Ponchatoula High SchoolScheduling Information

2014-2015

Equal OpportunityTangipahoa Parish School Board and Ponchatoula High School adheres to the equal opportunity provision of federal civil rights laws and regulations that are applicable to this agency. Therefore, no one will be discriminated against on the basis of race,

color, or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), age, veteran status, or handicapping condition (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in the pursuit of educational goals and

objectives and in the administration of personnel policies and procedures. Anyone with questions regarding this policy may contact Arlene Guerin, Tangipahoa Parish School Board Office, 59656 Puleston Road, Amite, LA 70462, Telephone (985) 748-

7153.

AdministrationMr. Daniel Strickland, Principal

Ms. Mary Beth Crovetto, Asst. PrincipalMr. Byron Hurst, Asst. PrincipalMs. Christie Atkins, Curriculum

Ms. Melanie Monistere, Curriculum & Freshman AcademyMr. Curtis White, Disciplinarian

CounselorsMs. Denise Latour, A-D

denise.latour@tangischools.org985-474-8809

Ms. Orlisa DePhillips, E-Korlisa.dephillips@tangischools.org

985-474-8810Ms. Katharine Meadors, L-Q

katharine.meadors@tangischools.org985-474-8805

Ms. Tommie RobertsonTommie.robertson@tangischools.org

985-474-8808

IntroductionThe information in this brochure is important to both you, as a student, and your parents. In order for Ponchatoula High School to provide you with the best possible education, you must take the responsibility of choosing classes that will help you achieve your goals. This guide will provide you with graduation requirements, scheduling requirements, course summaries, and other important information. Read this guide carefully and discuss your schedule with your parents. It is important that you make selections that meet state requirements and that are helpful in meeting your individual needs. Since you are not allowed to change teachers or courses once schedules are issued, you should give serious consideration to your selections.

A counselor is assigned to students at Ponchatoula High School to help them during their high school career. A student or parent may schedule a conference with a counselor for any reason. These areas may include academic, career, or personal/social concerns. Strict confidentiality is maintained unless the student reports a desire to harm self, harm someone else, or that he is being harmed by someone.

During the spring semester, students select their courses for the coming year with the help of their individual counselor. The proposed schedule is sent home for parent approval and signature. Classes are only changed in extenuating circumstances.

LOUISIANA GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSThrough May 2017 graduates

College and Career DiplomaLouisiana Core 4 CurriculumLouisiana Basic Core Curriculum

Career Diploma

Beginning with 14-15 Freshmen (May 2018 graduates)College Diploma

Career Diploma

What can I do with each diploma?Core 4 Basic Career

4 year college √

2 year college √ √ √

Technical college √ √ √

Military √ √ √

Work √ √ √

State PolicyAll students entering 9th grade are automatically placed on the LA Core 4 or College pathway.

At the end of the 10th grade year, a student with parent or guardian permission may opt into the Basic Core curriculum or Career Diploma.

Louisiana High School Graduation RequirementsPHS Course Offerings

(for students entering 9th grade in August 2008 through August 2013)La Core 4 Curriculum Basic Core Curriculum

English – 4 unitsEnglish I, I, III, and IV

Math – 4 unitsAlgebra I or Algebra I Pt. 2GeometryAlgebra IIRemaining unit shall come from the following: Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math – PreCalculus, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Calculus

Science – 4 unitsBiologyChemistry2 units from the following: Physical Science, Integrated Science, Physics, Biology II, Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Agriscience II, Anatomy and Physiology

Social Studies – 4 unitsCivicsAmerican History2 units from the following: World Geography, World History, Psychology

Health – ½ unitPhysical Education – 1 1/2 unitsForeign Language – 2 units

2 units from the same foreign language or 2 units of speech

Arts – 1 unitFine Arts Survey or one unit of Art, Music, or Theatre

Elective – 3 unitsTotal units = 24

English – 4 unitsEnglish I, II, III, and IV or Senior Applications in English

Math – 4 unitsAlgebra I or Algebra I Pt. 2GeometryRemaining units shall come from the following: Algebra II, Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math – PreCalculus, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Calculus

Science – 3 unitsBiology1 unit from physical science cluster: Physical Science, Integrated Science, Chemistry I, Physics I1 unit from Biology II, Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Agriscience II, Anatomy and Physiology

