MAYER LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL Academic Guide / Course Descriptions Booklet. Preparing the Next Generation of Christian Leaders

Transcription

1 MAYER LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL Academic Guide / Course Descriptions Booklet Preparing the Next Generation of Christian Leaders th St. NE Mayer, MN Fax Updated: January 27, 2015

2 Mayer Lutheran High School engages in on-going curriculum review. The impact of this process is a curriculum that is able to be updated and modified to meet the educational needs of today s high school students. The courses in this Academic Guide reflect what is currently being offered by Mayer Lutheran High School. Some courses in listed in the Academic Guide do not occur every year. New course offerings, course descriptions, and course prerequisites are a possible outcome of the curriculum review process. 2

3 Table of Contents ACADEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY... 5 ADVANCED PLACEMENT... 6 COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM... 6 COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS... 6 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES... 6 FINAL EVALUATION/EXAMS... 6 HONOR ROLLS... 7 GRADING PROCEDURES... 7 CUMULATIVE GPA.. 8 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS... 8 INDEPENDENT STUDIES... 8 COURSES FROM OTHER HIGH SCHOOLS... 9 CURRICULUM... 9 FOUR YEAR PLAN... 9 HOMEWORK POLICY... 9 LEARNING LAB NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY PRIDE AND STUDENT SUCCESS (PASS) POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PLACEMENT TESTS RETAKING CLASSES SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES SCHEDULING SYLLABUS TRANSCRIPTS VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

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5 ACADEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY Mayer Lutheran High School hopes that each student will be led to use and develop their God-given talents as a student and Christian Leader. When academic performance is below an acceptable level, they need help and support. One way in which this happens is through the Academic Accountability Program. The program is designed to encourage students in their spiritual development while building a partnership between the school, parents and the student, which will lead to improved academic performance through a process that provides structure, accountability, and educational assistance. What follows is a description of this program. Academic Watch: A student demonstrating academic difficulty in one or more classes may be placed on Academic Watch after participation in the PASS program for two consecutive quarters without sufficient academic improvement that excludes them from further participation in the PASS program. Academic difficulty is defined as receiving four or more D grades and/or one or more F grades on a quarter report card. As a result of the academic difficulty, the following steps may be taken: 1. A letter will be sent to the parents indicating that the student is being placed on Academic Watch status. This letter will announce when the Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) meetings will occur. The Parents and student are expected to attend the AIP meetings. 2. At the AIP meeting the improvement plan will be distributed and explained. This meeting will identify how the partnership between school, parents, and student will function. 3. The AIP will be evaluated at mid-quarter and/or end of the quarter. A student failing to achieve the benchmarks set forth in their AIP will have a follow-up meeting conducted that will involve the guidance counselor (possibly the principal and/or LSEM teacher), parents, and student. The requirements of the AIP will be examined and adjusted in order to assist the student in achieving increasing levels of academic success. 4. Following the completion of the quarter a letter will be sent that will announce the successful completion of the AIP and the removal from Academic Watch status or will extend the Academic Watch status into the subsequent quarter. Denial of re-enrollment for Academic Cause: At times, in spite of the AIP and other efforts to assist a student, the educational needs of a student may become incompatible with the reasonable ability of the school to provide for his/her needs and continued academic progress. Denial of re-enrollment may occur if the student ceases to make appropriate academic progress towards fulfilling the graduation requirements of Mayer Lutheran High School and by such lack of performance they exclude themselves from ability to graduate with their class. Add/Drop: Students may add or drop courses within a semester according to the following guidelines: Week One- Drop class with written parental permission. Options: Add a different class offered by Mayer LHS by approval of Guidance Counselor. Independent Study or Genesis Virtual Academy course costs will be paid by the student and will need to be approved by the Principal. Week Two- Drop class with written parental permission, teacher approval and approval of Academic Guidance Counselor. All Independent Study or Genesis Virtual Academy course costs will be paid by the student and will need to be approved by the Principal. Week Three-Week Five- Drop class with written parental permission, teacher approval, approval of Academic Guidance Counselor and Principal. All Independent Study or Genesis Virtual Academy course costs will be paid by the student. Week Six- Drop class with written parental permission, teacher approval, approval of Academic Guidance Counselor and Principal. Options: All Independent Study or Genesis Virtual Academy course costs will be paid by the student. In addition, a $100 fee will be assessed and a Pass/Fail Withdraw will be recorded on the student s transcript. Teachers may initiate a schedule change for academic reasons prior to the first mid-quarter of a semester with the approval of the Principal. No course may be dropped after one week following the date of mid-quarter reports. Students enrolled in PSEO classes whether on-site, off-site, or on-line are subject to Drop/Add rules put forth by the college or university that is extending credit for the course. 5

