Milford High School Course Selection Guide

Transcription

1 Milford High School Course Selection Guide NINTH GRADE COMMUNITY MILFORD HIGH SCHOOL One Eagles Way Milford, OH

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE NINTH GRADE COMMUNITY PRINCIPAL... 3 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS GUIDELINES FOR NINTH GRADE COMMUNITY COURSE SELECTION... 5 REQUIRED NINTH GRADE COURSES... English...6 Math Science...8 Social Studies...8 Health and Physical Education NINTH GRADE ELECTIVE COURSES... Applied Business and Technology...10 Art English High School of Business Music and Theatre...12 Science...13.World Language...13 PLTW and Special Areas...14 ABBREVIATIONS USED THROUGHOUT THIS COURSE SELECTION GUIDE AP = Advanced Placement Application process Cr.= Credit Carnegie Unit Prereq.= Prerequisite courses(s) which must have been completed successfully before taking a particular class GPA = Grade Point Average TR = Teacher Recommendation application, interview, approval, or permission required on course selection form AVG= Average grade CP=College Preparatory 2

3 MHS NINTH GRADE COMMUNITY Dear Student and Parents: Welcome to the Ninth Grade Community (NGC). This course selection guide is prepared to assist you in selecting courses for the ninth grade year and beyond. Research indicates that the ninth grade year is the most critical year of high school. It is extremely important to begin creating the high school transcript in a positive manner. The high school master schedule is created based upon classes students select this spring; therefore, carefully consider which courses you select. Course changes requested in the fall may not be possible because classes may be at course capacity. The NGC was established to provide a successful transition to the high school. The NGC groups incoming freshmen into four teams of teachers for their four core academic classes. Students are placed on teams based on random assignment and student choice of academic course selection. Each team consists of one teacher from each of the core subjects: English, science, social studies, and mathematics. Teaming allows teachers to communicate what works best for individual students, including strategies for intervention as well as enrichment for more gifted students. In addition to academic support, teams discuss behavioral and social issues as well as encourage extracurricular participation, school spirit, and personal responsibility. The teams of teachers get to know each student on an individual, but professional, basis, which in turn encourages greater parental involvement. Each team of teachers has a shared duty period to develop appropriate strategies and provide interventions for students. This duty period also makes communication with parents more efficient since the four core subject area teachers can report progress simultaneously. The NGC is housed in the new wing of the high school. Ninth grade students are located in this area for their core academic classes, health, and spanish classes. Students leave the NGC to take their physical education requirement, as well as some elective classes including art, band, chorus, some foreign languages, publications, applied business, applied technology, career technical programs, and study hall. The NGC provides students with a variety of connections within the high school. Students academic success is enhanced within an environment specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this age group. This unique design allows for the core academic teachers to communicate more frequently and effectively. Ultimately, the goal of the NGC is to enable students to make a positive transition from junior high to the high school. The NGC office staff consists of an Associate Principal, Guidance Counselor and Secretary. We are here to assist you during the scheduling process. We are extremely proud of our NGC and look forward to another outstanding school year. Sincerely, Ernie House NGC Principal 3

