2011-2012 course book

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Gunnison Watershed School District RE-1J requires a minimum of 26 credits to graduate, along with certain

proficiencies (see below). Students are responsible for knowing the graduation requirements and communicating

with their school counselor and parents as they work toward graduation.

GUNNISON HIGH SCHOOL COURSE OFFERINGS 2011-2012

THE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS IN THIS BOOK ARE

TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE!

Gunnison High School is an equal opportunity

educational institution and does not discriminate

on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age,

and/or handicap in its activities, programs, or

employment practices as required by Title VI, Title

VII, Title IX, and Section 504. For information

regarding civil rights or grievance procedures,

contact the principal at Gunnison High School or

the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of

Education, Region VIII, Federal Office Building,1244 North Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver,

Colorado 80204, (303) 844-2991.

This publication provides information about

tentative courses at Gunnison High School,

graduation requirements, and recommended

curriculum for either college enrollment or a

career. Each student is encouraged to carefully

plan his or her high school program. Be sure to

check the course description to see if the classmeets your needs. Parental advice is very

important in this planning phase. Teachers and

counselors are available for questions from

students and parents.

Plan your course schedule CAREFULLY.

Student-initiated schedule changes (adding or

dropping classes or rearrangement of schedules)

must be made before the first day of school. Any

requests for schedule changes after each semester

begins must be approved by the Principal.

ACADEMIC PLANNING GUIDE

Students should plan their schedules with long-

range academic goals in mind. Counselors meet

with every student for this purpose, as well as with

each senior to review their academic records,

personal interests and post-high school options.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Listed below are the requirements for graduation

from Gunnison High School:

CREDITS

English 4

Social Studies 3.75

Science 3

Math 3

Fine and Practical Arts 1

Foreign Language 1

Physical Education 1

Health .5

Total Specific Credits 17.25Elective Credits 8.75

Total Credits Required 26

CREDIT INFORMATION

Credit will be awarded at the end of each semester

based on grade. Students who are unable to finish

course work at the end of a semester due to illness

or a family emergency may receive a grade of

incomplete. If the incomplete is not cleared in two

weeks, the grade will be determined by completedwork.

Credits applied toward graduation must be earned

at Gunnison High School with the following

exceptions:

- Credits may be transferred from anotherhigh school (or junior high school if the

student attended ninth grade at a three-

year junior high) in which the student was

enrolled via the official channels between

schools.- State law allows juniors and seniors to take

college classes for high school credit. Such

courses will be listed on transcripts. A

student may use a college course for high

school credit with the approval of the

Principal. Some colleges will not give

college credit for college classes that have

been awarded as high school credits. See

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course description for additional

information.

GUNNISON HIGH SCHOOL GRADING SCALE

A+ 97-100 GPA 4.0

A 93-96 GPA 4.0

A- 90-92 GPA 4.0

B+ 87-89 GPA 3.0

B 83-86 GPA 3.0

B- 80-82 GPA 3.0

C+ 77-79 GPA 2.0

C 73-76 GPA 2.0

C- 70-72 GPA 2.0

D+ 67-69 GPA 1.0

D 63-66 GPA 1.0

D- 60-62 GPA 1.0

F Below 60 GPA 0.0

P Satisfactory GPA N/A

I Incomplete

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of college-

level courses and exams that gives high school

students the opportunity to receive advanced

placement and/or college credit. High scores on AP

Exams offered at Gunnison High School each May

give students an opportunity to waive freshman

courses at many college and universities. Some

colleges and universities offer sophomore standingto students who do well on several AP exams.

There is a $92.00 fee for every exam.

Weighted Grade Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines

for grade weighting at Gunnison High School. This

policy recognizes that at the high school level, AP

courses offer substantial academic rigor. Grade

weighting shall be used to reflect the academic

achievements of students completing AP courses at

Gunnison High School. Only those AP coursesoffered at GHS, taught by qualified GHS teachers,

shall be considered for grade weighting.

Grading ScaleGrade Un-Weighted Grade Points Weighted Grade Points

A 4 5

B 3 4

C 2 3

D 1 1

F 0 0

Grades of D or F are not weighted, as they do not

reflect significant academic performance. In

addition, grades will only be weighted at each

semester, not each quarter. Therefore, weighted

grades will not affect honor roll standing.

SUPPLIES AND FEES

According to Colorado statute, students may be

required to bring specific, necessary supplies for

their own use in the classroom and to procure

supplies and equipment necessary to carry on themusical, dramatic, athletic, academic, and

performance programs of the district. Some fees

are optional while others are necessary for

participation in particular classes or programs.

Notice of these fees is given in course descriptions

or by the teacher within the first few days of class.

Miscellaneous fees may also be collected to cover

the cost of entrance, meals, and lodging for field

trips. The costs of particular, requested services

(such as additional copies of transcripts, college

searches, AP exams, postage, directories,

handbooks, etc.) may be passed on to the student.

SEE PAGE 5 FOR A LIST OF FEES

GUIDANCE CENTER INFORMATION

The Guidance Center can now be found online at

www.gunnisonschools.net. This website includes

information about colleges, scholarships, career

resources, and transcript requests. We also have a

guidance library located in the Guidance Center. It

provides students with a variety of updated collegeand career information. College videos, course

handbooks, college view books, financial aid forms,

vocational information, and scholarship

information are available in the Guidance Center.
http://www.gunnisonschools.net/http://www.gunnisonschools.net/http://www.gunnisonschools.net/

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POST-SECONDARY PREPARATION

A senior credit check will be conducted during the

first semester of the senior year, and post-

secondary planning will be discussed. Military,

work, college or other post-secondary plans are

communicated in person and during several

seminars offered by Mrs. Lamar and senior English

teachers. Regardless of decisions about life after

graduation, it is to the students advantage to

make use of the counseling services offered at

Gunnison High School.

COLLEGE AND VOCATIONAL PREPARATION

Approximately 90% of GHS students continue their

formal education immediately after graduation. If

your plans include college or vocational education,

keep in mind these factors that help determine

admission:

High school grade point average: The high schoolrecord of academic achievement still serves as the

best indicator of academic success in higher

education. Semester grades earned in 9th

, 10th

,

11th

, and 12th

grades are used to determine your

final cumulative GPA with weighted grades for AP

classes.

Class Rank: Class rank is determined by cumulative

GPA (each semesters grades averaged together).

High school course of study: Colleges and tech

schools closely look at the types of course taken,focusing on the academic rigor of those courses.

Admission Exams (ACT/SAT): Result of college

aptitude and achievement tests, American College

Test (ACT), and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

can be used as a screening device for colleges,

universities, and vocational schools. Additional

information is available on page 4 and from the

high school counselors.

Letters of Recommendation: Personal letters of

recommendation carry considerable weight in the

acceptance procedure of some schools. Personaltraits such as judgment, character, honesty, self-

reliance, dependability, and academic promise are

noted by teachers and others throughout the

students high school career.

Activities and Community Service: Participation in

activities such as clubs, student government,

athletics, drama, speech and debate, and

community service is very important in

determining how well the student will compete for

admission to private and exclusive schools. The

important point is the quality of participation, not

the quantity of membership.

NCAA Clearinghouse: This is a required

clearinghouse for all students who intend to

participate in college activities, including athletics,

cheerleading, music, and other activities for which

a student could earn a scholarship. See the NCAA

Clearinghouse website

(www.ncaaclearinghouse.org) for eligibility details.

