Ponchatoula High School
Scheduling Information
2014-2015
Equal Opportunity
Tangipahoa 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.
Administration
Mr. Daniel Strickland, Principal
Ms. Mary Beth Crovetto, Asst. Principal
Mr. Byron Hurst, Asst. Principal
Ms. Christie Atkins, Curriculum
Ms. Melanie Monistere, Curriculum & Freshman Academy
Mr. Curtis White, Disciplinarian
Counselors
Ms. Denise Latour, A-D
denise.latour@tangischools.org
985-474-8809
Ms. Orlisa DePhillips, E-K
orlisa.dephillips@tangischools.org
985-474-8810
Ms. Katharine Meadors, L-Q
katharine.meadors@tangischools.org
985-474-8805
Ms. Tommie Robertson
Tommie.robertson@tangischools.org
985-474-8808
Introduction
The 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 REQUIREMENTS
Through May 2017 graduates
College and Career Diploma
Louisiana Core 4 Curriculum
Louisiana 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 Policy
All 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 Requirements
PHS Course Offerings
(for students entering 9th grade in August 2008 through August 2013)
La Core 4 Curriculum
English – 4 units
English I, I, III, and IV
Math – 4 units
Algebra I or Algebra I Pt. 2
Geometry
Algebra II
Remaining unit shall come from the
following: Financial Math, Math
Essentials, Advanced Math –
PreCalculus, Advanced Math –
Functions and Statistics, Calculus
Science – 4 units
Biology
Chemistry
2 units from the following: Physical
Science, Integrated Science,
Physics, Biology II, Chemistry II,
Environmental Science, Agriscience
II, Anatomy and Physiology
Social Studies – 4 units
Civics
American History
2 units from the following: World
Geography, World History,
Psychology
Health – ½ unit
Physical Education – 1 1/2 units
Foreign Language – 2 units
2 units from the same foreign
language or 2 units of speech
Arts – 1 unit
Fine Arts Survey or one unit of Art,
Music, or Theatre
Elective – 3 units
Total units = 24
Basic Core Curriculum
English – 4 units
English I, II, III, and IV or Senior
Applications in English
Math – 4 units
Algebra I or Algebra I Pt. 2
Geometry
Remaining units shall come from
the following: Algebra II, Financial
Math, Math Essentials, Advanced
Math – PreCalculus, Advanced Math
– Functions and Statistics, Calculus
Science – 3 units
Biology
1 unit from physical science cluster:
Physical Science, Integrated
Science, Chemistry I, Physics I
1 unit from Biology II, Chemistry II,
Environmental Science, Agriscience
II, Anatomy and Physiology
Social Studies – 3 units
American History
Civics
1 unit from World History or World
Geography
Health – ½ unit
Physical Education – 1 ½ units
Electives – 8 units
Education for Careers or Journey to
Careers
Shall include the minimum courses
required to complete a
Career/Technical Area of
Concentration
Total Units = 24
Note: Students who qualify may graduate with a Career Diploma instead of the Louisiana Core 4
or the Louisiana Basic Core. See you counselor for information.
Louisiana High School Graduation Requirements
PHS Course Offerings
(for students entering 9th grade in August 2014 and beyond )
College Curriculum
English – 4 units
English I, I, III, and IV
Math – 4 units
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Remaining unit shall come from the
following: Financial Math, Math
Essentials, Advanced Math –
PreCalculus, Advanced Math –
Functions and Statistics, Calculus
Science – 4 units
Biology
Chemistry
2 units from the following:
Agriscience II, Biology II,
Chemistry II, Environmental
Science, Physical Science, Physics,
AP Physics I & II
Social Studies – 4 units
Civics
American History
World Geography
World History
Health – ½ unit
Physical Education – 1 1/2 units
Foreign Language – 2 units
2 units from the same foreign
language
Arts – 1 unit
Fine Arts Survey; one unit of Art,
Music, or Theatre; or Speech III & IV
Elective – 3 units
Total units = 24
Career Curriculum
?
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-ofconcentration-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 Plan
IGP
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.
TOPS
Taylor 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 Awards
8 semesters of college tuition
TOPS Tech Award
2 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 Curriculum
For the Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards
For High School graduates of 2014 through 2017.
For High School graduates of 2018 and thereafter click here
Units
ENGLISH = 4 Units
4 units
MATH = 4 Units
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
SCIENCE = 4 Units
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
SOCIAL STUDIES = 4 Units
1 unit
1 unit
2 units
FOREIGN LANGUAGE = 2 Units
2 units
FINE ARTS = 1 Unit
1 unit
Courses1
English I, II, III, & IV
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)
Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics II
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
Biology I or II
Chemistry I or II, or Chemistry Com
Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, Integrated
Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics, Physics II, Physics for
Technology I or II, or Anatomy and Physiology
or both Agriscience I & II (both for 1 unit)
United States History
Civics and Free Enterprise (1 unit, combined),2 Civics (1 year), or AP
Government and Politics: United States
World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European
History, History of Religion or AP Human Geography
Foreign Language (2 units in the same language)
Fine Arts Survey
or 1 unit of a performance course in music, or dance, or theater
or 1 unit of studio art
or 1 unit of visual art
or both Speech III & IV (both for 1 unit)
TOTAL = 19 Units
1
Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses with the same name as a course listed in the
TOPS
Core Curriculum may be substituted.
