Curriculum Night 2015AUDITORIUM

6:00-6:40 Program for Parents of Rising 9th Graders

6:45-7:45 Program for Parents of Current WSHS Students

CAFETERIA6:45-7:45 Curriculum Fair

• Focus: Rising 9th Grade Electives

7:45-8:45 Curriculum Fair• Focus: Some AP Courses• Focus: Electives for Upperclassmen

Curriculum Night 2015Program for Parents of Rising 9th Graders

Welcome & Overview of the eveningPowerPoint for Students – walk-throughOverview of the Course Selection ProcessWhere to Find Further InformationAP Specific Information

Curriculum Night 2015Program for Parents of Upperclassmen

Welcome & Overview of the Structure of TonightPowerPoint for Students – walk-throughOverview of the Course Selection ProcessWhere to Find Further InformationAP Specific Information

West Springfield High School

Overview of the Registration Process

Graduation Requirements

Course SequencesCurriculum Updates

Welcome Class of 2019!

WSHS School CounselorsCounselor Assigned Caseload

Jeff Stahl Last Names A-B

Austin Hamill Last Names C-D

Braden Peterson Last Names E-HI

Steve Myers Last Names HO-LE

Kara Stamper Last Names LI-NE

Katy Sokolove Last Names NG-RO

Vanessa Elam Last Names RU-TH

Evelyn Clumpkens Last Names TI-Z

What’s Different About High School?CHOICES: It’s all about making choices that impact your future! What are your goals? How can we help you get there?

SCHOOL HOURS: 8:00 am-2:55 pm (Not final yet)

Orange Days = Periods 1, 3, 5, 7Blue Days = Periods 2, (LS,ST), 6, 8

CLASSES: No teams in high school. More independence but also more responsibility!

Is High School harder? YES... But there is a lot of help!

Learning Seminar (LS) is a rotating 40 min. period of additional instructional time every

Blue Day. (classes rotate throughout the year- and it is all pre-printed in your planner!)

Spartan Time (ST) is a 45 minute period that offers an opportunity for remediation and

enrichment in your classes. If you have C or better- where to go is up to you.

If you have below a C, remediation may be required for that class.

Diploma Requirements for Class of 2019

Subject STANDARD DIPLOMA

(22 CREDITS)

ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA

(26 CREDITS)English 4 4Math 3 4

Algebra 1, Pt 1 NO, Elective Credit Only NO, Elective Credit Only

Geom Pt 1 NO, Elective Credit Only NO, Elective Credit Only

Computer Sci Yes, must include a CTE completer (i)Yes, only if Alg 2 is completed; must include CTE

completer (i)

Science 3 4History 4 4Health/PE 2 2World Language N/A 3 or 2+2Fine Arts OR CTE

2 1

Econ & Personal Fin

1 1

Electives (must include sequential electives)

3 3

CTE Credential (ii)

YES NO

Virtual Course YES YES

VERIFIED CREDITS (Pass course/ End of Year SOL)

Subject STANDARD DIPLOMA

(22 CREDITS)

ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA

(26 CREDITS)

English 2 (both during Junior year) 2 (both during Junior year)Math 1 2

Science 1 2

History 1 2Student Choice 1 1

TOTAL: 6 9

Diploma Requirements for Class of 2019VERIFIED CREDITS

Academic Levels

College Level CurriculumFaster PacingSignificant Independent readingSignificantly more HW

AP

Standard CurriculumFaster PacingMore independent work to go more in depthIndependent projects

Honors

Standard CurriculumStandard PacingHomework is for practice / review concepts from class

Standard

Should I Take an Honors Class? Self-Assessment A or B+ in that subject Independent learner Loves the subject Good note-taker Self-disciplined Is organized Independent reader Desires academic

challenge Willing to commit extra

time

YES, but be sure to consider the BALANCE of your schedule and factor in outside activities

B or lower in that subject Rely heavily on teacher

instruction Lacks interest in the subject Does not take good notes Often needs re-direction Finds organization difficult Prefers not to read outside of

class Prefers work to be easier Would prefer to spend little

time doing homework

Probably Not this next year, but you should re-evaluate after you get the hang of high school..

Schedule for 9th GradeCourses for a 9th Grader who has PASSED his/her 8th grade

Courses

1. English 9 / English 9 Honors

2. World History 1 / World History 1 Honors

3. Health and PE 9

4. Math (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2) *Honors available in all 3 classes

5. Biology or Biology Honors

6. World Language (Advanced Diploma) or Elective

7. Elective

Factors to Consider when Selecting ElectivesThe purpose of electives is to allow you to

explore subjects that may help you to develop a new life or academic skill, develop career specific skills or knowledge, or develop a skill/talent outside of the core curriculum

areas. Choose something that you are interested in!

Caution: moving on in Math and Languages

For World Languages AND Mathematics, it is STRONGLY recommended that you have a B or better before moving to the next course.

Why? The next levels of these courses build on your foundation from middle school! You have the option to repeat these classes if you feel you need a stronger foundation!

Things to Consider Make an informed decision when picking your

classes. Know what classes you are signing up for!

Speak with your teachers about what classes they recommend for you. Talk to your school counselor if you have questions. Discuss your schedule with your parents.

Once the school year starts, it can be difficult to change your schedule due to space available. So it’s important to choose wisely so you can get the classes that you want!

You want to challenge yourself but not be overwhelmed. Think about your extra-curricular activities, the time you have to dedicate to courses, your academic strengths, and what you are interested in!

What’s next?

1. Go to the Course Selection Guide on the WSHS website and read descriptions of the courses.

2. Select 7 Courses plus 3 Alternatives.3. Discuss your 2015-16 schedule with your

parents and have them sign your course selection sheet.

4. Arrive prepared with a completed draft for your one on one academic advising session with your counselor. Counselor is there for questions, but pre-planning is a must to have a productive session.

Signed Course Registration sheet due back to Science 8 teachers

by:

FEBRUARY 5th/6th

Important Upcoming Dates

February 13th: Future Spartan Orientation9:30 – 11:00 am at West Springfield HS. Rising

9th graders come to WSHS to learn about electives, activities, & tour the building

February 9th: Curriculum Night 6:00 – 9:00 pm at West Springfield HS. Parents

of rising 9th graders come to WSHS to learn about graduation requriemetns and electives

open to 9th graders.

Welcome to West Springfield!

Dream Big

Work Hard

Be Proud

Spartan Strong

Questions?

Curriculum Night 2015Program for Parents of Rising 9th Graders

Welcome & Overview of the Structure of TonightPower Point for Students - WalkthroughOverview of the Course Selection ProcessWhere to Find Further InformationClosing Remarks

Welcome to Best Springfield!

Work

Smart =

Have

Success