IMPORTANT: SAT and ACT scores now need to be

sent directly to the NCAA Clearinghouse when a

student takes the test. NCAA no longer accepts

test scores printed on school transcripts! Please

enter the code 9999 when sending score reports to

ensure that the NCAA receives a copy.

COLORADO COMMISSION OF HIGHEREDUCATION: CCHE will be implementing new

admission standards (minimums for admission) for

all Colorado colleges and universities in the near

future. Phase I will impact the class of 2008. Phase

II will impact the class of 2010. For specific CCHE

admission standards, please refer to their website

at: www.state.co.us/cche.

ATHLETIC ABILITY

Please see the Athletic/Activity Code and/or theStudent Handbook for athletic/activity eligibility.

VOCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

GHS offers a variety of programs for vocational-

bound students. Classes in computer technology,

agriculture, and visual and industrial arts are

offered every semester. Programs such as SWAP

and School-to-Career (STC) offer on-the-job

training through work study and internships.

Please consult with a counselor for further details.

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PRELIMINARY COLLEGE TESTS AND INVENTORIES

PLAN: Taken as a sophomore, the PLAN is a

practice ACT test. It gives valuable information

about a students achievement in English, math,

reading, and science reasoning. It also includes an

assessment of study skills and an interest

inventory. This test is required for all sophomores.

Cost: No cost to student, required by School

District

PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude

Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is

designed to give juniors experience with tests

similar to those required for college admission. In

addition, results of this test are used as a

competitive examination in the National Merit

Program. Any junior who is college-bound should

take this test, which is given each year in October.Cost: $14.00 (assessed by PSAT)

SAT: The College Board Scholastic Aptitude Test is

used by colleges and universities as an entrance

exam. It is most commonly used on the East coast

and private schools. There are two tests, the SAT I

and SAT II. The SAT I (also known as the Reasoning

Test) consists of three sections: verbal, math, and

reading. The test is designed to provide reliable

indications of a students ability to completecollege level work and is administered nationally in

October, November, December, January, March,

May, and June. The SAT II is a subject matter test

and provides information about a students

knowledge of a particular subject. Some colleges

require this test for placement only. More

information about the SAT can be found at

sat.collegeboard.com/home.

Cost (assessed by SAT):

$47.00 (SAT I Reasoning Test)

$21.00 additional fee for each subject test (SAT II)

ACT: The American College Test (ACT) measures

the students ability to complete the kind of

intellectual tasks typically performed by college

students. The major portion of the ACT consists of

four tests: English, math, reading, and science

reasoning. The test is designed to provide reliable

indications of a students ability to complete

college level work and is administered nationally in

September, October, December, February, April,

and June. Students have the option to include the

writing portion of the exam at an extra cost. More

information about the ACT can be found at

www.actstudent.org.

Cost (assessed by ACT):

$33.00 (Basic registration without the writing

option)

$48.00 (Registration with writing)

ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational AptitudeBattery results are used as a part of career

exploration and planning. Students who are

unsure about career options or students interested

in joining the military service should take the

ASVAB. See a counselor for more information.

Cost: No cost to the student

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Gunnison High School

Course Fee List

ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE AND ARE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

AP English Literature - $95.00 AP exam fee and may

be expected to purchase books (up to $75.00)

AP English Language and Composition - $95.00 AP

exam fee and may be expected to purchase books

(up to $75.00)

AP U.S. History - $95.00 AP exam fee and $90.00

text

AP Calculus - $95.00 AP exam fee

AP Biology - $95.00 AP exam fee and $20.00 lab fee

AP Physics - $95.00 AP exam fee and $20.00 lab fee

ALL FFA members must pay FFA dues in addition to

classroom fees.

Greenhouse Mgt/Landscaping - $10.00 lab fee

Agricultural Mechanics - $20.00 lab fee

Art 1 Foundations - $70.00 per year

Art 2 Foundations - $35.00 per semester or $70.00

per year

Advanced Art - $35.00 per semester or $70.00 per

year

Intro to Woods/Construction - $50.00 lab fee per

semester, plus the cost of materials

Furniture Making - $50.00 lab fee per semester,

plus project materials

Drafting 1 - $50.00 per year

Advanced Drafting - $50.00 per year

Power and Energy - $37.50 per semester or $75.00

per year

Construction - $37.50 per semester or $75.00 per

year

Vocational Business SkillsUSA fee and $50

Band - $25.00 activity fee

$25.00 activity fee for all choir students in

addition to the following:

Encore - $25.00 tux or $100.00 dress

Cowboy Choir - $75.00 dress or $25.00 tux

Bella Voce - $75.00 dress

Fishing and Archery for the Outdoorsman - $30.00

per semester, plus the cost of a valid CO fishing

license

Leisure/Lifetime Sports - $15.00

Physical Development - $10.00

Health - $15.00 Red Cross course

Intro to Outdoor Education - $100.00 per semester,

plus misc. travel expenses, equipment rentals, etc.

Outdoor Advanced Skills - $200.00 base fee, plus

misc. travel expenses, equipment rentals, etc.

ADDITIONAL FEES MAY BE CHARGED DEPENDING

ON ACTIVITIES, EQUIPMENT, TRAVEL, ETC.

Fees for activities such as FFA, Knowledge Bowl,

Speech and Debate, Science Olympiad, Drama, etc,

are in addition to the above fees, and will be

collected at the beginning of each activity season.

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AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Agricultural Sciences and the National FFA

organization have many specific areas of study.

The main areas emphasized in the Agricultural

Science Program include science, mechanics,

business, and community development.

All FFA members must pay FFA dues of $25.00 per

year

511

INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Offered: Year long

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

This course introduces the basic concepts of a

variety of agricultural areas, which build afoundation for further development in subsequent

years. Subject areas include introduction to FFA,

livestock identification, and Ag-related shop skills.

This course includes intro to basic welding skills.

512

ANIMAL SCIENCE

Offered: Year long

Prerequisite: Intro to Ag Science and/or Biology

Grade Level: 11-12Credit: 1

This course introduces the concepts of animal

science. The subject matter is broad-based and

includes the following: Selecting and breeding

livestock, artificial insemination, EPD evaluation,

genetics, birth assistance, animal health care,

animal nutrition, animal reproduction, and equine

science. This course meets the criteria for a 3rd

science credit.

513

RANGE SCIENCE/WILDLIFE MGT

Offered: Year long

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

This course introduces principles involving the

importance of natural resources, wildlife

management, habitat requirements, range science,

water management, soil management, irrigation,

land judging, hatchery practices relative to

Colorado, and an introduction to forestry. This

course can be used as a credit toward a 3rd

science credit.

514

GREENHOUSE MGT/LANDSCAPING

Offered: Year long

Prerequisite: NoneGrade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

Fees: $10.00 lab fee

This course introduces a hands-on experience in

the areas of greenhouse management that includes

horticulture science, soil science, landscape

management, and greenhouse production

methods. This course can be used as a credit

toward a 3rd

science credit.

515

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS

Offered: Year long

Prerequisite: Completion of at least one year of

Agricultural Education courses

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1


This course broadens the minds and skills of the

students interested in agricultural mechanization.

