Centennial High School

Transcription

1 Centennial High School Course Catalog Centennial Mission Statement To prepare students for success beyond graduation Rev.2/7/14

2 Table of Contents Administration and Office Staff... 3 Course Selection Guidelines... 4 Diploma Information... 6 Matriculation Tech Prep Required High School Student Class Load Four Year Academic Plan Physical Education II Waiver Credit NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements Non-Discrimination Statement Valedictorian and Salutatorian Duplicate Course Work Repeating Courses CODE OF HONOR Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program CCSD Guidance & Counseling Website College Readiness Assessments Concurrent Credit Options External Credit Options Prerequisites Course Selection Guidelines Enrollment Adjustments Honors and Advanced Placement Programs Fees No Check Policy Rev. 2/7/14 1

3 Parent/Community Involvement Release of Student Directory Information Attendance Dress Code and Appearance th Grade Registration Worksheet th Grade Registration Worksheet th Grade Registration Worksheet th Grade Registration Worksheet Course Descriptions Academic Services Business, Industrial Arts, and Family Consumer Science Career Technical Education English Foreign Language Mathematics NJROTC- Military Science Performing And Visual Arts Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education Science Department Social Studies Student Support Services Rev. 2/7/14 2

4 Administration and Office Staff Centennial High School Centennial Parkway Las Vegas, NV Phone: Fax: Principal - Trent Day Administrative Secretary - Sally Price Assistant Principal, Curriculum Demetrius Johnson Secretary - Sharon Hale Assistant Principal, Athletics & Budget- Doug Wilbur Secretary - Lisa Fuller Assistant Principal, Activities & Facilities- Karen Marzka-Holman Secretary Marie Arata Assistant Principal, Attendance, & Discipline Missy Shipp Secretary Lisa Rowins Dean of Students Dean Gentusa... H-N Rachel Kaplan... A-G Danielle Martwick... O-Z Secretary Sherrie Johnson Counseling Department Scott Stover... A-Carr Iretta Pearson... Cars-Fle Jill Anderson.Flf-Hug Vicki Simmons... Huh-Mar Scott Krebsbach... Mas-Po Andrea Beal... Pp-Son Shiela Burns... Soo-Z Patricia Abeyta... Testing Coordinator Secretary - Joan Wetzler Registration Registrar - Terrie Nitta Attendance Clerk - Darlene Mercadante Bank Banker - Holly Austin Reception Clerk Jennifer Tambakis Rev. 2/7/14 3

5 AUGUST S M T W T F S SEPTEMBER S M T W T F S OCTOBER S M T W T F S NOVEMBER S M T W T F S JANUARY S M T W T F S FEBRUARY S M T W T F S MARCH S M T W T F S APRIL S M T W T F S JUNE S M T W T F S Dates to Remember Start of School 8/25 1 st Quarter 8/25 10/24 2 nd Quarter 10/27 1/16 3 rd Quarter 1/20 3/27 4 th Quarter 4/6 6/4 Semester 1 8/26 1/16 Semester 2 1/20 6/4 End of School 6/4 Holidays & Breaks (No School) Labor Day 9/1 Nevada Day 10/31 Veterans Day 11/10-11/11 Thanksgiving 11/27-11/28 Winter Break 12/22 1/4 MLK Day 1/19 President s Day 2/16 Spring Break 3/30-4/3 Memorial Day 5/25 DECEMBER S M T W T F S Rev. 2/7/14 MAY S M T W T F S

6 Course Selection Guidelines The information in this publication has been compiled to assist students in planning their four years of high school course work. Courses that will be offered next fall are courses that you select during spring registration. If, during final registration, too few students select a course, it will be cancelled, and those students will be rescheduled into alternate courses. Additionally, classes have a limited number of seats. If an elective course fills and no seats are available, a student will be assigned to an alternate elective. With this in mind, students are encouraged to select alternate courses that are appropriate for their ability level and area of interest. If no alternate electives are selected, then a student may be placed in an elective where a seat is available. Students and parents should review the following important information before selecting classes: 1. Review graduation requirements. 2. Set educational goals to prepare you for your post-high school plans and career interests. 3. Discuss your career options with your parents and your school counselor. 4. Complete the sample High School Four-Year Plan form in this book and keep it for reference in selecting your courses in the years ahead. Read the course descriptions carefully before you register. Choose courses that will challenge you and that will prepare you for college and/or a career. Students and parents will be selecting courses that the student will attend for the entire school year. Please review the schedule change policy below very carefully before selecting courses. SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY Students schedules are computer generated and students are placed in classes randomly based upon the courses selected during spring registration. Changes to course requests may be made until May 30, Since advanced planning and guidance are provided for each student prior to registration, schedule changes will not be made after May 30, Requests for schedule changes are considered only for the following specific educational reasons: A. Placement in Nevada Proficiency Exam preparation courses B. Placement in a course required for graduation C. Misplacement in an academic area D. Successful completion of summer school course work Schedule changes will not be granted to move a student to a specific instructor or because the student is earning a low or failing grade. The administration may, due to enrollment and staff changes, balance course sections by transferring students from one class and/or teacher to another. If a student is transferred in this manner, the student will not be able to move back to the original schedule. Every effort will be made to ensure a smooth transition for students. Due to the State of Nevada Department of Education Guidelines, no student may earn credit in a class started after the third week of school. After 15 days into the semester, no student may change a class due to the required number of hours necessary to earn credit. Seniors who request to drop a class for an open period must have the principal s (or designee s) approval. If the request to drop a class is approved and occurs after 18 days of instruction, the student will receive an F on the semester transcript. Because the philosophy of Centennial High School encourages students to meet the challenge of achieving their potential, students are strongly discouraged from enrolling in courses below their academic levels. Rev. 2/7/14 5

