Meade High School
Prospectus
General Information
Meade High School is fully accredited.
Requirements for graduation are 24 credits earned in grades 9-12.
This handbook includes general information that will be helpful during your years at
MHS.
Graduation Alternative
Seniors can graduate early in December. If a senior chooses to apply for this,
he/she must complete all MHS credits required for graduation in addition to the
following:
* Write a letter of intent
* Present your request to the Board of Education, USD 226
Dual Credit
Meade High School and Seward County Community College
Meade high school will permit students who are classified as juniors or seniors to
take courses at Seward County Community College to receive credit from Meade
High School for the same course or courses (Unless otherwise approved by the high
school principal this option will be limited to elective courses and those courses
corresponding with the high school timeframe). Students will receive 1.0 high
school credit for a three (3) hour or more college class. College fees for dual credit
courses are the student’s responsibility, not the high school or USD 226. A
placement exam must be taken before enrollment is finalized.
Career and Technical Education Pathways
Business Entrepreneurship & Management
Construction
Design & Pre-Construction
Information Support & Services
Teaching & Training
Graduation Requirements
24 units of credit including
Career and Technical Education
1 credit
Health and Physical Education
1 credit
English/Language Arts
4 credits
Mathematics
3 credits
Science (one must be a lab class)
3 credits
Social Studies (including US History and Government)
3 credits
Fine Arts
1 credit
Electives
8 credits
Clubs and Activities
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
Students learn about entrepreneurial and business enterprises, participate in
service projects, and grow in character and confidence. At competition students
compete in events testing their business knowledge and skills.
FORENSICS
KAYETTES (Kansas Association for Youth)
Kayettes is a character-building, leadership program open to any girl in the high
school. The primary sponsor for the organization is the Kansas State High School
Activities Association. Most of the meetings are held within school hours during the
meeting time. This club offers many traditional activities including: Lock-ins, Iron
Man Volleyball, Chocoholics, Singing Valentines, Lone Tree Birthday Parties,
Leadership Camp, Conferences, and many more.
www.kshsaa.org (activities/non-athletic/Kansas Association for Youth)
KEY CLUB
This club is open to anyone in high school. It is an international student-led
organization that teaches leadership through service to others. The core values of
Key Club are leadership, character building, caring and inclusiveness. The MHS Key
Club organizes an annual veteran’s day program, plans the school-wide community
service day, hosts a Red Cross Blood drive, and has many other service activities
throughout the year.
M CLUB
This club is open to any student athlete that has lettered in a varsity sport.
NHS (National Honor Society)
National Honor Society is open to any student in after their 3rd semester of high
school (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) who has maintained a minimum GPA of
3.5. Students must maintain this GPA through the last semester enrolled in high
school. Students must attend ALL NHS meetings, maintain active membership in at
least one school club other than NHS, complete 20 hours of community service
each year, and exhibit loyalty to school.
SCHOLARS BOWL
This organization has both a Varsity and JV team. A team consists of 5 students.
Teams compete against the clock and teams from other schools to answer
questions in seven knowledge areas. The knowledge areas are math, science,
language arts, fine arts, social sciences, foreign language and current events.
SCIENCE CLUB
This is a student organization that promotes science literacy. It is open to all
students who are interested in promoting science literacy and science activities.
Some of the club’s activities include Mole Day, stargazing, scavenger hunt, Earth
Day, Engineering Week, movie nights, Red Cross blood drive and Night of Mystery.
SKILLS USA
Skills provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork,
citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence,
work attitudes and communication skills. It emphasizes total quality at work- high
ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education, and pride in the dignity
of work. Skills USA also promotes understanding of the free-enterprise system and
involvement in community service.
STUCO (Student Council)
This organization is involved in policy review and implementation at the high
school. It provides an avenue for students to voice concerns as well as share and
discuss new ideas. Activities include Fall Homecoming and Winter Homecoming.