Subject areas covered include, but are not limitedto, introduction to mechanization, metals

fabrication, farm power and machinery,

agricultural building structures technology, and

home maintenance and improvement. Safety rules

and regulations are strictly enforced at all times.

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520

AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE TRAINING

Offered: Year long

Prerequisite: Completion of, or enrollment in, at

least two years of Agricultural Science courses

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1-3

This class models a co-op class. Students work in

the local community under the direction of Ag.

supervisors and instructor. This is a work-study

course that is recommended, but not required, if

the student wishes to pursue a job in an Ag-related

field. Job placement may fill the requirement of

Supervised Agricultural Experience.

ART

Welcome to Gunnison High Schools VISUAL ARTS

department. The visual arts teach students to

see, search for solutions, and to express feelings

and ideas artistically through numerous media.

Visual arts classes are structured for a community

of participants engaging in studying the

phenomena of the creative process. This course is

for anyone wanting to explore the relationship

between ART, LIFE, SELF, OTHER, and

COMMUNITY. Simply put, art education is for

active experiential learning in a meaningful

context that can be applied to any aspect of

school and life. The minimum cost for any art

class is $35.00 per semester for supplies, and if

more detail projects are undertaken, the cost to

the student may increase.

612

ART 1 FOUNDATIONS

Offered: Year long

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

Fees: $70.00 per year

This course serves as an introduction to the basic

materials, terms, and techniques used in the visual

arts. Art 1 Foundations is designed for students todevelop an understanding and appreciation of

artistic judgment and skill, while covering the

elements of art and the principles of design.

Students will explore fundamental color theory,

drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. ALL

Art 1 students will have the opportunity to

participate in displaying work in at least one

exhibition throughout the year.

614

ART 2Offered: Semester or year long

Prerequisites: Teacher approval/signature

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: or 1 (1 credit MAXIMUM can be earned in

this class) SENIORS recommended to take the

second semester if only taking one semester.

Fees: $35.00 per semester or $70.00 per year

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Students build on their technical skills and

knowledge base from Art 1 Foundations as they

further develop their creativity, conceptual,

intellectual, emotional, and spiritual modes of

expression. Art 2 students continue to develop

their drawing, printmaking, painting, and sculpting

skills. However, it is the goal of this class to

challenge students to address all media and project

requirements in an increasingly more sophisticated

manner. Art 2 encourages the practice of habits

that foster serious technical and intellectual

growth from experiential exploration of ideas and

media. ALL Art 2 students will have the

opportunity to participate in displaying work in at

least one exhibition through the year. SENIOR Art

2 students will participate in at least two

exhibitions.

613ADVANCED ART

Offered: Semester or year long

Prerequisites: Application process

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: or 1

Fees: $35.00 per semester or $70.00 per year

This course challenges students in the 3rd

or 4th

years of study who are potentially considering a

career in the Visual Arts and/or are genuinely

interested in further exploration of their creativeself. This course will focus on exploration of

students greatest areas of strength and interest

with a constant emphasis on portfolio

development. Our goal is to create a community of

artists that collectively create an environment that

is collaborative, highly productive, wildly curious,

and intensely focused. We will frequent local

galleries, including WSC, explore career

opportunities, learn about gallery management

and hanging practices, and work closely with our

local Gunnison Arts Center assisting with variousart-related needs.

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

Computer technology at Gunnison High School is a

rapidly growing program. Understanding how

computers affect our lives and how we can use

computers to improve our lives is the focus of

computer education. These classes all count as an

elective credit.

382

DIGITAL MEDIA

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit:

This course is designed to take a multimedia

approach to learning about the digital world.

Digital Media will provide students with an

opportunity to design products that incorporatedigital photography, graphic design and publishing

programs. Students will utilize Adobe CS5 software

to create sophisticated digital products that

demonstrate an understanding of the complex

technological world that surrounds them.

388

ANIMATION

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: NoneGrade Level: 9-12

Credit:

This course is designed to explore the exciting

digital world of animation. Students will learn

about a variety of animation programs and then

work to design their own animated products. The

course will focus on the design of three-

dimensional objects, characters and landscapes.

Extensive exploration of varied animation

programs will allow students to develop skills that

will be useful in the digital world.

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389

MOVIE PRODUCTION

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit:

This course is designed to teach students the basics

of film making. Students will learn how to capture

footage and then will explore different editing and

filming methods. Students will also learn various

audio and special effect techniques. Final products

will combine the knowledge learned helping

students to create amazing movie productions.

390

WEB DESIGN

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12Credit:

This course emphasizes the principles and design of

a website as well as advanced Internet skills and

techniques. Students will learn HTML, the primary

computer language needed to build a website.

Web publishing and graphic editing software will

be used to design, create, format, and edit web

pages. Students will also explore the design of web

applications used with smart phones.

386

GHS TV STUDIO

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: Previous computer class

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit:

This course is designed to give students the

opportunity to experience the fast-paced world of

broadcast journalism. Students who enjoy public

speaking and the idea of being in front of the

camera will find this class to be to their liking.Students will also have the opportunity to design,

edit and produce the GHS daily announcement

within a computer generated system.

392

GHS TV PRODUCTION

Offered: Semester


Grade Level: 10-12

Credit:

This course is designed to give students the

opportunity work behind the scenes of the GHS

daily announcements. Students will design digital

images, animations, and short video features that

will be used in the production of the daily

announcements.

550

BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: This course is designed to introduce students to the

computerized business applications that are

necessary to live and work in a technological

society. Emphasis is given to software, concepts,

and business applications. Word processing,

spreadsheets, graphics, integrated software, email,

web page design and image processing will be

covered.

387DESKTOP PUBLISHING

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit:

Students will be creating published documents

using a variety of technology programs. Some of

the items include business cards, certificates,

brochures, contracts, flyers, invoices, job

descriptions, newsletters, resumes, and websites.

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988

TECHNOLOGY LAB ASSISTANT/INDEPENDENT

STUDY

Offered: Semester


Grade Level: 10-12

Credit:

Skills learned include the following: World Wide

Web management, system file management,

exploration of the hardware and software found in

the tech lab, network setup and administration,

software trouble-shooting, and assisting teachers

and students with computer issues. Lab assistants

will also be required to develop a computer related

project that they will complete during the course of

the semester.

ENGLISH

This core program is designed to improve written

and oral communication, listening skills, reading

skills, and critical thinking. The English

Department encourages students to develop their

portfolios by saving all their class work. To

graduate, students must receive a 3+ on the High

School Level Writing Assessment and 217 or

higher in Reading Assessment.

111

ENGLISH 9 MASTERY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9

Credit: 1

This course emphasizes writing and reading

experiences that are designed to reinforce andexpand students basic skills. Students write a

variety of essays, creative pieces, journals, and

letters emphasizing the thesis statement,

organization, detail, and structure. Students

examine different types of literature such as the

novel, short story, poetry, and drama. Literary and

poetic devices are applied to enhance students

understanding and enjoyment of reading and to

sharpen their written, oral communication, and

critical thinking skills.

112

ENGLISH 9 ACCELERATED

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: RIT Score of 230 or above, a 3+ or

above on writing assessment, and application

process

Grade Level: 9

Credit: 1

Recommended for students who excel in language

arts, this course extends the learning in English111. Students write a variety of essays, creative

pieces, journals, and letters emphasizing the thesis

statement, organization, detail, and structure.

