Indian Creek High School Curriculum Guide

Transcription

1 Indian Creek High School Curriculum Guide March 1, 2012 Prepared for Indian Creek High School Students, Parents, and Family by Mr. Steve N. Cowser, Principal

2 Table of Contents A Letter to Parents... 1 Indian Creek High School Guidance Service... 2 Graduation Requirements... 2 College Prep and Tech Prep Programs... 2 Educational and Post Secondary Options... 3 Vocational Programs... 3 Special Education... 3 Grade Classification... 3 Open Enrollment... 4 Withdraw (Dropping a Class) Procedure... 4 Forgiveness... 4 Honor Roll and Grade Point Average (GPA)... 5 Ohio Diploma with Honors Criteria... 5 Honors Program and Grades... 6 Honors Option and Indian Creek Scholars Program... 7 Academic Letter... 7 Student Organizations and Athletic Eligibility... 8 National Honor Society Method of Induction... 8

3 A Letter to Parents Dear Parents: The scheduling process for the school year is about to begin. You will find in this guide information to help you decide your child s educational program. We are entering a new era in public education. We need to be more attuned to the needs of our clients, your children, their families, and the community. Thus, we are continuing to refine our curriculum. We are focusing our efforts on educational outcomes. To do this we are trying to change how we view time as a variable in education. Classes graduating in 2011 and after have to pass the Ohio Graduation Test in order to receive a diploma. The test is divided into 5 parts: Writing, Reading, Math, Citizenship, and Science. The test will be difficult and students will have 7 opportunities to pass the test. This means that each testing is very important. We have upgraded our curriculum to meet this new challenge for our students. The number of required credits by course is determined by the Ohio Legislature. The total number of credits required to receive a diploma is determined by the Indian Creek Board of Education. The Trimester Schedule allows more educational experiences for students. A fully scheduled student can earn thirty-six (36) credits in four years and the current requirement for graduation from Indian Creek High School is 28 credits. In addition, this schedule allows us to provide more intervention opportunities when the need arises. We are here to serve the families of The Indian Creek Community. Please do not hesitate to call me at , if you have any questions about your child s schedule or the opportunities available at Indian Creek High School. Sincerely, Steve N. Cowser Principal Page 1

4 Indian Creek High School Guidance Service The secondary guidance counselor is trained to deal with the concerns of early, middle, and late adolescents. We rely heavily on the counselors to provide assistance to students especially with the selection of courses and programs that best meet the needs of students. We urge students and parents to use these services when questions arise during the scheduling process. Graduation Requirements - Indian Creek High School English Mathematics Science Social Studies Health and Physical Educ. Technology/Business, Fine Arts or Foreign Language Electives Total 4.00 Credits 4.00 Credits 3.00 Credits 3.00 Credits 1.00 Credits 1.00 Credits Credits Credits College Preparatory Program (CP) The College Prep Program at Indian Creek is designed for students that plan on attending to a four year college or a two year community college directly after graduation. Tech Prep Program (TP) The Tech Prep Program at Indian Creek is designed for students that plan on attending a two year community college or technical school directly after graduation. 2

5 Educational and Post- Secondary Options Educational and Post Secondary Options may be taken to meet some requirements. These are available to any high school student with some restrictions. Further, some courses are weighted and some offer a weighted option. Vocational Programs This program is offered in cooperation with the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and the Vocational Education Planning District. It prepares students with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in one of many technical fields. Students attend their Junior and Senior years at the JVS. Special Education (Model 4 Classes) Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) - Placement in the SLD program is considered when a discrepancy between tested ability and academic achievement is apparent. It is affiliated with the student having difficulty understanding or using written or spoken language productively, difficulty understanding and/or applying mathematical concepts, and/or difficulty computing math. Special testing is required for placement. Cognitive Disabled (CD) - This program is designed to meet the special needs of students who have wide ranged learning difficulties and a limited overall ability. A full range of instruction is provided to meet the needs of this population. Main streaming may or may not occur depending on individual needs. The goal of this instruction is to give students the skills needed to survive as independent and productive adults. Grade Classification Students must complete at least one-fourth (¼) of the total graduation credit requirements each year to be promoted. Students will be assigned to homerooms based upon the number years they have been in high school. Homeroom assignment is for record keeping and does not necessarily reflect a student s grade level. Homeroom teachers will be kept with the same students for the four years the students are in high school. This will allow for continuity. It also allows for at least one person to develop a personal relationship with students during their high school years. 3

6 All students are to carry at least five subjects each trimester except as follows: 1. Fifth year students 2. Married students 3. College Classes, options, approved by guidance 4. Other approved options Open Enrollment The Indian Creek High School follows the Indian Creek Board of Education policy on open enrollment. Exceptions are made for students who move into the area after the open enrollment period ends. Open enrollment is a privilege not a right and students must apply annually. Withdraw (Dropping a Class) Procedure Students may withdraw from a class in the following manner: 1. Withdraw Passing (WDP) - Student may withdraw from a class up to five school days in any trimester. A parent conference may be required. 2. Withdraw Failing (WDF) - Student may withdraw from a course with a failing grade at anytime. A parent conference is required. The student s grade for that trimester will be computed for GPA purposes. 3. Course Elimination - The approval to eliminate a course must come from the guidance office. The decision will be based upon graduation requirements, incorrect scheduling, over scheduling, or change in a program. A course may only be eliminated if the teacher recommends that the student lacks the ability to successfully complete the course and the guidance department can support this position by verifying the student s ability and achievement test scores. Course Substitution - Students who are enrolled in a course may substitute an alternate course with similar course of study. If the transfer to an alternate course is permitted, the grades earned transfer to the alternate course. This process is to be used only for students who are over scheduled and lack the ability to successfully complete the course. It requires teacher recommendation, guidance and administrative approval, and a parent conference. Forgiveness A student earning a C or lower may take a course over with the permission of the teacher, guidance and the principal. The higher grade will be substituted as necessary. The course with the lower grade will be dropped from the student s record. The course must be taken at the 4

