MINNEOLA HIGH SCHOOL
2009-2010
COURSE DESCRIPTION HANDBOOK
The Mission of U.S.D. 219
Minneola schools will model, encourage and expect high standards,
and personal responsibility through quality education.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2 ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
2 COLLEGE BOUND CURRICULUM
3 NCAA QUALIFICATIONS
5 SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
6 LANGUAGE ARTS DEPARTMENT
8 MATH DEPARTMENT
9 BUSINESS DEPARTMENT
9 SOCIAL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
10 FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT
11 PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
12 INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT
12 OTHER EDUCATION
13 MAKE-UP CREDIT
Minneola High School Enrollment Information
The courses a student selects in high school may affect the kind of work, the amount of income, the kind of post high school education, and the friends one will have both in school and in adult life. Careful planning is necessary if a student is to gain the most from his/her high school experience. Students are encouraged to discuss their course selection with parents, the counselor, and teachers – and to know various college, vocational school, and/or job requirements before making final course selections.
Minneola High School Graduation Requirements
English and Language Arts 4 Credits
Social Studies 3 Credits
U.S. History
American Government
S.S. Elective
Science 3 Credits
[One must be a lab class.]
Mathematics 3 Credits
[These can be any 3.]
Health & P.E. 1 Credit
Computer Technology 1 Credit
Fine Arts 1 Credit
[Band, Vocal, Art]
Electives 10 Credits
Total Required 26 Credits
Qualified Admissions Curriculum
The Kansas Board of Regents recommends that any student planning to attend a Kansas Regents University take the following preparatory core curriculum during high school. For years, students who have taken the college bound curriculum have scored better on their ACT test than those not taking the college curriculum. Kansas students who take the core curriculum score 3.4 points better on their ACT composite than those not taking the core curriculum. Chance of success in college should become greater after taking the core curriculum. Students applying to any of the six Kansas Regents universities must meet certain admission criteria:
Admission Requirements
Pre-college Curriculum
English – 4 units required
At least one unit of English or language arts must be taken each year of high school.
Beyond this requirement, students are encouraged to take courses in journalism, speech, drama/theater, and/or debate.
Natural Science – 3 units required
Students must take three units chosen from the following courses. At least one unit must be in chemistry or physics.
Biology; Advanced Biology (2nd Year Biology); Chemistry; Earth/Space Science; Physics
Students are encouraged to take one additional unit of science chosen from the courses listed above.
Math – 3 units required
Students must take one unit each of Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. Completion of any of the three required math courses in middle school or junior high school, can count toward the Qualified Admissions math requirement. Students are strongly encouraged to take a mathematics course every year of high school.
Social Sciences – 3 units required
Students must complete the following: One unit of U.S. History; One-half unit of U.S. Government; One-half unit selected from: world history, world geography, and international relations. One unit selected from: psychology, economics, civics, history, current social issues, sociology, anthropology, and race/ethnic group relations.
Computer Technology – 1 unit required
One unit of computer technology is required
Foreign Language
This is recommended but not required for Qualified Admissions.
Kansas Scholars Curriculum [Pre-college Curriculum for Scholarship Applicants]
As a Kansas high school graduate, students may be eligible for one of three state-sponsored scholarship programs. These include: State Scholarship Program; Minority Scholarship Program; and the Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship. To be eligible for one of these scholarships, a student must complete all the required courses for the pre-college curriculum plus an additional three units, as follows:
English – 4 units required
Math – 1 additional unit; total of 4 units required
In addition to Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry, students are required to complete one unit of advanced mathematics selected from analytic geometry, trigonometry, advanced algebra, probability and statistics, functions, or calculus.
Social Sciences – 3 units required
Foreign Language – 2 units required
Students are required to complete two high school units in one foreign language.
Natural Science -- 3 units required
Students applying for a state-sponsored scholarship must take biology, chemistry, and physics.
Computer Technology – 1 unit required
NCAA Division I Freshman Eligibility Standards
Students first entering a Division I collegiate institution must meet the 16 core-course role in order to play athletics or receive an athletic scholarship. In addition, Division I has a sliding scale of test score and grade-point average. The counselor’s office has the test score and GPA requirements.
16 Required Courses: four years of English; three years of mathematics (algebra I or higher level); two years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if offered by your high school); one extra year of English, mathematics or natural/physical science; two years of social science; and four years of extra courses (from any category above, foreign language or non-doctrinal religion/philosophy).
