Introduction to Distinguished Scholars Welcome to Olathe North!
9 th grade: Freshmen Expedition 10 th -12 th grades pick ONE content area: Science Math Political (Social) Science Visual Arts Language Arts
Freshmen Expedition Freshmen accepted in the Distinguished Scholars Program are enrolled in the Distinguished Scholars Freshmen Expedition class. Collegiate-style class where students craft and hone skills that will further them academically as they proceed through high school and enroll in other DS and upper-level classes. Opportunity to grow as a student, person, and life-long learner through the study of academic readings, completion of academic assignments and projects, and the exploration and study of other cultures. Freshmen in DSFE will build relationships with each other and become familiar with the skills and attributes needed to be successful when entering the other DS content areas. At the conclusion of their freshman year student who have met and maintained the required criteria will be eligible to choose a content area to enter for the remainder of their time in the DS program. Students enrolled in DSFE are required to also be enrolled in Pre-AP English I, and are recommended to be enrolled in Honors Biology, Pre-AP Modern World History and a math course of Geometry or higher.
What makes DS different? Symposium - a coordinating topic of study each year which integrates the five DS areas through research, discussion, projects, presentations, and off-site learning.
What makes DS different? Students are able to focus on an academic interest for three years. Students are able to make connections among multiple curriculum areas and personal interests. Seniors create a year-long project or portfolio.
Freshmen Schedule English: Pre-AP English I (required) Social Studies: World History or Pre-AP World History (Pre- AP if interested in DS Political Science) Math: Geometry or higher Science: Biology or Honors Biology (Honors if interested in DS Science) Distinguished Scholars: 6th hour P.E. / Health (Can take through e-academy to make room for another elective) http://schools.olatheschools.com/eacademyonw/ Elective: Your choice (Drawing I & II recommended if interested in DS Visual Art)
Sophomores English: Pre-AP English II (required) Social Studies: Elective [except for DS Political Science] Math: Adv. Algebra II/Trig (or Pre-Calculus) or higher Science: Chemistry or Physics DS Science ONLY Honors Chemistry AND Physics I Distinguished Scholars 5th hour Elective Your choice or DS Science = 2nd science course; DS Art = art elective Elective Your choice
Juniors English: AP Language & Composition (required) Social Studies: US History or AP US History (AP if in DS Political Science) Math: Pre-Calculus or higher (AP Calculus AB or BC) Science: Physics or Chemistry DS Science ONLY AP Chemistry AND College Physics Distinguished Scholars 5th hour Elective: Your choice (except DS Science = 2nd science course or DS Art = choice of Drawing III & IV/Basic Photo/3-D Art) Elective: Your choice
Seniors English: AP English Literature (required) Social Studies:.5 Government or AP Government (AP Government if in DS Political Science) Math: AP Calc AB or BC / or choice math course Science: Choice of science course DS Science AP Biology Distinguished Scholars 5th hour Elective Your choice (except DS Art = AP Studio Art) Elective Your choice
Benefits Multiple National Merit Scholar Finalists and Semifinalists Multiple DS students have scored a perfect 36 on ACT 2011 and 2013 Battle of the Brains winner DS Science Provides opportunities that often lead to academic scholarships for college tuition Close knit academic community Develops leadership and public speaking skills Students learn about a variety of subjects; it s not specific to one area. You can use what you learn in DS in any career.
Commonly Asked Questions 1. Can I be in DS and (Band, Orchestra, Choir, Debate, Theatre, Sports)? 2. Is there transportation for transfer students? 3. Can I be in multiple 21 st Century programs? 4. How many students are accepted into Distinguished Scholars?
Application Process 1. Complete the on-line application found on the 21 st Century Website. Must be completed by Dec. 12th 2. Pick up and complete the paper application for Distinguished Scholars. Must be completed and turned in to your middle school counselor by Dec. 12 th. 3. Have two teachers (one needs to be a core subject instructor) complete the teacher recommendation. They must be submitted on-line by Dec. 12th 4. You will be contacted the first week of January to schedule an interview. 5. Interviews will be the week of Jan. 12-16.
Rotation Schedule: Auditorium: 6:30-6:55 Rotation 1: 7:00-7:15 Rotation 2: 7:20-7:35 Rotation 3: 7:40-7:55 Auditorium: 8:00-8:30