Business and Information Technology Course Offerings
Business Essentials
Business Essentials is an entry level course for the business department. Students
acquire knowledge of a variety of concepts that are related to the business field.
This course allows students the opportunity to discover how the knowledge of
business concepts relates to their everyday lives. Financial literacy is a component
of this course. Credit: .5 unit
Applied Business Development (Business/Office Career Exploration)
This course is the final component in the business pathway. Here students are
given exposure to the occupational opportunities available in accounting,
administration, data processing, management and secretarial fields. Emphasis is
placed on responsibilities, qualifications, work environment and career paths. This
course also includes consumer education topics, keyboard exposure and/or handson experience within various occupational areas. Note: Only offered to seniors
as well as at teacher discretion. Credit: 1 unit
Business Principles and Management (Leadership)
Business Principles and Management courses are designed to provide students with
an understanding of the American business system, its organization, and its
management. This course examines various leadership and management methods
and styles. Students are also required to participate in service learning during this
course. Credit: 1 unit
Business Economics
Business Economics courses integrate economic principles (such as free market
economy, consumerism and the role of American government within the economic
system) with entrepreneurship/business concepts (such as marketing principles,
business law and risk). Credit: .5 unit
Business Communication
Business Communication offers students the opportunity to learn about appropriate
types of correspondence in addition to professionalism and ethics in the workplace.
Students will be developing letters for a variety of situations that include the
following; college admission, letter of application, resignation letter, complaint
letters, etc. Students will also review and experience how to react appropriately in a
variety of business circumstances. Credit: .5 unit
Business Management
Business Management offers students the opportunity to study more in depth
concepts regarding various methods of management as well as items to consider
when managing a diverse workforce. Students will study how managers in business
problem solve, organize, and effectively lead. Credit: .5 unit
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship offers students the opportunity to create a business plan as well
as learn more specific concepts in regard to being an entrepreneur. Students have
an opportunity to assess their skills as a potential entrepreneur. They also learn
about hiring and managing a staff, record keeping, and marketing. Credit: .5 unit
Fine Arts Course Offerings
Art Experience
This class is designed to provide students an opportunity to improve upon their
natural ability in art through the study of the four content areas of art production,
art history, art criticism and aesthetics. Students will explore a multitude of
both 2 and 3 dimensional media while practicing skills necessary to master
them. Students will learn and incorporate the elements and principles of design
in their work while investigating the many purposes and functions of art and
practice critical thinking skills. Credit: 1unit
General Band
Band courses develop students’ technique for playing brass, woodwind, and
percussion instruments and cover a variety of non-specified band literature styles
(concert, orchestral, jazz, and modern). Pep Band for Football and Basketball is also
a large portion of this course. Students will also have opportunities for solos and
small ensemble groups as well. Credit: 1 unit
Chorus
Chorus courses provide the opportunity to sing a variety of choral literature styles
for men’s and/or women’s voices and are designed to develop vocal techniques and
the ability to sing parts. Students will have the opportunity to sing solos and be
apart of Men’s, Ladies, and Madrigal ensembles throughout the year. Students will
have the opportunity for show choir and to participate in School Musical
performance every other school year. Credit: 1 unit
Music- Independent Study
Music courses, often conducted with instructors, professional musicians, or voice
coaches as mentors, enable students to explore music-related topics. Independent
Study courses may serve as an opportunity for students to expand their expertise
in a particular form or style, to explore a topic in general detail, or to develop more
advanced skills. Credit: 1 unit
Madrigals
Madrigals is an elite small ensemble, which is auditioned and open to all students.
This ensemble provides an opportunity to prepare and perform choral works from
all musical eras, as well as show choir and vocal jazz works. This ensemble
frequently performs at school concerts and at a variety of musical festivals and
contests.