NCAA Division II Freshman Eligibility Standards
If a student enrolls in a Division II college and wants to participate in athletics or receive an athletic scholarship, the student must complete the 14 core courses listed below; present a 2.000 grade point average in the core courses; and achieve a combined SAT score of 820 or a sum score of 68 on the ACT.
14 Required Core Courses: Three years of English; Two years of mathematics (algebra I or higher level); Two years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science); Two extra years of English mathematics of natural/physical science; Two years of social science; and Three years of additional courses (from any category above, or foreign language, non-doctrinal religion or philosophy).
NCAA Approved Core Courses
The NCAA has approved the following courses at Minneola High School for use in establishing the initial-eligibility certification status of student-athletes from this school.
English Composition 1 & 2; English 9, 10, 11, & 12; Speech
Social Science American Government; American History; Economics; Psychology; World Geography
Mathematics Algebra 1; Algebra 2; Geometry; Trigonometry
Science Anatomy & Physiology; Biology; Chemistry; Physical Science; Physics
Foreign Language Spanish 1 & 2
Awards and Honors
Lamp of Knowledge – This is awarded each spring and is based on the following: a cumulative GPA of 3.25 and a Weighted GPA of 8.00.
National Honor Society – Second semester sophomores and juniors with a 3.33 cumulative GPA who wish to apply for membership will have their applications reviewed and voted upon by the Faculty Council.
Minneola High School Course Description Guide
BIOLOGY: One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
Biology is the study of all living things, both plants and animals ranging from microscopic sized organisms to complex multi-celled organisms. Special emphasis is placed on the study of man, environments, and ecological changes. Classroom work is supplemented by various laboratory dissections of representative phylums.
HONORS BIOLOGY: One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
This course offers a more in-depth study of Biology, which also includes more dissections.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: One Credit
JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Biology, Chemistry (completed or currently enrolled in)
Anatomy and Physiology is a study of the chemical and physical mechanisms that are characteristic within the human body. All individual body systems are studied in relation to anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Class will culminate with a trip to view a cadaver at Garden City CC.
CHEMISTRY: One Credit
JUNIORS
PREREQUISITE: Physical Science & Biology
Chemistry is the study of matter, its structures, properties, composition, and the changes that matter undergoes. Classroom topics are supplemented with mandatory laboratory investigations. This course is college preparatory in nature.
PHYSICS: One Credit
SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Algebra & Geometry
This class deals with Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics. Adequate background in algebra and geometry is necessary.
EARTH SCIENCE: – One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
Prerequisite: Physical Science (completed or currently enrolled in)
Earth Science is a class that deals with the study of Meteorology, Geology, Oceanography, and Astronomy. Students will learn about weather patterns and the role our atmosphere plays in everyday life. They will also learn about rocks and minerals as well as Earth history that involves the geologic time scale. Students will learn about constellations and stellar evolution in Astronomy and they will briefly learn about the study of our oceans.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE: – One Credit
FRESHMEN
Prerequisite: Algebra I (currently enrolled in)
This class consists primarily of a general examination of the nature and interaction of matter and energy. Quite a bit of math is used. We look at the diversity of matter and its composition and at various forms of energy and their effects on matter. This part of the course serves to prepare students for high school chemistry and physics. If time permits, we may also examine the geologic history of the earth and astronomy.
NATURAL DISASTERS: – One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
Prerequisite: Earth Science (completed or currently enrolled in)
In Natural Disasters students will learn about tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, landslides, wildfires, and tsunami. This class goes at a more relaxed pace but will help students to understand how these disasters occur and why. The students will also take a look at how humans are affected by these disasters and technology that has been developed to assist in prevention or advanced warning systems.
ENGLISH I: One Credit
FRESHMEN
PREREQUISITE: Junior High English
This course includes the study of grammar and its application to writing sentences, paragraphs, and compositions. The study of literature will include short story, essay, biography, drama, mythology, poetry, and the novel. A study of age-appropriate vocabulary will be taught and tested over.
ENGLISH II: One Credit
SOPHOMORES
PREREQUISITE: English I
This course includes the study of grammar, usage, and mechanics and their application to writing sentences, paragraphs, and compositions. The study of literature will include writing sentences, paragraphs, and compositions. The study of literature will include short story, essay, biography, drama, mythology, poetry, and the novel. A study of age-appropriate vocabulary will be taught and tested over.