4 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS English 4.0 credits: English 9, 10, 11, and 12 Mathematics Science Social Studies Health Physical Education Electives additional Ohio Core. 4.0 credits: Integrated Math I, II, III plus an additional advanced math course 3.0 credits: Must include one unit of physical science (Physical Science or Chemistry), One unit of Biology, and one unit in an advanced course such as: Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Human Anatomy and Physiology I/II, Biotechnology, Astronomy, Survey of Life, Physics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science 3.0 credits: World History, American History, and American Government 0.5 credits 0.5 credits (two semesters OR the completion of the Physical Education waiver) 6.0 credits: Any combination of the following: world language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, technology, JROTC, or language arts, science or social studies courses not required under the TOTAL Community Service 21.0 CREDITS 20 hours of community service during the senior year, commencing with the summer of the senior year, are required. 1. High School Graduation The courses in this section are the minimum requirements for graduation established by the State Department of Education and the Milford Board of Education. Students eligible for graduation from Milford High School must complete successfully a total of 21 credits. (One credit equals one Carnegie Unit - a standard unit of measurement.) Graduation credits are composed of specific required courses and elective courses chosen by the student. The chart above includes the minimum requirements for courses and credits needed to graduate. 2. Ohio Graduation Tests Students must pass all sections of the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) in order to graduate and to participate in the graduation ceremony. 3. Fine Arts Requirement Students are required to complete two semesters of fine arts between grades 7 and 12 to meet this graduation requirement. Courses taken in grades 7 and 8 do not count for elective credit, but do count toward the course completion requirement. Students planning to graduate in a career-technical program do not have to meet this requirement. Although not required, many colleges and universities now recommend taking one credit (2 semesters) of fine arts during high school.. 4. Physical Education Waiver The Physical Education Waiver option is now available to students. Students must complete the requirement for the Waiver prior to their senior year. Students who opt to use the Physical Education Waiver will be recognized as having completed the physical education requirement, but no credit will be given. Thus, the student will need to earn an additional 0.5 elective credit. The physical education requirement can be waived by participating and completing two seasons in qualifying sports/activities. These include: district sponsored/approved sports, interscholastic athletic team, marching band, winter guard, winter drum line, dance team or cheerleading OR by taking two years of JROTC. Examples: * Students complete two seasons of football = waiver earned * Students complete one season of football and one season of basketball = waiver earned * Students completes a marching band season and wrestles = waiver earned. * Student completes a marching band season and plays hockey = waiver not earned. Hockey is not a District-sponsored sport. Special note: Courses and waivers can not be combined. A student must take two courses OR complete two seasons of activities listed above. 4

5 GUIDELINES FOR NINTH GRADE COURSE SELECTION As you begin this very significant transition to Milford High School, keep in mind the following important information during the course selection process: 1. Remember, when making your selections, always start with your core classes (English, mathematics, science, and social studies). 2. After selecting your core classes, it is recommended that you select health and a physical education class. You have other options for completing the health and physical education requirement if interested in taking other electives or advanced level classes. P.E. can be completed during summer school or through the P.E. Waiver for student athletes and /or marching band. The health requirement can be completed by taking the online course. Detailed information can be found on page You must choose alternate course selections. Occasionally, a conflict will arise when building a student s schedule (course closed, course cancelled, course not available during certain periods, etc.). In this event, we need to know what you would prefer as second choices. Please be sure to complete this section on your Course Selection Worksheet. 7. Both you and a parent (or guardian) must sign the registration worksheet before turning it in. 8. DEADLINE: Be sure to give your course selection worksheet to your 8th grade teacher on or before the deadline. 3. Select your elective classes based on your interests and your future plans. Possible electives include classes from the following areas: art, technology, business, band, choir, world language, publications, and career technical programs. 4. If you are considering starting your first year of a world language as a freshman, there are a couple of recommendations you should consider when scheduling a world language: A) B or better in language arts, B) B or better in math These recommendations have been set because: - Learning a world language is empirical, abstract and requires manipulative thinking, skills naturally developed in your math classes. - Your freshman core courses alone may be very challenging and are required for graduation. - World language is not required to graduate from Milford High School. 5. MAKE EDUCATED CHOICES. Read carefully the course description of the electives you are considering in this Course Selection Guide. Be aware of the following: (1) there may be prerequisites (2) there may be a school fee (3) there may be additional supplies required. 5

