-69 (3)

F 0-64 (0) 0-64 (0) 0-64 (0)

Final Exams Final exams are given the last two days of

each semester. Final exams will count 20% of the final

grade. PLEASE do not make travel plans during

final exam dates. The 2011-2012 school calendar is already published on the Madison City web site.

Sample 9th Grading Period Percentages

Semester 1 Semester 2

Course Qtr 1 Qtr 2 Exam Semester Course Qtr 3 Qtr 4 Exam Semester Year Eng 9 40% 40% 20% =100% F.

Comp 40% 40% 20% =100%

Math 1

Alg 1

40%

20 %

40%

20%

20% =100% Math 2 40%

20%

40%

20%

20%

20%

=100%

100%

Biology 40% 40% 20% =100% History 40% 40% 20% =100%

1 Credit Elective

20% 20% 20% 20% 20% =100%

½ Credit

Elective

40% 40% 20% =100% ½ Credit

40% 40% 20% =100%

Diploma and Endorsements

Options for the State of Alabama

Pages 9 and 10

First Choice- The State Expectation Under First Choice, all 9th grade

students will automatically be enrolled to pursue the Advanced Academic Endorsement. Having the Advanced Academic Endorsement puts all students in position to strive for a higher standard.

Madison City Schools

Graduation RequirementsNo Endorsement

vs. Advanced Academic Endorsement

English - 4 Credits

Alabama High SchoolDiploma

Advanced Academic Endorsement

English 9 (1) English 9 (1)




Math - 4 Credits

High SchoolDiploma

High SchoolDiploma

Advanced Academic

Endorsement

Algebra A /B (2)

Algebra 1 (1) Algebra 1 (1)

Geometry 1 and 2

(2)

Geometry (1) Geometry (1)

Additional Math (2)

Algebra II w/Trig

Additional Math (1)

Science - 4 Credits



Biology (1) Biology (1)

Physical Science, Chemistry or Physics

(1)

Physical Science, Chemistry or Physics

(1)

Additional Sciences (2) Advanced Sciences (2)

Social Studies - 4 Credits


Advanced AcademicEndorsement

World History/Geography (1)

World History/Geography (1)

Early US History (1) Early US History (1)

Modern US History (1) Modern US History (1)

Government (.5)Economics (.5)

Government (.5)Economics (.5)

World Language

Alabama High SchoolDiploma (0)

Advanced Academic Endorsement (2)

No Foreign Language is required

*Language Level 1

Language Level 2

*Must be 2 credits of the same foreign language.

Other (2.5 Credits)

* Substitutes for the state requirement (.5) Health course are the following: Health and The Foundations of Health Science.

**A Substitute for the state requirement (.5) computer applications is the (1) credit Business Tech Applications.



LIFE PE (1) LIFE PE (1)

Health (.5) Health (.5)

Fine Arts (.5) Fine Arts (.5)

** BTA (1) or Computer Applications (.5)

** BTA (1) or Computer Applications (.5)

Additional Electives

Alabama High School

Diploma


7.5 Additional Credits Required to

Graduate

5.5 Additional Credits Required to Graduate

SAMPLE

SCHEDULES

Sample 1- 4 Core Classes and 2 year long electives

Sem. 1 Credit Sem. 2 Credit Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Eng 9 Block

Eng 9 Block

1 Freshman Comp Block

Freshman Comp Block

1

Algebra 1 Block

Algebra 1 Block

NA Algebra 1 Block

Algebra 1 Block

1

Biology Block

Biology Block

1 World History Block

World History Block

1

Band Band NA Band Band 1

French French NA French French 1

Sample 2- 4 Core Classes and 1 full credit and 1 ½ credit elective

Sem. 1 Credit Sem. 2 Credit Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Eng 9 Block

Eng 9 Block

1 Freshman Comp Block

Freshman Comp Block

1

Algebra A Block

Algebra A Block

1 Algebra B Block

Algebra B Block

1

Biology Block

Biology Block


World History Block

1

LIFE PE LIFE PE NA LIFE PE LIFE PE 1

Arts Survey Arts Survey ½ Beg Art Beg Art ½

Sample 3- 4 Core Classes w/Bio Med and electives

Sem. 1 Credit Sem. 2 Credit

Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

English 9 Hon Block

English 9 Hon Block

1 Bio Med Block

Bio Med Block

1

Geometry Honors Block

Geometry Honors Block

1 Alg. II w/Trig Block

Alg. II w/Trig Block

1

Biology Honors Block

Biology Honors Block


World History Block

1

French French NA French French 1

AFROTC AFROTC NA AFROTC AFROTC 1

Freshman Course Descriptions

English Core – page 18

English 9 -18 weeks/1 Credit English 9 Honors- 18 weeks/1 Credit

Weighted Honors Credit Awarded Recommendation for Placement

Teacher recommendation 80 average in Adv. Language Arts 8 or 85 in

Language Arts 8 Score in the 80th percentile or higher on Total

Reading on the SAT10

A teacher recommendation alone does not guarantee placement in to English 9 Honors.