ENGLISH III: One Credit
JUNIORS
PREREQUISITE: English II
This course includes the study of grammar, usage, mechanics, clarity, style, and their application to writing compositions. The research method of MLA will be studied and a research paper will be produced. The study of American literature will include historical background of beginning to present day of short story, essay, biography, drama, poetry, and the novel. A study of age-appropriate vocabulary will be taught and tested over.
ENGLISH IV: One Credit
SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: English III
This course includes the study of grammar, usage, mechanics, clarity, style, and their application to writing compositions as well as the study of the history of the English language. The research methods of MLA and APA will be studied and a research paper will be produced. Letter writing, interviewing, and production of a resume will also be studied. The study of British literature will include historical background of beginning to present day of short story, essay, biography, drama, poetry, and the novel. A study of age-appropriate vocabulary will be taught and tested over.
CREATIVE WRITING: Half Credit
JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: English I and II
This course is designed to help students express their thoughts and feelings in both prose and poetry and to appreciate and evaluate the works of others. Students will develop skills in descriptive, informative, and persuasive modes and gain skills in developing characterization, voice, tone, and dialogue. Students will complete four major projects in addition to their writings. Students will keep a personal diary.
SPEECH: Half Credit – Dual Credit Option
JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: English I and II
This introductory course is designed to help students understand the speaking/listening process and to become a better prepared speaker/listener. Students will learn to give and accept constructive criticism. Students will learn and practice valuable research and critical thinking skills. Speeches will include informative, persuasive, demonstration, special occasion speeches, group discussion, oral interpretation, and reader’s theatre.
COMPOSITION I AND II: One Credit – Dual Credit Option
SENIORS
PREREQUISITES: English I, English II, & English III
English Composition I is designed to give students instruction in and practice in Writing from Recall, Writing from Observation, Writing from Conversation, and Writing from Imagination. Students will produce 2 to 3 essays for each category.
English Composition II is a course designed to expand on writing skills developed in Comp. I while giving students instruction in and practice in learning to think, read, and write critically, to analyze and synthesize, compare and contrast, explain cause and effect, take a stand, propose a solution, evaluate, and write a literary research paper.
YEARBOOK: Half Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
This course is open to any student. Students will gain skills in working with In Design, PhotoShop CS2, Year Tech, and have hands on experience in the field of Photography. Student must be willing to work hard, after school hours and possibly first part of summer to complete the one and only book that will represent their school pride.
ALGEBRA I: One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES (Sophomores only take as a re-take for credit)
PREREQUISITE: 8th Grade or High School Mathematics Instructor Recommendation
Algebra I introduces the student to algebraic properties of numbers and furnishes the student with many exercises to strengthen the comprehension of these properties. The student will acquire a facility in applying algebraic concepts and skills to “everyday life” math and will be introduced to concept of using algebra to generalize relationships.
GEOMETRY: One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS
PREREQUISITE: Algebra I
Geometry is a math course of integrated plane and solid geometry from a modern aspect with practical application always kept in mind. It stresses the development of deductive reasoning. Course topics investigate the relationship between lines, planes, angles, polygons, and simple solid figures. Areas and volumes of plane and solid figures are also covered.
ALGEBRA II: One Credit
JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Geometry
The main focus of Algebra II is to prepare students for success in college mathematics. This course thoroughly reviews all the concepts of Algebra I and develops beyond Algebra I the concepts of: rational and irrational numbers, complex numbers, functions, logarithms, and both linear and non-linear algebraic concepts.
TRIGONOMETRY/SR. MATH: One Credit – Dual Credit Option
SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Algebra II
Sr. Math is taught as two one-semester courses. The first semester is devoted to the study of trigonometry. This study of trigonometry includes both triangular and circular functions. College Algebra is taught during the second semester. Students may take the College Algebra portion of the class for duel credit through DCCC if they so chose.
CONSUMER MATH – One Credit
SENIORS [Credit Recovery]
PREREQUISITE: Algebra & Geometry
The objective of Consumer Math is two-fold. The course exposes students to several practical applications of mathematics, as well as, reviews and reinforces many pure mathematical concepts. Students will learn about installment buying, mortgages, stocks and bonds, measurement, voting and apportionment methods, etc. In order to prepare students for the possibility of taking math in college, concepts from Algebra and Geometry will also be reviewed.