6 REQUIRED NINTH GRADE COURSES The courses listed in this section are required for all ninth grade students. Students will need to select the proper course from each of the following academic areas. Additional information regarding these areas can be found in the Milford High School section of this guide, which will be helpful in planning your future courses. ENGLISH Students must earn four credits in English to meet graduation requirements. In addition, students are encouraged to choose additional courses which satisfy their individual needs and interests. EN04 ENGLISH 9 This skill-based, year-long course is a survey of major literary forms and genres. Students should expect to read full-length novels, as well as poems, plays, short stories and literary nonfiction. Students will continue to develop strategies for effective writing as they are introduced to various rhetorical forms. All students will have the opportunity to develop critical listening and speaking skills. This class is co-taught with an Intervention Specialist. (Teacher recommendation is required.) EN02 CP ENGLISH 9 This year-long, college preparatory course is a survey of major literary forms and genres. Students should expect to read fulllength novels, as well as poems, plays, short stories and literary non-fiction. Students will continue to develop strategies for effective writing as they are introduced to various rhetorical forms. All students will have the opportunity to develop critical listening and speaking skills. MATHEMATICS Students must earn four credits in math to meet graduation requirements. One of these credits must include CP or Honors Integrated Math 3 and a fourth class beyond Integrated Math 3. MA119 CP INTEGRATED MATH 1 This Integrated Math course will provide students with a solid understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. In this course, skills focused on equations, linear and expotential functions, statistics, geometric congruence, and proofs will be explored. It is the first course in the sequence. MA129 CP INTEGRATED MATH 2 This college preparatory integrated math course will provide students with a solid understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. In this course, skills focused on equations, quadratic functions, probablity, similarity, right triangle trigonometry, and circles will be explored. It is the second course in the sequence. (Prereq: Accelerated Integrated Math 1) MA139 HONORS INTEGRATED MATH 2 This honors integrated math course will provide students with a solid understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts. In this course, skills focused on equations, quadratic functions, probability, similarity, right triangle trigonometry, and circles will be explored. It will involve more depth and rigor than the CP course. It is the second course in the honors sequence. Grades in this course are weighted. (Prereq: Accelerated Integrated Math I with a B or higher or teacher recommendation) EN51 HONORS CP ENGLISH 9 This year-long, honors course is a survey of major literary forms and genres. Students should expect to read full-length novels, as well as poems, plays, short stories and literary nonfiction. Students will continue to develop strategies for effective writing as they are introduced to various rhetorical forms. All students will have the opportunity to develop critical listening and speaking skills. This honors level course is a more intense study of English Language Arts than CP English. Students should expect not only to read and write more, but to explore works of greater difficulty and complexity. Grades in this course are weighted. 6

7 Suggested Math Curriculum Beginning with the class of 2014, the requirements of the Ohio Core must include 4 units (4 years) of mathematics 8 th Grade Math 8 Accelerated Integrated Math I Year 1 CP Integrated Math 1 CP Integrated Math 2 Honors Integrated Math 2 Year 2 CP Integrated Math 2 CP Integrated Math 3 Year 3 CP Integrated Math 3 Advanced Algebra AP Statistics OR Precalculus and Trigonometry Year 4 Advanced Algebra OR Financial Algebra AP Statistics OR Precalculus and Trigonometry Precalculus and Trigonometry, Financial Algebra OR AP Statistics AP Statistics OR Financial Algebra CP Integrated Math 3 Precalculus and Trigonometry OR Advanced Algebra Precalculus and Trigonometry, AP Statistics, and/or Financial Algebra Honors Integrated Math 3 Advanced Algebra, Honors Precalculus and Trigonometry OR Precalculus and Trigonometry AP Statistics, AP Calculus, and/or Financial Algebra

