Treasure Valley Mathematics & Science Center
6801 N. Gary Lane, Boise 83714 208/854-6802 208/854/6801 fax
www.boiseschools.org/schools/TVMSC
TVMSC Application to Return for the 2014 – 2015 School Year
7th – 9th Cohort Students
The Treasure Valley Mathematics and Science Center is preparing for the upcoming school year. TVMSC
students have the option of traveling between their home/neighborhood school and TVMSC, or to open
enroll into either of the two partner schools (Riverglen Jr High or Capital High).
Each student's academic performance and conduct will be reviewed. Students may be placed on a Wait List if
their academic performance and/or behavior are not satisfactory. For example, chronic tardies,
cheating/plagiarism, major disciplinary referrals or grades below a C could place your student on the Wait
List for the following school year. The reason for this is to ensure that TVMSC is an appropriate placement
for each student and each student is earning grades that will benefit them in future years as they apply to
colleges and scholarships. Also, those who miss the deadline for submitting the TVMSC 'Application to
Return' for the 2014 - 2015 school year will be placed on the Wait List.
Please return this form to TVMSC Office by May 16, 2014. This information will be used in creating the
Master Schedule for 2014-2015 and will be used to determine the range of courses that will be offered for the
upcoming school year.

Please CIRCLE one of the following:
YES, My child requests to enroll with TVMSC for the 2014-2015 school year.

NO,

Uncertain at this time because…. _________________________________________________
My child will not be attending TVMSC for the 2014-2015 school year.
Cohort Level in 2014-2015:_________
Home School for 2014-2015 __________________
Will bussing to and from the Boise District home school be required? ______________________
Please indicate your preferred time for taking classes (if known at this time):
□ AM – TVMSC ~ 7:40 - 10:00 AM daily
□ PM – TVMSC ~ 11:40 AM - 2:00 PM daily
*** The Boise School District’s bussing schedule may determine which session your student will be
attending. If they are Home Schooled, carpool or open enrolled at Riverglen, they have the flexibility of
accessing our classes at the times they prefer.
_____________________________________________________
Student’s Name (Printed Please)
_______________
Date
_____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
________________
Date
_____________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email Address
If your student will be in the 7th cohort, they will be studying:
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

Introduction to Research (Fulfills 7th grade reading and writing requirement)
Conceptual Physics
Accelerated Algebra 1
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If your student will be in the 8th cohort, they will be studying:
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

Accelerated Geometry
Accelerated Biology
Accelerated Earth Science
**NOTE: If your student has already completed a full year of earth science prior to joining TVMSC, please
contact our office so that a modified schedule can be created for them.
***************************************************************************************
If your student will be in the 9th cohort, they will be studying:



Accelerated Algebra 2
Chemistry
Applied Research 1 (This covers the requirements for ‘Technical Reading & Writing, so they do not
need to sign up for T R &W as an elective at their other school. It is covered!)
***************************************************************************************
All of the above classes will be held in both the AM and PM sessions. So please make sure that you indicated
which session your family would prefer on the previous page. Keep in mind that the schedule your student
ends up with is sometimes determined by the bussing schedule.
If your student needs to have a modified schedule from the above choices please explain:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Please return this form to the TVMSC office by May 16, 2014. Please e-mail or call with any
questions or concerns that you might have. holly.maclean@boiseschools.org
Thank you,
Dr. Holly MacLean
Principal of TVMSC
854-6800 - office
Answers to Common Questions from families of 7th – 9th cohorts
1. Isn’t it better for students to just have straight ‘A’ grades for their transcripts, than to have lower
grades in this more challenging program?
When TVMSC’s students earn less than an A, it is usually because of lack of responsibility. It might also be
due to the student’s study skills. Once they settle into the 'personal responsibility' portion of the program, the
grades shoot right up. In the meantime, they may pull down a few lower than 'A' grades until they adjust to
the expectations. The expectation that work be turned in at the time that it is due is there for the purpose of
helping these students develop important life skills in time management, organization and personal
responsibility. Rarely is this a case where a student has been invited to join the program but lacks ability.