Foreign Language Course Offerings
French I
Basic language skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be
introduced. The spoken language will be used extensively. Students should expect
to participate actively in listening and speaking activities designed to develop the
new language pattern necessary in authentic French situations. Credit: 1 unit
French II
Students will expand basic language skills enough to be able to express more
complex ideas in French. Students will demonstrate knowledge of common,
everyday cultural situations in order to satisfy wants and needs. Reading will be
expanded in short stories, plays, poetry, and writing skills, and will include a variety
of topics grounded in personal experience. Note: A grade of at last 70% in
French I is required. Students who achieve less than 70% in French I
should consider re-taking French I before enrolling in French II. Credit: 1
unit
Spanish I
This is the beginning class for the traditional (non-Spanish speaking) student.
Students should expect to participate actively to acquire basic speaking, listening,
reading, and writing skills. An emphasis will be placed on vocabulary acquisition. In
addition, the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries will be studied. This is a
prerequisite for Spanish II. Credit: 1 unit
Spanish II
This class is a continuation of the course of study begun in Spanish I for the
traditional non-Spanish speaking student. Students will learn how to express
themselves in the past tense. Note: A grade of at least 70% in Spanish I is
required. Students who achieve less than 70% in Spanish I should
consider re-taking Spanish I before enrolling in Spanish II. Credit: 1 unit
Spanish III
This is an advanced class in which the student will continue to enrich his/her
vocabulary and will learn to use a variety of verb tenses and the subjunctive mode.
Note: A grade of at least 70% in Spanish II is required. Students who
achieve less than 70% in Spanish II should consider re-taking Spanish I
before enrolling in Spanish III. Credit: 1 unit
English/Language Arts Course Offerings
Accelerated Reading 1
This elective course offers students an opportunity to increase individual reading
skills through a variety of genres. This first level requires 1 classic, 8 short stories,
1 writing assignment, and 25-35 AR points each nine weeks. A Scholastic quiz each
Friday will focus on the common core reading standards. Grades are weighted
according to to each category, along with testing accuracy and time on task.
Credit: 1 unit
Accelerated Reading 2
This elective course offers students an opportunity to increase individual reading
skills through a variety of genres. This second level requires 1 classic, 1 non-fiction,
1 science fiction/fantasy, 1 writing assignment, and 45-60 AR points each nine
weeks. A Scholastic quiz each Friday will focus on the common core reading
standards. Grades are weighted according to to each category, along with testing
accuracy and time on task. Credit: 1 unit
Accelerated Reading 3
This elective course offers students an opportunity to increase individual reading
skills through a variety of genres. This third level requires 1 classic off of a
bibliography list, 1 biography/non-fiction, 1 science fiction/fantasy, 1 writing
assignment, and AR 75 points each nine weeks. A Scholastic quiz each Friday will
focus on the common core reading standards. Grades are weighted according to to
each category, along with testing accuracy and time on task. Credit: 1 unit
English 9
This course offers students a deeper understanding of the correct use of the English
language through grammar usage and mechanics. Students will also gain
knowledge of the basic literary areas through short stories, poetry, novels and
drama. Inclass work, examinations and writing assignments will improve students’
proper use of English while speaking, writing or reading. Credit: 1 unit
Required Reading
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Plus additional works from the textbook
Independent book of choice each quarter
English 10
This course integrates the elements of reading, writing, speaking and listening to
advance student knowledge and mastery of their language. A wide variety of texts
and authors will be read and evaluated this year. Note: A student must have
passed English 9 to enroll. Credit: 1 unit
Required Reading
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Independent book of choice each quarter
Required Writing
Literary Critical Analysis
Several shorter writing assignments
Persuasive research project
English 11
This course offers students a deeper understanding of the correct use of the English
language through writing and reading. Students will also gain knowledge of
American authors through short stories, poetry, novels and drama. Inclass work,
examinations and writing assignments will improve students’ proper use of English
while speaking, writing or reading. First semester emphasizes literary periods from
Colonial times to the end of the Romantic Era. Second semester emphasizes literary
periods from Realism through present. Note: A student must have passed
English 10 to enroll. Credit: 1 unit
Required Reading