8 SCIENCE REQUIRED NINTH GRADE COURSES SOCIAL STUDIES Student must earn three credits in Science which must include one credit in Biological Science and one credit in Physical Science. A student may take any course, including electives, during any school year if the student meets the prerequisites of the course and has proper teacher recommendation. Students are encouraged to take electives along with their core courses and in years when they do not have science requirements. SC41/42 BIOLOGY A/B Biology is a two-semester sequential course designed for students who have experienced limited success in science. The course will study animals, plants, cells, genetics, the environment, and the human body. This course will stress lab work and other hands-on activities. This course will not meet the prerequisites for the biology electives, such as Human Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology. (Prereq: 8th grade science AND teacher recommendation) SC30 CP BIOLOGY CP Biology is a two-semester sequential course that is offered to those college-bound students who do not expect to pursue any of the science fields after high school, but would like to be better prepared for college. Topics studied in first semester include the following: the condition called living, the cell and its processes, scientific thinking and methods, basic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and DNA technology. The student is given a good orientation to general laboratory procedures. Topics studied in second semester include the following: evolution, ecology, classification and diversity of life, and human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory experiences are used to enrich the course. (Prereq: 8th Grade Science with a C or better AND teacher recommendation) SC189 HONORS BIOLOGY Honors Biology is a two-semester sequential course designed as a challenging college preparatory course with great demands on students to study and work in lab situations. It is the recommended course for those students who will be required to take college biology. Topics studied in Honors Biology A include the following: characteristics of living things, the cell and its processes, biochemistry, genetics and DNA technology. The student is given a good orientation to general laboratory procedures. Topics studied in Honors Biology B include the following: evolution, ecology, classification and diversity of life, and human anatomy and physiology. Laboratory experiences are used to enrich the course. (Prereq: It is recommended that the incoming ninth grade student is currently taking or completed Accelerated Math I with a C or better, 8th Grade Science with an A AND teacher recommendation ) 8 Students must earn three credits of Social Studies to meet graduation requirements. One credit must be in World History, one credit must be in American History, and one credit must be in American Government. Student who desire an Honors diploma may require a fourth year of social studies. SS40/SS41 CP WORLD HISTORY A, B World History examines world events from 1600 to the present. It explores the impact of the democratic and industrial revolutions, the forces that led to world domination by European powers, the wars that changed empires, the ideas that led to independence movements and the effects of global interdependence. During this course, students will be analyzing relationships between historical events taking into account cause, effect, sequence, and correlation. In addition, students will be expected to analyze historical decisions and predict possible consequences of alternative courses of action. SS43/SS44 HONORS WORLD HISTORY A, B Honors World History will apply a deeper understanding of social studies concepts on a global scale to study modern world history from1600 to the present. Students will explore major themes and developments that shaped the modern world, including human rights, revolution, and democracy, to develop an understanding of the roots of current world issues. The honors course helps prepare college bound students for success in the Social Studies Advanced Placement program. Grades in this course are weighted. (Prereq: It is recommended that the incoming ninth grade student is currently taking or completed Honors Language Arts and 8th grade social studies with an A in both.)

9 HEALTH REQUIRED COURSES PHYSICAL EDUCATION WAIVER The State of Ohio requires that all students earn 0.5 credit (one semester) in Health to meet graduation requirements. All course fees are approximate pending BOE approval. HL019 HEALTH This in class course meets The Ohio Department of Education requirements, including units of study on relationships, reproduction, sexually transmitted diseases, other diseases, substance abuse, C.P.R., nutrition, and wellness. HL01 HEALTH (ONLINE) This online course is offered online and meets The Ohio Department of Education requirements. Students will watch videos, create projects, and participate in discussions. All work will be submitted electronically through the Schoology site. PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Ohio Department of Education requires that all students receiving a high school diploma shall have completed successfully 0.5 credit (two semesters) of physical education. Students have the option of completing all or part of this requirement in summer school. Students will not be allowed to enroll in a physical education class for which they have already received credit, unless they have written permission from a physical education instructor. All students will be required to wear the t-shirt issued by the Physical Education Department. The cost is included in the school fee. Students must provide their own shorts or sweatpants. Students who take two physical education classes in the same school year may receive a $5.00 fee waiver from the physical education teacher when they show that they have the required t-shirt. Additional t-shirts will be available for sale in the school book store. The Physical Education Waiver option is now available to students. Students must complete the requirement for the Waiver prior to their senior year. Students who opt to use the Physical Education Waiver will be recognized as having completed the physical education requirement, but no credit will be given. Thus, the student will need to earn an additional 0.5 elective credit. The physical education requirement can be waived by participating and completing two seasons in a district-sponsored interscholastic athletic team, marching band, winter guard, winter drum line, dance team or cheerleading OR by taking two years of JROTC. Examples: * Students complete two seasons of football = waiver earned * Students complete one season of football and one season of basketball = waiver earned * Students completes a marching band season and wrestles = waiver earned. * Student completes a marching band season and plays hockey = waiver not earned. Hockey is not a District-sponsored sport. Special note: Courses and waivers can not be combined. A student must take two courses OR complete two seasons of activities listed above. Please see additional information on page 24 of the guide. PE01 PHYSICAL EDUCATION I This course involves participation and instruction in the following activities: Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Table Tennis, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, Golf, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, and other related sports and activities. Physical fitness and flexibility will be included on a weekly basis. Students will be required to do physical fitness testing consisting of the Pacer test, sit-reach flexibility test, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups/flex arm hang as required by state standards. PE02 PHYSICAL EDUCATION II This course involves participation and instruction in the following activities: Archery, Badminton, Climbing Wall, Soccer, Speedball, Swimming Activities, Tennis, Volleyball, and other related sports and activities. Physical fitness and flexibility will be included on a weekly basis. Students will be required to do physical fitness testing consisting of the Pacer test, sit-reach flexibility test, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups/flex arm hang as required by state standards. 9

