2013 8 th Grade Transitional Meeting

Business Foreign Language Industrial Tech Language Arts Math PE/Health

Performing Arts Science Social Studies Visual Arts Teacher Academy

Required Courses Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2

Elective Courses Computer Science Statistics/AP Statistics (after Algebra 2) Pre-Calculus (after Algebra 2) AQR (after Algebra 2) Calculus/AP Calculus (after Pre-Calculus)

Freshman Year…

What did your child take in 8th Grade?

Intro. to Algebra

Algebra 1

Geometry

What should your child take as a Freshman?

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2

Computer Science

9th grade Science option

Only ONE Science course option for 9th graders

Continuous Science will not be offered for 9th graders next year.

Students will still have the opportunity to reach Honors and AP Science courses in their junior year by taking BOTH Biology and Chemistry during 10th grade.

There is no option to take two Science courses during 9th grade.

NINTH GRADE ENGLISH

OPPORTUNITIESStudents must choose either

English I or Honors English I to satisfy ninth grade English

requirements.

English I Course Description

In this ninth grade college-preparatory course, students interact with the Common Core

Standards. The analysis of texts from a broad range of cultures and time periods allows for

argument and explanatory writing opportunities. In addition, students participate in collaborative

discussions and present research. Writing conventions, vocabulary, and syntax are

emphasized. Summer reading is required.

Honors English I Course Descriptions

Honors English I covers the same Common Core curriculum as English I.

Honors students are expected to progress at a more rapid rate;

therefore, additional units of study, activities, and assignments are

incorporated. An overview of English Language Arts Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities in later grades is highlighted.

Summer reading is required.

Honors ConsiderationsPrior to enrolling in an Honors course, please consider whether or not the student meets the following criteria:A sincere interest in language arts- a desire to read and write at an analytical levelParental support including the approval of reading more mature textsAn acceptance of an increased but not unmanageable workloadA grade point average of “B” or better in Language Arts

If your child is unsure as to which English course is the best choice-please have your child speak with the current language arts teacher for more information. Students who demonstrate high achievement in a college-preparatory level class are encouraged to enroll in an Honors course at the start of the next school year.

Elective Options

9th Grade students have 3 English electives from which to choose:

Best SellersCreative WritingSpeech and Debate

All students are strongly encouraged to take an English elective.

World History

World History after 1750 A & B OR

Honors World History after 1750 A & B

Similarities…Use the same textCover the same time period 1750 to Present

Differences (Honors)…Read and analyze a novel (Lemon Tree)Portfolio Assignment (3 independent assignments)Pre-advanced placement assignments (DBQ,

essay)

Passion for History and did well in 8th Grade History

A good writer and is strongly considering Honors English

Loves to read and has good reading comprehension skills

Hard working and motivated student

Plans to take AP US take Honors World

Options for Spanish:

1B -- IIA -- IIB with teacher recommendation

IA -- IB

Options for All World Languages:

* ASL IA –IB

*French IA – IB

*German IA – IB

Mandarin IA – IB

Spanish IA – IB

* Require an Alternative World Language Selection

Options for All World Languages:

Students may continue through….

Levels I, II, III and AP in French, Mandarin and Spanish

Levels I, II, III, and IV in German

Levels I, II, and III in ASL

Fine Arts Credit Something for Everyone

Band Choir Orchestra Theater Technical Theater

HS Band, Choir, and Orchestra directors place students in ensembles based on readiness, skill development, teacher recommendation and audition.

Collaborative settings where students realize their contribution as being important to the whole

Educational environments that engage the brain creatively

Naturally cross-curricular

……where everyone has a sense of belonging

ECA

Enhanced Communications Applications

Connected course between Speech & Technology

Computer Applications for College

Intro to Web Design

PE Required Course:

Physical Education OR

Physical Education – Summer School OR

Waiver Option

Health Required Course:

Health OR

Health Summer School

PE Electives…

Advanced Team Sports Individual Sports Personal Fitness Strength Training

Applied Technology

Focuses on courses for students who are interested in following career fields…

Engineering

Architecture

Manufacturing

Construction

Graphic design

Applied Technology

Teaches valuable problem-solving

and creative-thinking skills in relation

to the mechanical design technology

available in today’s society

9th Graders Choice…. (CAD) Computer-Aided Design

Introductory pre-requisite for all other Applied Technology course offerings

Dual-credit option from Sinclair

Community College

Applied Technology

Once a student has completed the

introductory CAD course, in future

years they have the option to enroll in

any of the other course offerings in

Applied Technology…

A few of those options are…. Advanced CAD:

Students manipulate 3D surfaces and 3D viewports

Engineering CAD: Students learn how to create 3D solid models and

test prototype designs

Architecture CAD:Students learn FHA guidelines and codes in

relation to constructing floor plans and architectural dwellings

Additional 9th Grade Choice…

(CAM/CNC) Computer-Aided Machining

Involves programming robotic machinery (CNC) to mill or cut-out projects

Students use manufacturing and production skills to construct the designs

Art is for everyone…

Lots of options for lots of interests

Nearly all students take Visual Art

Single trimester courses

Focus on learnable skills

MHS Art Graduates Animation (cross w/ Math)

Architecture/Planning (cross w/ Applied Tech)

Art Education Art History (cross w/ Social Studies)

Studio Art/Fine Art Arts Administration (cross w/ Business)

Electronic Media Fashion Design/Merchandising (cross w/ Business)

Graphic Design Illustration Industrial Design (cross w/ Applied Tech)

Interior Design Photography Video Games (cross w/ Math)

Courses for Freshmen Core Experience

DrawingPaintingCeramicsSculptureArt Foundations

Other Great CoursesPhotographyDigital Image DesignMetals and Jewelry Making

Continuing On…

Students can continue on inDrawing II, IIIPainting II, IIICeramics II, IIIDigital Image Design II, IIIPhotography II, III

And eventually AP Studio Art

FAQ’s of Scheduling…

1) Why is the registration process changing?

2) How will my course selections be entered?

3) Why do I need a teacher initial for certain classes?


4) Why do I need to list alternate courses?

5) When can I make changes to my schedule?

DROP/ADD POLICY

6) I changed my mind about a class. Can I switch an elective for another elective?


7) Can I test out of Foreign Language?

8) Summer School and Credit Flex Options

All these questions and answers available on…

** MasonComets.org **

Dave Hyatt Contact Info…

[email protected]

2013 8 th Grade Transitional Meeting

Documents

Transcript of 2013 8 th Grade Transitional Meeting