6 ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) Students may receive college credit by successfully passing a test offered through the Advanced Placement program. Mayer LHS offers courses designed to help students prepare for these tests, which are taken at Mayer LHS. College credit is not guaranteed. At the end of each year AP students register to take a test. Students receiving a score of 3, 4, or 5 may be granted college credit for the appropriate class. A fee for this test is required from each student regardless of their score. Advanced Placement courses are currently offered in English (Language and Literature & Language and Composition), U.S. History, World History, Physics, and Calculus. These classes are also award honors GPA points. COLLEGE PREPARATORY PROGRAM The overwhelming majority of Mayer Lutheran High School students go on to attend a four-year college and to assist students in being prepared for college, Mayer LHS offers a College Preparatory Program. This program has course standards beyond those needed for graduation in five curricular areas: Social Studies, English, Math, Science and World Languages. Students must receive a B- or better in at least 12 semester credits coming from 300 and 400 level classes in these areas and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to be recognized through this program. Students may apply for enrollment in the College Preparatory program beginning with registration of classes for their sophomore year until the end of their junior year. Students may not apply after the start of their senior year. College courses taken by PSEO students from the five curricular areas may count towards fulfillment of the College Preparatory Program requirements. Students complying with the requirements of this program prior to graduation will receive a special letter of recognition acknowledging the completion of the programs requirements and will be given College Preparatory Program honor cords. COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS Public and many private colleges require entering college freshmen to have completed the following courses during their high school program of study: (1) four years of English, (2) three years of Mathematics (two years of Algebra and one year of Geometry), (3) three years of Science, (4) three years of Social Studies, (5) three years of electives chosen from at least two of the following: World Language, World Culture, Arts. Courses in computer applications, music, and visual arts are strongly recommended. AP English and AP History are also highly recommended for college-bound students. Both ACT and the College Board affirm that the strongest predictor of success in college is a rigorous academic track throughout high school. COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Students must be present for commencement rehearsal. Failure to be present for rehearsal may result in the loss of the privilege to be in the Commencement Service. Rehearsal will be held immediately following final exams on the final day of second semester exams. FINAL EVALUATION/ EXAMS Each semester a final evaluation will take place in all classes with the possible exception of activity based PE classes, Wind Ensemble, and Concert Choir. If these courses do not administer a final evaluation/exam the syllabi for the course will explain how the quarter and semester grade will be determined. Final evaluation/exams may include a semester test, project, or activity that measures the student s knowledge in the class or their ability to apply skills through a project or activity. Each quarter grade will count evenly in the calculation of the semester grade. The final evaluation/exam will have a weight ranging from 10-30% of the semester grade. These weights will be determined by the teacher of the course and will be specified in the syllabi for the course. 6

7 Semester Grading Calculation Formula (E% represents the final evaluation/exam weight): Qtr. 1 x (100%-E%)/2 + Qtr. 2 x (100%-E%)/2 + Sem. Exam x E% = Semester Grade Example: Quarter 1 grade = B+ 89.4% Quarter 2 grade = B 87.2% Final Evaluation/Exam = C- 76.6% Final Evaluation/Exam Weight: 30% Qtr X.35 = Qtr X.35 = Final Evaluation/Exam 76.6 X.3 = Semester Grade Total = = B- HONOR ROLLS: Honor Roll is determined each quarter using the quarter s GPA: High Honor Roll: 4.0 GPA Honor Roll: GPA with all grades at a B or better Merit Roll: GPA with all grades at a C or better GRADING PROCEDURES Report cards are issued at the end of each semester. Student progress can be monitored as frequently as desired via the PowerSchool Parental Portal. Parents are notified via SchoolReach to check mid-quarter and end of quarter grades via PowerSchool. If students are in danger of failing a course, teachers will notify parents through an academic warning and/or personal contact prior to the student s receiving an F for that course. No failing grade shall be recorded on a report card without the teacher communicating the likelihood of an F with at least 2 weeks remaining in a quarter. Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled during the 1st and 3rd Quarters. Additional conferences are encouraged as necessary. Communication between teachers, students, and parents is paramount to the success of all involved. The Uniform Grading Scales and G.P.A. points used at Mayer Lutheran High School are as follows: Percent GPA Points Weighted GPA Points * A A B B B C C C D D D F *Classes Qualifying for Weighted GPA Points: AP US History, AP World History, AP Calculus, AP English courses, and AP Physics. (In order for a course to be granted Weighted GPA Points it must be an AP (Advanced Placement) Course or engaged in the process of becoming an AP Course.) Mayer LHS does not use a Pass/Fail grading system except as otherwise noted in the course descriptions and in Add/Drop and Independent Study course policies. 7