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Textbook selections
Independent book of choice each quarter
Required Writing
Reflective essay
Descriptive essay
Literary Critical Analysis
Several shorter writing assignments
Persuasive Research Project
English 12
This course offers students a deeper understanding of the correct use of the English
language through writing and reading. Students will also gain knowledge of British
and world authors through short stories, poetry, novels and drama. Inclass work,
examinations, and writing assignments will improve students’ proper use of English
while speaking, writing or reading. Note: A student must have passed English
11 to enroll. Credit: 1 unit
Required Reading
Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther
Othello and/or MacBeth by William Shakespeare
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Independent book of choice each quarter
Required Writing
Persuasive essay
Literary critic
Several shorter writing assignments
Research paper
Reading Strategies
This course is reserved for those students who might need some extra help with
their core English requirements. Quarterly book reports are done in class. Common
core reading strategies, grammar, and writing are also a focus. Credit: 1 unit
Yearbook
This course teaches all aspects of yearbook production from layout and design,
graphics, advertising, copywriting, to online publishing. Credit: 1 unit
Forensics
Forensics will introduce students to all the areas that make up a forensics
competition. These areas include: IDA, humorous solo, serious solo, duet, prose,
and poetry. Credit: 1 unit
Mathematics Class Offerings
Pre-Algebra
This is an introductory course into Algebra I. All material covered in pre-algebra will
be the same as Algebra, but the difference being the pace the material will be
presented. Scientific calculator required. Credit: 1 unit
Algebra I
Algebra I students will study the basic structure of the real numbers and the
relations and operations on them. Students will be introduced to equations and
inequalities with application to our society. Topics included in this course will be
matrices, polynomials, graphs, problem solving and rational expressions. Scientific
calculator required (graphing calculator recommended). Credit: 1 unit
Geometry
This class will be studied as a deductive mathematical system, with considerable
time given to transformations, constructions and proofs. Algebraic skills will be used
in the development of geometric concepts. Plane figures will be studied extensively,
but space relationships will also be explored. This course is strongly
recommended for any student who plans to attend college. Scientific
calculator required (graphing calculator recommended). Credit: 1 unit
Algebra II
Students will relate the study of the real and complex number system to practical
applications in our modern society. Algebra II is a course of study that helps form
an essential part of the mathematics background that students will need as adults,
and at the same time lay a solid foundation for any future work in mathematics.
Prerequisite: Geometry recommended and a passing grade in Algebra I
required. Scientific calculator required (graphing calculator
recommended). Credit: 1 unit
Algebra III (College Algebra)
Three credit hour lecture. College Algebra is the first course in the college
mathematics curriculum for mathematics and allied health majors and a general
education requirement for most students. Success in college level mathematics
courses begins with a good understanding of algebra and the goal of this course is
to help the student develop that understanding. It may be taken simultaneously
with Trigonometry and serves as a prerequisite to Analytic Geometry and Calculus
I. Many other programs recommend College Algebra or its level of competence for
continued study leading to a related field. Prerequisite: Plane geometry and 2
years of high school Algebra with a satisfactory score on the ACT or a “C”
or better in Intermediate Algebra.
College Trigonometry
Three credit hour lecture. A study moving from triangular to analytical
trigonometry. The course further serves as necessary background for the calculus
sequence in mathematics and for the study of physics. Prerequisite: Letter grade
of “C” or better in College Algebra
Calculus I
Calculus is the study of variables and functions with emphasis on the changing,
dynamic properties of relationships that can be described mathematically. This
course is to provide students majoring in mathematics, science, computer
programming, engineering and many non-science fields an opportunity to begin a
study of analysis. The tools of calculus including differentiation and integration of
functions are studied and used in geometric and various applied problems.
Prerequisite: College Algebra and Trigonometry or their equivalent and
consent of the instructor.
Physical Education Course Offerings
Freshman Physical Education
This course offers a variety of team and individual sports with the emphasis on
physical fitness and lifetime sports. This course also involves some topics on health.
Credit: 1 unit
Lifetime Fitness
This course is designed to give an overview of a variety of sports activities.
