2013-2014 Graduation Credit Requirements for Houston ISD Discipline Recommended HSP Distinguished Achievement Program* English Language Arts English I, II, III, and IV English I, II, III, and IV Mathematics Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Fourth math credit from approved list. If Math Models is used as math credit, it must be successfully completed prior to Algebra II. recommended plan. Science Social Studies/Economics Languages other than English Speech Fine Arts Biology Chemistry Physics Additional science credit from approved list (If IPC is used as the additional science credit, it must be successfully completed prior to Chemistry and Physics.) World Geography World History U.S. History U.S. Government/Economics Two credits: Credits must consist of two levels in the same language. One-half credit from either of the following: Communication Applications Professional Communications One credit from any of the following: Art Dance Music Theatre There are various options in each category. Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Fourth math credit from approved list. Please note that the approved list is different than the list for the Biology Chemistry Physics Additional science credit from approved list (IPC cannot be the additional science credit.) World Geography World History U.S. History U.S. Government/Economics Three credits: Credits must consist of three levels in the same language. One-half credit from either of the following: Communication Applications Professional Communications One credit from any of the following: Art Dance Music Theatre There are various options in each category.
Health Physical Education Elective Courses One-half to one credit of the following: One-half credit of health education One credit Health Science Technology One credit: Weight lifting Team or individual sports (PE) Athletics JROTC Drill Team (PE Aerobics ) Marching Band (fall semester only) Dance (PE Aerobics) Cheerleading Five credits: Five elective credits from the approved list Students must complete either of the following: One-half credit of health education One credit Health Science Technology One credit: Weight lifting Team or individual sports (PE) Athletics JROTC Drill Team (PE Aerobics) Marching Band (fall semester only) Dance (PE Aerobics ) Cheerleading Five credits: Five elective credits from the approved list Handout 26 credits 26 credits *Distinguished Achievement Program requirements also include student achievement of four advanced measures as well as scoring a determined score on the STAAR. Advanced measures include score of 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement exam, college course, approved independent research project, and Commended Scholar or higher (based on PSAT scores).
Sample Four Year Plan Student: ID: House: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9th 10th 11th 12th Post-Graduate Goal: Possible Career Field: Courses needed outside of school day: Questions that need follow-up:
College planning for ninth graders 1. Create a four year high school plan. Think about what you d like to accomplish in the next four years and plan accordingly. Make sure you know which high school courses are required by HISD/Texas and colleges and that you re taking the right classes as early as ninth grade. You can ask your dean or college counselor about what those right classes are. {This is dependent upon which degree plan you are following: Recommended versus Distinguished.} Get to know the levels of courses offered by your school. Ask about special opportunities like AP/Dual Credit courses where you can earn college credit during high school. {Westside has a long list of AP courses you can take.} 2. Start thinking about life after high school, including type of jobs, majors, and colleges that might interest you. Of course interests will change often but it s good to start thinking about the possibilities. Create a list of 20 30 colleges that you might be interested in attending. 3. Participate in extracurricular activities. Academics aren t everything. Explore your interests in a sport, club, music or drama group, or community volunteer activity. Remember that colleges would rather see real involvement in one activity than a loose connection to several of them. If you re interested in playing sports in college, research the National College Athletic Association eligibility requirements. The NCAA requires completion of certain core courses; you can find the specifics at www.ncaaclearninghouse.net. {Try out a variety of clubs your freshmen year, then stick with a couple of your favorites. Take on a leadership role within the organization. Depth is more important here. Keep track of all experiences to help you develop a resume and complete applications later. You ll be glad you did!