2. Won’t the ‘B’ grades put them out of consideration for scholarships and top tier colleges?
We sought input from recruiters from several top tier universities/colleges regarding this concern.
From the recruiters we learned that they are more inclined to accept students who took really challenging
courses and earned a mixture of 'B' and 'A' level grades than students who have some lackluster courses on
their transcripts and the perfect 4.0 GPA's all the way through. They explained that they look for students
who have experience with really applying themselves and rolling up their sleeves to succeed in challenging
material. Over the past several years we have seen our students receive impressive scholarship
opportunities and acceptance into prestigious universities. Many of these same students had received
grades below an ‘A’ level along the way. The fact that they have each benefited from TVMSC’s Internship
opportunities was a major factor in setting them apart from standard applicants in being prepared for success
when accepted into the colleges of their choice.
3. Is this program really going to make a difference when they complete the program and apply
to colleges?
Through attending TVMSC, students become exceptional applicants to all levels of colleges. Factors that set
these students apart in the college selection process include their background and comfort in conducting
research, engaging in high level problem solving, meeting rigorous expectations, and in participation in
Internships. The Internships set them into an entirely different plane of consideration with the college
recruiters. Thousands of applicants apply to these colleges with 4.0+ GPAs and impressive lists of AP
courses in their background. Few have done research-based internships with major corporations, colleges
or hospitals. Additionally, the companies who accept TVMSC students for internship placements ONLY
allow students below college age in for these internship opportunities IF they are TVMSC students. These
internships were deciding factors for many of the opportunities that opened up for our graduating students,
for both the colleges where they were accepted and for the scholarships they were offered... even with a
sprinkling of 'B' grades along the way. If students remain in the TVMSC program, they will be bringing very
different qualifications and recommendations to the table when applying to college. (Nothing like letters of
recommendation from St. Luke's, Micron Technology, U of I, BSU, INL, Washington Group/URS, etc. to set
you apart from the crowd!)
4. Why the emphasis on developing the ‘Soft Skills’?
Even more important than just receiving the consideration of the colleges is the fact that our students
develop exceptional study skills and practices. When they head off to college, they have already faced
challenges and have developed and practiced strategies to effectively face those challenges. They know
how to study, how to organize their time and materials, how to meet deadlines, how to take notes and use
them for a variety of purposes, and how to be independent learners. Our students have learned to prioritize
tasks to meet deadlines. It is highly unlikely that any of these students will experience 'hitting the wall' in
college, as so many bright students do in their first year or two of college.
5. What are the choices for TVMSC’s students after the 9th grade cohort year?
TVMSC’s upper level students get to choose from a variety of courses, as their interests or future plans
might indicate a benefit. They may choose anywhere from 1 to 6 classes per semester with TVMSC, as their
schedules and graduation requirements permit. If you are interested in what courses are available for
the 10th cohort and above please see the course descriptions on our website at
http://treasurevalley.school.boiseschools.org/
6. Is it true that students can exit the program and re-enter TVMSC again another school year?
TVMSC does permit students to exit the program for a year or two as long as they continue to take courses
that are accelerated in nature and continue to earn strong grades in those courses. It is understood that when
they re-enter TVMSC they will not have the same background as the students who remained in the program
and that their first semester back in TVMSC might be more of a challenge of adjustment.