8 CUMULATIVE GPA The cumulative GPA is based on the average of the grade points (assigned to the respective letter grades) earned in all courses (including PSEO, Independent Study, and in courses taken at other high schools because of a cooperative agreement or transfer to Mayer Lutheran High School) taken during high school. In the case of marking period or course credit systems that differ from Mayer Lutheran High School s system, the grades, grade points, and credits earned are converted to Mayer Lutheran High School s grade point and credit system. Only the semester grade is used to determine the cumulative GPA. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS To graduate from Lutheran High School, students must earn 27 academic credits during their four years, including successful completion of religion for each semester in attendance. One credit is equivalent to a full year course. Following are the minimum credits to be earned in each department: English 4.0 credits Mathematics 3.0 credits Social Studies 3.5 credits Theology 4.0 credits Science 3.0 credits Fine Arts/Music 1.0 credit Physical Education 1.0 credit Computer 1.0 credit Health 0.5 credit Electives 6.0 credits TYPICAL CLASSES DURING EACH YEAR (By subject area) FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR Theology Theology Theology Theology English English English English Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics Elective Social Studies/Elective Social Studies Social Studies Social Studies Science Science Science Fine Arts/Elective Health/Elective Computer/Physical Educ Fine Arts/Physical Educ Elective Elective (World Language) Elective (World Language) Elective Elective INDEPENDENT STUDIES (IS) Independent Study courses may be taken through North Dakota State University, Genesis Virtual Academy, or some other accredited institution approved by the school. A catalog of these offerings and the registration forms may be obtained from the Guidance Counselor. The following guidelines apply to Independent Studies: 1. These courses must be approved by the Principal. Independent Study generally is taken during an assigned academic period. Student are expected to use the assigned period to work on their Independent Study course work and may be required by the supervisor to complete a contract. Failure to complete an Independent Study course by the deadline may constitutes a course failure which will appear on the student s transcript. 2. Independent Studies may be taken outside of school hours with approval of the Principal. 3. Independent Studies may not be taken for classes that are required for graduation at Mayer LHS without the approval of the Principal. 4. The student shall incur the full cost of Independent Study courses taken as the result of a student dropping a class or making up for a course that was failed. Independent Study courses may be taken by students for any one of the following reasons: 1. To recover credit for classes that the student has failed OR for seniors needing to take a required course who have not yet done so in their first three years of high school and who cannot place the course in their senior schedule. (Student pays 100% of cost for books and fees). 2. For classes required for graduation but no other scheduling options are available to the Freshmen- Junior student as determined by the academic guidance staff and approved by the Principal. (100% of cost of books and fees paid by the school.) 3. For classes that Mayer LHS does not offer or are not required. (Student pays 100% of cost for books and fees.) 8

9 Students may NOT take an Independent Study class if it is offered at Mayer LHS unless it is to recover credit for having failed a class or if they are a senior and it is not deemed feasible to place the student in the required course. Seniors taking Independent Study courses need to complete all coursework by May 1 st to ensure their credit totals meet the graduation requirements and final transcripts are properly credited prior to graduation. COURSES FROM OTHER HIGH SCHOOLS Students may take courses at other accredited high schools in the area and transfer to Mayer LHS for graduation credit any credits earned, provided: The students provide in writing to the Principal details about the course, including the course title, a brief description, the reason the student wishes to take the course, the name and phone number of a contact person at the school attending, the means of transportation, and the signature of a parent. They are on track at the start of their senior year to meet graduation requirements. The class they are taking is not offered at Mayer LHS. The class is either at the beginning or the end of the school day and the student complies with the Early Dismissal policy. Mayer LHS is not an open campus, and permission for classes taken at other times during the day will not be granted. The student receives permission from the Guidance Counselor and Principal. The student is fully responsible for all costs, fees and transportation and all liability to and from the school. Grades earned in courses from other high schools are included in GPA calculation. CURRICULUM The curriculum at Lutheran High School is a broad-based program founded on Christian principles. Teachers are trained in the doctrine of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which provides a theological and educational foundation. Mayer LHS regularly reviews department goals according to sound educational principles, which include Biblical truth and Christian values. From time to time, issues may arise within the curriculum which challenge Christians to evaluate their beliefs against those of a fallen world (i.e. Evolution v. Creation. Abortion v. Pro-Life). Teachers are trained and empowered to confront these issues from a Christian perspective using Biblical truth to teach students how to be witness of their faith. The curriculum is therefore more than a textbook. It is an approach by Christian trained educators in using their God-given skills to reason, process, and defend their beliefs from a Biblical perspective. The teachers are charged to use whatever materials they feel appropriate to convey course content and address issues. A curriculum review process, led by the Principal and involving the faculty, determines the content of the curriculum. FOUR-YEAR PLAN Students meet with the Guidance Counselor each year to establish, review and revise a four-year academic plan. The Four-Year Plan is an important tool to help students plan for college or other post high school plans. Parents are expected to become familiar with these plans by talking with their child about them. For a copy of this plan, parents may contact the Guidance Counselor. HOMEWORK POLICY Teachers are responsible for communicating their homework policies to students at the beginning of courses through their syllabi. Included in their syllabi should be their approach to and penalties for late work, obtaining work for students who miss school, and extra credit. 9