Who should take Honors English 9? Students who are motivated, have a

strong work ethic, and who have at least an 80 % or above on your SAT scores in reading.

This class requires quite a bit of reading and studying outside of class in comparison to English 9.

We read and write more than is required in the basic curriculum, and we will work hard!

Honors English The class is designed to challenge

students who excel in and have a passion for language arts.

You are really encouraged to consider work habits as well as test scores when signing up for honors classes.

Who should not take Honors English 9? Students who do not enjoy reading, Students who struggle with reading

comprehension, Students who struggle with language, or Students who struggle with writing skills

compared to their peers, and students who are not intrinsically

motivated to do well in school.

Summer Reading- English 9ENGLISH 9 (Rising 9th Graders)

REQUIRED: Animal Farm by George Orwell

CHOICE: (choose 1)

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,

Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers,

Driver’s Ed by Caroline B. Cooney

Summer Reading- Honors English 9

HONORS ENGLISH 9 (Rising 9th Graders)REQUIRED:

Animal Farm by George Orwell AND

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

Math Core - Option 1 Algebra 1A - 18 weeks/1 Credit-

Teacher recommendation- First of a two part course sequence that satisfies the Algebra 1 requirement.

Algebra1B -18 weeks/1 Credit- Teacher recommendation. Second of a two part course sequence that satisfies the Algebra 1 requirement. Prerequisite: Successful completion of

Algebra 1A

Algebra 1A/1B 8th Graders that have struggled in pre-

algebra (less than a 75 average), or who have not mastered basic math skills may want to choose this course.

These courses are a sequence for students that need a slower paced, more in depth study of Algebra that will yield a total of 2 math credits.

Math Core- Option 2

Algebra 1 -36 weeks/1 Credit- Teacher Recommendation. This class will go more into the application

of Algebra 1 8th graders who are “stronger” math students

should sign up for this course. These students will likely take MORE math courses that just the 4 required for graduation. Therefore, getting “only” 1 credit should not be an issue.

Math Core- Option 3

Geometry Honors – 18 weeks/1 Credit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 8 Honors Weighted Honors Credit Awarded

Algebra II w/Trig Honors - 18 weeks/1 Credit Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Algebra 1 8

Honors and Geometry Honors Weighted Honors Credit Awarded

Math Core- Option 4

Geometry Honors – 18 weeks/1 Credit Prerequisite: Algebra 1 8 Honors Weighted Honors Credit Awarded

Algebraic Connections* Prerequisite: Algebra 1 8 Honors,

Geometry Honors

Science Core Biology- (18 weeks/1credit) Biology Honors- (18 weeks/1credit)

Teacher recommendation Recommended final grade of 80 in 8th

grade Science Score of 85+ percentile on the reading

section of the SAT10 Weighted Honors Credit awarded

COURSE OVERVIEW—HONORS BIOLOGY

Students should realize there is an obligation to do a considerable amount of work outside of the classroom, both in individual studies and in group work.

Students must read nightly so as to be daily prepared.

The rigor of the Honors Biology curriculum is intended to better prepare students for more advanced high school courses as well as to begin their preparation for college.

Higher order thinking activities will be included in daily activities.

Students will do research, writing, and a science fair project.

Other short term projects will also be assigned.

Highly motivated students who enjoy challenging work tend to do very well in the class.

Good study skills need to be developed for success.

Social Studies Modern World History

and Geography- 18 weeks/1Credit

Elective Courses

Pages 20-22

World Languages French 1- (36 weeks/1 Credit) Spanish 1- (36 weeks/1 Credit) French 2 - (36 weeks/1 Credit)

Prerequisite- Successful completion of French 1 (taken in 8th grade)

World Language Suggestions Students should have made a B or better

in English 8 in order to have a strong understanding of grammar rules of English since a foreign language sort of undoes what they learned in English.

Students need to have self discipline to study the vocabulary every night. If not then the volume of new vocabulary will be overwhelming at test time.

World Languages A course in world languages is cumulative.

Each chapter builds on the previous chapters.

Students need to understand that words and structure that is learned in August will still be required to be used in May along with everything in between.

Speaking in a foreign language class is a must.

Air Force ROTCAFROTC1- Fundamentals of

Aviation HistoryROTC teaches citizenship,

leadership, and aerospace science.