7 Diploma Information 21 st CENTURY COURSE OF STUDY EXPECTATIONS The Clark County School District expects all students to meet the requirements of the 21 st Century Course of Study. In addition to the three years of mathematics and two years of science necessary to graduate with a high school standard diploma, students will be scheduled into a fourth year of mathematics, which will include Algebra II, and a third year of science, which will include Biology. Although the graduation requirements for a standard diploma will not change, the school district expects its students to be competitive in higher education and the workforce, and to be prepared to take full advantage of what the world has to offer beyond high school. The Clark County School District believes that all students must be prepared for the following post-secondary opportunities: University/Four-Year College Community/Two-Year College Trade/Technical School Workforce 21 ST CENTURY COURSE OF STUDY EXPECTATIONS AREAS OF STUDY UNITS ENGLISH 4 MATHEMATICS (Includes Algebra II) 4 SCIENCE (Includes Biology) 3 WORLD HISTORY or GEOGRAPHY 1 U.S. HISTORY 1 U.S. GOVERNMENT 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 HEALTH USE OF COMPUTERS ELECTIVES (Includes one Arts/Humanities or Career & Technical Education Course) TOTAL ½ ½ 5½ 22½ The 21 st Century Course of Study provides the following for students: Opens Doors to Post-Secondary Education and Workforce Opportunities Meets Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) University Admissions o Grade Point Average (GPA) and Core Curriculum Requirements are: 3.00 GPA (weighted or unweighted) in the core curriculum Approved NSHE Core Curriculum (4 English, 3 Math including Algebra II, 3 Natural Science, 3 Social Science & History = 13 units) Prepares Students for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship o GPA an d Core Curriculum Requirements are: 3.25 cumulative GPA (weighted or unweighted) and the core curriculum Approved NSHE Core Curriculum (4 English, 4 Math including Algebra II, 3 Natural Science, 3 Social Science & History = 14 units) Rev. 2/7/14 6

8 STANDARD DIPLOMA The following subjects are needed to meet graduation requirements: STANDARD DIPLOMA REQUIRED/ELECTIVE AREAS OF STUDY UNITS ENGLISH 4 *MATHEMATICS 3 SCIENCE 2 WORLD HISTORY or GEOGRAPHY 1 U.S. HISTORY 1 U.S. GOVERNMENT 1 **PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 HEALTH ½ ***USE OF COMPUTERS ½ ELECTIVES 7½ TOTAL 22½ *Mathematics course units must include at least Algebra I or Algebra I H, or Applied Algebra I A and I B, or above. **A maximum of ONE credit for Physical Education II will be granted if a student participates outside of the school day in interscholastic athletics or on a drill team, marching band, dance group, or cheerleading squad. ***Satisfactory completion of a semester computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement for the use of computers. To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students must pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examinations in reading, writing, math, and science in addition to meeting course requirements. AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must pass all four subtests of the Nevada High School Proficiency Exam and meet all of the graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation ceremonies. Rev. 2/7/14 7

9 ADVANCED DIPLOMA The following subjects are needed to meet the Advanced Diploma requirements: ADVANCED DIPLOMA REQUIRED/ELECTIVE AREAS OF STUDY UNITS ENGLISH 4 *MATHEMATICS 4 SCIENCE 3 WORLD HISTORY or GEOGRAPHY 1 U.S. HISTORY 1 U.S. GOVERNMENT 1 **PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 HEALTH ½ ***USE OF COMPUTERS ½ ARTS / HUMANITIES or CAREER AND TECH ED ELECTIVE 1 ELECTIVES 6 TOTAL (unweighted GPA = 3.25) 24 *Mathematics course units must include at least Algebra I or Algebra I H, or Applied Algebra I A and I B, or above. ** A maximum of ONE credit for Physical Education II will be granted if a student participates outside of the school day in interscholastic athletics or on a drill team, marching band, dance group, or cheerleading squad. *** Satisfactory completion of a semester computer literacy course offered in grades 6, 7, or 8 will meet the requirement for the use of computers. To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students must pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examinations in reading, writing, math, and science in addition to meeting course requirements. AB288 in the 2013 Legislature eliminated the Certificate of Attendance. Students must pass all four subtests of the Nevada High School Proficiency Exam and meet all of the graduation requirements to receive a diploma and participate in graduation ceremonies. Students receiving an adjusted diploma as prescribed by IEP requirements can also participate in graduation ceremonies. Rev. 2/7/14 8