Students examine different types of literature such

as the novel, short story, poetry, and drama.

Literary and poetic devices are applied to enhance

students understanding and enjoyment of reading

and to sharpen their written and oral

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communication skills. Students participate in

enrichment activities resulting in critical thinking,

reasoning, and problem solving skills. The level and

quality of analytical and creative work is expected

to be independently motivated and self-

monitoring.

121

ENGLISH 10 MASTERY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 10

Credit: 1

This course builds on skills learned in English 9

Mastery. Students write a variety of essays,

creative pieces, journals, and letters emphasizing

the thesis statement, organization, detail, and

structure. Students examine different types of

literature, such as the novel, short story, poetry,and drama. Literary and poetic devices are applied

to enhance students understanding and

enjoyment of reading and to sharpen their written,

oral communication, and critical thinking skills.

122

ENGLISH 10 ACCELERATED

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Teacher approval/signature, A or B

in English 9 Accelerated, or through an applicationprocess

Grade Level: 10

Credit: 1

This course is designed for students who have

shown high proficiency in English 9. Students

participate in enrichment activities resulting in

critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving

skills. The level and quality of analytical and

creative work is expected to be at a higher level.

Mot compositions will focus on rhetorical skills

used in effective writing. This course is a feedercourse for AP Language and Composition. Students

are expected to be independently motivated and

self-monitoring.

131

ENGLISH 11 MASTERY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11

Credit: 1

This course focuses on American Literature in

which the students are encouraged to develop

expository, persuasive, analytical, and creative

writing. Students analyze and evaluate literary

works along with developing oral communication

and critical thinking skills.

140

ENGLISH 12 MASTERY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit: 1This course, a study of British, Western, and

Contemporary literature improves expository,

persuasive, analytical, and creative writing. Units

will focus on continued development of critical

thinking skills. Oral exams, cooperative learning,

speeches, written exams, research projects, and

independent study contribute to the assessment of

each students work. This course, potentially the

last formal language arts instruction in ones life, is

intended to sharpen communication and thinkingskills needed in life.

133

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND

COMPOSITION

Offered: Year long


in Accelerated English courses, or through an

application process

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1Fees: $95.00 collected in August for the AP exam

and upward of $75 to purchase books

STUDENTS TAKING THIS COURSE ARE REQUIRED TO

TAKE THE AP EXAM IN THE SPRING. This college-

level course is open to students seeking the

academic rigor of the Advanced Placement

program in studying rhetoric. This course is

designed to help students become skilled readers

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of prose written in a variety of periods, disciplines,

and rhetorical contexts, and to become skilled

writers who can compose for a variety of purposes.

By their writing and reading in this course, students

should become aware of the interactions among a

writers purposes, audience expectations, and

subjects, as well as the way generic conventions

and the resources of language contribute to

effective writing. This course will be offered every

other year (school years starting with an even

number), alternating with AP English Literature

and Composition.

145

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE

AND COMPOSITION

Offered: Year long


in Accelerated English courses, or through anapplication process

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1

Fees: $95.00 collected in August for the AP exam

and upward of $75 to purchase books


TAKE THE AP EXAM IN THE SPRING. This course

engages students in the careful reading and critical

analysis of literature. Through the close reading of

selected texts, students deepen theirunderstanding of the way writers use language to

provide both meaning and pleasure for their

readers. Although students read actively, writing is

an integral part of the course and the exam.

Writing instruction will include attention to

developing and organizing ideas in clear, coherent,

and persuasive language using elements of style,

precision, and correctness of language.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on

helping students develop stylistic maturity that

reinforces their reading and thinking. This coursewill be offered every other year (school years

starting with an odd number), alternating with AP

English Language and Composition.

The following courses are semester- or quarter-

long elective courses taught by the English

department:

142

HUMANITIES 1

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

Humanities is a course focusing on human values,

beliefs and emotions, and the way these are

expressed through human creations. An

interdisciplinary approach to the study of

humanities will focus on cultural history, art,

architecture, music, literature, philosophy, and

religion. Some questions we will explore include

the following: What is God? How is humanity

expressed? Are there similarities in ancientreligions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and

Christianity? The first semester course begins with

ancient civilizations and moves up to the

Renaissance. Field trips throughout Gunnison and

Denver to study architecture and art are planned.

143

HUMANITIES 2

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: NoneGrade Level: 12

Credit:

The second part of the Humanities duo begins with

the Italian Phenomenon during the Renaissance

and moves through Post-Modernism. Though

there are no prerequisites for this course, it is

recommended to take Humanities 1. Continuing

with the interdisciplinary approach, this course will

add film to its study of humanities. Field trips

throughout Gunnison and Denver are planned.

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153

YEARBOOK PUBLICATIONS

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Application and teacher

approval/signature

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

The purpose of this course is to produce the

schools yearbook in time for printing, binding, and

shipment by the end of the school year. It is a fast

paced, dynamic class in which students can

use/discover their talents in the areas of

photography, journalistic writing, and computer

skills to produce a high-quality history book for

the students at GHS. This class is for students who

are motivated and interested in a career in

journalism, photography, or computers. This class

fulfills a Computer Studies requirement for

graduation.

161

DRAMA

Offered: Quarter or Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: or

This course is designed to develop stage presence,

voice, articulation, staging techniques,

characterization, costuming, and an appreciationfor different types of theater (comedy, drama,

musical, etc). An appreciation of classical and

modern theater, improvisations, storytelling, and

script writing is included in the course.

190

CREATIVE WRITING

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: This elective course is an introductory course in

writing fiction that encourages each individual to

develop a unique style. This course encourages

and develops sensitivity to the power of words in

the written medium. Designed in a writing

workshop format, much time is dedicated to

writing. Students will engage in dramatic scenarios

that lend to the tension of plot, learning how to

write about status change between characters.

113

APPRECIATING MUSIC

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

Explore the shapes and melodies of symphonies,

hymns, pop, rock, and folk music. Students will

learn basic concepts of music theory, listening to

many types of music to hear repeated themes,

contra-punctual melodies and harmony. Students

are asked to bring any music they would like to

explore musically. Like reading a book and finding

themes, appreciating music requires focused

listening and discussion.

114

STATISTICS FOR WRITERS

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

So youre watching a news report on TV and hear

survey data from Gallop that the President is

enjoying an 80% approval rating. How do you

know whether to trust that information? What isthe Standard Margin of Error in that data? Who is

Gallop? Statistics for Writers is a class that shows

you the basics about interpreting survey results

and research that is often misrepresented in the

media. As a consumer of information, a reader, or

a writer, students will learn about mean, median,

standard deviation, percent, rates, data analysis,

and sample sizes the mathematical field of

statistics in order to learn how to get information

from numbers. We will analyze TV commercials

advertising pharmaceuticals to determine howstatistical information has been presented.

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115

APPLYING FOR COLLEGE: THE PROCESS

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

Going to college most likely will be a costly affair.

Learn where to search for FREE money and how to

present yourself on paper in a way that will set you

high and above the competition. This course will

show you how to prepare a rsum, write that

fabulous college entrance essay, ask professionally

for letters of recommendation, write thank-you

notes, prepare for interviews via mock interviews

with community professionals, and know how to

dress for success. Organizing a years worth of

college contacts will help you command your

future.