Emphasis is placed on the skills and rules necessary to participate in a variety of
lifetime sports. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an
awareness of the importance of participating in lifetime sports activities. Credit: 1
unit
Strength and Conditioning
This course emphasizes conditioning activities that help develop muscular strength,
flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Weight training courses help students develop
knowledge and skills with free weights and universal stations while emphasizing
safety and proper body positioning; they may include other components such as
anatomy and conditioning. Credit: 1 unit
Science Course Offerings
Physical Science
This is an introductory level course to the concepts of physics and chemistry. One
semester will be spent studying basic physics (motion, optics, sound, energy, etc.)
while the other semester will be spent studying basic chemistry (atomic structure,
periodic table, reactions, etc.) Credit: 1 unit
Earth and Space Science
Earth and Space Science is a course for students who need another science class
but do not wish to take chemistry, physics or anatomy/physiology. This course is
divided into four sections each studying a different area of Earth Science. One
quarter is spent on geology, another on oceanography, one on astronomy and
finally one on meteorology. This is an activity-rich hands-on class. Credit: 1 unit
Biology I
Biology is a life science course focusing on the traits of living things. The first
semester will look at cell structure and organization, cell metabolism, and cell
processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. The second semester will look at
genetics, inheritance of traits, DNA and a survey of the domains of living things.
Credit: 1 unit
Chemistry
Chemistry is an upper level laboratory course. This class will focus on the states
and properties of matter as well as naming compounds, bond types, reactions,
atoms and the periodic table. Credit: 1 unit
Physics
This is an upper level course for college bound students. Algebra skills are a must in
this math intensive laboratory course. This class focuses on physics in mechanical
systems mostly. Topics to be studied include forces, work, rate, resistance, energy,
and power. Credit: 1 unit
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Human Anatomy and Physiology is an upper level course designed for students
interesting in medicine or any medical career. During the first semester the focus
will be on the anatomy and structure of the human body. The second semester will
look at the physiology of how the body works and the diseases that affect it.
Can be taken as a college credit. Credit: 1 unit (8 hrs of college credit)
Particular Topics in Physics- Introduction to Engineering
Introduction to Engineering is a course to make students more aware of the
opportunities in fields related to Math & Science (STEM careers). This course will be
a survey of types of engineering which could include: chemical, mechanical, civil,
biomedical, electrical, green & robotics. THis is an activity-rich hands-on class.
Credit: 1 unit
Biology II
This is an upper level course designed to further explore Biology. The goal is to
cover some of the textbook topics not discussed in Biology I. This would include
ecology and the diversity of life. Time will be spent looking in depth at plants and
animals as well as the other kingdoms of living things. Credit: 1 unit
Social Science Course Offerings
World History
World History courses provide students with an overview of the history of human
society from early civilization to the contemporary period, examining political,
economic, social, religious, military, scientific and cultural developments. World
History courses may include geographical studies, but often these components are
not as explicitly taught as geography. Credit: 1 unit
Current Social Issues
Current Social Issues courses enable students to study political, economic and
social issues facing the world. These courses may focus on current issues, examine
selected issues throughout the 20th century and look at historical causes and
solutions. Credit: 1 unit
U.S. History- Comprehensive
U.S. History- Comprehensive courses provide students with an overview of the
history of the United States, examining time periods from discovery or colonialism
through World War II or after. These courses typically include a historical overview
of political, military, scientific and social developments. Course content may include
a history of the North American peoples before European settlement. Credit: 1
unit
U. S. Government- Comprehensive
U.S. Government- Comprehensive courses provide an overview of the structure and
functions of the U.S. Government and political institutions and examine
constitutional principles, the concepts of rights and responsibilities, the role of
political parties and interest groups, and the importance of civic participation in the
democratic process. These courses may examine the structure and function of state
and local government and may cover certain economic and legal topics. Credit: 1
unit
Economics
Economics courses provide students with an overview of economics with primary
emphasis on the principles of microeconomics and the U.S. economic system. These
courses may also cover topics such as principles of macroeconomics and
comparative economics. Economic principles may be presented in formal theoretical
contexts, applied contexts or both. Credit: 1 unit
World Geography
World Geography courses provide students with an overview of world geography,
but may vary widely in the topics they cover. Topics typically include: the physical
environment, political landscape, the relationship between people and the land,
economic production and development, and the movement of people, goods and
ideas. Credit: 1 unit
Psychology
Psychology is a survey course of human behavior. The students will be introduced
to the development and learning aspects of human behavior. Specific emphasis is
placed on motivation, emotion, personality, perception, social interaction,
adjustment and mental health. This is offered as a concurrent course with
SCCC for 3 hours of college credit. Students must be in their junior or senior
year to be enrolled in this course.
