Course Selection 2015-2016
Mercer Middle School
Counseling Department
What are we talking about today?
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Thomas Jefferson High School
Academy of Science
Diploma Types
High School Credits
6 Year Plans
Course Selection/Naviance
College in Six
Thomas Jefferson High School
TJHSST is a unique Fairfax County public high school that provides
an innovative, specialized learning environment for highly
motivated students who have a genuine interest in the biological,
physical, mathematical, technological, and computer sciences.
• Students are selected for TJHSST through a competitive admissions
process. We are looking for highly motivated students with diverse
backgrounds, talents, and skills, who demonstrate:
– High ability, aptitude, and interest in math, science, and technology.
– Intellectual curiosity and self-motivation to pursue scientific research.
– A desire to be challenged with an extensive curriculum focused in
math, science, and technology.
– The highest academic and personal integrity.
– An aspiration to become a member of a community of learners,
explorers, mentors, and leaders.
– The capability to become citizens and leaders of the 21st century.
Academy of Science
• The mission of the LCPS Academy of Science is to
provide an academic environment where students are
encouraged to develop creative scientific endeavors of
their own design, while having the opportunity to
pursue a rich, well-rounded high school experience.
• Students attend the AOS on alternating days. Students
take science, math, and research courses at the
Academy and all other subjects at their home school
on the opposite day. This schedule enables students to
maintain involvement in academic and extra-curricular
activities at their home school while participating in a
research-based challenging math and science
program.
Standard Diploma
Academic Areas
Credits
SOL Verified Credits
English
4
2
Social Studies
3
1
3
1
3
1
Health/Family Life/Physical Education
2
0
Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or CTE
2
0
Economics and Personal Finance
1
0
Electives (Must include 2 sequential electives)
4
0
Student Selected Verified Credit
0
1
Total
22
6
(World Studies, US/VA Government, and US/VA History)
Mathematics
(Algebra I, Geometry, Functions, Algebra II or above level of Algebra II)
Science
(From 2 of the 4 disciplines: Biological, Chemical, Physical, Earth)
Advanced Studies Diploma
Academic Areas
Credits
SOL Verified Credits
English
4
2
Social Studies
4
2
4
2
4
2
3 or 4
0
Health/Physical Education
2
0
Fine Arts or Career & Technical Education
1
0
Economics & Personal Finance
1
0
Electives
3
0
Student Selected Verified Credit
0
1
26 or 27
9
(World Studies (2), US/VA Government, and US/VA History)
Mathematics
(Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or above level of Algebra II)
Science
(From 3 of the 4 disciplines: Biological, Chemical, Physical, Earth)
Foreign Language (3 years of one language or 2 years each of
two different languages)
Total (depends on foreign language option)
Honors vs. Grade Level
• Both levels build on previous skills and require
academic effort outside of school.
• Both levels require regular and frequent
homework
• Honors classes require a greater commitment
of time and effort outside of class
• Consider the amount of after school activities
8th Grade Required Courses:
1. Language Arts 8
2. Math 8 (Pre-Algebra), Algebra I, Geometry, Alg. II, Alg. II/
Trigonometry
3. Science 8
4. Honors Civics
5. Health and P.E.
6. Resource or Spectrum
7 & 8.
Two Full Year Electives
Manufacturing (Tech Ed.), Teen Living (FACS), Art, Chorus,
Guitar II, Strings, Band, Spanish I/II, Latin I/II, German I/II,
French I/II, Reading
Reminders about Selecting Courses
• Must be in 7th grade band/strings/guitar to select 8th
grade band/strings/guitar
• Foreign Language (French, Spanish, Latin, German) is
a HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL CLASS. The grade you receive
in this class will be on your permanent High School
transcript.
• Algebra I/Geometry are HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
CLASSES. The grade you receive in these classes will
be on your permanent High School transcript.
Naviance
• Naviance is a website used by Loudoun
County Public Schools.
• All Mercer students will register for classes
through the Naviance program.
• After today, you can login to Naviance from
your home and make any changes to your
courses until March 1st.
• Please review your selections with your
parents or guardians.
Naviance Log In
1. http://connection.naviance.com/mms
Naviance Log In
Enter User ID (Student ID #)
Enter Password (Digit Student ID #)
Online Course Selection
• Click “Grade 8 Course Request Survey”
• Use your paper course selection sheet to select
courses online.
• When you are finished selecting your courses, click
“Update”
• You may make any changes at home with your
parents/guardians.
• Click “About Me”
• You MUST click “Update” each time you make a
change or the changes won’t be saved.
6 Year Plan Surveys
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Grade 8 Course Survey
Grade 9-6 Year Plan
Grade 10-6 Year Plan
Grade 11-6 Year Plan
Grade 12-6 Year Plan
• You are choosing core classes and foreign
language only.
Making Changes at Home
The survey will be available to students and
parents until March 2nd. Any changes after
that time will be made through contacting
your school counselor (note from home or
email).
All changes must be requested through
Guidance by June 16th, 2015.