Diplomas of Distinction Thomas Wthington High School Diplomas of Distinction recognize students f their excellence in academics, character, and service in one me specific subject areas. In der to be considered f a Diploma of Distinction, please complete the following application (f each subject area desired) and return to Mr. Quart in the School Counseling Office by Friday, January 8 th, 2016. Diplomas of Distinction are currently available in nine (9) areas: Project Lead the Way (PLTW), English, Wld Language, Theater Arts, Musical Arts, Service Learning and Career Mentship, Visual Arts, Entrepreneurship Business Academy (EBA) and Science. F specific requirements on each diploma, see attached qualification sheets. Student Infmation Name: Cell phone number: Other name by which TWHS staff may know you: Subject Area of desired Diploma(s) of Distinction: Submission of false infmation on this application is grounds f exclusion from consideration f a Diploma of Distinction. Final determination is at the discretion of the Diploma of Distinction staff advisy council. Academics In der to fulfill the academic requirement f a Diploma of Distinction, a student must have: attained seni class standing achieved a cumulative subject area grade point average of at least 3.5 (3.75 f Musical Arts) attended Thomas Wthington High School f at least one semester Character In der to fulfill the character requirement f a Diploma of Distinction, a student must demonstrate the following: trustwthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. A student of character: -takes criticism willingly and accepts recommendations graciously -consistently exemplifies desirable behavi such as cheerfulness, friendliness, poise, and stability -upholds principles of mality and ethics -complies with school regulations concerning property, programs, office, halls, etc. -regularly shows courtesy, concern, and respect f others -observes instructions and rules, and is honest and reliable -manifests truthfulness in acknowledging obedience to rules, not cheating in written wk, and showing an unwillingness to profit by the mistakes of others 1
Please obtain the signatures of two subject area teachers who are able to attest to your fulfillment of the character requirement f the Diploma of Distinction: Teacher Name: Explain relationship: Teacher Signature: Teacher Name: Explain relationship: Teacher Signature: During the selection process, school documentation will be checked f any substandard perfmance in the area of the character requirement. Awards and Exhibitions In der to fulfill the awards and exhibitions requirement of the Diploma of Distinction, a student must show proof of success in the subject matter outside the classroom. The type of awards and exhibitions required varies accding to the subject area, therefe use the attached qualifications sheets f reference Please list awards and exhibitions in which you have participated (attach pages as necessary): Activity (with description) Contact Person (with signature) Contact Phone 2
Service In der to fulfill the service requirement of the Diploma of Distinction, a student must show proof of community involvement. The type of community involvement required varies accding to the subject area, therefe use the attached qualifications sheets f reference. If there is any question whatsoever concerning the acceptability of a specific service activity, seek pre-approval from Mr. Quart. Please list service activities in which you have participated (attach pages as necessary): Activity (with description) Grade Hours Earned Contact Person (with signature) Contact Phone If you have any questions regarding the completion of this application the process used f receiving a Diploma of Distinction, please contact Mr. Quart in the School Counseling Office, by e-mail (dquart@wscloud.g) 3
The following requirements are in addition to the general requirements listed in the application. The following requirements are specific to each subject area, and proof of completion f each must be noted on the appropriate sections of the application. Subject Area Academics Awards/Exhibitions Service Project Lead the Way (PLTW) - at least a 3.5 GPA cumulative in all PLTW classes -Students will enroll in the following Project Lead the Way courses: -Introduction to Engineering Design -Principles of Engineering -Digital Electronics -Engineering Design & Development (Seni Capstone Course) Professional Engineering Ptfolio deemed acceptable by PLTW staff f all PLTW courses -Present engineering projects in public fum such as: -State Conference -Engineering Advisy Council -Competition Events -Board of Education -Other Fums Approved by PLTW Staff No service component required to obtain a Diploma of Distinction in the PLTW Musical Arts -Four year concurrent participation in a band/choir/chestra curricular perfming ensemble ------------------------------------- -At least one year participation in an auditioned band/choir/chestra curricular perfming ensemble ---------------------------------------- -At least a 3.75 GPA in music department classes Successful participation in a music department co-curricular perfming ensemble, vocal part in a co-curricular musical, participation in TWHS they class ------------------------------- Demonstrated 2 years of successful private music lessons with a professional musician ------------------------------ Perfmed a solo ensemble at OMEA Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event 4 hours of community service at Preview of Champions OMEA District Contest Music Department Service Hours (building stage f showtime serve as an chestra officer) Assist at two District chestra Concerts Participated in an hon band/choir/chestra beyond TWHS Service Learning and Career Mentship -at least 3.5 GPA cumulative in all FCS courses Participated in an OMTA Piano Guild Contest Concert Letter of recommendation from site codinat Accomplish 60 hours of service experience beyond the course requirement of 45 hours (Level III) ------------------------------- Accomplish 40 hours of service experience beyond the course requirement of 45 hours (Level II) ------------------------------- Accomplish 20 hours of service experience beyond the course requirement of 45 hours (Level I) 4
Visual Arts -At least a 3.5 GPA in Visual Art department classes. ***An exception may be made f a student who has overcome significant challenges and has dedicated 4 years to the art department*** ------------------------------------------ -At least five classes in Visual Arts, preferably consisting of a variety of 2D and 3D classes. The classes could be a variety, such as: -Get artwk accepted in at least one juried State Art Exhibit, such as: Govern s Art Show Scholastic -Have a personal show of your artwk in a gallery other public venue. -Demonstrate strong student suppt in community service projects, such as: Empty Bowl, WEC Exhibit, Seni Purchase Create a school mural project Theatre Arts 2 level 1 classes 2 level 2 classes -and- 1 level 3 class, an Independent Study -- 1 AP Class -At least a 3.5 GPA in theatre classes that include: Theatre Arts Survey Theatre Reperty Theatre Technology Be selected by the TWHS Art faculty f the Focus on Four exhibit, the OCC Art Show, and participate in submitting to shows. -Have achieved the rank of hon Thespian (600 hours of outstanding participation in me than two areas) Some Arts related community service project event Participate in 2 me exhibits: ganize, hang, transpt, etc. -Demonstrate strong student suppt of all productions through attendance/wk and community projects like elves on the green, seni citizen perfmances, middle school plays, etc. Entrepreneurship Business Academy (EBA) -At least a 3.5 GPA in all EBA classes -Students must have completed the following EBA courses: Keyboarding & Computer Skills Microsoft Office Advanced Applications Web Page Design Accounting Personal Financial Management Introduction to Business Expling Entrepreneurship Business Internship -Letter of recommendation from EBA instruct internship codinat -Involvement in an EBA business venture -Involvement in internships through the Wthington Chamber of Commerce 5
English -At least a 3.75 GPA in English department classes -Publication in professionallyedited literary journal/anthology Minimum of 20 hours of community service with an emphasis in language arts completed during high school State/National award in writing public speaking Sce of 5 on Advanced Placement Language and Composition examination during the juni year Examples: -volunteer tuting in language arts (CARDS f Kids) -volunteer writing f community service ganizations -regular library volunteering Edit-in-chief of award-winning school publication -Summer mission trip that involves English instruction to non-native speakers Wld Languages (with focus in French, Latin, Spanish) -At least a 3.5 GPA in all four levels of either French, Latin, Spanish -Complete at least four years of the same language of focus and take A.P. course (exceptions made on an individual basis) -Must take at least two hons level courses (French/Spanish only) (requirements may vary f native speakers move-in students and exceptions will be made on an individual basis) -Must be named Wld Language Student of the Month at least once during four years of the same language -Must be an active member of a language club society f a minimum of two years -Complete six hours of community service in which the language of focus is used. Submit a written essay describing the experience. Create a language themed school/classroom mural at TWHS. Submit a written essay explaining what you plan to convey and a sketch of the design. Alternative authentic language experience (with written essay describing the experience) only with preapproval 6