117

CURRENT EVENTS

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

How do you keep up with whats going on in the

world? Which channels do you watch or tune out?

How do you discuss intelligently world events?

This course will cover media literacy, opinioneditorial analyses, political cartoons, parody and

satire, the difference between news and opinion

and appreciating film arts.

118

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

Based on the International Baccalaureate Program,TOK is a course that introduces students to

understanding the difference between knowledge

and belief. Students will be introduced to the

Ways of Knowing: Perception, Reason, Language

and Emotion. We will explore Areas of Knowledge:

Mathematics, Science, History, Aesthetics and

Ethics. The class will be structured as a Socratic

discussion. This course will help you answer and

askthe most meaningful questions.

120

FILM APPRECIATION

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

Ever go to a movie with friends and love it, but you

dont get the chance to really discuss it? Film

Appreciation is a class that shows how to see

themes in movies, appreciate costuming and the

art of cinematography. So many films can throw

tons of action at an audience, but you can learn

how to see a movie for deeper appreciation.

Class discussion is required.

124PYSCHOLOGY OF SHAKESPEARE

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

Was Shakespeare (or Edward de Vere) a

psychologist? Some of the characters in the

Shakespearean plays exhibit psychological

disorders such as schizophrenia and senility. In this

course, we will examine basic psychologicaldisorders. Then, reading Hamlet and King Lear, we

will psychoanalyze characters from these two

plays. How has psychology changed from the

Renaissance?

125

POST-SECONDARY READINESS

Offered: Quarter or semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: or This course is offered to any junior or senior who

wants to earn credit for staying on campus and

working on the following: college/job applications,

scholarships, application essays, College in

Colorado, study for the ACT/SAT, or homework.

Students will be expected to bring work daily. They

will not be allowed to wander the halls and it will

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be a quiet, productive environment. A pass or fail

grade will be assigned for this class.

134

PUBLIC SPEAKING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Offered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This course provides the opportunity to

significantly improve your public speaking skills by

practicing and delivering speeches and

presentations in a safe environment. Students will

create and use technology as means of aiding in

communication. Students will also study the effects

that the media has on public speaking.

156

PHOTOJOURNALISMOffered: Quarter

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This course is designed to teach you the

fundamentals of photojournalism. You will become

a reporter with a camera. This means your

pictures must tell stories. You must think fast on

your feet, previsualize, and be able to quickly

capture decisive moments. You will learn toproduce high-quality photographs that attract

attention to a news story. Your images will make

people want to know more about the issues.

Working hand-in-hand with your captions, your

photos will pull readers in and arouse their interest

in the event you witnessed first-hand. You will

learn to visually interpret events to the general

population and illustrate complex issues.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

One credit (two semesters) of Foreign Language is

required for Colorado high school graduation

requirements; and two to three years are

considered a pre-requisite for most colleges and

universities.

721

SPANISH I

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

Learning activities in Spanish 1 are designed to

address key competencies with the goal of

reaching Novice-Low range proficiency level by the

end of the year. Students will have opportunities to

communicate, comprehend, and present in Spanishabout very familiar topics, expand their knowledge

and understanding of other cultures, connect with

other disciplines and acquire information, and

compare their own native language with Spanish to

develop insight into the nature of language and

culture.

722

SPANISH II

Offered: Year longPrerequisites: Spanish I and teacher

approval/signature

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

The goal of this course is to approach Novice-Mid

range proficiency level by the end of the second

year. The expectations for this proficiency as

identified in the Colorado Academic Standards for

World Languages include participation in basic

conversations on a variety of familiar and

predictable topics, comprehension of short learnedexchanges on learned topics, and presentations

using learned and simple phrases or expressions on

very familiar topics. Students will further their

understanding of other cultures, summarize

information gathered from Spanish language

resources connected to other content areas, and

expand upon their knowledge of similarities and

differences of basic patterns of language through

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comparisons of their own native language and

Spanish.

723

SPANISH III

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Spanish I, II, and teacher

approval/signature

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

The goal of this course is to approach Novice-High

or Intermediate Low ranges of proficiency by the

end of the third year. The expectations for this

proficiency as identified in the Colorado Academic

Standards for World Languages include

participating in exchanges in Spanish on a variety of

familiar topics, comprehension of exchanges that

use a variety of familiar vocabulary and learned

grammatical structures, and presentations on avariety of familiar topics. Students will examine

common practices and perspectives within Spanish

speaking countries cultures, gather information

from Spanish language resources connected to

other content areas, and make comparisons to

develop insight into the nature of language and

culture.

724

SPANISH IVOffered: Year long

Prerequisites: Spanish I, II, III, and teacher

approval/signature

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1

The goal of this course is to approach the

Intermediate-Low or Intermediate-High ranges of

proficiency by the end of the fourth year. The

expectations for the Intermediate-Low range

proficiency as identified in the Colorado Academic

Standards for World Languages include initiating,sustaining, comprehending and concluding

conversations in a variety of situations; presenting

on a variety of familiar topics, and using familiar

vocabulary and learned grammatical structures.

Students will draw conclusions using a personal

understanding of the perspectives and practices of

cultures studied, examine how the perspectives of

people who speak Spanish are reflected in their

products; assess the usefulness of information

gathered from Spanish language resources for

application in other content areas, and compare

the similarities and differences between the

cultures of countries where Spanish is spoken and

the students own culture.

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INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

The Industrial Technology program is designed to

provide basic skills of planning, designing and

construction, and repair of large-scaled projects.

The program endorses the state and local

standards, emphasizing safety at all times. Some

Industrial Technology courses require proof of

insurance, which must be provided at the time

fees are paid in August.

Fees will pay for all materials with the exception of

wood for projects that exceed the cost of $50.00.

Projects that exceed that amount must be paid by

the student. The instructor will do his best to

design projects to stay under the $50.00 limit.

675

INTRO TO WOODS/CONSTRUCTIONOffered: Semester or year long

Prerequisites: Must provide proof of insurance

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: or 1

Fee: $50.00 minimum per semester, plus the cost

of project materials

This course introduces the use of many common

hand and power tools. Varieties of wood, design,

layout, joinery, finishing, tools, machines, and

safety are emphasized. Most of the class is shopwork, although there is some time in the

classroom. Students construct required and

elective wood projects.

676

FURNITURE MAKING


Prerequisites: Successful completion of Intro to

Woods/Construction and teacher

approval/signature

Grade Level: 10-12Credit: or 1

Fee: $50.00 minimum per semester, plus the cost

of project materials

Students complete projects, including designing

plans, buying materials, and layout procedures.

Wood lathe techniques are also studied. Students

construct wood projects of their choice by contract

with the instructor.

677

DRAFTING I

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $50.00

This course is designed to provide the student with

a general knowledge and purpose of mechanical

drawing. Learning experiences include lettering,

using basic instruments, line weights and symbols,

visualization of objects, multi-view drawings,

pictorial drawings, and dimensioning. Computer

aided drafting is introduced second semester.

Students use accepted drafting practices to draw

assigned and elective objects.

694

ADVANCED DRAFTINGOffered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Drafting I

and teacher approval/signature

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $50.00

Advanced Drafting students pursue specialized

areas of drafting, including CAD (Computer-Aided-

Drawing) and developing more skills and

techniques that may lead to a career inarchitecture, estimating, drawing, engineering, or

design. Students demonstrate knowledge and

skills learned in Drafting I and draw a set of house

plans or comparable project.