10 LEARNING LAB Mayer Lutheran High School does not have study hall. If parents of students who struggle with getting their work done on time feel their child needs additional work time and access to tutorial assistance, they may speak with their child s teacher in that subject area. Teachers may also initiate the Learning Lab enrollment process. Approval of Learning Lab enrollment is determined by the Guidance Counselor, Special Education Resource Teacher, and Principal. The Learning Lab is a place for students who need academic help and possess a qualifying GPA (see course description for more information). In any one of these cases the Learning Lab is taken as a Pass/Fail course and can be repeated once for a total of two semesters of elective credit. Individual study assistance worksheets, required readings or contracts for completing work while in the Learning Lab may be required for satisfactory completion of each semester of Learning Lab. Participation in the Learning Lab may be expanded at the discretion of the Special Education Resource Teacher, Guidance Counselor, and/or Principal. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Juniors and seniors with at least a 3.6 GPA are provided information and opportunity to apply for membership in the Mayer LHS chapter of the National Honor Society. The students written applications, personal references, and noted leadership qualities are reviewed by a faculty committee for admission in the fall and spring. The results of the committee s evaluation are then used to elect new members for the year. Election is regarded as a privilege and therefore periodic evaluations are made based on the cumulative GPA, leadership, character and service. Community and school service hours are required to maintain active membership in NHS. PRIDE AND STUDENT SUCCESS (PASS) Mayer Lutheran High School is committed to providing a quality Christian secondary education. Part of this commitment is to support students with academic assistance as needed. To this end, Mayer Lutheran High School created the PASS (Pride and Student Success) program. PASS, an after school study program, is designed to help students improve their academic performance through supervised study sessions where academic assistance is available for students. The purpose of this program is to provide intervention, communication, and resources for students who are academically at risk. Participation in the study session program is mandatory for students who receive an F or 4 or more D grades on mid-quarter or quarter report cards for first, second, or third quarter and fourth quarter midterm. Parents of students may request of the PASS Coordinator that their child participate in this study program but may be denied enrollment into the program based on availability of space. While PASS may assist some students, there are students that do not take advantage of the assistance it provides. Students in the PASS program are expected to use the study time to improve their academic performance, take advantage of the assistance provided by the PASS coordinator, and attend ALL required PASS sessions. Students not meeting these expectations may be removed from PASS. Participation begins approximately one week following the end of the mid-quarter or quarter. Students will be required to attend the two study sessions per week which are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 PM. Families will be notified by mail or if their student qualifies for mandatory participation in the program. Students themselves will be notified by the PASS coordinator. 10

11 PASS PROGRAM EARLY DISMISSAL Students fulfilling the following expectations when mid-quarter or quarter report cards are compiled may be dismissed from the PASS study sessions for the remainder of the quarter. Students choosing to remain in the program for the rest of the quarter may do so upon request by the student and/or parents and with approval by the PASS coordinator. Receive no D or F grades on the Monday academic check in ALL classes. Receive no D or F grades on any midterm or quarter reports No unexcused absence for the first half of the quarter PASS PROGRAM VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES Unexcused Absence from Study Session Consequence One Detention (Students are expected to use this time to study.) Two Three Detention (Students are expected to use this time to study.) Academic Intervention Meeting Parent Meeting POST- SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES A sophomore, junior, or senior may apply for the Post-Secondary Educational Opportunity (PSEO) program offered by the State of Minnesota. This program pays college or university tuition and fees for students who enroll in an accredited college or university while still considered a high school student. The following procedures apply: Students enrolled in PSEO classes must still meet the graduation criteria at MAYER LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL unless enrolled full time in an accredited college/university. MAYER LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL will waive 1 credit (2 semester classes) for students enrolled full time at an accredited college. These credits may only by waived from Religion or elective categories. Students enrolled in the PSEO program remain eligible for the National Honor Society. PSEO students are not exempt from the full graduation fee. PSEO students remain eligible to participate in co-curricular activities. Post- Secondary students will be charged per credit for any classes taken which lead to a student s early graduation. (Before the end of their second semester senior year). A student is not to exceed a 7/7 load without the permission of the Principal. Post -Secondary Financial Policy To determine the Mayer LHS tuition for off-campus PSEO students, contact the Business Assistant. Phase One- Information Gathering The student meets with the Guidance Office to discuss pros, cons, and the process related to the PSEO program. Parent contact is made by the Guidance Counselor to discuss options. The student investigates college options and visits prospective colleges. Phase Two-Completing the application process for state reimbursement Students enroll in the participating college. Once students have been accepted into the college they complete a Notice of Student Registration. (See Guidance Counselor for form.) The student then submits this form to the college. The college sends this form to the state after the enrollment process is complete. 11

12 PLACEMENT TESTS Incoming freshmen take tests each spring to assist in the proper placement for classes each year. These are taken at Mayer LHS and are part of registration costs. Freshmen interested in starting their math sequence in Geometry must take the Algebra Mastery test to demonstrate their readiness for this placement. RETAKING CLASSES Students who fail a course required for graduation must retake the course or an approved course in that academic area in order to make up the graduation credit. Mayer LHS does not permit students to retake course, unless approval is granted by the teacher, Guidance Counselor, and the Principal. If a student is allowed to retake a course they will receive whichever semester grade is better. SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES Scope and Purpose Our goal at Mayer LHS is to meet the academic needs of all students. Efforts are made to understand and serve the learning styles of all students and to coordinate efforts to serve those who may be academically at risk. A licensed special education instructor is contracted through the ministry of Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM) to assist in communication and coordination of such efforts. Direct classroom pull out services are not the intent of this service and will be rare. The main goal is to keep the child in the mainstream of the educational setting and to have as few outside interventions as possible. Students with severe learning needs may best be served at an institution with greater special educational resources. Mayer LHS reserves the right to not enroll or re-enroll a student based on the school s ability to provide the resources needed to assist a student. Disclosure of Learning Needs Parents of students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) from another school or outside testing from another source that may impact the educational needs of a student need to make the school aware of these documents upon admission. Admission of this student at Mayer LHS may or may not be granted based on the resources available to meet the needs of this student. If a student has an IEP and is admitted, a staffing consisting of the special education instructor and classroom teachers will be held within the first two weeks of the student s first day of school so that teachers may become familiar with and assist in the needs of the student. Parents of students with unique learning needs who have been tested but did not qualify for an IEP should also make the Special Resource teacher aware of the needs of their student. If the student is currently enrolled and receives outside testing, parents should make the school aware of these results. Requesting Assistance Parents are encouraged to dialogue with teachers regarding the learning style and needs of their children. If parents feel their child has learning needs requiring unique assistance, they may request that teachers attempt short-term intervention strategies (less than half of a quarter). Such requests may include, but are not limited to: have tests read to the student, reduced assignments, changing student s location in the room, modified essay questions, etc. Teachers may choose to make short-term adjustments or accommodations with individual students but are not required to make long-term accommodations until after a formal staffing has been conducted for the student. Documentation of short-term accommodations attempted by the teachers and their effectiveness should be given to the special education instructor. Staffing Meetings After the classroom teacher has made insufficient progress in meeting a child s learning needs, the teacher, parent or principal may initiate a staffing of those involved directly with the student. These are initiated by contacting the Special Education resource teacher who facilitates this meeting. Following a staffing, short or long-term intervention strategies or accommodations may be employed, outside testing may be initiated or monitoring of progress may be the course of action. Documentation notes of a staffing should be kept by the Special Education Resource teacher. Outside testing If a staffing results in the need for outside testing, the Special Education Resource Teacher serves as a liaison to the public school special education programs to help facilitate this process. If other tests are needed, the LSEM program provides this service for a reduced fee to the parent. 12