2
th
Can be used only by students who entered the 9 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 in
TOPS statute and those determined to be equivalent by the La. Board of Regents and BESE.
(800) 259-5626
custserv@la.gov
www.osfa.la.gov
P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-9202
Updated : 08/15/2013
TOPS Core Curriculum
For the Opportunity, Performance and Honors Awards
For High School graduates of 2018 and thereafter
Units
ENGLISH = 4 Units
1 Unit
Courses1
1 Unit
English II
English III, AP English Language Arts and Composition, or IB
English III (Language A or Literature and Performance)
English IV, AP English Literature and Composition, or IB English
IV (Language A or Literature and Performance)
1 Unit from the following:
1 Unit from the following:
English I
MATH = 4 Units
1 Unit
Algebra I
1 Unit
Geometry
1 Unit
Algebra II
1 Unit from the following:
SCIENCE = 4 Units
1 Unit
1 Unit
2 Units from the following:
(Integrated Mathematics I, Integrated Mathematics II, and
Integrated Mathematics III may be substituted for the Algebra I,
Geometry, and Algebra II sequence)
Algebra III; Advanced Math - Functions and Statistics, Advanced
Math - 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
Biology I
Chemistry I
Earth Science; Environmental Science; Physical Science;
Agriscience I and Agriscience II (one unit combined); Chemistry
II, 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 Units
1 Unit from the following:
½ Unit from the following:
½ Unit from the following:
U.S. History, AP U.S. History, or IB U.S. History
Government, AP U.S. Government and Politics: Comparative, or
AP U.S. Government and Politics: United States
Economics, AP Macroeconomics, or AP Microeconomics
(one unit of Civics may be substituted for the two ½ Units above)
Western Civilization, European History, or AP European History;
World Geography, AP Human Geography, or IB Geography;
2 Units from the following:
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 Units
Foreign 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 and
Culture, AP Italian Language and Culture, AP Japanese
Language and Culture, AP Latin, AP Spanish Language and
Culture, IB French IV, IB French V, IB Spanish IV, and IB Spanish V
ART = 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; AP
Studio 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) 259‐5626
custserv@la.gov
www.osfa.la.gov
P.O. Box 91202, Baton Rouge, LA 70821‐9202
Updated : 09/10/2013
TOPS Tech Core Curriculum
For the TOPS Tech Award – Option 1 and Option 2
For High School graduates of 2014 and thereafter
Students may also qualify for the TOPS Tech Award by completing the TOPS Core
Curriculum for the Opportunity, Performance and Honors Awards
Units
Courses
3 Units
English I, II, and III
1 Unit
2 Units
English IV, Business English or Senior Applications in English
Algebra I, or Algebra I, Parts 1 and 2 (two units); or Applied Algebra I or Applied
Mathematics I and II (two units)
Geometry, 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 and
Algebra II, and shall be considered the equivalent of the 3 required math units)
Biology
Chemistry or Applied Chemistry
Earth 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)
United States History
Civics (one unit)
World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, European History or AP Human
Geography
Option 1
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)
Foreign Language, Technical Writing, Speech I or Speech II
1 Unit
Computer education program of studies approved by BESE
1 Unit
2 Units
1 Unit
1 Unit
1 Unit
1 Unit
1 Unit
1 Unit
1 Unit
TOTAL: 17 units
1 Unit
Option 2
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 to
http://www.louisianabelieves.com/docs/course-choice/2013-2014-career-and-technicaleducation-area-of-concentration-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=2
Related or technical field course
1 Unit
Basic computer course
4 Units
TOTAL: 19 units
This 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 Test
Students must pass three End of Course tests to graduate.
English II or English III
Algebra I or Geometry
Biology I or American History
* EOC Test will count as 15% of the final grade *
Standardized Testing Sequence
9th grade – EOC, Explore
10th grade – EOC, PLAN
11th grade – EOC, ACT, PSAT, SAT, ASVAB
12th grade – repeat above tests as needed
Classification by Grade Levels
9th
10th
11th
12th
Credits
0 – 5.5
6 – 10.5
11 – 16.5
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.


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.




College admission officers look for students who take rigorous courses. It shows
them that you like to challenge yourself.
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 University
The 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)
MATH 161/MATH 162
MATH 161/MATH 241
MATH 163/MATH 241
ENG 101/102
GBIO 151
HIST 101
HIST 202
SPAN101/SPAN102
MUSIC 151
CHEM 101
PSYC 101
Corresponding High School Course
Advanced Math Pre-Calculus-H
Advanced Math Statistics-H
Calculus-H
English IV-H
Biology II-H
World History-H
American History-H
Spanish II-H
Fine Arts Survey-H
Chemistry II-H
Psychology-H
Teacher
Dahmer
Dahmer
H. Thompson
Waller
Ponseti
Watts
Grigas
Hair/Hoover
Square
Amerson
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
19 Math
English
18 English
History/Spanish/Music/Psychology
19 Math or18 English
Biology
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.
Websites
SLU General Catalog:
http://www.selu.edu/admin/rec_reg/university_catalogue/
LSU General Catalog:
http://ww.lsu.edu/catalogs/2012/008courses.shtml
LSU Tiger Transfer Tables
http://sites01.lsu.edu/wp/admissions/become-a-tiger-2/transfer-students/
Board of Regents Articulation Matrix
http://regents.louisiana.gov/master-course-articulation-matrix-ay-2013-2014/