7 earliest opportunity, if there is room in the class. Honor Roll and Grade Point Average (GPA) Honor Roll is compiled at the end of each grading period. All courses with grades count in determining the GPA. The GPA must be 3.00 or higher to be on the Honor Roll. The Principal s List requires a 3.50 GPA or higher. Ohio Diploma with Honors Students who complete a college preparatory program at Indian Creek High School will be eligible for an Honors Diploma if they complete any eight of the following nine criteria: High School Academic Diploma with Honors for Graduating Classes of 2011 and Beyond Students need to fulfill only 7 of the following 8 criteria Subject Criteria English 4 units Mathematics Science Social Studies Foreign Language Fine Arts 4 units, including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or equivalent and another higher level course or a four-year sequence of courses that contain equivalent content 4 units, including physics and chemistry 4 units 3 units, including at least 2 units in each language studied 1 unit 5

8 Career-Technical Electives Grade Point Average ACT/SAT Score [excluding scores from the writing sections]* Additional Assessment Not counted toward requirements and may not be used to meet requirements Not counted toward requirements 3.5 on a 4.0 scale 27 ACT / 1210 SAT None Honors Program and Grades The Indian Creek Honors Program is a student elective program. An elective honors course is weighted and qualifies for honors status because it is more demanding. A student may schedule honors courses only if a B average is maintained in all prerequisite courses or upon recommendation of the Principal, Teacher and/or a committee formed to assist in determining eligibility for such courses. All courses that are identified as honors are weighted. The following grade scale, weighted, is to be used to determine the GPA for honors courses: 1Credit A = 5.00, A- = 4.63, B+ = 4.38, B = 4.00, B- = 3.63, C+ = 3.38, C = 3.00, C- = 2.63 The following are honors courses: Honors Biology, Pre-Calculus, Honors Chemistry, French III, French IV, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Spanish III, Spanish IV, Calculus, Honors Geometry, Algebra II/Trig., AP Economics, AP European History, AP American History, AP English, AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP English If a student drops a weighted honors course before completing the sequence, the student will not receive a weighted grade. 6

9 Honors Option Students may take "Honors Option" in certain elective classes. Students will be scheduled in the regular class but will be required to meet additional requirements in order to earn weighted credit. This option will be at the discretion of the teacher, with approval of the Principal. It is subject to the guidelines in the Indian Creek School District Board Policy as it relates to "Honors Classes." This option must be exercised within the first 7 school days of the trimester involved. A parental-student agreement form must be signed and returned during this 7-day period. Honors Option Classes: The Presidents, American Civil War, Art Appreciation, The Holocaust, Environmental Science, Children's Literature, Mythology, Art Portfolio, Multimedia, Digital Video Production, Music, and ICHS Productions. Indian Creek Scholars Program The Indian Creek Scholars Program is intended to encourage and recognize academic excellence. The following awards are given: Certificate Bronze Key Silver Key Gold Key 2 consecutive trimesters 3.50 GPA 5 consecutive trimesters 3.50 GPA 8 consecutive trimesters 3.50 GPA 11 consecutive trimesters 3.50 GPA To earn an award a student must have a 3.50 GPA or better. Awards are given in order from Certificate on. A student must earn a certificate first. No student may earn more than one award any given year. To earn an award a student must carry at least four courses each trimester. The eligibility of transfer students and exchange students will be judged from official transcripts. Academic Letter The Indian Creek High School awards an Academic Letter to students who are on the honor roll any two grading periods of any given year. Students must also complete, under the direction of their counselor, forty-five (45) hours of Community Service. Students who are interested in winning this letter should see their guidance counselor for further information. Further, the Academic Letter requires a cumulative G.P.A.. of at least 3.0 or being on the honor roll for the first and second trimester of the year in which the letter is received 7

10 Student Organizations The Indian Creek High School offers a variety of school organizations. The following are available for students: Academic Competition Team, Yearbook, Cheerleading, Debate, Drama, Economic Challenge, Envirothon, Foreign Language Club, Media Club, Chess Club, Future Educators, Key Club, Newspaper, National Honor Society, SADD, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Football, Volleyball, Golf, Cross Country, Basketball, Wrestling, Track, Baseball, Softball, Soccer, and Tennis. Athletic Eligibility The regulations concerning eligibility are passed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Each year the association publishes a brochure that is given to each person who wishes to participate in Interscholastic Athletics. In addition there may be local school standards that apply. Rules and regulations deal with scholarship, residence, changing schools, semesters of eligibility, age, awards, and conduct. Students should check with the principal, counselor, athletic director, and coach if they have any questions concerning eligibility. National Honor Society Method of Induction The National Honor Society of Indian Creek High School is an honorary organization that recognizes the qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and service. An induction ceremony is held once during the school year. In an effort to ensure an understanding of the method used for the selection of new members, an explanation of the procedure follows: A list is compiled of students having the necessary 3 point average established by the Board of Education. The GPA is the same for both juniors and seniors. Next, the eligible students are contacted through homeroom and are given a student activity information form. Students must complete this form to be considered by the committee. There is a refusal slip for students to sign if they do not wish to be considered for possible membership. The names are now submitted to the faculty members along with a compilation of information from the student activity form for preliminary consideration as established by the National Council. These considerations are tabulated and go to a faculty selection committee comprised of teachers from each department, who make the final selection by MAJORITY vote of the committee. Selected students are formally inducted at a ceremony held each spring. A constant attempt is made to keep membership selective as possible so that it is meaningful to be honored. 8