} 4. Meet with your dean and college counselor. Your dean and college counselor know how to help you get the most out of high school. Be sure to take some time during the school year to discuss post high school plans with him or her. {You should know your dean. Alaina Turner is your college counselor. She s located in A205 and will meet with all freshmen during class in the spring.} 5. Save for college and look for scholarships! It s not too late to put money aside for college. Every little bit helps! Don t forget about hidden costs like books, supplies, etc. {You will receive access to Naviance (to search for scholarships among other things) in the Spring semester when your classes meet with Ms. Turner. If you d like your password sooner, just stop by A205. You can also use E Scholarships USA! The website address is www.collegeguidanceconsultants.com, username houseisd, and password houstonisd.} 6. Explore summer opportunities. Look for a job, internship or volunteer position that will you learn about a field of interest. {Use www.volunteermatch.com for volunteer opportunities.} Handout
Helpful Numbers and Email Addresses Main Office Amanda Madrigal A100 281 920 8000 amadrig1@houstonisd.org Principal Peggi Stewart A100 281 920 8000 fstewar2@houstonisd.org Associate Principal Barbara Neal A100 281 920 8019 bneal@houstonisd.org Bus Transportation Debi Schroen Library 281 920 8000 dschroen@houstonisd.org Teresa Jawgiel Ext. 6018 Magnet Office Chelsea Gumm A201 281 920 8036 cgumm@houstonisd.org School Secretary Rita Lopez A100 281 920 8001 rlopez2@houstonisd.org East 1 Secretary Gladys Salinas E107 281 920 8009 Gsalina1@houstonisd.org East 2 Secretary Lee Brochu E207 281 920 8037 lbrochu@houstonisd.org North 1 Secretary Melinda Perez N107 281 920 8056 mperez24@houstonisd.org North 2 Secretary Susan Jordan N207 281 920 8068 sjordan1@houstonisd.org South 2 Secretary Sandra Vargas S207 281 920 8026 svargas@houstonisd.org Attendance Office Alma Douwaji Donna Tolopka A119 281 920 8006 281 920 8005 adouwaji@houstonisd.org dtolopka@houstonisd.org Advanced Stephanie Matlock A205 281 920 8011 smatlock@houstonisd.org Placement/GT College Counselor Alaina Turner A205 281 920 8011 aturner1@houstonisd.org Financial Clerk Leah Blackwell A201 281 920 8065 lblackwe@houstonisd.org Clinic Martha Allbright Mariana Mendez A121 281 920 8027 mallbri1@houstonisd.org mendez13@houstonisd.org Social Workers Joy Maguire Lara Hulin N207 A121 281 920 8081 281 920 8028 jmaguire@houstonisd.org lhulin@houstonisd.org Test Administrator Beth Bogan A205 281 920 8022 ebogan@houstonisd.org Cafeteria Mary Proctor Kitchen 281 920 8033 mproctor@houstonisd.org Campus Police Antony Davis S153 281 920 8069 adavis15@houstonisd.org Paul Crosser 281 920 8078 ESL/LEP Edith Gonzalez E227 281 920 8000 egonza15@houstonisd.org Ext. 6029 Facility Reservations Michelle Mulcahy A205 281 920 8028 mmulcahy@houstonisd.org Registrar Caroline Stento A118 281 920 8039 cstento@houstonisd.org Section 504 Monica Williams N107 281 920 8013 mwilli31@houstonisd.org Special Education Shalyn Habermacher Dean of Instruction Brian Vannest A107 281 920-8053 bvannest@houstonisd.org Main Office Fax 281 920 8059 Registrar Fax 281 920 8097 S207 281 920 8014 shaberma@houstonisd.org
Where do I go? If I ve been absent? o Turn in your note to the attendance office within three days or your absence will be unexcused. Check online or ask your teachers about make-up work. If I have to leave for a doctor or dentist appointment? o Bring a note from your parent before school starts. Sign out in the attendance office. Bring a doctor s note when you return. If I m feeling sick? o Go to class and ask your teacher to write you a pass to the clinic. From there you may (if appropriate) be allowed to call a parent to pick you up. If I am tardy? o Go to your house secretary to get a tardy slip. After your third tardy you will be assigned a detention. If I need a textbook? o The book room is located in K105, in the hall across from the big gym. It is staffed M-F during the first 30 minutes of lunch, after school from 3:15-3:45, and on Thursday mornings from 8:00-9:00. If I need help with my locker? o See your house secretary. If I need to see my dean? o Complete a Request to See Dean form in your house office. If I need to talk to a campus police officer? o Officer Davis and Officer Crosser are always on campus. While they are usually circulating around the building, their office is in S153. If I need to apply for free or reduced lunch? o See Mrs. Barras in A217, Ext. 6011, e-mail abarras@houstonisd.org, or go online. If I want to research college and learn how to prepare and apply for college? o College counselors (Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Matlock, and Mrs. Bogan) are available in A205, ext. 8011. If I have a question concerning bus transportation? o See Ms. Jawgiel or Ms. Schroen in the library. Ext. 6018. If I am a magnet student and I have questions about the program? o See Mrs. Chelsea Gumm in A203, extension 8036. If I need someone to talk to? o See Ms. Maguire in N2, extension 8081 or Ms. Hulin in nurse s office, extension 8043.