10 ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA The following subjects are needed to meet the Advanced Honors Diploma requirements: Students planning to apply to universities with competitive admission requirements may pursue the CCSD Advanced Honors Diploma. The Advanced Honors Diploma requires additional rigorous coursework beyond those required for the Advanced Diploma. Students will be required to fulfill the 24.0 credit Advanced Diploma requirements (including 4-years of mathematics, 3- years of science and an additional Arts/Humanities or Career and Technical Education course) and must complete the Honors, International Baccalaureate (IB), or Advanced Placement (AP) courses required of the Honors Course Program. Students must achieve a minimum of a 3.25 unweighted GPA and 3.85 weighted GPA. ADVANCED HONORS DIPLOMA Required/Elective Areas of Study Advanced Diploma Units Honors Course Program Units ENGLISH 4 3 MATHEMATICS 4 2 SCIENCE 3 2 SOCIAL STUDIES (must earn all 3 credits) World History or Geography U.S. History U.S. Government 3 2 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 2 HEALTH ½ USE OF COMPUTERS ½ ARTS/HUMANITIES or CAREER TECH ED ELECTIVE 1 ELECTIVES 6 3* TOTAL (unweighted GPA = 3.25, weighted GPA = 3.85) * Must include one Honors Foreign Language Course. First year foreign language classes will not receive Honors credit. Student must achieve a minimum 3.25 unweighted GPA and a minimum 3.85 weighted GPA. Weighted Honors Courses Students will earn a weighted grade point factor for successful completion of Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses will be added as follows: Honors.025 Advanced Placement (AP).050 International Baccalaureate (IB).050 The weighted GPA cap for the Honors Program for students will be added as follows: The weighted GPA cap for the Honors Program is no more than twenty-eight semesters (14 classes) of Honors/AP/IB courses. The highest possible GPA under this system is Students will receive a weighted grade point factor of.050 for four semesters (2 classes) of AP and/or IB courses and will also receive a weighted grade point factor of.025 for twenty-four semesters (12 classes) of Honors courses. Students who choose to enroll in only Honors level courses will receive a weighted grade point factor of.025 for twenty-eight semesters (14 classes) of Honors courses. Rev. 2/7/14 9

11 To receive a diploma from a Nevada high school, students must pass the Nevada High School Proficiency Examinations in reading, writing, math, and science in addition to meeting course requirements. Advantages of the Honors Course Offerings Most competitive colleges and universities consider not only students grades, but also their academic background evidenced by courses listed on the transcript, letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors, and SAT I or ACT scores. Enrollment in the Honors Program will assist students in their preparation for college entrance exams. The weighted GPA is used when determining ranking in class. Students may take Honors courses even if they have not chosen to complete the requirements for the Advanced Honors Diploma. Matriculation Grade classification for high school students is determined by years in school, not on credit earned. Students are classified to the next grade level at the end of each school year. Tech Prep The Tech Prep Program allows students the opportunity to earn college credit for approved high school courses. These credits are granted to any CCSD student that took a qualifying course in his/her junior or senior year, or who took a course earlier and remained in a qualifying program of study through junior year. Credits earned from the College of Southern Nevada apply to a degree at CSN or may be transferred (for a small fee) to a university or four-year college. This is a great way to kick start your college education with free credits! To receive your Tech Prep credits, you must: Be a high school junior or senior when you apply. Complete an eligible career and technical course at your high school with a grade A or B and satisfy specific course competencies. Fill out a Tech Prep admissions form from the College of Southern Nevada. Required High School Student Class Load The State of Nevada, NAC , requires all high school students be enrolled as follows: Ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students must be enrolled in six classes or the equivalent of six periods per day. Twelfth grade students must be enrolled in at least four classes or the equivalent of four periods per day. [Seniors must take at least two classes per day on the block schedule.] Please Note: Although Concurrent Courses, Distance Education, Dual Credit, External Courses, and Work Experience are considered equivalent coursework, students must receive prior approval of the counselor and administration. Four Year Academic Plan An online four year Academic Plan will be implemented with all freshmen students and updated each year thereafter. This plan sets forth specific educational goals that students intend to achieve before graduation. Academic plans include the designation of a career pathway, a four year high school course of study, and postsecondary planning. The academic plan will be used as a guide to manage the student s educational development and course selection in alignment with an identified course of study. Revising the Academic Plan throughout high school will assist students in preparation for adulthood in the 21 st century. Rev. 2/7/14 10

