|
PLANNING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
Academic Year 2008-2009
Freshman Year
Principal: Karen Bennett 346-4000 x1001
Counselor: Bonnie Roberts 346-4000 x2005
Counselor: Peggy Hooker 346-4000 x2007
Welcome to the beginning of your high school career. Being a freshman is like being on a roller coaster. As you are waiting in line to get on the ride, you have mixed feelings – both excitement and trepidation. That's where you are now. Standing in line, waiting to get on the ride of your life! In the next four years, you will have the same ups and downs that you would experience on a roller coaster. When you get off the roller coaster and walk the stage to receive your diploma, you will look back on your high school years the same as when you exit a roller coaster. It was a great ride while it lasted but way too short!!
This course description booklet is the first step in getting you ready for the ride that will last four years. It will help you to understand what you need to do next year and help to plan the rest of your high school career to meet graduation requirements. Using this booklet, 8th graders will be meeting individually with their school counselor to plan for their high school courses.
The chart below tells you how many credits you need to receive your diploma.
Subject Regents Diploma Advanced Designation
| Subject |
Regents Diploma |
Advanced Designation |
| English |
4 |
4 |
| Social Sciences |
4 |
4 |
| Math |
3 |
3 |
| Science |
3 |
3 |
| LOTE (Spanish, French) |
1 |
3* |
| Art / Music |
1 |
1 |
| Health |
.5 |
.5 |
| Physical Education |
4 |
2* |
| Electives |
4 |
2* |
| Total |
22.5 |
22.5 |
As you can see, there are two types of diplomas.
What is the difference between Regents diploma and Advanced Designation?
For a Regents diploma, students need to pass 5 Regents exams and earn 22.5 credits. Advanced designation requires students to pass 8 Regents exams with a score of 65 or above. In addition, students are required to earn 3 credits in LOTE or 5 credits in the arts.
Is one diploma better than another?
There is no easy answer to this question as it depends on what career choices a student wants to pursue. Students who want to attend a four year college should take three or four years of a foreign language.
Suppose I don't take three years of a foreign language and then decide to go to a four-year school?
It may be difficult to be accepted to a four year school without meeting the recommended language requirement. Before being accepted, a college may require additional non-credit language classes, while others may require summer courses. Another option may be for
students to attend a community college and then transfer to a four year school.
What courses do all 9th graders take?
All 9th graders take English, Global History, and Physical Education.
What about Science and Math?
All 9th graders take Biology and Math, but placement in the various levels of math and/or Honors Science is based on teacher recommendation.
How many classes can I take?
Ninth graders are recommended to take enough courses to fill 7 blocks, leaving one block open for a study hall. The required 9th grade classes' use 4.5 blocks, leaving room for 3 more classes, or
3 electives. Students need to carry a minimum of 6.5 credits.
What are the elective classes?
Your counselor will be meeting with you to talk about which electives help to meet your interests and goals. Some options available are:
Courses Amount of Blocks Used
| Spanish and/or French |
1 or 2 |
| Band or Chorus or Both |
.5 or 1 |
| Career and Financial Management |
.5 |
| * Design, Drawing, and Production (DDP) |
1 |
| * Studio in Art |
1 |
| Health 9 |
.5 |
| Computer Document Processing/ Communications |
.5 or 1 |
| Computer Applications I & II |
.5 or 1 |
*A pre-requisite for other courses in the department.
What if I have other questions?
Please contact any of the people listed above. They will be happy to answer your questions.
As you make your plan for next year, remember that what makes a plan capable of producing results is the commitment of the individual.
I wish you much success in your plan and with your commitment.
With Bulldog Pride,
Mrs. Karen Bennett
Principal |