Social Studies – 3 unitsAmerican HistoryCivics1 unit from World History or World Geography

Health – ½ unitPhysical Education – 1 ½ unitsElectives – 8 units

Education for Careers or Journey to CareersShall include the minimum courses required to complete a Career/Technical Area of Concentration

Total Units = 24

Louisiana High School Graduation RequirementsPHS Course Offerings

(for students entering 9th grade in August 2014 and beyond )College Curriculum Career Curriculum

English – 4 unitsEnglish I, I, III, and IV

Math – 4 unitsAlgebra I GeometryAlgebra IIRemaining unit shall come from the following: Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math – PreCalculus, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Calculus

Science – 4 unitsBiologyChemistry2 units from the following:Agriscience II, Biology II, Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Physics, AP Physics I & II

Social Studies – 4 unitsCivicsAmerican HistoryWorld GeographyWorld History

Health – ½ unitPhysical Education – 1 1/2 unitsForeign Language – 2 units

2 units from the same foreign language

Arts – 1 unitFine Arts Survey; one unit of Art, Music, or Theatre; or Speech III & IV

Elective – 3 unitsTotal units = 24

?

Areas of Concentration

Each student MUST choose an Area of Concentration on the Individual Graduation Plan (IGP).

An Area of Concentration (AOC) is a sequence of courses based on a student’s interests.

Detailed course requirements for each Area of Concentration (AOC) may be found at http://www.louisianabelieves.com/docs/course-choice/2013-2014-area-of-concentration-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=2.

Areas of Concentration• Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

• Agriculture Production/Management/Entrepreneurship

• Animal Science• Architecture and Construction

• Carpentry and Construction• Drafting

• Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication• Graphic Arts• Journalism• Liberal Arts• Mass Communication• Performing Arts

• Business, Management and Administration• Administrative Support• Business, Administration

• Education and Training• Advanced Studies/Core 4 only• General Studies

• Finance• Banking and Finance (NAF Academy)

• Government and Public Administration• JROTC

• Health Science• Nutrition and Food• Emergency Health Care• Health Professionals• Pharmacy

• Hospitality and Tourism• Culinary Arts

• Human Services• Child Development Services• Management of Family Resources

• Manufacturing• Welding

• Marketing, Sales and Services• Entrepreneurship• Marketing and Sales Management

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

• Engineering

Individual Graduation PlanIGP

According to the Career Options Law, every student must have an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) on file at the school.

The plan is initiated in 8th grade and will be updated each year.The IGP shall be signed by the student and parent or legal guardian each year.

The IGP reflects the curriculum pathway and the recommended sequence of elective courses to meet Area of Concentration (AOC) requirements. The IGP is flexible, yet sufficiently structured, to ensure that a student will meet the high school requirements for admission to a postsecondary education institution or to enter the workforce.

TOPSTaylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships and one of the most innovative and progressive student assistance programs in the nation. It is recommended that students and their parents visit the TOPS website at www.osfa.state.la.us.

TOPS is a series of merit-based scholarships that award amounts equal to tuition, some including a stipend, at a state public college, university, community college or technical school, (or the weighted average of public school tuition at certain in-state private colleges).

TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards8 semesters of college tuition   

TOPS Tech Award2 years of technical college tuition

To qualify, students must follow the TOPS core curriculum and meet the GPA and ACT requirements. Students apply for TOPS by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 of their senior year.

TOPS Core CurriculumFor the Opportunity, Performance, and Honors AwardsFor High School graduates of 2014 through 2017.For High School graduates of 2018 and thereafter click here

Units Courses1

ENGLISH = 4 Units4 units English I, II, III, & IV

MATH = 4 Units1 unit Algebra I, or Integrated Mathematics I, or Applied Algebra I

or Algebra I - Parts 1 & 2 (two units)or Applied Mathematics I & II (two units)or Applied Algebra 1A and 1B (two units)

1 unit Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics II2 units Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math-Pre-Calculus, Calculus,

Advanced Math-Functions and Statistics, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Applied Mathematics III, Integrated Mathematics III, or Algebra III

SCIENCE = 4 Units1 unit Biology I or II1 unit Chemistry I or II, or Chemistry Com2 units Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Integrated

Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for Technology I or II, or Anatomy and Physiologyor both Agriscience I & II (both for 1 unit)

SOCIAL STUDIES = 4 Units1 unit United States History1 unit Civics and Free Enterprise (1 unit, combined),2 Civics (1 year), or AP

Government and Politics: United States2 units World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European

History, History of Religion or AP Human GeographyFOREIGN LANGUAGE = 2 Units

2 units Foreign Language (2 units in the same language)FINE ARTS = 1 Unit

1 unit Fine Arts Surveyor 1 unit of a performance course in music, or dance, or theateror 1 unit of studio artor 1 unit of visual artor both Speech III & IV (both for 1 unit)

TOTAL = 19 Units1

Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses with the same name as a course listed in the TOPSCore Curriculum may be substituted.

2 Can be used only by students who entered the 9th grade before July 1, 2011. (See R.S.17:274.1)

This core curriculum is accurate as of the date of publication and includes courses listed inTOPS statute and those determined to be equivalent by the La. Board of Regents and BESE.

(800) 259-5626custserv@la.gov www.osfa.la.govP.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202 Updated : 08/15/2013

TOPS Core CurriculumFor the Opportunity, Performance and Honors AwardsFor High School graduates of 2018 and thereafter

Units Courses1

ENGLISH = 4 Units1 Unit English I

1 Unit English II

1 Unit from the following: English III, AP English Language Arts and Composition, or IB English III (Language A or Literature and Performance)

1 Unit from the following: English IV, AP English Literature and Composition, or IB EnglishIV (Language A or Literature and Performance)

MATH = 4 Units1 Unit Algebra I

1 Unit Geometry

1 Unit Algebra II

(Integrated Mathematics I, Integrated Mathematics II, and Integrated Mathematics III may be substituted for the Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II sequence)

1 Unit from the following:

Algebra III; Advanced Math - Functions and Statistics, AdvancedMath - Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus, or IB Math Methods I (Mathematical Studies SL); Calculus, AP Calculus AB, or IB Math Methods II (Mathematics SL); AP Calculus BC; Probability and Statistics or AP Statistics; IB Further Mathematics HL; IB Mathematics HL

SCIENCE = 4 Units1 Unit Biology I

1 Unit Chemistry I

2 Units from the following:

Earth Science; Environmental Science; Physical Science; Agriscience I and Agriscience II (one unit combined); ChemistryII, AP Chemistry, or IB Chemistry II; AP Environmental Science or IB Environmental Systems; Physics I, AP Physics B, or IB Physics I; AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Physics C:Mechanics, or IB Physics II; AP Physics I and AP Physics II;Biology II, AP Biology, or IB Biology II

SOCIAL STUDIES = 4 Units1 Unit from the following: U.S. History, AP U.S. History, or IB U.S. History

½ Unit from the following: Government, AP U.S. Government and Politics: Comparative, orAP U.S. Government and Politics: United States

½ Unit from the following: Economics, AP Macroeconomics, or AP Microeconomics

(one unit of Civics may be substituted for the two ½ Units above)

2 Units from the following:

Western Civilization, European History, or AP European History; World Geography, AP Human Geography, or IB Geography; World History, AP World History, or IB World History; History of Religion; IB Economics

Please see reverse side for continuation of TOPS Core Curriculum

FOREIGN LANGUAGE = 2 UnitsForeign Language, both units in the same language, which may include the following: AP Chinese Language and Culture, AP French Language and Culture, AP German Language andCulture, AP Italian Language and Culture, AP JapaneseLanguage and Culture, AP Latin, AP Spanish Language andCulture, IB French IV, IB French V, IB Spanish IV, and IB Spanish VART = 1 Unit

1 Unit from the following:

Performance course in Music, Dance or Theatre; Fine Arts Survey; Art I, II, III, and IV; Talented Art I, II, III, and IV; Talented Music I, II, III and IV; Talented Theater Arts I, II, III, and IV;Speech III and Speech IV (one unit combined); AP Art History; APStudio Art: 2-D Design; AP Studio Art: 3-D Design; AP Studio Art: Drawing; AP Music Theory; IB Film Study I; IB Film Study II; IB Music I; IB Music II; IB Art Design III; IB Art Design IV; or IB Theatre I

TOTAL = 19 Units

1 GIFTED COURSES: Any core curriculum course that is taken by a student who has been identified as gifted pursuant to State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) policy and that is taken in fulfillment of the student’s Individualized Education Plan shall be considered a “Gifted Course” and shall fulfill the core curriculum.