10 PE03 PERSONAL FITNESS The course involves participation and instruction in the following activities: Agility/Speed Training, Cardiovascular Training, Climbing Wall, Crossfit Training, Individual Fitness Plans, Strength Training, Swimming Activities, Walking/Jogging/Running, Yoga, Modifies Pilates and other related activities. Physical fitness and flexibility will be included on a daily basis. Assessment of fitness levels will be included throughout the semester. Students will be required to do physical fitness testing consisting of the Pacer test, sit-reach flexibility test, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups/flex arm hang as required by state standards. PE03F FEMALE PERSONAL FITNESS This course is designed for females only. The course involves participation and instruction in the following activities: Agility/ Speed Training, Cardiovascular Training, Climbing Wall, Crossfit Training, Individual Fitness Plans, Strength Training, Swimming Activities, Walking/Jogging/Running, Yoga, Modifies Pilates and other related activities. Physical fitness and flexibility will be included on a daily basis. Assessment of fitness levels will be included throughout the semester. Students will be required to do physical fitness testing consisting of the Pacer test, sit-reach flexibility test, sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups/flex arm hang as required by state standards. PE03M MALE PERSONAL FITNESS This course is designed for males only. The course involves participation and instruction in the following activities: Agility/ Speed Training, Cardiovascular Training, Climbing Wall, Crossfit Training, Individual Fitness Plans, Strength Training, Swimming Activities, Walking/Jogging/Running, Yoga, and other related activities. Physical fitness and flexibility will be included on a daily basis. Assessment of fitness levels will be included throughout the semester. Students will be required to do physical fitness testing consisting of the Pacer test, sit-reach flexibility test, situps, push-ups, and pull-ups/flex arm hang as required by state standards. APPLIED BUSINESS AB07 FINANCIAL LITERACY BANKING & FINANCE This one-semester course acquaints students with money management and the services available in the financial industry. Students will utilize a simulated checking account, explore credit, understand economic systems and the legal rights afforded in relation to financial independence. AT21 WEB DESIGN Students will be introduced to professional web development by building personal and business related web pages using multimedia software and advanced HTML coding. ART NINTH GRADE ELECTIVE COURSES ALL PREREQUISITE CLASSES MUST BE PASSED WITH A C OR BETTER TO GO ON TO THE NEXT LEVEL. AR10 2D DESIGN The objective of this course is to introduce you to the elements and concepts of two-dimensional design. Familiarity with the terminology, concepts and basic materials utilized in the studio by visual arts will be explored. An understanding of two dimensional design principles underlies all 2-D art from drawing and painting to photography, illustration and graphic design. AR11 DRAWING AND PAINTING I Drawing and Painting I is an introduction to the fundamentals of drawing and painting. A wide variety of media and techniques will be discussed including but not limited to grid drawing, observation and memory drawing, contour drawing, still life, figure, perspective, landscapes, portraits, collage, watercolor and acrylic painting, pen-and-ink, and historical reference artwork. AR13 ART APPRECIATION This course introduces students to past and present periods of art, design, and architecture in order to arouse interest in further study, and for personal growth. Content includes examining art forms and understanding how they relate to contemporary society. Questions like, What can the art of the past tell us about life and living in a particular culture or time? will be considered. 10