12 The plan includes students and parents: Working in consultation with a school counselor to develop the academic plan Signing the academic plan Reviewing the plan yearly and revising when necessary Physical Education II Waiver Credit A maximum of ONE Physical Education II Waiver credit may be earned toward graduation. Students are required to participate in and complete one of the school-sponsored activities listed below. Baseball Varsity, Junior Varsity Marching Band/Flags/Mascots Basketball Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team Soccer Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team Bowling Softball Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team Cheerleaders Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team Swimming Varsity Cross Country Varsity Tennis Varsity Flag Football Varsity, Junior Varsity Track Varsity Football Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team Volleyball Varsity, Junior Varsity, B-Team Golf Varsity Wrestling Varsity, Junior Varsity Team Managers are not eligible for the P.E. II Waiver; however, they may be eligible for Community Service credit. NCAA Initial Eligibility Requirements In order to participate in collegiate athletics, students must register with the NCAA at This should be initiated in the student s junior year. NCAA Division I and Division II require 16 core courses. See the charts below. NCAA Division I will require 10 core courses to be completed prior to the seventh semester (seven of the 10 must be a combination of English, math or natural or physical science that meet the distribution requirements below). These 10 courses become "locked in" at the start of the seventh semester and cannot be retaken for grade improvement. Division I GPA required to be eligible for competition on or after August 1, 2016, is Division II requires a minimum SAT score of 820 or ACT sum score of 68 and a core GPA of 2.0. Be sure to look at your high school s List of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibility Center's website ( Only courses that appear on your school's List of NCAA Courses will be used in the calculation of the core GPA. Beginning August 1, 2016, it will be possible for a Division I college-bound student-athlete to still receive athletics aid and the ability to practice with the team if he or she fails to meet the 10 course requirement, but would not be able to compete. Required Courses* Division I Division II English 4 3 Mathematics (Alg I or higher) 3 2 Science (minimum 1 lab science) 2 2 Additional In Above 1 3 Social Studies 2 2 Additional Core Courses** 4 4 *Remedial, special education, compensatory or related courses do not qualify for initial eligibility. **From any core area, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy. Rev. 2/7/14 11

13 Non-Discrimination Statement The Clark County School District does not knowingly discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, or participation in its programs and activities and provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Valedictorian and Salutatorian Valedictorian status is awarded to the student(s) earning the highest grade point average in the graduating class. Salutatorian status is awarded to the student(s) earning the second highest grade point average in the class. Candidates for the valedictorian/salutatorian designations will be identified at the end of the fall semester of their senior year. The final ranking will be based on any and all completed high school credit granting courses, including those courses which receive the weighted grade point factor (GPA). Duplicate Course Work Repeating Courses Students may repeat courses, additional credit will not be granted; the higher grade will be recorded in the course history and the lower grade replaced with a repeated course notation. Nevada Department of Education CODE OF HONOR There is a clear expectation that all students will perform academic tasks with honor and integrity, with the support of parents, staff, faculty, administration, and the community. The learning process requires students to think, process, organize, and create their own ideas. Throughout this process, students gain knowledge, self-respect, and ownership in the work that they do. These qualities provide a solid foundation for life skills, impacting people positively throughout their lives. Cheating and plagiarism violate the fundamental learning process and compromise personal integrity and one s honor. Students demonstrate academic honesty and integrity by not cheating, plagiarizing, or using information unethically in any way. What is cheating? Cheating or academic dishonesty can take many forms, but always involves the improper taking of information from and/or giving of information to another student, individual, or other source. Examples of cheating can include, but are not limited to: Taking or copying answers on an examination or any other assignment from another student or other source Giving answers on an examination or any other assignment to another student Copying assignments that are turned in as original work Collaborating on exams, assignments, papers, and/or projects without specific teacher permission Allowing others to do the research or writing for an assigned paper Using unauthorized electronic devices Falsifying data or lab results, including changing grades electronically What is plagiarism? Plagiarism is a common form of cheating or academic dishonesty in the school setting. It is representing another person s works or ideas as your own without giving credit to the proper source and submitting it for any purpose. Rev. 2/7/14 12

