Curriculum Night
February 5, 2014
WELCOME!
Agenda
Mrs. Sell, Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Detwiler and Mrs. Campbell, English Dept.
Mrs. Taneyhill, GACTC
Mrs. Craig, Mathematics Dept. Chairperson
Mr. Tinker, Science Dept. Chairperson
Mrs. Stern, Foreign Language Dept. Chairperson
Mr. Laird, Music Department
Are You Ready For 9th Grade?
Things to Consider:
– High School Students Housed at the JH
– NCAA Eligibility
– Credits Earned – will be on transcripts
– Course Expectations Increase
– Independence/Maturity Expected
NCAA
NCAA Parent Letter
NCAA Brochure
NCAA Booklet
Please see the Guidance web page for
details
NCAA Considerations
• If you plan to play a sport at the Division I
or Division II level, you must meet certain
course requirements set forth by the
NCAA.
• Our Civics 9 class is not acknowledged by
the NCAA. Therefore, you should not take
this course if you need to meet eligibility
for college level sports.
Scheduling Musts
Schedule no less than 7 units/credits per year
Must accumulate 27 units/credits to graduate
4 units each of: Communications, Social Science,
Natural Science and Math
2 units each of: Physical Education (.5 units x 4 years)
and Health (.5 units x 4 years)
1 unit of Computer Science
1 unit of Humanities
5 units of Electives
Foreign Language is not a graduation requirement, but is
highly recommended by post secondary institutions.
Criteria for Course Enrollment
Students are scheduled for classes based on prior
performance/grades and teacher
recommendations.
NEW: Successful Completion of the Keystone
Exam is now a prerequisite for certain courses.
See scheduling sheet and Course Description Booklet for more details.
Prerequisites for the Core
Classes
•
95% or higher in 8th grade course of a
lower level to advance to the next level
•
84% or higher to remain at Honors and
Pre-honors levels
•
77% or higher to remain at college bound
level
Special Entrance Requirements
Tiger TV: Application
Due: February 18 to the Guidance
Office
Intro to Art: Portfolio
Due: February 18 to
Mrs. Wertz-Leiden (Room 132)
Introduction to Art
Photos follow from the exhibition at 321
Gallery, downtown Hollidaysburg, of Mrs.
Wertz-Leiden's Intro to Art classes
featuring over 260 works of art in mediums
including drawing, painting, silkscreen,
watercolors, oil pastels, pen & ink, string
art and photography.
And that is only the first half of the year!
Introduction to Art
Introduction to Art
Introduction to Art
Introduction to Art
Introduction to Art
"proceeding through the many art
processes during the year long Intro to Art
course the students experience the
benefits of stimulating their creative minds.
We critique, laugh, socialize ,learn new
processes, finish what we start, appreciate
nature, and feel passion for something
good!"
Scheduling Timeline
Transition to HS Conferences/Career Conferences
begin February 6
Scheduling Sheets, signed by parent/guardian, and
applications due to Guidance Office by February 18th
Individual selections entered in system
Master schedule for entire building is completed
Students receive schedule in August following
adjustments for Keystone and PSSA test results.
Transition to High School
Conferences/Career Conferences
 Career and Educational Planning Session
 Individual conference with a guidance counselor
 Preparation for 9th grade
 Review of Guidance Curriculum/Career Pathways Activities
 PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THESE CONFERENCES AFTER THE
PRESENTATION OR BY CALLING THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
Education with a purpose
Pathway Option with
Cluster Areas
Business
– Computer Information Systems
– Business Administration,
Marketing, Mathematics, Sales
Pathway Option with
Cluster Areas
Communications
– Journalism, Language Arts,
Media, Public Relations
– The Arts – Music, Theater, Visual
Pathway Option with
Cluster Areas
Engineering and Industrial
– - Architecture, Construction,
Manufacturing
– - Material Sciences and Nanofabrication
Pathway Option with
Cluster Areas
Human Services
– Consumer Services and Human
Development
– Education, Government, Law
Pathway Option with
Cluster Areas
Science
– Biomedical, Physical, Earth
Science
– Environmental
Greater Altoona Career and
Technology Center
Mrs. Tanneyhill
Core Courses
Considerations
English
Civics
Math
Science
Additional considerations for selection
of course levels
Importance of the “almighty A”
Extracurricular activities
Post-secondary education goals
Career goals
Summer assignments for some
Honors-level courses
Additional considerations for selection
of course levels
Huge jump to Honors from CB
Attendance is important
HONORS NOT REQUIRED. IT IS A
STUDENT’S CHOICE
Know how to study
English
Mrs. Wendy Campbell
English Levels
Honors
College Bound
Level 9
English
Mrs. Detwiler
Curriculum
Criteria
Expectations
Honors English
Honors English is a rigorous class that is intended to
prepare students to continue on in the High School
Honors Curriculum. Students must be excellent readers
and writers, with a strong work ethic. They must be
prepared to complete assignments, including a great
deal of reading, independently. Students will have a
summer reading assignment.