11 AR14 PHOTOGRAPHY I An introductory art course in digital photography. Students will learn to operate their digital camera and process images using Adobe Photoshop. Students will build visual problem solving, critical thinking, and 21st century skills. Students must supply their own digital camera. AR20 CERAMICS I Ceramics I provides students with an in-depth experience in hand-built and wheel thrown ceramics through functional and sculptural explorations that develop both technique and aesthetic concepts. All assignments are designed to develop technical expertise while dealing with issues that require critical thinking, AR30 CERAMICS II Ceramics II is an intensive study of hand-built and wheel thrown ceramics for those who seek the integration of skills, theory, and practice with the development of personal meaning and style. Students will be engaged in both instructor-directed and self-directed opportunities. Students will be expected to demonstrate independent, critical, contextual and visual research from various cultures through a routinely assessed sketchbook (Prereq: Ceramics I). AR33 SCULPTURE This class will approach basic sculpture materials, such as: found objects, paper, plaster, wood, metals, fiber, tape, foam, and etc. In addition to the use of materials, there will be an introduction into the foundations/ principles of three dimensional design. Projects will require team building, problem solving, and collaboration. This class relies heavily on the engagement of the artistic process and critical thinking to ultimately achieve a final successful product. (Prereq: None) SOCIAL STUDIES SS16 AP PSYCHOLOGY The AP Psychology course is designed to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. They also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Frequent reading quizzes will be given on college level text. Students are required to take the May AP exam. (Prereq: English and science teacher and parent recommendation & application) NINTH GRADE ELECTIVE COURSES 11 ENGLISH EN60 PUBLICATIONS I Publications I is a year-long, one-credit course that introduces students to journalism and yearbook production. Unlike other classes, Publications I only meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Students enrolled in this class will have study hall (or another class) on Tuesday and Thursday. Publications I students will produce an online newspaper in addition to a literary magazine (fall semester), and a senior magazine (spring semester). As well, students will serve as yearbook staff members. Some after school work is required. This class must be taken prior to Publications II; however, students may also elect to take this class multiple times for credit. This course is open to students in grades EN64 SHAKESPEARE - Comedy, Tragedy, and History Students will study three Shakespeare plays not taught in the core English classes. Additionally students will work on an online annotated web-text of another play. Books for this elective course are not provided by the district. Students are expected to purchase books or borrow books from the library. E-books are acceptable. This course is open to students in grades EN65 CREATIVE WRITING I In this one-semester course, students will enjoy writing creatively and reading poetry, will learn to write and talk about poetry, and will write their own poetry, stories, and other creative nonfiction pieces. The course is based on the belief that creative writing and poetry are connected with our real lives and that reading and writing empower us to understand and enjoy these lives more fully. This course is open to students in grades HIGH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BU01 LEADERSHIP Leadership, a project-based leadership course, develops student understanding and skills in basic areas such as communication skills, emotional intelligence, decision making, conflict resolution and professional development. Students acquire an understanding and appreciation for the need of leadership skills. Throughout the course, students are presented problem-solving situations for which they must apply academic and critical-thinking skills. BU02 WEALTH MANAGEMENT This project-based financial literacy and investment course develops student understanding and skills in such areas as personal finance, types of investments, the stock market and stock valuation. This course begins with fundamental understanding of budgeting and credit and evolves to discussion of investing with students developing their own portfolio.