This is NOT a military recruitment program; students have no military service obligation

This course counts as a LIFE PE credit.

Physical Education

Lifelong Individualized Fitness Education, LIFE- (36 weeks/1 Credit) The focus of this state required course is

enhancing physical activity. This course satisfies the state

requirement for the LIFE PE credit needed for graduation.

The middle schools do not offer athletic PE.

Business/Finance/Marketing Business Technology Applications –

36 weeks /1 credit This course is designed for only those students

that did not take the 8th grade computer applications class.

This course is a more-in-depth version on Computer Applications.

Students will master skills in word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation and Internet use. Topics also include business document writing, career choices, communication and ethical issues.

This course satisfies the state requirement for graduation.

Summer School Opportunity Computer Applications (.5 credit) will be

offered during summer school at LMS. This course is open to current 8th or 9th

graders that have not earned their required computer elective (computer apps or BTA)

Summer School Early registration begins on May 16. You

may register at the LMS office Cost: $250.00 (cash or money order only) When: June 6-July 1 from 8-12 (attendance

everyday is REQUIRED to earn the required credit)

Business/Finance/Marketing

Personal Finance This course introduces students to the

management of personal and family resources to achieve personal goals and financial literacy.

Course content provides opportunities to explore consumer behavior, consumer protection, rights and responsibility, decision making, individual money management, banking services, use of credit and income tax.

This is a good class for those students that have completed the 8th grade computer applications class.

Biomedical SciencePrincipals of the Biomedical

Sciences 18 weeks/1creditWill be taken instead of Freshman

CompositionWill be taken at Bob Jones High

SchoolThis is the first course in a

sequence of 4 required courses.

Electives Concert Chorus- 36 weeks/1 Credit

This course meets the requirement for Fine Arts needed for graduation

Beginning Art – 18 Weeks/.5 Credit This course meets the requirement for Fine

Arts needed for graduation Art Survey- 18 weeks/.5 Credit

Art Survey is an appreciation of music class that covers music from the beginning of time till the present day.


Electives Wind Ensemble- 36 weeks/1 Credit


Concert Band- 36 weeks/1 Credit This course meets the requirement for

Fine Arts needed for graduation

Other Electives Introduction to Drama (.5 credit) This

course does NOT count as a fine arts credit.

Broadcasting (1 credit)- Application required- See Mrs. Yeske

Yearbook Production- Application required- See Mr. Combs

Frequently Asked

Questions

May students receive high school credit for courses taken prior to 9th grade?

Yes, students may carry 2.5 credits into 9th grade. one math credit one credit of foreign

language .5 credit of computer

applications

No. A student can meet all of the requirements of the advanced academic endorsement without taking Honors or AP courses.

Does a student have to take Honors or AP courses to earn an advanced Diploma?

Any required course that is failed MUST be repeated until the credit is earned.

Summer school may be required.

What happens if a student fails a class?

The last line of the course description says “this course fulfills one of the “Additional Advanced” Science credits for the Advanced Academic Endorsement.

How do I know what sciences qualify for the “additional advance sciences” for the advanced academic endorsement?

Science Classes that meet the "Additional Advanced Science Credit"

Course Prerequisite

Chemisty 1- Only if Biology and Physical Science are taken prior to this class. (meets the physical science graduation requirement) Biology and Algebra 1 Chemistry 1 Honors -(Meets the physical science graduation requirement ) Biology and Algebra 2/w trig (taken or currently taking) Chemistry 2- Biology and Chemistry 1 Genetics Biology and Chemistry 1 Forensics Chemistry 1 Physics Biology, Chemistry 1, and Algebra 2/w trig

Physics Honors Biology, Chemistry 1, and Algebra 2/w trig or co-requisite: Pre- Cal

Human Body Systems (Honors) Biology,Principles of Biomedical Sciences and Chemistry Human Anatomy & Physiology Biology and Chemistry 1 Molecular Biology (must be taken with AP Biology in the Spring) Biology and Chemistry 1

AP Biology Molecular Biology, and Chem 1 Honors or Chem 1 w/ recommendation

AP Physics C Mechanical (should be taken with Calculus A or Higher) Physics Honors or Physics w/recommendation AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism (should be taken with Calculus A or Higher)

Precalculus and either Physics Honors or Physics w/recommendation

AP Chemistry Chemistry Honors or Chemistry 1 w/recommendation AP Environmental Science Chemistry and Biology

Anyone taking an AP calss is required to participate in the national AP test.