Beginning with students entering the 9th grade in 2014 -2015 and graduating in the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter, the calculation of the TOPS Core Curriculum grade point average (GPA) will use a five- (5.00) point scale for grades earned in certain Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, Gifted Courses, and Dual Enrollment courses used to complete the TOPS Core Curriculum. At this time, BESE and the Board of Regents have not designated the courses that will be calculated on the five- (5.00) point scale.1 For such courses, five quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “A”, four quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “B”, three quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “C”, two quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “D”, and zero quality points will be assigned to a letter grade of “F”. Note that students earning credit in courses graded on the five (5.00) point scale may earn a grade point average on the TOPS Core Curriculum that exceeds 4.00.

1 Courses approved for the five- (5.00) point scale will be noted in updates to this document.

This core curriculum is accurate as of the date of publication and includes courses listed in TOPS statue.

(800) 259 5‐ 626 custserv@la.gov www.osfa.la.govP.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 9202‐ Updated : 09/10/2013

TOPS Tech Core CurriculumFor the TOPS Tech Award – Option 1 and Option 2For High School graduates of 2014 and thereafterStudents may also qualify for the TOPS Tech Award by completing the TOPS CoreCurriculum for the Opportunity, Performance and Honors Awards

Units Courses3 Units English I, II, and III

1 Unit English IV, Business English or Senior Applications in English

1 Unit Algebra I, or Algebra I, Parts 1 and 2 (two units); or Applied Algebra I or AppliedMathematics I and II (two units)

2 UnitsGeometry, Applied Mathematics III, Algebra II, Math Essentials, Financial Mathematics, Advanced Math – Pre-Calculus, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, Pre-Calculus or Algebra III(Integrated Mathematics I, II and III may be substituted for Algebra I, Geometry andAlgebra II, and shall be considered the equivalent of the 3 required math units)

1 Unit Biology1 Unit Chemistry or Applied Chemistry

1 UnitEarth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Integrated Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics I, Physics II, Physics for Technology, Anatomy and Physiology or Agriscience I and Agriscience II (both for one unit)

1 Unit United States History1 Unit Civics (one unit)

1 Unit World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European History or AP HumanGeography

Option 11 Unit Fine Arts Survey (or substitute two units of performance courses in music, dance or

theatre; or two units of visual art; or two units of studio art; or a career/technical studies course approved by Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE); or substitute one unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum) or Speech III and Speech IV (two units)

2 Units Foreign Language, Technical Writing, Speech I or Speech II

1 Unit Computer education program of studies approved by BESE

TOTAL: 17 unitsOption 2

4 Units

A career major comprised of a sequence of related specialty course and approved for the school by BESE. For a complete list of majors and courses, please go tohttp://www.louisianabelieves.com/docs/course-choice/2013-2014-career-and-technical- education-area-of-concentration-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=2

1 Unit Related or technical field course

1 Unit Basic computer course

TOTAL: 19 unitsThis core curriculum is accurate as of the date of publication and includes courses listed in TOPS statute and those determined to be equivalent by the La. Board of Regents and BESE.

Updated : 08/01/2013

State Assessments

End of Course TestStudents must pass three End of Course tests to graduate.

English II or English IIIAlgebra I or Geometry

Biology I or American History* EOC Test will count as 15% of the final grade *

Standardized Testing Sequence9th grade – EOC, Explore10th grade – EOC, PLAN11th grade – EOC, ACT, PSAT, SAT, ASVAB12th grade – repeat above tests as needed

Classification by Grade Levels Credits

9th 0 – 5.510th 6 – 10.511th 11 – 16.512th 17 -

Information about Honors Courses

What are Honors Courses?Honors courses are developed locally by high school teachers to help meet the needs of accelerated students. Honors classes offer the same curriculum as non-honors classes but are more challenging. Honors courses are faster-paced and cover topics more in-depth.

What are advantages of taking Honors Courses?

You can gain an edge in the college admission process. College admission officers look for students who take rigorous courses. It

shows them that you like to challenge yourself.

