Welcome to Weslaco East High School Class of 2018

Agenda

• A brief history of Weslaco East High School

• What are small learning communities?

• What are the graduation requirements for the class of 2018?

• What are End of Course exams and why are they important?

• How and when will my child register for high school?

A Brief History of WEHS

• The doors opened in 2000• Became a separate high school in

2002• Graduated the first class in 2004• Enrollment is about 2200 students• Compete at the 6A level for all UIL

activities

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WEHS Alumni

Our alumni have gone onto UTPA, UT Austin, UT San Antonio, Texas A& M College Station, Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Texas A&M International Laredo, Southern Methodist, Rice, Texas State, Mary Hardin Baylor, Baylor, University of Houston, Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake, Texas Tech, Abilene Christian, Sul Ross, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown, Rutgers, Emory, Rochester University, Carrolton College, Bowling Green, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, The United States Air Force Academy, Johns Hopkins, The University of Chicago

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Small Learning Communities

WEHS transitioned to small learning communities six years ago

We currently have six SLCs

Students are placed on an SLC for four years

If a student wishes to change their SLC they may submit an application in May

The applications are reviewed to determine if changes are possible

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Small Learning Communities

A group of students who take classes from a group of teachers and have elective choices related to the specific small learning community

Designed to build community and relationships among a small group of teachers and students within a large high school

Selection may be based on a current interest or talent or a future career interest

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Small Learning Communities

Design and Engineering

Administrator: Dr. Raul Cantu Counselor: Stephanie Inlow

Technology and Media

Administrator: Belen Torres Counselor: Carey Boleach

Health Science

Administrator: Dr. Olga Estrada Counselor: Elvira Martinez

Business and Finance

Administrator: Lisse Krink Counselor: Cindy Cid

Arts and Education

Administrator: Sue Peterson Counselor: Diana Reyna

Law

Administrator: David Gamboa Counselor: Olga Garza

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House Bill 5

Changes in Testing

End of Course Exams in English I, English II, Biology, Algebra I and United States History

Changes in Graduation Plans

Foundation Plan

Foundation Plan with Endorsements

Foundation Plan with Endorsements and Distinctions

Foundation Plan

English Language Arts Four credits

Mathematics Three credits

Science Three credits

Social Studies Three credits

Foundation Plan

Physical Education One credit

Languages Other Than English Two credits in the same language

Fine Arts One credit

Electives Six credits

Foundation Plan with Endorsements

A student may earn an endorsement by successfully completing:

curriculum requirements for the endorsement

four credits in mathematics

four credits in science

two additional elective credits

Endorsements

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Arts and Humanities

Public Service

Business and Industry

Multidisciplinary

STEM Endorsement

Includes courses directly related to:

• science, including environmental science

• technology, including computer science

• engineering

• advanced math

Business and Industry Endorsement

Includes courses directly related to:

• database management

• information technology

• communications

• accounting

• finance

• marketing

• graphic design

• architecture

• construction

• welding

• logistics

• automotive technology

• agricultural science

• HVAC

Public Services Endorsement

Includes courses directly related to:

• health sciences and occupations

• education and training

• law enforcement

• culinary arts and hospitality

Arts and Humanities Endorsement

Includes courses directly related to:

• political science

• world languages

• cultural studies

• English literature

• history

• fine arts

Multidisciplinary Studies

Allows a student to select courses from the curriculum of each endorsement area and earn credits in a variety of advanced courses from multiple content areas sufficient to complete the distinguished level of achievement

Distinguished Levels of Achievement

Distinguished Level of Achievement A student may earn a distinguished level of achievement by successfully completing:

All requirements for the Foundation Plan

a total of four credits in mathematics, which must include Algebra II

a total of four credits in science

the curriculum requirements for at least one endorsement

A student must earn distinguished level of achievement to be eligible for top 10% automatic admission.

Performance Acknowledgements

A student may earn a performance acknowledgment :

•for outstanding performance

•in a dual credit course

•in bilingualism and biliteracy

•on an AP test or IB exam

•on the PSAT, the ACT-Plan, the SAT, or the ACT

•for earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license

Registration Procedures

Most 8th graders have already selected their small learning community

WEHS counselors will visit each middle school to assist students with course selection, Cuellar on March 20 and Mary Hoge on March 24

Students who want band, orchestra, mariachi, dance and choir or one of the sports need to let the counselors know

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Registration Procedures

Students will receive a course verification form with their small learning community assignment before the end of the school year

Pre-AP assignments will be posted on our school website by the second week of June

Final registration will take place the second week of August

Class of 2018

Welcome to Weslaco East High School!