14 Examples of plagiarism can include, but are not limited to: Submitting someone else s work, such as published sources in part or whole, as your own without giving credit to the source Turning in purchased papers or papers from the Internet written by someone else Representing another person s artistic or scholarly works such as musical compositions, computer programs, photographs, drawings, or paintings as your own Helping others plagiarize by giving them your work All stakeholders have a responsibility in maintaining academic honesty. Educators must provide the tools and teach the concepts that afford students the knowledge to understand the characteristics of cheating and plagiarism. Parents must support their students in making good decisions relative to completing course work assignments and taking exams. Students must produce work that is theirs alone, recognizing the importance of thinking for themselves and learning independently, when that is the nature of the assignment. Adhering to the Code of Honor for the purposes of academic honesty promotes an essential skill that goes beyond the school environment. Honesty and integrity are useful and valuable traits impacting one s life. Questions or concerns regarding the consequences associated with a violation of the Code of Honor may be directed towards your child s school administration and/or the school district. Clark County School District Athletic Eligibility: Initial Eligibility General Requirements: 1. Must be enrolled in grades Must reside in the school of enrollment s attendance zone. 3. Must be enrolled in a minimum of two units of credit consisting of at least four classes per semester and regularly attend school. 4. Must have passed a minimum of two units of credit the immediate preceding semester with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. A student may earn a maximum of one unit of external credit (summer school, correspondence, etc.) to improve previous semester deficiency. 5. Transfer students are automatically presumed ineligible. Rebuttal of presumption of ineligibility guidelines are contained in Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) regulations (NAC ). 6. Secondary Magnet School students who enroll for less than a three (3) year program or enroll in individual classes are ineligible for athletics at the Magnet School for 180 school days. Students who drop from the Magnet program will become automatically ineligible for athletics at the Magnet School for 180 school days. If a student chooses to return to his/her school of residence, he/she would be ineligible for the remainder of that school year and for 180 school days in any sport in which his/her name appeared on a NIAA roster during his/her attendance at the Magnet School. 7. Secondary Open Enrollment students who are selected to attend an Open Enrollment school are eligible to participate in athletics. Students who change schools will become automatically ineligible for the remainder of the current school year and for 180 school days in any sport his/her name appeared on an NIAA roster during his/her attendance at the Open Enrollment school. 8. Career Technical Academy/Charter School/Home-Schooled students are eligible to participate in athletics in the school that is located in the attendance zone of the residence of the parent or legal guardian. Maintenance of Eligibility: 1. Must maintain passing grades in all subjects during the current athletic season. 2. Must regularly attend school. Must be in school in order to participate in practice or games on any given day. 3. Must maintain positive citizenship. Students on RPC or suspension are not eligible to participate. Serious and/or chronic behavior infractions may result in suspension of athletic participation for up to one year, at the discretion of the principal. Additional specific eligibility guidelines are contained in Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) regulations (NAC ) and Clark County School District regulation Rev. 2/7/14 13

15 Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program The State of Nevada's Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Program provides financial support to Nevada's high school graduates who attend an eligible Nevada community college, state college, or university. You may receive up to a maximum award of $10,000 for undergraduate coursework during the six years following your high school graduation. There is no application form to complete. If you meet all Millennium Scholarship requirements upon high school graduation, the District will submit your name in mid-july to the Office of the State Treasurer. You will receive an award notification early August. A factsheet on policy guidelines and requirements for eligibility can be obtained by calling or at Please note that this information is subject to any changes in state law, policies adopted by the NSHE Board of Regents, availability of funding, and any related matters hereto. CCSD Guidance & Counseling Website The Guidance and Counseling website which can be found at is designed to provide students and parents with information on counseling services provided by the school district. It also serves as a support reference for preparing students for their future educational decisions. Information on diploma requirements, scholarship opportunities and post-secondary opportunities are just a few of examples of what is available on the website. College Readiness Assessments All Clark County School District students will take the PSAT at no cost (pending final budget allocations) during the sophomore year to provide data that will assist in determining the student s potential success in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Taking the PSAT in the sophomore year also prepares the student for the SAT. The PSAT taken as a junior (at the cost of the student) is used to identify National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists. Students planning to attend college may also prepare for the ACT entrance exam by taking the PLAN test during his/her sophomore year. It is recommended that students take ACT and/or SAT in the spring of their junior year, as most four-year colleges/universities require either test for admission. In addition, some colleges/universities require a minimum score on the SAT and/or ACT to determine placement in freshman English and math courses. Finally, some universities determine scholarship eligibility on ACT and/or SAT results. Note: It may be necessary to retake the ACT and/or SAT to increase the student s score. This may enable a student to avoid placement in a remedial math and/or English college course. Remedial courses at Nevada System of Higher Education Institutions provide no college credit and are not paid for by the Millennium Scholarship program. Concurrent Credit Options Students may earn credits beyond the regular school day by enrolling in any of the approved concurrent programs. There is no limit to the number of concurrent credits a student may earn. See your counselor for more information on the following concurrent programs: Academy of Individualized Study (AIS) - For specific information, including fees, call (702) , extension 325 or visit the website at: Adult Education - For specific information on this program, call (702) , extension 317 or visit Rev. 2/7/14 14

