PATHWAYS TO
SUCCESS
From APEX to IB
S
APEX (Academic Program for the
Exceptional)
S A special education service designed for students in
the Shelby County School System who meet the criteria
for intellectually gifted students in the state of TN
S Emphasizes: critical thinking, research and study skills,
problem-solving, decision making, communication
skills, and leadership skills
S If you have questions concerning APEX, please contact
APEX teacher – Dr. Curry – pdoocycurry@scsk12.org
APEX
S Second (2nd) Grade --- School-wide screening begins in
May (to include teacher checklists, class performance,
and achievement test scores)
S Placement is made if state requirements for giftedness
are met following the state rubric and guidelines.
S New Students – Achievement test scores are reviewed
when received
APEX
S Once placed in APEX, annual IEP meetings are scheduled
with re-evaluation every 3 years
S Achievement scores are analyzed each year in August for
students not meeting the requirements in 2nd grade or
students new to the school
S Pullout through 5th grade, which includes 4 hours per week of
gifted services
S APEX Language Arts – 6th, 7th, and 8th
ENRICHED CLASSES
S Enriched Placements are based on a school rubric to
include: assessment scores, class performance, and a
teacher checklist
S Enriched Language Arts – 6th, 7th, & 8th
S Enriched Math – 6th, 7th, & 8th
HONORS CLASSES – 8TH
S Eligibility is based on rubric completed by teachers
S HS Algebra and Physical Science must be taken together
S Algebra and Physical Science count as electives in HS – NOT
math/science credit
S Spanish – must be enrolled in either APEX LA or Enriched LA
S At registration – request to be in Spanish
BETA CLUB
S Advisors check 1st semester grades for 7th and 8th
graders
S 1st semester grades must be all A’s with the exception
of one B and must have E’s and S’s only
S Officers must be in 8th grade
S Officers include: President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Historian
STUDENT COUNCIL
S
Students campaign for Officer Positions
S
Officers: President – 8th grader, VP – 7th, Secretary – 8th or 7th, Treasurer
– 8th or 7th, Business Manager – 8th, Historian – 8th
S
Representatives: Each homeroom in Grades 6, 7, and 8 elect two
representatives and one alternate
S
Officers and Representatives will be expected to maintain an average of
at least an 86 in each subject and conduct grade of at least G in all
classes for each reporting period.
S
Officers and Representatives are required to volunteer a minimum of 10
hours of service to worthy community projects
th
9
Grade Course Selection
S Honors Classes: based on student’s 8th grade first semester
grades, must have maintained A’s to be recommended for
Honors Classes
S If taking Geometry, must take Biology also
S If students are not recommended for Honors – parents may
go to the HS Counselors’ Office and request an override
S If parent requests override, student may be required to
remain in class even if grades are low
REGISTRATION FOR 9TH GRADE
S
Parents and students may go on-line and look at HS Catalogs to see classes
offered and the prerequisites to enroll in classes
S
Kathleen Fisher will work with 8th graders to make Course Selections and
complete forms required for enrollment
S
All 8th graders must complete GHS 9th Grade Course Request Form
S
If not attending GHS, information can be used to complete the application for
the HS the student plans to attend
S
Germantown High School Catalog
http://www.scsk12.org/SCS/high/Germantown/coursecatalog.htm
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE (IB)
S The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program
is a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum. The
objectives of the IB Diploma program are to provide
students with a balanced education, to facilitate
geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote
international understanding through a shared academic
experience.
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM AT
GHS
S Applications may be requested from the IB Coordinator (Dr.
Melinda Keller) at GHS – call: 901-756-2350 ext 248 or email:
mkeller@scsk12.org
S Selection Matrix: GPA, Standardized Test Scores, creative
writing sample, innovative illustration, and a personal
interview
S Go to GHS website for more information
S GHS IB Website:
http://germantownhs.scsk12.org/~mkeller/IB_at_GHS/Home
.html
QUESTIONS ABOUT
REGISTRATION FOR 9TH CLASSES
OR IB
S Call or email Kathleen Fisher – kfisher@scsk12.org
S Check High School Catalogs on-line
S Call HS Counselor
S IB – Call or email IB Coordinator - Dr. Melinda Keller –
mkeller@scsk12.org or IB Counselor – Sheila Merritt –
smerritt@scsk12.org