TVMSC Course Options and Descriptions for 10th – 12th Cohorts
*
Accel. Pre-Calculus
*
AP Calculus AB/BC (TVMSC covers the 3 semesters of material in 2 semesters)
*
AP Calculus BC (for students who took AP Calculus AB somewhere else)
Discrete Mathematics (for those who complete AP Calculus AB and BC) “Discrete
Mathematics is appropriate for students who have interest in more abstract mathematical ideas. Most of these students
go on to pursue Computer Science, Business Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematics and Economics or Mathematics
degrees. As a course for TVMSC students in their junior or senior years, Discrete Math provides students who have
advanced mathematical knowledge further opportunities to explore mathematical reasoning, combinatorial analysis,
discrete structures, algorithmic thinking, and enhanced problem solving skills through modeling. This course studies the
mathematical elements of propositional logic, predicate logic, sets, functions and relations, combinatorics, mathematical
induction, recursion, algorithms, matrices, graphs, trees, and Boolean logic. Students learn to recognize and express the
mathematical ideas graphically, numerically, symbolically, and in writing. Discrete mathematics is that part of
mathematics dealing with finite sets of objects. Discrete mathematics is to be contrasted with "continuous" mathematics,
for example the classical theory of calculus. Its rise in popularity coincides with the rise of the computer. Many realworld problems are inherently discrete.”
*
*Multivariable and Vector Calculus (for those who complete AP Calculus AB/BC)
This course is appropriate for students who have interest in pursuing more advanced Calculus beyond the AP Calculus
options. Multivariable and Vector Calculus requires a solid foundation in the calculus of functions of a single variable:
both differentiation and integrations are used extensively in this course. Multivariable and Vector Calculus is an
introduction to the geometry of curves and two and three - dimensional regions, and the calculus of vector-valued
functions and functions of more than one variable. This course includes vector algebra and geometry, iterated integrals,
parametric curves and surfaces, vector fields, divergence and curl, line and surface integrals, Green’s, Stokes’s and
divergence theorems. There will also be some use of software such as Maple for visualizations, exploration, and
solutions of real-world problems.
AP Statistics “TVMSC’s AP Statistics course explores data and patterns, methods of sampling and
experimental design, probability and simulations, as well as the process for the development and testing of hypotheses
and statistical inference. This course prepares TVMSC students well for future research-based internship experiences.”
Practical applications will be encouraged through projects and activities throughout the year.
*
AP Physics B “TVMSC’s AP Physics B includes topics from both classical and modern physics. A thorough
knowledge of algebra, geometry and basic trigonometry is required, but basic ideas of calculus will also be utilized. AP
Physics B will focus on five content areas including Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics,
electricity and magnetism, waves and optics, and atomic and nuclear physics. This course will include a significant
hands-on, lab-based component, with lab notebooks.”
*
*AP Physics C AP Physics C includes topics that focus on more advanced coverage of mechanics, electricity and
magnetism, waves and optics.
AP Environmental Science “TVMSC’s AP Environmental Science course explores the interrelationships of
the natural world, identifies and explores environmental problems that are both natural and man-made. Topics covered
include energy conversions within ecological processes and the ways that Earth is one interconnected system. The
course will also study ecology and conservation practices. This course will carry a significant hands-on, lab-based
component.”
*
AP Biology “TVMSC’s AP Biology course focuses on three primary areas of study: Molecules and Cells,
Heredity and Evolution, and Organisms and Populations. Additional units of study investigate energy transfer,
interdependence within systems, and the relationships of structure to function. This course will include a significant
hands-on, lab-based component that includes field research and real-world studies.”
*
AP Chemistry “TVMSC’s AP Chemistry course investigates topics that include Structure of Matter, States of
Matter, and Chemical Reactions (reaction types, stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics). Background
content will also focus on relationships in the periodic table and exploration of organic chemistry, including
hydrocarbons and functional groups. This course will carry a significant hands-on, lab-based component.”
*
AP Computer Science “TVMSC’s AP Computer Science course is designed to include the concepts of AP
Computer Science A and AB using the Java Language and OOP (object-oriented design). Students are expected to gain
proficiency in the Java language including using it to create, modify, and implement classes. The course immerses
student in the history of computing and ethics of computing, as well as legal and intellectual property issues, privacy,
security and reliability, and social and ethical ramifications of computer use. The course will also focus on the
programming environment and the cycle of designing, implementing, testing, and debugging inherent to programming
and computer science. Students will be creating, modifying and testing their own code creations. Students work on
various types of lists, sets, and iterations, and go on to explore operations on array lists, and data structures such as
doubly- and singly-linked lists, as well as queues. Class time is spent primarily doing design, programming, and testing
on computers and text support, with short lectures on important topics. Practical applications will be encouraged
through projects and activities throughout the year.”