Science Classes that DO NOT meet the requirement for the "Additional Advanced Science Credit"

Prerequisite

Physical Science- Designed for Algebra 1A/1B to help prepare for Chemistry Biology/Biology Honors- (required for graduation)

Earth and Space Science Biology and either Chemistry or Physical Science

Astronomy Biology and either Chemistry or Physical Science

Marine Biology Biology and either Chemistry or Physical Science

Environmental Science Biology and either Chemistry or Physical Science

Any course under “The Arts” SpeechCreative Writing.

What courses meet the Fine Arts Graduation Requirement?

LIFE PE, Athletic LIFE PE, Marching Band, Marching Band Percussion, AFROTC and Marching Band Color Guard all satisfy the LIFE PE state requirement.

LMS does not offer athletic LIFE PE.

What courses meet the LIFE PE graduation requirement?

Health (.5 credit)Foundations of Health Science (taken as a junior as part of the Health Science Program)

What courses meet the Health Graduation Requirement?

WHAT “ACADEMIES” ARE

OFFERED AT BOB JONES?

PAGES 26-32Dr. Finley

Medical Academy Biomedical Science- A 4-course sequence

Health Science- A 3-course sequence

Emergency Medical Technician- Dual Enrollment at Calhoun Community College

Academies Engineering Academy- 3 course sequence IT & Computer Science- 8 different courses

offered Business Academy

Marketing Sales and Service – 3 courses offered

Business management and Administration- 4 courses offered

AcademiesHuman Services

Fashion and Interior DesignFamily Studies and Community

ServiceEducation and TrainingHospitality and Tourism

Academies

Agri ScienceBuilding SciencePlant Systems

Dr. Finley, Assistant Principal BJHS

If I am moving over the summer do I still need go through registration?

If you think or know you will NOT be attending the 9th grade at a Madison City School you still need to go through this process.

Your new school will want to know what courses you were recommended

Keep a copy of your registration form BEFORE turning it in.

Just in case plans fall through we will be able to issue you a schedule.

4-YEAR PLAN Does the whole 4-year plan have to be

filled out? Yes, it is a state requirement that all 8th graders

complete a 4-year plan. The plan should be completed in pencil

because this is a document that is updated each year.

For grades 10-12 the BJHS course catalog (beginning on page 25) is to be used

Please Use Pencil to Complete This Document

Last Name: First Name:

9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th GradeSign up for only one math per year except if taking Calculus A/AP Calculus

Math (4 credits) Algebra 1A/1B Geometry A Geometry B Alg ConnectionsAlgebra/Geometry Algebra 1/W trig Pre-Calculus Calculus AGeomety Honors/Alg II w/Trig

Science (4 credits) Biology Physical Science or Chemistry Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiology Honors Chemistry Physics Forensics

Social Studies (4 credits) World History/Geo Early US History Modern US History GovernmentEconomics

English (4 credits) English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12English 9 Honors

Electives 3 Elective Credits 4 Elective Credits 4 Elective Credits 4 Elective CreditsFreshman Comp Health (.5) Hospitality and Tourism Psychology

Required Electives: Prin of Bio Med Drivers Education (.5)1. Health (.5) Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Intermediate Drama Law and Society2. Life PE (1)3. 8th Grade Comp App or Arts Survey (.5) LIFE PE Culinary 1 Culinary 2 BTA Intro to Drama (.5)4. Fine Arts (.5) Drama Test Prep ACT (.5) Sociology5. Foreign Language (2) Myth and Legend (.5)

8 Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 Total Credits 8 Total Credits

Parent Signature:

Important Dates

Parent Dates, Student Orientation, Turn In Dates and

Make-Up Days

Important Parent Dates Individual Conferences will be held April

11- 19. Appointment can be made starting Tuesday, April 5 @ 9:00 by calling the front office and talking with Sherry White. These appointments are not required. Are on a first-come first-serve basis. Students are welcome to attend.

Make- Up Day for Parent Orientation- Thursday, April 7 @ 10:00 in the lunchroom.

Turn in Dates

Language Arts Teacher

J. Siefert Language Arts ClassesMonday, April 25 will be the day

they turn in their registration forms during their Language Arts Class.

K. Combs Language Arts ClassesTuesday, April 26 will be the day


Haithcock Language Arts ClassesWednesday, April 27 will be the

day they turn in their registration forms during their Language Arts Class.

L. Hughes Language Arts ClassesThursday, April 28 will be the day


A. Johnson Language Arts ClassesFriday, April 29- will be the day


Turn In Make-Up Day Monday, May 2 will be the last opportunity

to turn in forms and have request put directly into the computer.

Last Date to Change a Course Request Friday, May 6- will be the last day to

change your mind about a course request without the $20.00 penalty.

Any changes after this date will incur the course request change fee.

Questions????

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