12 NINTH GRADE ELECTIVE COURSES MUSIC MU01 CONCERT BAND Concert Band is composed of wind instrumentalists in grades This band concentrates on performing quality concert band literature and the development of musicianship. The band performs at a number of concerts during the year. The band also performs at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble Contest and the OMEA District 14 Concert Band Contest. Everyone is encouraged to perform in a small ensemble and audition for area honor bands. Auditions for chair placement in the concert band cover prepared music, scales, and sight-reading. (Prereq: Successful completion of 8th grade band or director s approval) MU03 PERCUSSION CLASS All percussionists participating in band are required to enroll in the Percussion class. Percussion class will be offered first semester. Rudimentary snare drum and mallet experience is required to take this class. All freshmen percussionists should enroll in Concert Band second semester. (Prereq: successful completion of 8th grade band or director s approval). MU08 MIXED CHOIR This organization is the entry-level choir for students interested in vocal music performance. The following musical skills for ensemble singing will be stressed: proper breathing, pleasant vocal production, blend and balance, expansion of range, good intonation, ear training, and sight-reading. Various styles of choral literature will be explored which will prepare for membership in one of the select choirs by audition. Participation in occasional after school rehearsals and various performance opportunities is a requirement of the class. Private lessons are encouraged for all members. A minimal amount of homework will be required. (Prereq: none) MU12 MUSIC APPRECIATION Music appreciation is a one-semester non-performing music class that meets one of the MHS fine arts requirements. This is a listening class designed to expose students to a multitude of styles, genres and historical periods of music. Through listening guides and class discussion, students will learn how music is written and how to effectively listen as to gain a greater appreciation for its craftsmanship. Students will develop proper listening skills, historical cultural knowledge, and aesthetic analytical techniques. There will be written homework and tests, as well as a final project. This course is set up to provide students with the knowledge to become better appraisers of world music and to be more open-minded appreciators of the world in general. MU09 CONCERT CHOIR This ensemble is a select year-long, approximately 50-voice choir offered by audition only. Membership will be comprised primarily of sophomore and juniors, but other students will be considered according to their music reading skills and vocal and social maturity during an application process that includes a vocal audition the previous spring. The following vocal/musical skills for ensemble singing will be stressed: proper vocal production, blend and balance, sight-reading proficiency, ear training, expansion of range, technical facility, a cappella singing, dynamic nuances, and 3 & 4 part music. Various languages will be incorporated in the repertoire, designed to challenge and perfect the musicianship of every member. Participation in after school rehearsals, formal concerts, district and state OMEA contests, and other public performances is a requirement of this class. Private lessons are encouraged for all students. Minimal homework is required. (Prereq: vocal audition and basic music theory test) MU13 INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA This is an introductory course designed to acquaint the students with the fundamentals of acting & theatrical production and enjoyment. The course explores movement and voice for the actor, basic acting techniques, theatre history, and stage craft. Students will gain an appreciation for theatre and learn how to develop their creativity in order to tell the stories of others and themselves. Students will have the opportunity to perform in a showcase for friends and family at the end of the semester. No prerequisite. MU14 ACTING I Students will develop their performing skills by studying basic acting techniques, improvisation, character development, voice and diction, and scene analysis. They will learn how to be an effective member of a cast, and develop their self-confidence through theatre games and group exercises. Students will perform in a showcase of scenes (both scripted and original) and monologues at the end of the semester. No prerequisite. MU15 MUSICAL THEATRE This class includes singing, dancing and acting, as well as exploration of the performers, directors, choreographers, composers and designers whose artistic contributions established the global popularity of the Broadway musical. Students will learn audition techniques, how to choose songs appropriate for their voices, and how to analyze and understand the text of the music. They will each create an audition binder of songs and perform in a showcase at the end of the semester. No prerequisite. 12

