SIMSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

Slide 1:SIMSBURY HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION PROCESS

Signed Course Selection sheets are due in Guidance by Friday, February 6,2009

Slide 2:Proposed Graduation RequirementsClass of 2013

English 4.0 Mathematics 3.0 Science 3.0 Social Studies 3.5 Art, Business, Engineering, Family and Consumer Sciences, Music or Tech Ed 1.0 Additional Courses 6.0 Physical Education 1.0 Health .5 TOTAL CREDITS FOR GRADUATION 22.0

Slide 3:DROPPING COURSES

Dropping first semester and year courses without penalty of a recorded failure must occur by the 3rd week of school. The deadline for dropping second semester courses will be the 3rd week of the second semester.

Slide 4:CHANGING LEVELS

If a student/parent feels a level change is necessary, you must discuss this with your teacher and school counselor. Changes must be made by progress report time ( mid October) or the end of the first quarter. (beginning of November)

Slide 5:COURSE LEVELS

Level I Honors or Advanced Placement Level II Competitive College Prep Level III College Prep ( Math classes only)

Slide 6:HONOR ROLL

High Honors All A�s (A+, A, A-) and one B (B+, B, B-) Honors Any combination of A�s and B�s with one C (C+, C, C-)

Slide 7:PROMOTION POLICY

To be a Sophomore, a student must have 5 credits, excluding P.E. and Health To be a Junior, a student must have 10 credits, excluding P.E. and Health To be a Senior, a student must have 15 credits, excluding P.E. and Health

Slide 8:Typical Plan of Studies

Grade 9 English Math World Civilization 1 Integrated and Physical Science World Language Physical Education/ Study Hall or Elective Elective or Study Hall

Slide 9:English

All students have been recommended for Grade 9 English � I, or II

Slide 10:Mathematics

Students who are presently in Pre-Algebra 8-II may have been recommended for Algebra 1-II or Algebra 1-III Students who are presently in Algebra 8-I have been recommended for Geometry-I or Geometry-II Algebra 1-I will not be offered next year. Please cross it off on your sheet.

Slide 11:Science

All students have been recommended for Integrated and Physical Science � I or II

Slide 12:Social Studies

All students have been recommended for World Civilization � I or II

Slide 13:World Languages

Students are encouraged to continue with their 8th grade language Students may choose to begin the study of a different language Options include; Chinese (excellent visual discrimination, attention to detail, strong and consistent work ethic) Latin (written language, excellent grammar skills) French (conversational, many rules variations) Spanish (conversational, phonetic)

Slide 14:Physical Education

All students will take PE one semester Health There is no Health requirement for grade 9 Please cross Health off on your Yellow sheet and cross off Health 9 on p.26 of your Program of Studies

Slide 15:Art

Introductory Art experiences include: Art 1- offered full year (drawing, ceramics, painting, fine crafts, printmaking, graphic design, sculpture) Art 1A � offered half year ( drawing, painting, design and sculpture)

Slide 16:Business and Finance

3 semester courses available to choose from: Intro. to Business and Finance (economic awareness and business competencies) Introduction to Business Technologies (Microsoft Office, Publisher, PowerPoint, PhotoStory, Excel) Web Design Elements ( Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop)

Slide 17:Engineering

Intro to Engineering Design-II May be taken for either Science or Tech Ed credit Interested students should take this in addition to IPS as their elective

Slide 18:Family and Consumer Science

Child Development (child related careers and knowledge) Cultures and Cuisines (cultural food experiences) Smart Cooking (the world of cooking with an emphasis on nutrition) Foods For Entertaining ( food design , artistic presentation for event planning)

Slide 19:Technology Education

Architecture (mechanical drawing utilizing CAD, computer aided design) Aviation (flight and aerodynamic principles) Construction/Manufacturing (team activities and projects, carpentry) Digital Video Production (explore digital video and image creation and editing) Intro. to Transportation (problem solving activities as it relates to vehicles) Aerospace Education is available for grades 10, 11, 12. You may not take this course as a freshmen. Please cross it off on your sheet.

Slide 20:Music

Students who are continuing with their present music should sign up for: Freshman Chorus, Orchestra, or Freshman Band Other Music Options Intro to Music Technology ( composition and sound technology) Intro to Theater ( developing acting skills through use of body, mind and voice in group performance) Percussion Ensemble is based on auditions held in the spring. If interested you should be signing up for Freshman Band

Slide 21:Parent Course Selection Meeting

Wednesday: February 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Simsbury High School Auditorium Remind your parents to attend and bring the Course Selection Booklet, recommendation sheet and orientation information handout.

Slide 22:Alternate HS Choices

Magnet Schools - Examples: Academy of Math and Science, Academy of the Arts, University High School for Science and Engineering Vocational-Technical Schools � Example: Oliver Wolcott Technical High School Suffield Regional Agriscience Center If you have questions or interest in these programs, see your counselor soon.

Slide 23:Sample Schedule Creation

Refer to your blank schedule hand-out

Slide 24:Sample Schedule- 7 periods

Slide 25:Student Learning Clusters

Booklet familiarizes you with the learning clusters at SHS Note: The brochure refers to 25 required credits. At this point, this has not been approved by the BOE and, for now, the class of 2013 will need 22. Health is also not required for grade 9 students. If you and your parents complete the worksheet at the end of the booklet, please be aware of these updates.

Slide 26:REMEMBER