16 Sunset High Schools/Programs - Call (702) for more information or visit servicesdivision/adult-education-horizon-sunset-high-schools. Virtual High School Distance Education - To preview courses available, visit the web site at: or call the office at Summer School - Students may earn credit during the summer. Registration information is available in the counseling office in the spring. Additional information is available at External Credit Options Students currently enrolled in a Clark County high school may earn a maximum of six external credits toward graduation. External credits are credits earned beyond the regular school day. No external credit will be granted without prior approval and completion of the appropriate application. See your counselor for prior approval and applications for the following External Credit options: Community Service Credit Credit By Exam Dual Credit Educational Travel Credit Enrichment Program Credit Music Equivalent Credit Online Courses A maximum of one credit may be earned for students who complete 120 hours of volunteer service with an approved community agency. One-half credit may be earned for 60 hours of service; court mandated hours do not count for Community Service credit. Students may earn credit by obtaining a score of 70% or better on an examination for a course they have not taken previously or are not enrolled in currently. For a complete list of credit by exam course offerings and fees, see the AISHS website at Credit by Exam cannot count toward Honors credit. High school credit can be earned for approved college or university courses not offered at the student's school of enrollment. A three credit college/university course equals one-half unit of high school credit. A maximum of one credit may be granted to students who keep a journal while traveling for 42 consecutive days or 1/2 credit for 21 consecutive days. Students must submit their completed journals for evaluation to determine credit. Students may receive credit for academically accelerated courses taken at accredited institutions. A maximum of one credit may be granted to students participating in a music program not offered by the Clark County School District. Credit granting is monitored by the CCSD Department of Fine Arts. Specific application forms must be submitted along with a fee. Call for more information. Credits may be earned for courses completed by mail or online from approved institutions. The cost of courses vary. Students must conform to the procedures set by the credit granting institution. 15

17 General Information Prerequisites Prerequisites are listed in the course catalog to help students make the best educational decisions possible. Students must meet these prerequisites to enroll in a course. Both semesters of the prerequisite course must be successfully completed. Schedule adjustments will be made automatically should prerequisites not be met. Course Selection Guidelines Students and parents should use this guide to carefully select courses for next year. All efforts are made to ensure your requests are accommodated. As such, very few schedule changes will be made after registration. Those that are made will be completed during the first fifteen days of the semester and will be based on specific educational reasons such as graduation requirements, misplacement or completion of courses or summer school. Changes made after this date could result in the student failing the class as the required seat time for the class will not have met accreditation standards. Courses chosen to fulfill an elective requirement will not be changed. All course selections require a one year commitment. Enrollment Adjustments The administration may, due to increased/decreased enrollment and staff changes, balance course selections by transferring students from one class and/or teacher to another section. Every effort will be made to ensure a smooth transition for students. Honors and Advanced Placement Programs The Centennial High School Honors Program is designed to challenge students to their maximum potential and prepare them to pursue higher education. The program requires a commitment from parents and students recommended to enroll in the Honors Program, which provides an umbrella for the Advance Placement and Honors courses and may lead to special awards at graduation. Students and parents are advised that a yearlong commitment in each course is required. Advanced Placement Program The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor with the CollegeBoard in Princeton, New Jersey for academically talented juniors and seniors. Through this program, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school take courses that have been developed with college-level material and expectations. Since the curriculum is more in depth than the regular courses, there is a greater opportunity for individual progress and achievement. The Advanced Placement examinations are given each May. All examinations consist of an essay or problem solving section and a series of multiple choice questions. Each student is expected to take this examination at an approximate cost of $82 per exam. Honors Classes Classes designed to be more challenging, requiring higher level thinking skills, and moving at a faster pace are designated Honors classes. Students with 6-9 stanines on a college preparatory track are encouraged to enroll in Honors classes. Honors level classes carry the.125 weighted average. Students may receive a maximum weighted GPA for 14.0 credits as applied to the Honors Diploma. Students and parents are advised that a year-long commitment is required. Honors Award Graduating seniors whose weighted or unweighted grade point average after seven semesters falls between and will be recognized as Honor graduates. They will receive a navy and Columbia blue cord to wear at graduation. Algebra I and Spanish I taken in 8 th grade are also computed in the GPA. High Honors Award Graduating seniors whose weighted grade point average after seven semesters is or higher will be recognized as High Honor graduates. They will receive a High Honors cord to wear at graduation. Algebra I and Spanish I taken in 8 th grade are also computed in the GPA. Centennial Honors Medallion The Centennial Honors Medallion is awarded to seniors who complete a rigorous four-year academic program. Students who pursue the Honors Medallion will enroll in the same classes as Honors Diploma students. However, the number of required courses is different. To earn the Honors Medallion, in addition Rev. 2/7/14 16