680

POWER AND ENERGY



Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: or 1Fee: $37.50 per semester or $75.00 per year

Power and Energy is a challenging, but rewarding,

course. It is a fundamental study of conventional

energy sources and the generation and conversions

of energy to power. Emphasis is placed on heat or

internal combustion engines, the control of

mechanisms, solar energy, electricity, and future

sources of energy. Course activities include

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disassembling and reassembling internal

combustion engines, rocketry, mechanical power,

solar energy, and basic electricity.

678

CONSTRUCTION



Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: or 1

Fee: $37.50 per semester or $75.00 per year

Construction technology is an introductory course

exposing students to basic construction trades.

Course topics will include basic electricity, framing,

foundations, roofing, drywall, insulation, carpentry,

plumbing, safety, and other related topics.

Opportunities in the construction industry will be

explored.

682

WOODSHOP ASSISTANT


Prerequisites: Must have prior approval of

instructor and completion of Intro to Woods and

Construction and one of the following: Furniture

Making, Construction, or Ag Mechanics

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: or 1

Student must be prepared to assist the toolinstructor in shop management, material selection,

and purchases. Student must posses a high level of

knowledge of tool use and maintenance of shop

equipment. Student must have experience in tool

sharpening while showing the highest standards in

safety. Assistant must show leadership and be

prepared to work one-on-one with other students

or teach individual lessons to small groups.

Woodshop Assistant shall also perform office

management duties that include filing, inventory,

and working with computers to maintain budgetrecords and purchasing information.

913

VOCATIONAL BUSINESS

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: Teacher permission

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

Fee: SkillsUSA and $50

The class will be following the SkillsUSA

Entrepreneurship curriculum for business plan

development and the SkillsUSA Chapter Business

Procedure curriculum where they will study

Roberts Rules of Order and Parliamentary

Procedures. Using these nationally recognized

curriculums students will develop their own

business plan based upon market analysis to

determine wants and needs of local to global

markets. Personal finance and responsibility,

taxes, credit and spending habits will be explored

and first-hand experience will be gained in thedevelopment of a new student store at GHS. The

class is open to serious upper classmen who wish

to challenge themselves and are capable of

working independently and in small groups. The

class will be computer-based with some time spent

in the Industrial Arts woodshop to develop

marketable items. All students will be expected to

join SkillsUSA and these fees will be deducted from

the $50.00 class fee. The rest of the individual fees

will be used to obtain materials for productdevelopment or products for the student store

initial startup. Money generated from students

individual business plan will become the students

and money generated from the student store will

be used as the class collectively decides.

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MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics program offers a course of study

for all students, regardless of their academic

ambitions.

ATTENTION 8TH

GRADE STUDENTS

If you are currently enrolled at GMS and will

successfully complete (C or better) your math class,

PLEASE register for the corresponding math class at

GHS:

GMS Math 331 Algebra IGMS Algebra 1 340 GeometryGMS Geometry 350 Algebra II

331

ALGEBRA I

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of 8th grademath

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

This course offers students the opportunities to

study rational number properties, variables,

polynomials, and factoring. Students learn to write,

solve, and graph linear and quadratic equations

and to solve systems of equations. They also learn

to model real-world applications.

340

GEOMETRY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra I or

Algebra I-B

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

This course offers students opportunities to

explore logic, reasoning, geometric situations,

develop conjectures, and prove their conjectures

using a variety of methods. In addition, studentswill be instructed in how to communicate their

geometric reasoning using standard two-column

proofs, as well as paragraph proofs, flow proofs,

and coordinate proofs.

350

ALGEBRA II

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geometry

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

This course is an extension of the material in

Algebra I and Geometry. It is the final step toward

the higher level mathematics like Trigonometry and

Calculus seen in a majority of colleges and

universities. This course is highly recommended

for students who are planning on attending a four-

year college. Topics in this course include a more

in-depth approach to the material covered in

Algebra and Geometry.

360

PRECALCULUS

Offered: Year longPrerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

This course is for students who plan to continue

mathematics at the college level. Topics to be

studied include elementary, logarithmic,

exponential, polynomial and trigonometric

functions, operations, and properties.

363ALGEBRA APPLICATIONS

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1

This course is an extension of the skills taught in

previous classes (Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra

II) as a means of allowing students to view

mathematics in a practical setting relevant to many

careers in the management, life, and social

sciences. The course begins with a review ofalgebra and progresses into the mathematics of

functions, finance, probability, and statistics. It is

intended for students who have successfully

completed high school algebra and geometry, yet

still need a fourth math course to meet the

admission requirements for four-year colleges and

universities. A graphing calculator is a

requirement.

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370

CONSUMER MATH

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geometry

or teacher recommendation/signature

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

This class offers basic mathematical assistance in

everyday living. Emphasis is placed upon personal

finance, banking accounts, investing, credit

purchasing, housing/transportation costs, business

accounting, and marketing. Students enrolled in

consumer math experience many field trips to a

variety of local businesses to supplement the

classroom work. Students learn how to use

mathematics as a tool in their personal and

business lives. This course is NOT an algebra-

based course and does NOT meet NCAA or CCHE

requirements.

375

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of

Trigonometry/PreCalculus and teacher signature

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $95.00 for AP exam, collected in August

STUDENTS TAKING THIS COURSE ARE REQUIRED TOTAKE THE AP EXAM IN THE SPRING. This course is

for students who plan to continue mathematics at

the college level. Topics to be studied will include

the basic behavior of functions, graphs and limits,

differential, and integral calculus. The use of

technology is a strong component of this course. A

graphing calculator is a requirement.

MUSIC

The philosophy of the music program revolves

around the appreciation of music.

628

BAND

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $25.00 activity fee

The GHS band is a performing organization and

performs in both marching and concert situations.

Music in a variety of styles from jazz and pop to

classical are studied and prepared for performance

The back travels annually to Grand Junction for a

large group contest and has recently performed at

the State Band Contest. Other opportunities toperform include solos, small ensembles, and pep

band. Due to the variety of performances and the

on-going development of skills, this is a year-long

class.

634

ENCORE

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Auditions and teacher signature

Grade Level: 10-12Credit: 1

Fee: $25.00 tux or $100.00 dress, plus $25.00

activity fee

Concert Choir is a top-level, advanced choir

designed for those who wish to pursue an

advanced study of choral music and the performing

arts. This course provides a continuous study of

four-part choral repertoire, sight reading, music

theory, and vocal techniques. The ensemble

performs in four major concerts each year, large

group contest, and frequent performances for thecommunity during and outside of the school day.

Other opportunities include Solo and Ensemble

Contest, Western Slope Choral Festival, and All

State Choir (11th

and 12th

grades). The ensemble

rehearses and performs a comprehensive variety of

repertoire styles, including classical, folk, jazz, and

pop. GHS Choir Letters are awarded to students

who excel in class and participate in outside events

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Students who earn a grade of A or B are invited to

repeat the class if they wish.

