BLUE SPRINGS FRESHMAN
CENTER CURRICULUM NIGHT
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In just a few short months,
your student will be
transitioning to high school.
We want to review the
information you and your
student will need to make
that transition go smoothly.
There is a LOT to know, and
we want to support you and
your student
Missouri Connections
www.missouriconnections.org
Interests Abilities Values
Career Path
Personal Plan of Study
Enrollment
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
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English – 4 credits
Fine Arts – 1 credit
Health - .5 credit
Math – 3 credits
Personal Finance - .5 credit
P.E. - 1 credit
Practical Arts – 1 credit
Science – 3 credits
Social Studies – 3 credits
Electives – 7 credits (must include .5 credit in a
technology class and .5 credit in a speech class
TOTAL = 24 CREDITS
Communication Arts
English I
or
English I Literature and Composition
*Students who choose Literature and Composition tend to enjoy reading and writing.
They like to analyze and to evaluate various types of writing. This course is considered
more rigorous and moves at a faster pace than English 1.
MATHEMATICS
If you’re in…
Enroll in…
Pre-Algebra
Algebra A or Algebra I
Algebra I
Geometry
8th grade math teachers will enroll
students in next math class
BIOLOGY
or
PRE-AP BIOLOGY
Pre-AP Biology is for students who plan to take an AP Biology course. This rapidly
paced class will cover all the topics in Biology 1 with increased depth and
breadth of coverage, including participation in advanced inquiry labs.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Geography/American Government
OR
Geography/ Political Analysis
Students demonstrating success in a Geography/ Political Analysis class tend
to enjoy reading and writing. They will learn the skills to clearly present reasons
and evidence in group discussions. They will also learn how to interpret
quotes, graphs, and political cartoons in essay format. This course will help
prepare students for AP Government.
PE
and
Health
Health – semester course
and (choose one):
* Boys PE
* Girls PE
* Beginning Weightlifting
* Fitness and Wellness – this course is designed for
students interested in setting personal fitness goals and
monitoring them through the use of “fitbits”.
* Beginning Swimming
*Exception: Three year-long electives or a competitive class, such as
Forensics. Please consult with your counselor if this situation applies
to you.
ART
DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS –
CREDIT: ½ Unit of Fine Art
This semester course builds a foundation of knowledge in art. Composition
and color are emphasized as well as drawing and art criticism. This class
is a prerequisite for all art classes except Art History.
DRAWING –
CREDIT: ½ Unit of Fine Art
This course offers students an opportunity to focus specifically on improving
drawing skills and expanding a knowledge of composition. Students will
also learn how to critique artwork in a group discussion setting. You must
take Design Fundamentals as a prerequisite for this course
Business & Technology
Introduction to Business
CREDIT: ½ Unit of Practical Art
Students will study basic world economics as well as business
ownership, banking, checking accounts, stocks, investments,
and insurance. This course also includes a business
simulation.
Computer Applications
CREDIT: ½ Unit of Practical Art or Technology
Students will develop keyboarding skills using MicroSoft
Word, Excel, PowerPoint,and Publisher
Advanced Computer Applications
CREDIT: ½ Unit of Practical Art
Prerequisite: Computer Applications
This course is designed to further students’ skills in the
advanced use of MicroSoft Office.
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE
Child Development
½ unit of Practical Art
This course places emphasis on parenting skills, teenage pregnancy, childbirth,
prenatal and postnatal care of infants, developmental patterns of children, child
safety, and child abuse.
Discovering FCS
1/2 unit of Practical Art
This course teaches the necessary skills for independent living including clothing,
housing, childcare, consumer education, family and individual health, parenthood,
family living, food preparation skills, and careers.
•Nutrition & Wellness
•½ unit of Practical Art
This introductory course in basic nutrition covers the following areas: safety in
the kitchen, kitchen management, basic food purchasing, and preparation and
storage skills. Sports nutrition, eating disorders, and malnutrition are also
explored. This course involves lab experiences in the kitchen.
Journalism I
CREDIT: ½ Unit of Elective
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of writing news, features,
editorials, and sports using the newspaper and yearbook/magazine formats.
Foreign Language
CREDIT: 1 Unit of Elective
German 1
French 1
Spanish 1
Spanish 2
Industrial / Technical Education
INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS AND PROCESSING
Credit : ½ unit Practical Art
This course is designed to introduce students to different techniques
of working with woods, materials, and the essential tools. Hands-on,
problem-solving activities help students develop skills and produce
different finished products.
MUSIC
Freshman Marching Band
Credit: 1 unit of Fine Art
Freshman Choir
Credit:- 1 unit of Fine Art
Orchestra
Credit: 1 unit of Fine Art
Campus Choir
Credit: ½ unit of Fine Art
This is a non-auditioned, non-performing class for students with
limited choral background. Students will learn fundamental
music skills, music history, terms, and vocal techniques. There
is very little singing in this class.
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE 1
Credit: Practical Art or elective
Students receive instruction in animal science, plant science, career
exploration, and leadership activities through participation in Future
Farmers of America. Units include agribusiness, natural resources,
and food science. This course includes much instruction in sciences,
including genetics, DNA, and and other biology concepts.
PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Credit: Practical Art or elective
Students investigate human body systems and various health conditions
including heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, hypercholesterolemia,
and infectious diseases. Students will determine the factors that led to the
death of a fictitious person and investigate lifestyle choices and medical
treatments that may have prolonged the person’s life. The projects include
human physiology, medicine, and research processes. Key biological
concepts include homeostasis, matabolism, inheritance of traits, and
defenses against disease. Membership in HOSA (a student organization
promoting health science careers) is encouraged.
You must take this course in order to take subsequent Biomedical courses .
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN
CREDIT : Practical Art/Technology/Elective
This class will employ engineering, mathematic, and
scientific concepts in the solution of design
engineering problems. Models are created and
analyzed using a solid modeling design software.
Membership and participation in TSA, a student
organization promoting technology, will be
encouraged.
It is recommended that students have an Algebra 1
or higher math background.
Aerospace
Credit: Elective
This is an aviation history course that focuses on the development of
flight throughout history. Students will also study the principles of flight,
basic aeronautics, aircraft motion and control, flight power, and rockets.
Leadership training introduces cadets to the Air Force Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) including the Air Force organizational
structure, uniform wear, customs, courtesies, health and wellness, selfcontrol, and citizenship.
Students are required to wear a uniform once per week and to have the
hair cut to an acceptable level.
Speech/Debate/Drama
Debate
Credit: speech or elective
Debate is designed to teach introductory skills in argumentation,
persuasion, speech, logic, and research. Participation in weekend
tournaments is required. Students are required to dress professionally for
competitions.
Forensics
Credit: speech or elective
Students prepare for competitions in the areas of humorous interpretion,
duet acting, poetry and prose reading, story telling, and duo interpretation
Introduction to Theatre
Credit: Fine art or speech
Covers basic acting skills,theatre history, and dramatic structure
CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER
Ag Productions
Auto Collision
 Auto Service
Advanced Eng. & Architect.
 Adv Comp. Eng.
Systems Engineering
 Constr. Trades
CSI/Law Enforcement
 Culinary Arts
Emerg. Med. Technician
 Fire Science
Health Sciences
 Entrepreneurial Studies
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AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE
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Student Exchange Program
ACTIVITIES AND TRANSITION NIGHT
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May 6, 2015 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
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Come hear about tips for success in high
school, what you need to do in 9th grade to get
ready for college and the ACT, and the
clubs/sports/activities offered in the district.
THANKS FOR COMING. WE HOPE
THIS EVENING’S INFORMATION IS
HELPFUL FOR YOU!!