18 to the regular graduation requirements, the student must have no F s on their transcript, meet the following requirement, and maintain a minimum GPA. Subject Area Required Number of Honors Courses English H/AP 4 Math H/AP 4 Science H/AP 3 Social Science H/AP 3 Foreign Language H/AP 2 Elective Credit H/AP 1 *Since the first year of foreign language is not an Honors course, the same foreign language must be studied for a minimum of three (3) years. **Elective credit may be fulfilled in an approved Honors or AP class in foreign language, math, science, social science, or computers. Consideration will be given to equivalent classes successfully completed at another high school for students interested in the Honors Medallion who have not been enrolled at Centennial High School four years. Fees Elective class fees are charged for specific classes where students complete special projects or additional materials are needed. Class fees cover the additional cost for these projects. In a fluctuating economy, it is understandable that there may be families who will not be able to purchase all of the desired/necessary items for their student and/or pay necessary fees. This is understandable and will not prevent a student s enrollment in any class. If immediate payment of fees presents an economic hardship, please contact your counselor or your respective elective teacher(s) so the school and parent may work together to resolve this problem. No Check Policy In order to eliminate costs associated with returned checks, Centennial High School does not accept checks for payments of fines and fees. Only cash, money order, and cashier checks will be accepted. Any questions, please call Holly Austin, school banker at , ext Parent/Community Involvement Centennial High School communicates with parents via six newsletters, quarterly student progress reports, Parent Advisory Council meetings, newsletters, our computerized grade reporting system, and the Centennial High School Web site. The system enables parents to monitor their child s attendance, grades, homework assignments, transcripts, and graduation requirements. Consequently, parents at Centennial High School have the unique ability to continuously review their child s academic progress and intervene when necessary. In addition, 8 th Grade BBQ Night, Open House, Freshman Breakfast, and Senior Awards Night activities allow for direct and meaningful twoway communication with parents and all members of the school/community. Release of Student Directory Information The Clark County School District releases Directory Information to qualified agencies upon request. Qualified agencies include, but are not limited to, public colleges and universities, Nevada State Treasurer s Office, and the military branches. Release to military branches is mandated by federal legislation NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND act. Directory Information is information not generally considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. See District Regulation The term Directory Information means one or more of the following: 1. student name 2. date and place of birth 3. address 4. school attended 5. grade level 6. photographs (only when used in printed school publications as defined in ) Rev. 2/7/14 17

19 7. participation in officially recognized activities and sports 8. weight and height of members of athletic teams 9. degrees and awards received Parents have the right to have Directory Information restricted upon request. A Release of Student Directory Information form is included in the registration packet your child will receive the first day of school. Please read this form carefully and if you determine to restrict the release of your child s Directory Information, please complete that form and return it to the school no later than the 18 th day of the school year. The registration process will determine which classes are offered at Centennial High School in Choose your classes carefully. You will be scheduled by computer based upon the courses you select. Be careful not to select a class for which you have already received credit. Read the course descriptions carefully. Discuss your selections with your teachers, your parents, and your counselor before registration. All classes require a full year commitment and will not be changed at the semester. All students who enroll in AP courses are expected to commit to that class for the entire year and take the AP exam(s) in May. Student or parents may make changes to course requests until May 30, NOT ALL COURSES LISTED IN THIS CATALOG/GUIDE WILL NECESSARILY BE OFFERED NEXT FALL. THE SCHOOL MASTER SCHEDULE IS DERIVED FROM THE CLASSES STUDENTS SIGN UP FOR DURING PRE-REGISTRATION IN SPRING Attendance Attendance notifications will be automatically sent out daily for students with unapproved absences. Unapproved letters will be sent home on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th unapproved absence. The 7 th unapproved absence letter is the Denial of Credit Notification. The student has accrued more than six (6) unapproved absences in the class. The Clark County School District Regulation 5113 limits unapproved absences in any class to six (6) per semester. Students will not earn credit for that course that semester. Attendance Requirement Increased state-mandated accountability for attendance at school requires greater responsibility from high school students. Accumulating more than 6 unapproved absences in any course during the semester will result in a failing grade and loss of credit. The failing grade will be used in calculating the grade point average. Parents must provide a written excuse for an excused absence within three days of the student s return to school. Absence Procedures Students who have been absent must provide notice from the parent/guardian to the school explaining the reason for the absence within three (3) school days after their return from the absence. Parent/Guardian explanations should include the following information: 1. The first and last name of the student 2. The date(s) the student was absent, and 3. The reason the student was physically or mentally unable to attend, how the absence was related to the student s disability, or the nature of the emergency The principal/designee will determine whether the absence is classified as excused or unexcused. Students or parents/guardians are allowed three school days after the return from a student s absence to request homework. Schools must provide at least three school days for the assignment to be completed and submitted. If an acceptable explanation of the absence is not provided within three school days, the absence is unexcused and, in accordance with NRS , is deemed truancy. Prearranged Absences Parents/Guardians must submit a written request to the school prior to the absence(s). The maximum number of arranged absences is 10 per school year. Forms to request an arranged absence are available in the Attendance office. Rev. 2/7/14 18