632

COWBOY CHORALE

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Teacher signature for grades 10, 11,

and 12

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $75.00 dress, $25.00 tux, and $25.00 activity

fee

Mixed Choir is a beginning choir designed for

students with little or no experience in choral

singing. This course provides a continuous study of

vocal techniques, basic music theory, sight reading,

harmony, and 2- and 3-part choral repertoire. The

ensemble performs in four major concerts each

year, as well as large group contest. Otheropportunities include Solo and Ensemble Contest,

Western Slope Choral Festival, and All State Choir

(11th

and 12th

grades). The ensemble rehearses

and performs a comprehensive variety of



who excel in class and participate in outside events.


repeat the class if they wish or audition for the

advanced choirs.

637

BELLA VOCE

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Auditions

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $75.00 dress and $25.00 activity fee

This advanced womens chorus is designed for the

more experienced singer. This course provides a

continuous study of 3-part choral repertoire, sightreading, music theory, and vocal techniques. The

ensemble performs in four major concerts each

year, as well as large group contest. Other

opportunities include Solo and Ensemble Contest,

Western Slope Choral Festival, and All State Choir

(11th

and 12th

grades). The ensemble rehearses

and performs a comprehensive variety of



who excel in class and participate in outside events


repeat the class if they wish or audition for Concert

Choir.

638

VOICE CLASS

Offered: Semester

Prerequisite: Current enrollment in choir

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit:

This semester-long course is designed for singers of

all levels wishing to receive personalized vocal

instruction. This course provides study of singing

fundamentals, vocal anatomy, advanced music

theory, and musicianship skills through classroom

instruction and singing of solo and small ensemble

repertoire. Students will sing alone and together inan interactive and supportive environment and

perform publicly at the end of the semester. The

class is capped at 10 students.

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This program encourages students to establish

individual goals and to live up to those goals. ALL

P.E. CLASSES: In the event of an injury or illness

that limits the students participation and ability

to perform class requirements more than 50% of

the semester, the grade may be changed from a

letter grade to Pass/Fail at the teachers

discretion.

The freshmen PE requirement may be met by

taking one of the following courses:

- Essential Team Sports Skills- Personal Fitness/Toning- Intro to Weight Lifting

850

ESSENTIAL TEAM SPORTS SKILLSOffered: Semester

Prerequisite: None

Grade Level: 9-10

Credit:

This class is offered as a required activity course for

all freshmen. A student may substitute Intro to

Weight Lifting or Personal Fitness to fulfill this

required credit. Students participate in team,

physical fitness, and movement oriented activities.

Games such as flag football, soccer, volleyball,basketball, softball, team handball, lacrosse,

ultimate Frisbee, racket sports, floor hockey, and

rock wall climbing are included. Written and skills

tests are given. State and local standards drive the

impetus of this course. This course is required to

take Leisure/Lifetime Sports.

861

PERSONAL FITNESS AND TONING

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: NoneGrade Level: 9-12

Credit:

This course is an introductory course utilizing free

weights of various types to develop and tone all

muscle groups of the body. Proper weight lifting

techniques and individualized fitness plans are

emphasized. The class also covers proper

nutritional habits, basic anatomy, safety, dance

aerobics, use of cardiovascular equipment, power

lifting techniques, yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, other

tone strengthening, plyometrics, walking, circuits,

limited sports activities, water aerobics, use of

Swiss and medicine balls, bosu balls, core and

balance boards, pedometers, and heart rate

monitors. Both written and skills tests are given.

This course may be repeated for credit.

860

INTRODUCTION TO WEIGHT TRAINING

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9-10

Credit:

Introduction to weight training is a coed course

designed for students who have limited or no

experience with free weights. Proper safety,

technique, routines, anatomy, and movement arelearned. Students take both written and skills tests

on a regular basis. This course may NOT be

repeated.

851

LEISURE/LIFETIME SPORTS

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: Freshmen PE or Essential Team

Sports Skills

Grade Level: 10-12Credit:

Fees: $15.00 (Fee may increase due to change in

state driving laws. Buses may be needed

depending on the number of upperclassmen

enrolled)

Lifetime Sports provides a variety of team and

individual sport experiences which include, but

may not be limited to, swimming pool activities,

dance, horseshoes, board games, bocce ball, golf,

volleyball, basketball, softball, flag football, team

handball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, andracket sports (tennis, badminton, star ball, eclipse,

pickle ball, and ping pong). State and local physical

education standards guide the content of this

course. This course may NOT be repeated.

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854

INTRODUCTION TO OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9-10 (other grades must have written

permission from the instructor)

Credit:

Fees: $100.00 base fee, plus money for trips and/or

equipment rental

This course will involve and cover the following:

group team building and processing the outdoor

experience, basic protocol of expedition behaviors,

basic rock climbing and rope handling skills, map,

compass, and GPS systems, mountain biking and

bike maintenance, wilderness first aid and CPR,

basic mountaineering skills, leave no trace,

environmental issues and ethics, cross-country

skiing and basic waxing techniques, basic avalanche

awareness, protocol for planning and obtainingpermits for outdoor adventure trips, and study of

current and past cultures effect on the

environment and outdoor recreational activities.

There are single-day to week-long outings offered.

Students who have taken the advanced class will

not be able to take the Introduction class.

853

OUTDOOR ADVANCED SKILLS

Offered: SemesterPrerequisite: Freshmen Physical Education and

Health, application necessary along with teacher

approval/signature

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1

Fees: $200.00 base fee, plus possible equipment

rentals, miscellaneous travel expenses, and

camping fees

The purpose of this course is to give students a

rigorous outdoor skills experience. This class is

very demanding. Activities include rafting,kayaking, rock climbing, mountain bike riding, map,

compass, and GPS systems, wilderness first aid and

CPR, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing,

avalanche awareness, leave no trace,

backcountry ethics, and a variety of other outdoor

activities. There will be four to five multi-day

outings plus a week long canyoneering or

backpacking trip. Students are required to

participate in fifty percent of the outings offered.

855

FISHING AND ARCHERY FOR THE OUTDOORSMAN

Offered: Fall semester only

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

Fees: $30.00 for fishing tackle, archery equipment

maintenance, transportation, and field trip

expenses. You must also have a valid CO fishing

license.

This course is designed to familiarize and expose

students to the arts and techniques of fishing and

archery. It will also help build an appreciation for

the outdoors and allow students to take advantage

of the outdoorsman lifestyle that is embraced

locally. In the fishing unit, students will learn basicand advanced fishing techniques and skills and

learn about marine biology in the area. Highly

regarded curriculum, such as The Federation of Fly

Fishers and the Colorado Division of Wildlife will

be implemented as tools to help the learning

process.

Archery is an activity that has proved safe and

successful and is a great form of exercise,

recreation, competition, and relaxation. It fosters

responsibility, discipline, and respect. Students willbe using Genesis Compound Bows and equipment.

Opportunities will be available to compete in

contests. Students will also enjoy indoor lectures,

practice, and games along with outdoor hands-on

time. Field trips to fishing and archery sites will be

common.

856

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: NoneGrade Level: 10-12

Credit:

Fees: $10.00

Physical development is a vigorous course utilizing

free weights of various types to develop size,

strength, stamina, and endurance of all muscle

groups in the body. Students learn proper weight-

lifting techniques and routines, basic anatomy,

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safety, vigorous physical conditioning exercises,

and power lifting. Written tests and skills tests are

given. An individual performance assessment

project is designed and presented to the class. This

course may be repeated for credit.