13 Following the receipt of test results, a staffing will again be held to communicate results and determine the future course of action. If the results of this outside testing indicate the need for long-term interventions or an IEP, the school shall do everything within its reasonable financial means to fulfill these educational needs. However, there may be limitations to these services. Should the test results indicate no need for long-term interventions or the development of an IEP, no further interventions will occur. Long Term Interventions When short-term strategies prove effective for a student, the Special Education Resource Teacher may recommend these intervention strategies become long-term interventions. Sharing Information Information regarding students academic needs will be shared with other faculty by the proper administrator or Special Education Teacher strictly on a need to know basis. SCHEDULING Scheduling materials are provided to returning students at the time they register for classes for the next year. Registration occurs in January/February for the following school year. Students will be given a copy of their schedule to take home. The copy should be signed by a parent and returned to the Guidance Counselor. Questions regarding scheduling should be directed to the Guidance Counselor. New students are scheduled during their interview. SYLLABUS Teachers will supply each student a syllabus within the first two days of a course. The syllabi will be posted to the course Moodle page. This syllabus shall include at least the following: 1. Course Title 2. Instructor 3. Grade level 4. Prerequisites 5. Length of Class 6. Course summary description 7. Integration of the Christian Faith a. Christian Leadership b. Service 8. Integration of Critical Reading and Thinking Skills /Comprehension 9. Integration of 6 + 1Writing Traits Skills 10. Course Objectives a. Outline of Units incorporating Major Learning Objectives 11. Evaluation Procedures a. Grading Scale b. Homework cheating/plagiarism c. Late work Homework from/for Absences/Planned Absences d. Testing e. Semester Exam f. Quarter and Semester Grade Calculation Method g. Projects h. Participation i. Extra Credit j. Other 12. Classroom Expectations 13. Materials 14. Integration of technology 15. Other It is not the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that parents have received the syllabus; this is the responsibility of the student. However, teachers shall provide a copy of the syllabus to parents if requested to do so. 13

14 TRANSCRIPTS Copies of school records for colleges, vocational schools or prospective employers are available through the office. All students have the right of access to information that is contained in their permanent record. Transcripts may be requested in person or by letter. Seniors may obtain their school health records upon graduation. VALEDICTORIAN-SALUTATORIAN A valedictorian, salutatorian, and two scripture readers are chosen each year from the graduating class. The valedictorian ranks first in scholarship; the salutatorian ranks second, and the scripture readers third and fourth. Criteria are based primarily on cumulative GPA, but the number of advanced classes (including approved PSEO courses) and scores on ACT tests are also considered. Candidates must attend classes at Mayer LHS during at least three semesters of their junior and senior years or be enrolled in a Post-Secondary setting. The Principal will announce the honors after the 3rd quarter. The following point system will be used to determine valedictorian/salutatorian. 1. Cumulative GPA shall be determined at the end of the 3rd quarter of the senior year. The top ten seniors shall be ranked by GPA and given the following point values: 1st 30 points, 2nd 27 points, 3rd 24 points, 4th 21 points, 5th 18 points, 6th 15 points, 7th 12 points, 8th 9 points, 9th 6 points, 10th 3 points. 2. The number of advanced classes taken by the top ten GPA seniors shall be determined at the end of the 3rd quarter of the senior year (AP English, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus, Physics, Advanced Biology, Pre-Calculus, 2 nd, 3 rd, or 4 th year of a world language, Psychology, and core-academic area college courses). The following point values will be awarded: 1st 10 points, 2nd 9 points, 3rd 8 points, 4th 7 points, 5th 6 points, 6th 5 points, 7th 4 points, 8th 3 points, 9th 2 points, 10th 1 point. 3. The Scores on ACT tests earned by the top ten GPA seniors shall be determined at the end of the 3 rd quarter of the senior year. The following point values will be awarded: 1st 10 points, 2nd 9 points, 3rd 8 points, 4th 7 points, 5th 6 points, 6th 5 points, 7th 4 points, 8th 3 points, 9th 2 points, 10th 1 point. The point totals from the above three categories will be used to determine Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and Scripture Readers at the Commencement Exercises. The Principal will meet with the qualifying students after the 3 rd quarter of their senior year to inform them of their honor and to begin preparing for graduation. 14