20 Dress Code and Appearance (Clark County School District Regulation 5131) Proper attire is to be worn to school by all students to foster the best environment for learning. Centennial High School dress code is in accordance with CCSD Regulation To ensure that students observe basic rules of personal hygiene and dress in a manner that would not disrupt the educational process, the following dress code shall apply: 1. Require the wearing of shoes with soles. Beach sandals, flip-flops, house slippers and shoes with wheels are not permitted. 2. All clothing must be sufficient to conceal any and all undergarments. No skin will show between bottom of shirt/blouse and top of pants or skirts at any time. All sleeveless shirts must have straps at least three inches wide. Prohibited tops include, but are not limited to, crop tops, tank tops, strapless, low-cut clothing, clothing with slits, or tops and outfits that provide minimum coverage. 3. Require that all shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers/dresses must be at fingertip length. 4. All jeans, pants, and trousers must be secured at waist level. Sagging is strictly prohibited. Jeans, pants, and trousers are not to have rips or tears that expose undergarments and/or are located mid-thigh or higher. 5. Headgear (hats, hoods, caps, bandanas, hair grooming aids, etc.) is not permitted on campus except for designated school approved uniforms, special events, authorized athletic practices, documented medical conditions, bona fide religious reasons, or CCSD/school sanctioned activities. 6. Slogans or advertising on clothing, jewelry, buttons, and/or accessories which by their controversial, discriminatory, profane, and/or obscene nature disrupt the educational setting are prohibited. 7. Any clothing, jewelry, buttons, and/or accessories that promote illegal or violent conduct, or affiliation with groups that promote illegal or violent conduct such as, but not limited to, the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia, or clothing that contains threats are prohibited. 8. Spiked or studded clothing, jewelry, and/or accessories are prohibited. Chains are not allowed. 9. Outerwear such as coats, mittens, and scarves must be removed upon entering the classrooms/buildings. Administrators, teachers, and staff may use their discretion as appropriate based on the temperature in the facility. 10. The school administration will have the right to designate which types of dress fashion, fads, or appearance disrupt or detract from the educational program and may be a potential safety hazard. Teachers are to refer students who are in violation of the dress code to the Dean of Students for appropriate disciplinary action. Continuous violations will result in a RPC or suspension. Students are not, at any time, permitted to bring any electronic devices, including but not limited to, ipods, MP3 players, CD players, electronic games, beepers, or any other listening devices to school. Cell phones are permitted but may only be used before school, at lunch, and after school. The school does not assume responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged nuisance items. Also, if a nuisance item is confiscated, it will ONLY be returned to a parent or guardian. The principal shall retain the authority to grant exceptions for special occasions and/or special conditions. Rev. 2/7/14 19

21 Centennial High School Registration th Grade Registration Worksheet Name: Student #: Required courses you must register for: Standard Course Work English 9 Algebra l Blocked with Fundamental Math Concepts Biology Health Education/Study Skills Physical Education or Navy Jr. ROTC or Dance Fundamental Math Concepts Honors Course Work English 9 H Geometry H Biology H Health Education /Study Skills Physical Education or Navy Jr. ROTC or Dance Foreign Language l or Foreign Language ll H Foreign Language l or Foreign Language ll H Elective(1) Elective(2) Elective Courses- All classes are one year long. No students will be removed at semester. Please circle preferred courses and number in order of preference. Course descriptions begin on page 24. Advanced Band Advanced Orchestra Advanced Study Performing Arts- Band AP Human Geography Art I Business Software Applications Ceramics I Chorus/Concert Choir Dance l Drafting & Design I Fashion Design & Constr. I French I French II H Furniture & Cabinet Making I Glee Club M/W Graphic Design I Intermediate Orchestra Japanese I Japanese II H Journalism Foundations Latin Marching Band/ Intermediate Band Music Appreciation Music Production NJROTC I Principles of Business & Marketing Principles of Leadership Publications I Rhythmic Precision Cheer Rhythmic Precision Colorguard & Percussion ROTC Drill Leadership Secondary Instrument Study Spanish l Spanish ll H Spanish for Spanish Spkrs ll H Theater I Vocal Ensemble/ Adv. Women Please be aware that courses are year-long unless otherwise designated. Counselors will only make schedule changes when a required class is needed for graduation. Please consult the course catalog for course information. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the CHS counseling office at x No elective changes will be made. Rev. 2/7/14 20