What We Read – Independent Reads
The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo
The Book Thief-- Markus Zusak
The Sledding Hill – Chris Crutcher
Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
Of Mice & Men – John Steinbeck
Night – Elie Wiesel
Othello – William Shakespeare
Accelerated Reader – 25 points per marking
period
“My Year With” – A year long reading project
with a student selected author.
What We Read - Instructional
Short Stories – Varied
Poetry - Varied
Edgar Allan Poe Mini Unit – Multiple
Works
The Harlem Renaissance – Thematic Unit
The Holocaust – Thematic Unit
Romeo and Juliet– William Shakespeare
Vocabulary Development
Vocabulary Workshop Level D – one unit
per week, including review and cumulative
review units
Literature, Grammar, and Composition
Terms & Definitions
Vocabulary as used in the context of
reading materials
Grammar & Composition
One grammar unit (chapter) per marking period
–
–
–
–
Basic Parts of the Sentence (review)
Diagramming basic parts of the sentence
Phrases and Clauses
Writing Effective Sentences
Three to five compositions per marking
period, both in and out of class
•
•
•
•
Narrative, Expository and Persuasive
Writing in response to literature
Formal Research Papers following MLA format
Poetry and Creative writing
Final Exam
Vocabulary Units 1-15
All grammar content
Essay based on literature selections from
the year
CIVICS
Three levels
• Honors
• CB
• Level 9
Curriculum
Citizenship
Founding Documents
Rights and Responsibilities
Branches of Government
Pennsylvania State Government
Local Government
Economics
Foreign Policy
Elections
Main Points to Consider
• Intellectual Ability
• Reading comprehension
• Writing ability
• Independence
• Interest in Subject Matter
• Initiative
Long-term planning - FYI
10th Grade AP European History
Prerequisites
– Honors Civics
– Honors English
– 92% average in both
– Screener test
Mathematics
Mrs. Craig
Curriculum
Criteria
Expectations
8th to 9th Grade Transition
EIGHTH GRADE
% REQUIREMENT
84% ↑
Algebra II
NINTH GRADE
Honors Geometry
83% ↓
Algebra I
95% ↑
77%-94%
CB Geometry
76% ↓
Algebra IA
70% ↑
Algebra IB
Students must also pass the Keystone exam to be in Honors Geometry.
Students not passing the Keystone will be required to take a remedial
course and CB Geometry.
Honors Geometry
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Algebra 2 with at least an 84% or a
95% or higher in Algebra 1
Topics to be covered:
Interrelationships Between Points, Lines, and Planes, Angle
Relationships, Parallel Lines, Polygons and Similarity,
Conditionals and Logic, Triangle Relationships and Right
Triangle Properties, Perimeter, Area, Surface Area, and
Volume, Circles, Introductory Trigonometry
Direct and indirect proofs are done in a manner which
follows rigid mathematical procedure.
Sequence through Grade 12
9
Honors Geometry
10
Honors Trigonometry & Pre-calculus or
Honors Algebra 2
11
AP Calculus AB
Honors Calculus or Calculus
Honors Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus
AP Statistics or Honors Probability & Statistics
12
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB or Calculus
AP Statistics or Honors Probability & Statistics
CB Geometry
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Algebra 1 with least a 77%
average and Pass the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam or be
enrolled in a remedial course.
Topics to be covered:
Interrelationships Between Points, Lines, and Planes,
Angle Relationships, Parallel Lines, Polygons and
Similarity, Conditionals and Logic, Triangle Relationships
and Right Triangle Properties, Perimeter, Area, Surface
Area, and Volume, Circles, Introductory Trigonometry
Course includes some, but not an extensive amount of
proofs and deals mainly with geometric concepts.
Sequence through Grade 12
9 CB Geometry
10 Algebra 2, Honors Algebra 2
11 Honors Trigonometry & Pre-calculus
Trigonometry & Pre-calculus
AP Statistics
Honors Probability & Statistics
12 AP Calculus AB
Calculus
AP Statistics
Honors Probability & Statistics
ALGEBRA 1B
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Algebra 1A
Topics to be Covered:
Review of Algebra 1A, Solving Systems of Linear Equations and
Inequalities, Working with Polynomials, Factoring Polynomials,
Quadratic Functions, Exponents, Rational Expressions and
Equations, Radical Expressions and Equations
Students will take the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam in May. The test
covers all content from the Algebra 1A course and Algebra 1B
course. Students must pass this exam for graduation
requirements.