15 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS All of the course descriptions have been ranked on a scale of The 100 s are entry-level classes and usually have no pre-requisites. The 200 level courses are intermediate level courses and the 300 level courses are more advanced college preparatory courses. Please check for any pre-requisites or minimum GPA requirements on any of these courses. The 400 level courses are college preparatory, Advanced Placement, or very advanced courses. Please check for pre-requisites, a minimum GPA, or an application process that must be completed before registering for these courses. ENGLISH 4.0 credits needed to graduate Sequence: 105LD1/LD2 ENGLISH 9: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: LD1/LD2 ENGLISH 10: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: LD1/LD2 - HONORS ENGLISH 10: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: LD1/LD2 - English WORLD LITERATURE: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: (alternating years) 320LD1/LD2 - English AMERICAN LITERATURE: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: (alternating years) 410LD1/LD2 HONORS ENGLISH 11 AP Language and Composition: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: LD1/LD2 HONORS ENGLISH 12 AP Literature and Composition: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 12. Courses: 105LD1/LD2 ENGLISH 9: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 9. An introduction to study skills, writing, research, poetry, literature, speech and drama needed for high school success. Class size: LD1/LD2 ENGLISH 10: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 10. Prerequisite: English 9 or Department Chair approval. Students will continue practice and mastery of research and composition skills, study various forms of literature, and build vocabulary and oral communication skills in preparation for more advanced studies in English language. Class size: LD1/LD2 - HONORS ENGLISH 10: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 10. Prerequisite: Grade in English 9 of B or higher, an approved Honors program application, and/or Department Chair approval. Students will continue practice and mastery of research and composition skills, study various forms of literature, and build vocabulary and oral communication skills in preparation for more advanced studies in English language. This course will reflect the content of ENGLISH 10, only with added academic rigor and a greater emphasis on critical thinking and analysis skills. Class size: LD1/LD2 - English WORLD LITERATURE: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Completion of English 10 or Department Chair approval. Students will develop an appreciation and understanding of literature and effective composition. They will be challenged to analyze, critique and respond to different genres of world literature. Selections from each of the genres (poetry, fiction, drama, non-fiction) will be studied. Students will write a variety of papers, including response, informative, persuasive, creative, and research, as they develop their skills in communicating clearly and effectively. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 320LD1/LD2 - English AMERICAN LITERATURE: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Completion of English 10 or Department Chair approval. Students will develop an appreciation and understanding of literature and effective composition. They will be challenged to analyze, critique and respond to different genres of American literature. Selections from each of the genres (poetry, fiction, drama, non-fiction) will be studied. Students will write a variety of papers, including response, informative, persuasive, creative, and research, as they develop their skills in communicating clearly and effectively. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 15

16 410LD1/LD2 HONORS ENGLISH 11: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Grade in Honors English 10 of C or higher, or an approved Honors program application, and/or Department Chair approval. The purpose of this course is to equip students to read complex texts critically and to communicate effectively. Students will write in a variety of forms: narrative, expository, argumentative and others. They will learn to read primary and secondary source material, learning the skills of synthesizing, summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting and citing material according to MLA guidelines. Students who take enroll in this course will be equipped and encouraged to take the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Test in May. Class size: LD1/LD2 HONORS ENGLISH 12: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Grade in Honors English 11 of C or higher, or an approved Honors program application, and/or Department Chair approval. Students will analyze and interpret literature in the four major genres (poetry, fiction, drama, and non-fiction). An emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of how authors create meaning with the use of stylistic devices such as diction, figurative language, imagery, syntax, tone and point of view. Students will write about literature in expository, analytical and argumentative essays. They will also explore and respond to literary criticism. Students who enroll in this course will be equipped and encouraged to take the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Test in May. Class size: 27. WORLD LANGUAGES 201WL1/WL2 SPANISH 1: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Spanish 1 is an introductory course. The students learn to greet/introduce others, discuss academic life, describe family members, and talk about hobbies and vacations. Throughout the year, students also explore cultural information and Hispanic countries, with a focus on Spain, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Class size: WL1/WL2 SPANISH 2: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Passed Spanish 1 with a C or higher. Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1. Throughout the year, the students learn basic survival skills in Spanish. Spanish 2 includes a more in depth study of Spanish and teaches the students to express themselves about a wide variety of topics. Topics include daily routine, food, parties and celebrations, health, and medical terms. The students also learn about past tense verbs and explore cultural information about Cuba, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, and Costa Rica. This course may include a field trip to a Hispanic Market. Class size: WL1/WL2 SPANISH 3: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 with a C or higher. Spanish III students explore the Spanish language through music, history, and geography of Hispanic countries with a focus on Argentina, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia. Throughout the year, students will learn about the subjunctive verb tense, electronics and home, parts of the house, nature, city life, and health and wellbeing. This course may include a field trip to a Hispanic Market. Class size: WL1/WL2 SPANISH 4: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3 with a B- or higher. Spanish 4 students develop a deeper understanding of culture through the reading of Spanish books. A comprehensive review of Spanish grammar occurs, as well as covering elements of the AP Spanish curriculum. (Course may be taught as a combined course with Spanish 3.) Class size: 27 (Which includes any Spanish 3 students if courses are combined.) 16