COMPUTER I: One Credit
FRESHMEN
PREREQUISITE: None
This course covers the basics in computer technology. Areas that are targeted include the basic Microsoft Office applications: Performance Basics, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will also learn fundamentals in keyboarding skills and retain computer skills and understand why these skills are useful.
ADVANCED COMPUTERS: One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISTE: Computer I
This course can be taken one time during the Sophomore, Junior, or Senior year. Students will expand from skills acquired in Computer I, adding in other Microsoft Office applications: Microsoft Access, Microsoft Outlook, and Internet Explorer. Students will also work with Macromedia Dreamweaver, a website software that will also include acquiring skills dealing with Photoshop CS2. This course is a good resource in students discovering the possibilities available to them in the form of technology after graduating high school.
AMERICAN HISTORY: One Credit
JUNIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
We will primarily cover the political, social, and economic development of the United States in the 20th Century. Topics that will be addressed: Reconstruction, Westward Expansion, WWI, the Great Depression, WWII, Vietnam, Korea, the Cold War, Desert Storm, and present day events.
ECONOMICS: Half Credit
JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
We will discuss the use of scarce resources and the principles of supply and demand. Additionally, we will examine practical applications of economics such as personal banking, budgeting, and debt management.
GOVERNMENT: One Credit
SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: American History
We will examine the origins of our system of government, federalism (government at the local, state, and national levels), and the three branches of our national government. If time allows, we will also examine some global political issues.
PSYCHOLOGY: Half Credit
JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
The primary objective of this class is to introduce students to Psychology as a way of understanding human behaviors and mental processes. We will focus on the perspectives and methods psychologists use to study human behavior as well as the concepts, principles and vocabulary psychologists use to discuss what we know about it.
WORLD HISTORY: One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES
PREREQUISITE: None
We will examine the following topics in World History: Ancient Civilizations, the development of Eastern Cultures, World Religions, Europe in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, and Democratic Revolutions.
BAND: One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMOES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Students must have some playing experience and will be required to try out.
High School Instrumental Music is a class that combines music education with performance. The prerequisite for this class is at least two years of music training on a band instrument and an audition. Students will gain knowledge in music theory and history as well as perform concert band literature from a variety of composers and time periods. Students will also participate in some marching band activities and will perform as a pep band at home football games. A jazz curriculum will be included and a jazz band formed in years when the correct instrumentation is available. All students will have the opportunity to perform in solo and ensemble contests and advanced students will have the opportunity to try out for honor bands and college scholarships. Members of the instrumental music program in grades 7-12 will have the opportunity to belong to the Wildcat Pep Band which performs at basketball games.
MUSIC THEORY: One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISTE: Band or Vocal
Music Theory is a multi-faceted class for students who would like to gain a deeper understanding of music. Students will learn music theory and history as a pre-class to college music theory and history. They will also learn basic piano skills and be involved with teaching younger students privately and in groups. Students will learn the basics of setting up and maintaining a music library and a classroom inventory.
CHOIR: One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISTE:
This class is a performance and music education class. We will explore and perform a variety of musical styles from classic to contemporary. Students will be required to perform at all concerts and contests. Advanced students will have the opportunity to participate in honor choirs and audition for scholarships.
ACCENT: Half Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISTE: Audition prior to enrollment
This course is an advanced group of musicians who perform varied styles of music and movement. Students will be required to perform at all concerts and contests. They will also have the opportunity to participate in honor choirs and audition for scholarships. Opportunities to perform outside of school activities will be sought.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH: One Credit
FRESHMEN
PREREQUISITE: None
Every four weeks girls and boys rotate between athletic development and health. The P.E. portion includes activities such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, weight lifting, and soccer. The health section includes units concerning social, emotional, physical and mental health, abuse, conflict resolution, consumer choices, public health, human growth and development, nutrition, alcohol and substance abuse, non-communicable and communicable diseases, and human reproduction.
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT: One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: P.E. I / HEALTH
The purpose of the Athletic Development class will be to give the student athlete an opportunity to reach his/her maximum potential as a student athlete.
We will continue to follow the Bigger…Faster…Stronger Program, which lends itself to a cross-training strategy which will include weight training and speed development directed to improve the athlete both physically and mentally.
The weight training part of the class will be conducted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday where the athlete will master the technique of four core lifts including the Bench Press, Squat, Clean, and Dead Lift. The core lifts will be supplemented by auxiliary lifts, fitness, and speed drills, which can be varied according to the needs of the athlete. On Tuesday, the athlete will work on speed development where agility and low stress plyometrics will be used to develop the athlete’s quickness.