13 NINTH GRADE ELECTIVE COURSES SCIENCE SC86 ASTRONOMY Astronomy is designed to allow students to become more familiar with the solar system and the stars.in Astronomy, topics covered will include the size and scale of the Universe, planetary motion, space travel and current events. Planets, solar systems, galaxies, the Sun and the Moon will be investigated. This is a lab based course. (Prereq: none) WORLD LANGUAGE World language is not required for graduation, but is strongly recommended for those planning to attend a four-year college. It is recommended that freshmen who do not possess strong study skills wait until their sophomore year to begin a language. Most four-year colleges require at least two years of the same language. Two-year colleges do not require world language for submission. FL01 FRENCH I This is a class for college bound students. It is recommended that freshmen who do not possess strong study skills wait until their sophomore year to begin a language. This course is the beginning level in a study of the French language based on the following comprehension skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. An integral aspect of French studies is the culture of the French-speaking world. (Prereq: teacher recommendation) FL02 FRENCH II The second level of French study is an intensive course emphasizing language comprehension through the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Oral proficiency evaluation continues as an integral aspect of the study. (Prereq: French I and teacher recommendation) FL11 GERMAN I This is a class for college bound students. It is recommended that freshmen who do not possess strong study skills and who are not enrolled in Algebra I wait until their sophomore year to begin a language. This course is an introduction to the German language, culture, and customs. It emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, grammar, and comprehension skills. (Prereq: teacher recommendation) FL12 GERMAN II Students enrolling in this course will expand their knowledge of the German language and understanding of German culture. Greater emphasis is placed on communication and the grammar needed to read and speak the language. This level continues to explore life in Germany and German-speaking countries. (Prereq: German I and teacher recommendation) FL31 SPANISH I This is a class for college bound students. This is a beginning course in the Spanish language in which students will study basic vocabulary and present tense grammatical structures. Emphasis is also placed on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the language. (Prereq: teacher recommendation) FL329 SPANISH II This course is a continuation of Spanish I. Students will study more complex vocabulary and grammatical structures including a detailed study of the past tense. As in Spanish I, listening, and speaking skills are stressed and oral participation is encouraged. Aspects of Spanish and Latin American cultures are studied. (Prereq: Spanish I and teacher recommendation) FL41 MANDARIN CHINESE I This is a class for college-bound students. It is recommended that freshmen who do not possess strong study skills wait until their sophomore year to begin a language. This course is the beginning level in a study of the Chinese language. This course will focus on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will learn how to write Chinese characters, which takes practice to master. An integral part of learning the Chinese language involves understanding Chinese culture, which will also be introduced. (Prereq: teacher recommendation) FL42 MANDARIN CHINESE II This is the second level course will continue to focus on the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Chinese characters and culture will continue to be introduced. Students will be expected to practice writing Chinese characters and be able to read authentic short stories and write short essays. Oral proficiency is emphasized. (Prereq: Mandarin Chinese I and teacher recommendation) 13

14 PROJECT LEAD THE WAY Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and its rigorous curriculum makes science, technology, math, and engineering relevant for students. By engaging in hands-on, real-world projects, students begin to understand how the skills they are learning in the classroom can be applied in everyday life. SA40 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN Students use a problem-solving model to improve existing products and invent new ones. They learn how to apply this model to solve problems in and out of the classroom. Using sophisticated threedimensional modeling software, students communicate the details of the products. Emphasis is placed on analyzing potential solutions and communicating ideas to others. SPECIAL AREAS SA50 JROTC This program is a satellite of the Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development. This is an introductory course in the four-part leadership, education, and training series. Students will acquire a familiarization in leadership styles, a regard for the value of teamwork, responsibilities of good citizenship, components of physical fitness, and oral communication techniques. Texts and uniforms are provided by the instructor. Students are required to wear their uniform on a designated day each week. Optional cadet activities such as drill team and color guard training will be available. Exceptionally motivated cadets will be offered the opportunity to attend a week-long leadership camp. Students may take this class all four years and will receive credit for it each time. Advanced placement credit is awarded by college level senior ROTC programs. Students may receive placement credit (promotion) by all branches of the armed forces upon their enlistment. FEE REQUIRED FOR JROTC EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HL02 COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS This one-semester course is a career and life-planning course that demonstrates the vital role that education plays in living an economically self-sufficient and personally fulfilling life. Students will explore various career options based on their individual interests. This course teaches a powerful process for making life decisions that students will use throughout their lives. It also supports the development of critical thinking skills due to its discussion based approach rather than a lecture based approach. Students will explore answers to the following questions: Who am I? What do I want? and How do I get it? NINTH GRADE ELECTIVE COURSES 14