17 HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT THEOLOGY 4.0 credits needed to graduate (A semester of Theology is required for each semester in attendance.) 101R1/R2 OLD TESTAMENT: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 9. The presence of Law and Gospel are prominent in God s Word. Specifically, this class will focus on the presence of Christ in the Old Testament. This course reviews the chronological history of God s people, investigates themes found in the Old Testament and encourages an understanding of the student s leadership skills as rooted in the Word of God. Class size: R1/R2 NEW TESTAMENT: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 10. This course is an introduction to the New Testament. Student will gain a deeper understanding of the Gospel and what God has done for them through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Students also study the history of the early Christian church as they investigate a survey of New Testament books. Emphasis is on Bible study, personalizing the gospel message and understanding church structure. Class size: R COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Junior or Senior. All people on the earth can be placed into two separate categories, (1) those who accept what God has done for them through Jesus life, death and resurrection and (2) those who reject God s gift of love. This course in Comparative Religions strives to study both groups in a way so that the student s faith is strengthened while preparing to meet the Great Commission as found in Matthew 28. Students will have opportunities to compare their own faith with other religious groups as well as compare their faith with those Christians around them. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 302R HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Junior or Senior. This course takes a historical study of the formation of the Christian Church while also connecting the past with present situations. The content of this course stretches from 100 AD through the Crusades, the Reformation, and concludes with an investigation of the Christian church in America, specifically the presence of the LCMS. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 303R ARTICLES OF FAITH (Christian Doctrine): 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Pre-requisite: Junior or Senior. This course will take an in-depth look at the fundamental doctrines of Lutheranism and Christianity. An emphasis will be placed on Justification, the Sacraments, and Luther s explanations and teachings. This course will seek to answer some of the deeper faith questions posed to Christians, and prepare them to be ready to give an answer for the faith that they have. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 304R CHRISTIAN ETHICS: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Pre-requisites: Junior or Senior. This course is an examination of Biblical, theological and historical backgrounds of ethical decision-making. On the basis of Biblical principles, issues facing the contemporary Christian and the church will be discussed, including personal behavior, abortion, euthanasia, poverty, war and the church s social responsibility. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 310R - DEFENDING THE FAITH: 1/2 Credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: The purpose of this course is to give students an introduction into the skill of defending the faith known as apologetics. The course will provide a theological foundation of the appropriate use of reason in matters of faith through the lenses of God s law and gospel. Topics covered include defending the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, creation, miracles and the problem of evil. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 17

18 401R CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Junior or Senior. Department approval - This course can only be taken once during a student s high school career. God has enabled His church with gifts and abilities that are to be used to strengthen the foundation of faith within the church. One such gift is the gift of leadership. Within the structure of this course, students will examine the Biblical understanding of leadership, develop their leadership skills and work to apply these skills within the church. The curriculum for this course emphasizes experiential learning and service work. Class size: R - CHRISTIAN WORSHIP: 1/2 Credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Prerequisites: Junior or Senior. This class will take a closer look at form, hymns/songs and parts of the Lutheran church service. The student will gain hands-on technological experience learning sound systems, running sound for church services, and using/creating slide presentations. Projects will include: Creating a service using ProPresenter, Editing.wav files in creating a mix of music and voice, creating a Christian Music video using Adobe Premiere Elements This class may be taken for Theology or Technology credit. Class size: 15. SOCIAL STUDIES 3.5 credits needed to graduate 100SS GEOGRAPHY: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: 9. This course will provide an overview of world geography with an emphasis on map and Geographic Information System (GIS) skills. The five themes of geography: location, place, region, human-environment interaction, and movement will be covered. All freshmen are required to take this course. Class size: SS WORLD HISTORY ANCIENT: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course will cover the history of the world from Creation through the industrial revolution. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 201SS WORLD HISTORY MODERN: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course will cover the history of the world from the industrial revolution to the present. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 203SS UNITED STATES HISTORY 1: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course includes basic historical facts and periods in American history from the early colonization of America to the progressive movement. It is the study of the economic, political, and social changes that occurred in America from the organization of the English Colonies to the presidential administration of William McKinley. Class size: 27. (Will be held in ) 204SS UNITED STATES HISTORY 2: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course includes basic historical facts and periods in American history from the early 1900 s to the present. It is the study of the economic, political, and social changes that occurred in America from the Roosevelt administration to the current administration. Class size: 27. (Will be held in ) 305SS UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: 12. This course is required for seniors and will cover the government at the national, state, and local levels. The rights and responsibilities of Christian citizens will also be emphasized. Class size: SS1/SS2 UNITED STATES HISTORY-ADVANCED PLACEMENT: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisites: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and instructor approval. This course will help students become familiar with historical facts and periods in United States history. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the causes, effects, and results of individual periods. Students will better understand the political, economic, and social situations today by studying the past. Higher level thinking skills will be stressed through reading, writing, and analyzing documents. This course specifically prepares students to take the AP History exam. Class size: 27. (Offered in ) 18