You can develop study habits that will prepare you for college. College courses are more rigorous than standard high school classes. By

taking the more challenging honors classes in high school, you will be better prepared to succeed in college.

Studies have shown that the rigor of a student's high school curriculum is the single best predictor of success in college.

Working hard in high school establishes habits that make the transition to college smoother.

You will challenge yourself in more demanding classes. You have a chance to study subjects in greater depth and detail. You will be taking classes with others who want to achieve and learn.

Who is eligible to take an honors course?Students may be considered for honors if they meet three of five of the following criteria:

– Minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8– Minimum subject area average of 3.0. – Teacher recommendation based on a subject-area checklist. – Acknowledge reviewing the Student Application and Self-Evaluation Form – Score Mastery or Advanced on LEAP or EOC test in subject area.

Don’t be under the impression that only "top" students should take honors courses.

Advanced-level courses are worth the extra effort!

Student Application for Honors Enrollment and Self-Evaluation Form

Student:To give an overall picture of your potential as an honors student, including your

willingness to work, interest in the subject matter, and future goals, please read the following statements and check the appropriate column. Please note that you do not have to answer every question with a “yes.” Checking “no” for any item will not disqualify you from enrolling in an honors class.

Yes No

I usually come to class prepared, with materials ready and assignments completed.I work well with other students.I am concerned about grades and learning.I am interested in the subject matter.I set goals and look for ways to achieve them.I do not mind homework and believe that it is important to build knowledge.I am willing to work hard and go above-and-beyond the minimum expectations for class work.I understand that honors classes often require additional work and more challenging assignments.I am good at pacing myself when I have many assignments and can complete them all on time.I realize the value of education and would like to take advantage of every opportunity to be prepared for life beyond high school.I want to take an honors course because I want to have a high school transcript that will make me more competitive for getting into college.I have taken an honors course before.

I have reviewed the information about honors courses and completed the self-evaluation. I believe that I would be a good candidate for the honors course indicated above, and my parent/guardian has reviewed this form and the information about honors classes as well.

Dual Enrollment with Southeastern LA UniversityThe Dual Enrollment program gives Ponchatoula High School students the opportunity to take college level courses at Ponchatoula High School and receive credit on their high school and college transcripts. PHS plans to offer 42 hours of college level courses during the 2013-2014 school year. Credits earned in these courses will be transferable to most state universities and many out-of-state universities.

Dual Enrollment Offerings

SLU Course(s) Corresponding High School Course TeacherMATH 161/MATH 162 Advanced Math Pre-Calculus-H DahmerMATH 161/MATH 241 Advanced Math Statistics-H DahmerMATH 163/MATH 241 Calculus-H H. ThompsonENG 101/102 English IV-H WallerGBIO 151 Biology II-H PonsetiHIST 101 World History-H WattsHIST 202 American History-H GrigasSPAN101/SPAN102 Spanish II-H Hair/HooverMUSIC 151 Fine Arts Survey-H SquareCHEM 101 Chemistry II-H AmersonPSYC 101 Psychology-H Hientz

Requirements for Enrollment: Students must be at least 15 years of age and currently in the 11th or 12th grade Students must be on track for completing the Louisiana Core 4 curriculum Students must have an A,B,C or P in dual enrollment courses taken the previous semester Students must have a PLAN or ACT composite score of at least 18 and the required sub-

scores:

Math/Chemistry English History/Spanish/Music/Psychology Biology19 Math 18 English 19 Math or18 English 19 Math and 18 English

Cost of Program The tuition rate for 2013-2014 was $150 per 3 hour course.Grading Students will receive letter grades in their PHS class and in their SLU class. These grades may or may not be the same. (The PHS grade is usually a little higher). Letter grades received in the SLU class will be an A, B, C, D, F or W. The SLU grades will be a part of the student’s permanent college record. WebsitesSLU General Catalog: http://www.selu.edu/admin/rec_reg/university_catalogue/LSU General Catalog:http://ww.lsu.edu/catalogs/2012/008courses.shtmlLSU Tiger Transfer Tableshttp://sites01.lsu.edu/wp/admissions/become-a-tiger-2/transfer-students/Board of Regents Articulation Matrixhttp://regents.louisiana.gov/master-course-articulation-matrix-ay-2013-2014/