Subject Area Science Academics Awards/Exhibitions Service -Students must stay in good academic standing and not be guilty of academic misconduct. ---------------------------------------- - Students must earn four (4) full graduation requirements of science and maintain a 3.5 GPA in these courses (Wthington Field Studies courses are not considered f coursewk). ------------------------------------------ -Students must earn a total of 10 points distributed among the following levels. The science teacher in charge of each program must sign off that the student did participate and complete the designated program Level 1: (wth 0.5 one point each) -Local Science Fair- repeatable f four years, earning 0.5 pt. each year -District Science Fair: repeatable, earning 1 pt. each year -Local Chemistry Olympiad: repeatable, earning 0.5 pt. each time Local Biology Olympiad: repeatable, earning 0.5 pt. each time Level 2: (wth two points each; each one is repeatable) -Science Olympiad: minimum of 4 competitions and attendance at 60% of practices in one year -National Chemistry Olympiad National Biology Olympiad -Wthington Field Studies Spring Break Trip Level 1: -One semester of AP Chemistry lab aide (minimum of 70 hours, repeatable, earning one pt. each semester) -One semester of science tuting (minimum of 70 hours, repeatable, earning one pt.each semester) -SAFE (minimum of 30 hours, repeatable f four years, earning one pt. each year) -Chem Club (earning 1 pt. each year) -Chem Club Ambassad (earning 1 pt. each year) Level to be determined: (pre-approval application must be submitted to Brian Luthy pri to submission to the Diploma of Distinction chairperson) -Science Internship -State Science Fair - Assist with elementary science programs (i.e. Science Fair, Invention Convention) -Volunteering (i.e. after school hours wking with students at other schools in the district, after school hours wking at a Metro State Park) Level 3: (wth three points each; each one is repeatable) -Wthington Field Studies Summer Trip - Science course beyond 4 in the TWHS science department (earning an A B each semester) Level to be determined: (pre-approval application must be submitted to Brian Luthy pri to submission to the Diploma of Distinction chairperson) 7 -Science Research -Science Competitions -Science Summary Research Paper -Published Scientific Paper ***See page 8 f additional science requirements***
***In addition to the above science requirements, applicants must complete the following:*** The advis in charge of each program must initial this fm f you to receive credit f each categy. Please ensure they have adequate time to check your hours/competitions if needed. Diploma of Distinction Science Application Name Student Signature Requirements: I have earned 4 full graduation credits in the science department at TWHS. Throughout these courses I have maintained a GPA of 3.5. This categy will be checked by Diploma of Distinction Advis. Other Programs: I have met the requirements of 10 points distributed throughout various programs at TWHS. Please have the program s advis verify your participation and sign the fm below. Activity # Points # of Years/ Total Advis Semesters Points Local Science Fair 0.5 Science teacher f whom you did the project Advis s Signature District Science Fair 1 Science Fair Advis (S. Quart E. Hitzhusen) State Science Fair 2 Science Fair Advis (S. Quart E. Hitzhusen) Science Aide 1 Science Lab Aide (Science teacher f whom you were an aide) Chem Club 1 Chem Club Adviss (M. Wahba) Local Chemistry 0.5 M. Wahba Olympiad National Chemistry 2 M Wahba Olympiad Science Olympiad 1 Olympiad Advis WFSI Spring Break 2 Chaperones (J. Haddow) Trip WFSI Summer Trip 3 Chaperones (Brian Luthy) Science Tuting 1 High School teacher through whom you arranged this event Assistance with elementary programs.5 High School teacher through whom you arranged this event Science Course(s) 3 Science Teacher of your additional course above the required 4 Other **Must be submitted to Brian Luthy f approval TOTAL Points 8