19 410SS1/SS2 - WORLD HISTORY - ADVANCED PLACEMENT: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and instructor approval. Students will explore key themes of world history, including interaction with the environment, cultures, state-building, economic systems, and social structures, from approximately 8000 B.C.E. to the present. Students will also learn to apply historical thinking skills including the ability to craft arguments from evidence; describe, analyze and evaluate events from a chronological perspective; compare and contextualize historical developments; and analyze evidence, reasoning and context to construct and understand historical interpretations. This course specifically prepares a student to take the A.P. World History Test. Class size: 27 (Offered in ) Social Studies Electives: These courses are to be taken in the senior year. They are intended to complete the final credit required to graduate after earning 2.5 credits from a combination of the following courses: Geography, World History - Ancient, World History - Modern, United States History 1, United States History 2, or AP US History. 301SS PSYCHOLOGY: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course will help to understand the incredible complexity of the human brain. The course covers structural and theoretical aspects of psychology. Students will learn an appreciation for God s gift of individuality. Class size: SS MACROECONOMICS: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course will deal with basic Macroeconomics theories such as: scarcity, factors of production, trade-offs and opportunities costs, types of economic systems, market demand and supply curve, partnerships and corporations, and business consolidation. The class will discuss the role of Christian interaction with different economic systems. Class size: 25. SCIENCE AND REASONING DEPARTMENT MATHEMATICS 3.0 credits needed to graduate 101MA1/MA2 PRE-ALGEBRA: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: 9. Cannot take if you have received credit for Algebra I or higher. An introductory course to basic math and algebra skills needed in Algebra I. Class size: MA1/MA2 ALGEBRA I: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: This course will cover basic algebra topics, with emphasis on equation solving, factoring, linear equations and application of concepts. Class size: MA1/MA2 GEOMETRY: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Algebra I or qualifying performance on required Algebra Mastery Test. Primarily a study of plane geometry, this course stresses logical thought processes and studies the development of a geometrical system. It is built on and enlarged by means of undefined terms, definitions, postulates, and theorems through both inductive and deductive reasoning. Class size: MA1 CONSUMER MATH (first semester): 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of real-life math issues they will be facing, from banking concerns and investments to buying a home and paying taxes. Class size: MA2 PERSONAL FINANCE (second semester): 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: This course addresses personal finance topics such as Christian stewardship, budgeting, credit cards, the impact of debt, and more. It is based on Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University course. Class size:

20 301MA1/MA2 ALGEBRA II: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Geometry. An in-depth continuation of the materials studied in Algebra I with emphasis on the theoretical aspects of Algebra as it examines the real number system. The course also touches on trigonometry, logarithms, and other advanced topics. Class size: MA1/MA2 PRE-CALCULUS: 1 credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Must have passed Algebra II with a C or higher. Provides good preparation for college courses in Calculus, Abstract Algebra and Probability. The course helps facilitate the student s move to college level math by presenting the material in a variety of methods. Class size: MA1/MA2 CALCULUS-ADVANCED PLACEMENT: 1 Credit. Course Length: Year. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Must have passed Pre-Calculus with a B- or higher. This course covers basic differentiation and integration topics, with applications of both. Students are encouraged to take the Advanced Placement Calculus AB test in early May. Class size: 20. SCIENCE 3.0 credits needed to graduate 101SC EARTH/SPACE SCIENCE: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Cannot take if you have passed Biology with a C or higher. The class is an introductory science course. This course will give the student a broad view of science, the language it uses and the impact it has on society. The topics of Earth/Science will include Meteorology, Geology and Astronomy. Class size: SC PHYSICAL SCIENCE: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Cannot take if you have passed Biology with a C or higher. An introduction to the physical sciences including physics, chemistry, matter and lab skills. Class size: SC LIFE SCIENCE: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Prerequisites: Students need to have taken Physical Science and Earth & Space Science to enroll in this class. Students having passed Biology with a C or higher cannot enroll without instructor approval. Life Science is a practical science course providing students a deliberate and gradual introduction to Biology. The basic Biological concepts such as working with laboratory equipment, the language of Biology, and basic information regarding the plant and animal kingdom will be taught. Foundations of Life Science, Heredity and the Origin of Life, and Microbiology and Plant Biology are the major units covered in this class. This course is designed for students who may not be planning for a college career. Class size: 24. (Offered in ) 105SC ANIMAL SCIENCE: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Prerequisites: Students need to have taken Physical Science and Earth & Space Science to enroll in this class. Students having passed Biology with a C or higher cannot enroll without instructor approval. Animal Science is a practical science course providing students a deliberate and gradual introduction to the Animal Kingdom. The basic biological concepts such as working with laboratory equipment, the language of biology, and basic information regarding the animal kingdom will be taught. Concepts of Invertebrates, Vertebrates, and Animal Behavior will be introduced. Also included will be discussion of the environment, ecosystems and natural resources. The course concludes with study of the structure and function of the major systems of the human body. This course is designed for students who may not be planning for a college career. Class size: 24. (Offered in ) 201SC ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: 1/2 credit. Course Length: Semester. Grade Level: Prerequisite: Passed Biology and Chemistry with a C or better. Environmental Science is a hands-on science course. This course is a study of our environment and how our environment affects organisms. Areas of study include ecology, wildlife management, forestry, population, pollution, and soil science. The class is designed to help students appreciate and preserve our natural resources for future generations. Class size: 20. (Offered in ) 20