Developmental Psychology (Human Growth and Development)
This course is the study of how and why people change over time, as well as how
and why they remain the same, from conception to death. Attention is given to
emotional, social, intellectual, physical, perceptual and psychological
development.This is offered as a concurrent course with SCCC for 3 hours of
college credit. Students must be in their junior or senior year to be enrolled in this
course.
Trade and Industry Course Offerings
Building Construction I
Framing carpentry courses provide students with much of the knowledge as general
carpentry courses (knowledge of various types and grades of woods, proper and
safe use of hand and power tools and site selection and preparation), but place a
special emphasis on construction methods applicable to floor, wall, roof, and/or
stair framing. Course content may include insulation installation and painting.
Credit: 1 unit
Building Construction II
Second year course. Credit: 1 unit
Building Construction III
Third year course. Credit: 1 unit
Woodworking and Home Maintenance
Woodworking courses introduce students to the various kinds of woods used in
industry and offer experience in using selected woodworking tools. Students design
and construct one or more projects and may prepare a bill of materials. Correct and
safe use of tools and equipment is emphasized. As students advance, they focus on
learning the terminology necessary to use the power tools successfully, developing
the skills to safely use these tools in the workshop and becoming familiar with
various kinds of construct and finish proposed projects. Credit: 1 unit
Cabinetmaking I
Cabinetmaking courses provide students with experience in constructing cases,
cabinets, counters and other woodwork. Students learn to distinguish between
various types of furniture construction and their appropriate applications and how
to use various woodworking machines and power tools for cutting and shaping
wood. Cabinetmaking courses cover the different methods of joining pieces of
wood, how to use mechanical fasteners and how to attach hardware. Initial topics
may resemble those taught in woodworking courses; more advanced topics may
include how to install plastic laminates on surfaces and how to apply spray finishes.
Credit: 1 unit
Cabinetmaking II
Second year course. Credit: 1 unit
Cabinetmaking III
Third year course. Credit: 1 unit
Introduction to Industrial Technology
Technological Process courses provide students with the opportunity to focus on
one or more areas on industrial technology, applying technological processes to
solve real problems and developing the knowledge and skills to design, modify, use
and apply technology appropriately. Students may examine case studies, explore
simulations or designs and build prototypes and working models. Credit: 1 unit
Drafting and Architectural CAD
Drafting courses introduce students to the technical craft of drawing illustrations to
represent and/or analyze design specifications and then refine the skills necessary
for this craft. Courses use exercises from a variety of applications to provide
students with the knowledge and experience to develop the ability to perform
freehand sketching lettering, geometric construction and multiview projects to
produce various types of drawings (working, detail, assemble, schematic,
perspective, etc). CAD introduces students to the computer-aided drafting systems
and software available in the industry. Credit: 1 unit
Study Skills
Study Skills courses prepare students for success in high school and/or post
secondary education. Course topics may vary according to the students involved,
but typically include reading improvement skills, such as scanning, note-taking, and
outlining; library and research skills; listening and note-taking; vocabulary skills;
and test-taking skills. These courses may also include exercises designated to
generate organized, logical thinking and writing. Credit: 1 unit