Lifting and quickness techniques will be stressed to insure safety and maximum development, along with stretching and flexibility exercises to increase the athlete’s flexibility. The student athlete will be evaluated according to improvement and his or her ability to reach several personal goals which will be determined by student, teacher and coaches at the beginning of each nine week period.
Thursday during sports will be classroom lecture. During this time we will study the “Be an 11” Guidebook.
SHOP: One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
The students will learn the following: a) shop safety b) tool nomenclature c) welding [cutting torch, gas welder, brazing, arc welder, plazma cutter, wire welder, and solder electric wires together], d) operate each wood machine correctly, e) build a wood project and f) build additional projects out of wood or steel.
In subsequent years, the students will a) review shop safety b) tool nomenclature, and c) build projects out of wood, steel, or approved auto mechanics projects.
ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER AIDE: One Credit
JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
The student aide shall do numerous activities as directed by the teacher which may include but are not limited to: working with students in small groups or on an individual basis, bulleting board projects, art projects, sorting and counting worksheets, and copying materials. Students may do this either the Junior or Senior year, but not both. Teacher/student assignments will be determined in the fall.
ITV COURSES
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISTE: Students must be self-motivated and self-disciplined to be successful in an ITV class. The following classes may be offered: Spanish I, Spanish II (Dual Credit Option), Family Living/Child Development (Dual Credit Option), Art, General Business, Applied Geometry, and Certified Nurse Aide (Dual Credit Option).
SPANISH I: One Credit
FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
This is an introduction to Spanish. Students will learn beginning communication skills in Spanish. Beginning communication skills include speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will also study various aspects of Spanish culture and history as well as geography.
SPANISH II: One Credit – Dual Credit Option
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Spanish I
This is a continuation of Spanish I. Students will continue to build on their communication skills. Added focus will be given to reading, writing and grammar. Students will continue to study various aspects of Spanish culture and history.
FAMILY LIVING/CHILD DEVELOPMENT: One Credit – Dual Credit Option
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
Students will study families and realize the need for strong families in society. In Child Development, students will study children, personal childhood experiences and challenges, and how to make a difference in children’s lives.
ART – One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
Students will learn basic drawing skills, information about color, perspective, shadowing and shading, and practice these in weekly drawings. A variety of art projects are worked on throughout the year with paints, pastels, pen and ink, and other mediums.
GENERAL BUSINESS–One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
General Business is a comprehensive course describing how the American business economy operates and preparing students to make decisions as consumers, wage earners, and citizens. The course combines explanations of business and economic concepts with practical applications of these concepts to the real world. Topics covered include economic systems, types of business ownership, managing a small business, careers, saving and investing, credit, and insurance. Students will also practice writing job application letters, applying for jobs, experience a job interview, and do job shadowing.
APPLIED GEOMETRY-One Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
Basic Geometry skills are taught in this class.
CERTIFIED NURSE AIDE-Half Credit
SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS-SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: None
This is a theory and clinical course designed to teach the basic skills required to meet the hygiene and comfort needs of an older adult. Some acute care skills are also included. Emphasis is placed on understanding the unique needs associated with aging. Successful completion of the course allows students to apply for certification through the Kansas Department of Health and Education.
TECH PREP
SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Students must be self-motivated and self-disciplined to be successful in a DCCC on-campus Vo-Tech class.
Once the DCCC Class Schedule is available, choices of course work will be determined.
Some credit is earned on the high school level.
WORK STUDY
SENIORS
PREREQUISITE: Approval by BOE
A letter requesting permission to leave school and participate in a work study must be submitted to the Board of Education prior to enrollment. Work study is approved by the BOE in a field related to the student’s career choice. For every hour in the work place, the student will earn half a credit.
Students who have failed a core subject or who need additional credits to graduate may make up that credit by taking online classes with 21st Century Learning Academy in Mullinville. All classes need to be pre-approved by the administration.
USD #219 does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, handicap, or age in admission or access to, or treatment of students or employees in, its programs or activities. Any questions regarding the district’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX or Section 504, including information about the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or Section 504 Coordinator who is the Superintendent of Schools can be reached at 620-885-4372, 111 Locust, Minneola, Kansas 67865, or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, the U.S. Department of Education