Sequence through Grade 12
9 Algebra 1B
10 Geometry or Integrated Math 1
11 Algebra 2 or Geometry or
Integrated Math 2
12 Trigonometry & Pre-Calculus or Algebra 2
or Integrated Math 3
Science
Mr. Tinker
Curriculum
Criteria
Expectations
9th Grade Science Courses
Honors Biology
College Bound Science 9
Academic Science 9
Science 9
Science Progression
8Th Grade
9th Grade
Pre-Honors Science
84% and up………………………………………………………………….…….Honors Biology
83% and down………………………………………………………………..…..CB Science 9
CB Science 8
95% and up and Teacher’s recommendation……………………………….....CB Science 9
94% to 70% .................................................................................................Academic Science 9
69% and below…………………………………………………………………....Science 9
Science 8
95% and up and Teacher’s recommendation………………….…………..…..Academic Science 9
94% and below.............................................................................................Science 9
Honors Biology Description
 Part of the honors curricula geared to academically accelerated students who
show an interest in and aptitude for the sciences.
 The course is designed to challenge the student to incorporate and apply the
basic content of:
biochemistry
cell biology
microbiology
zoology
and to foster skills of independent learning
genetics
ecology
 The course emphasizes the scientific method, laboratory skill development,
and empirical observation through a series of laboratory and classroom
activities.
 The basic objectives of the course are designed to develop an interest in the
biological sciences and to stimulate creative thought through application of
biological concepts and laboratory investigations.
College Bound Science 9
 A challenging compression of Academic Science 9 along with the
incorporation of fundamental concepts presented in Honors Biology.
 It is designed to provide concepts and teach skills common to both the
physical and biological sciences. The primary emphasis of the class is
twofold.
 First, students will build upon the physical science concepts they learned in Pre-honors
Science 8.
 Second, they will be introduced to biological topics such as biochemistry, the cell, genetics,
and organisms.
 This course offers the challenges of moving at a faster pace than Academic
Science 9 along with the introduction to a number of biology topics in order
to prepare students for a full year of biology in 10th grade.
 Requirements:
Students will be expected to successfully complete homework, projects, and
lab activities. Tests and quizzes will be given at the completion of each
chapter.
Academic Science 9 Description
 This course is for academic students whose career path will follow a
curriculum revolving around classes of the college preparatory
level. It continues the Junior High sequence of PA state standards
aligned to physical and earth science.
 The course covers the four main topics of:




Chemical Interactions
Sound, Light & Electricity
Astronomy
Environment & Ecology
 The course continues to foster the development and application of
problem-solving and thinking skills.
Science 9 Description
Continues the JH sequence based upon
content and the state standards. This course
is broken into four major areas of scientific
study:
–
–
–
–
Chemical Interactions
Sound Light & Electricity
Astronomy
Environment & Ecology
Prerequisite: Successful completion of
Science 8.
Foreign Languages
Mrs. Stern
Curriculum
Criteria
Expectations
World Language Options
French
German
Latin
Spanish
Why take a World Language?
Helps with understanding English
– Vocabulary
Develops an appreciation of other cultures
Opens more doors in the work place
– Business, Government
Improves SAT scores
Is this a graduation
requirement?
No!
However…
– Students are encouraged to take a minimum
of two years of the same language
– Required for some colleges and/or degrees
(Check with potential colleges)
Language Instruction Today
We focus on all four skills.
– Listening
Real-life dialog
Music
– Reading
Short stories and novels
– Writing
Skits, letters, compositions, etc.
– Speaking
Student interaction
How to choose a language
What language or place interests you the
most?
What is your heritage?
Advantages of
High School World Language
Obtain College in High School credit
through St. Francis University in Level 4
Participate in foreign language clubs
Opportunity for travel and immersions
Fulfill college entrance requirements and
possibly continue earning credits toward a
minor degree in a foreign language.
Mr. Laird
Music Department
Dates To Remember
Transition to HS Conference Request:
Available After Tonight’s Presentation or by calling the
Guidance Office at 695-4426 ext. 6520.
Scheduling Sheets, Tiger TV Applications, and Intro to
Art Portfolios:
Due Tuesday, February 18
Resources
Mrs. Sell, Guidance Counselor
695-4426 ext. 6521
veronica_sell@tigerwires.com
Mrs. Boose, Guidance Secretary
695-4426 ext. 6520
elda_boose@tigerwires.com
Closing Remarks
Please see the back table for additional
information and for an opportunity to sign
up for a transition to high school
conference/Career Conference.