*
*Advanced Computer Science: Algorithms & Game Design will be a junior/senior-level course in data
structures, algorithms, and the process of game design for students who have already taken AP Computer Science. The
objective of the course is to present a number of fundamental techniques to solve common programming problems
efficiently, as well as looking at the implementation of those techniques into the programming logic that runs computer
games. Additionally, we will investigate the process that developers use to create games including conceptualization,
specification, design, implementation, and evaluation.
Pre-Engineering “TVMSC’s Introduction to Engineering course offers students insights into engineering as
an option for college and future careers. Engineering is an increasingly broad field consisting of a wide variety of
disciplines including aerospace, biological, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial,
process, structural, mechanical, and nuclear and petroleum engineering. This ‘Introduction to Engineering’ course
introduces students to what is typically studied while working in engineering fields and exposes students to
fundamentals of engineering design and analysis. Through this 2-semester course, students will gain an understanding
of engineering in general and then have opportunities to explore elements of specific fields within the engineering that
might clarify engineering pursuits for college. Each quarter, the course will shift its focus to explore a different aspect of
engineering through involving students in lab activities, field trips, and interactions with guest speakers and focused
research. Students will learn how engineers in each field use mathematics, science and technology in the engineering,
problem-solving process. Through participation in national and international competitions, students will have
opportunities to extend their involvement in a chosen aspect of engineering.”
*
*Forensics Forensic science is the application of science to law. In addition to exploring techniques utilized by
forensic biologists, chemists, and physicists to solve crimes, this course will integrate topics from sociology,
psychology, and law. Mock crime scenarios will test students’ abilities to analyze and solve problems. Special emphasis
will be placed on laboratory skills and written reports and presentations.
Pre-Medical Professions “TVMSC’s ‘Introduction to the Medical Professions’ course is designed to provide
students with a background and insights into medicine as an option for college and future careers. The medical
professions cover diverse fields of study that include genetics, forensics, anatomy & physiology, microbiology,
biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and veterinary medicine. Through this 2-semester ‘Introduction to the Medical
Professions’ course, students will gain an understanding of the medical field in general and then have opportunities to
explore research and practices associated with careers in specific medical fields. The course assists students in
determining areas of interest within the range of medical fields prior to entering college. Each quarter, the course will
shift its focus to explore a different aspect of medical related research and practices by involving students in lab
activities, field trips, and interactions with guest speakers and focused research. TVMSC’s ‘Introduction to the Medical
Professions’ course introduces students to careers in medical professions that include pharmacy, nursing, medicine,
wellness management, sports medicine, medical technology, veterinary medicine and dentistry. This course will provide
the students with opportunities to enhance their background of aspects of the medical health sciences that include
genetics, forensics, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and bacteriology and cell biology.
Additionally, through lab activities, students will gain experience and exposure to practical applications for technology,
physics and chemistry in the medical sciences.”
*
TVMSC Internship An internship is an on-site work experience. TVMSC Internships provide opportunities for
students to participate in research under the guidance of an appropriate research mentor. The Internship classes give
TVMSC students opportunities to spend instructional time working with mentor sponsors on serious research projects
or applications during their junior and senior years. The purpose of the TVMSC Internship and Research Applications
course is to provide participating students a closely monitored work experience and an intensive introduction to careers
related to fields of mathematics, science or technology with the ongoing guidance and support of experienced mentors
working in these fields of interest. The goal of TVMSC Internship is to provide the participating students with handson, real-world opportunities to experience aspects of careers related to areas of interest to them. TVMSC Interns
become engaged in authentic work-based experiences with guidance and input from a mentor. Students work with
personnel, equipment, materials and technology that are part of the workplace context for their chosen field. Students
also focus on the development of such ‘soft skills as honesty, ethics, punctuality, professional appearance, demeanor
and attitude, human relations and workmanship.”