852

HEALTH

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: Freshmen Physical Education

Grade Level: 10

Credit:

Fee: $15.00 Red Cross course

This course is a graduation requirement. It is

designed to inform students about current health

issues and trends so students may make healthy

choices in life. Topics include nutrition, sexuality,

substance abuse, stress management, fitness, and

suicide prevention. Students earn American RedCross CPR/First-aid and Basic Water Safety cards.

Students take written and skills tests to honor the

district and state standards in Physical Education.

SCIENCE

The importance behind the science curriculum is

critical thinking. Science is integrated into

practical applications in daily life. Students

wishing to continue their science education in

college are advised to take biology, chemistry, and

physics.

410

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Required for higher level science

courses

Grade Level: 9

Credit: 1

This course is a lab science and is required for

graduation. Students are introduced to key

concepts of science, including the interactionsbetween matter and energy, the chemistry of

elements, and conceptual physics. Scientific

method and laboratory problem solving is

emphasized. Concepts are examined with an

integration of mathematics. Many laboratory

exercises will allow students to demonstrate

understanding through written logical analysis.

420

BIOLOGYOffered: Year long

Prerequisites: Physical Science and Algebra I (or

taken concurrently)

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

This course is a lab science class and is required for

graduation. The content of this course is from a

biochemistry and ecological perspective. Topics

include ecology/natural selection, organism

organization, cellular biology, classification, and a

survey of life and organ systems. Studentsillustrate the interdependency of the two

disciplines, biology and chemistry, as well as relate

them to life in general. Students demonstrate a

high degree of understanding core material by

successfully performing experiments and writing

logical analysis.

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421

ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Biology, Algebra II, Chemistry I, or

Human Anatomy and Physiology, and teacher

signature

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $95.00 for AP exam collected in August, plus

$20.00 lab fee


TAKE THE AP EXAM IN THE SPRING. The two main

goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a

conceptual framework for modern biology and to

help gain an appreciation of science as a process.

Emphasis on understanding concepts rather than

memorizing terms and technical details is the

cornerstone of this curriculum. Essential to this

conceptual understanding are the following:science as a process rather than an accumulation of

facts, personal experience into scientific inquiry

and research, recognizing unifying themes that

integrate the major topics of biology, and

application of biological knowledge and critical

thinking to environmental and social concerns.

Students work toward preparation for the AP

Biology exam in May of each year. Upon successful

completion of this course, students may be

prepared for freshmen or sophomore collegebiology.

430

GENERAL CHEMISTRY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Biology and Algebra II

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1


This course introduces the use of algebraic

functions in chemistry. This course is designed toprepare students to be successful in first-year

college chemistry. Students write formal lab write-

ups based on experiments performed in class.

451

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (B)

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Algebra II,

concurrent enrollment in

Trigonometry/Precalculus, and teacher signature

Grade Level: 10-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $95.00 for AP exam collected in August, plus

$20.00 lab fee


TAKE THE AP EXAM IN THE SPRING. This course is

designed to prepare students for the AP Physics B

exam. Students taking this course should be

planning on a science career (engineering, physics,

medicine, veterinary, biology, etc). Students taking

this course need a strong background in Algebra II

and must be concurrently enrolled in

Trigonometry/Precalculus due to the extensive useof trigonometric math skills.

460

HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Biology and teacher

approval/signature

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit: 1

Fee: $15.00 lab feeThis course introduces the relationship between

the structure and function of the human body.

Diseases and disorders are examined as they relate

to each system. This class includes the dissection

of a variety of organs. This course lays the

foundation of further study in the medical field.

465

GEOLOGY

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: BiologyGrade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This one semester course is designed to be taken in

conjunction with Environmental Science, each for

science credit. The Earth as a planet will be

studied in sections focusing on the Lithosphere

(Earths interior, plate tectonics, geologic forces,

minerals, rocks, and resources). Current issues are

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explored as they relate to the topics. Geological

formations in the Gunnison County are examined.

470

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: Biology

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This one semester course is designed to be taken in

conjunction with Geology, each for science

credit. The course introduces the relationships

between humans and their environment. The

concepts of sustainability and alternatives to

current practices are explored. Students

investigate topics that emerge from issues

concerning land, air, water, and soil.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The social studies department endorses and

encourages the development of knowledgeable

and contributing citizens of the world. In meeting

State and local standards, students studying in

this field learn about past and present historical

and social events/theories and make predictions

about the future.

214

GEOGRAPHY: World Cultures

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9

Credit:

This course, designed for freshmen, takes a Global

Villageapproach in studying the earths cultural

regions. Increasing globalization of world cultures(Asian & African) and religions (Islam, Hinduism,

Christianity, Buddhism and Judaism) and the

impact of cultural diffusion create the primary

focus of the course. In addition, the course

requires an application of fundamental geography

skills involving people, places and environments as

a means of understanding the relationship

between the earth and its people.

223GEOGRAPHY/WORLD HISTORY: Modern Conflicts

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: Geography: World Cultures, U.S.

History

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This course offers an in-depth study of 20th

and 21st

century wars and police actions. The course

analyzes the political, economic, and social causes

of conflicts and the subsequent military actions and

outcomes of World War II, the Cold War Era, andthe current war on terrorism. The course focuses

on foreign relations, changing military technology,

specific military campaigns and the global impact

of conflicts.

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222

GEOGRAPHY/WORLD HISTORY: The Human

Experience

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: Geography: World Cultures, U.S.

History

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This course takes a psychological and sociological

approach to analyzing international conflict, human

rights, and practices of peace and justice. Study

will include genocide, social movements, and

psychology of war, theories and practices of peace

and justice and human rights advocacy.

224

GEOGRAPHY/WORLD HISTORY: Politics and

Revolution

Offered: SemesterPrerequisites: Geography: World Cultures, U.S.

History

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This course will begin with the anatomy of

revolution political, cultural, economic, and

geographic. Topics may include the French,

American, and Russian Revolutions, as well as the

Chinese Cultural and Europes Industrial and

Scientific Revolution.

230

UNITED STATES HISTORY

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Geography:

World Cultures

Grade Level: 10-11

Credit: 1

This class is a survey of American history from the

Civil War to modern times, providing description

and analysis of the major developments and trendsin politics, economics, society and foreign policy.

Attention is given to the people and forces that

influenced and shaped the American experience.

Students can expect to write a variety of essays,

examine documents, and present researched

information to the class.

234

HISTORY TODAY: American Thought and Life from

1920-1990

Offered: Year long

Prerequisites: Successful completion of U.S. History

and World History: Modern Conflicts

Grade Level: 12

Credit: 1

This course takes an intellectual approach to U.S.

history by focusing on social movements from

1920-1990. The course is designed to dissect

American thought and life through music,

literature, television, film and other forms of mass

media. The class analyzes what Americans were

thinking and how it could be seen on every street

corner. Focus on the youth of America and

pop culture is studied as a means of making

sense of historical events and their relevancy

today. Seminar discussions rely on studentparticipation. Grading is primarily based on class

attendance and daily writing tasks.

240

CIVICS

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: World Geography, World History,

and U.S. History

Grade Level: 12

Credit: Modern politics and the role of the individual as an

American citizen will be the focus of this course.

Students will study the structure and purpose of

government, the foundations of the American

Democratic system, the role of the United States in

the world, and the rights and responsibilities of

citizenship.

243

CIVICS SERVICE LEARNING

Offered: QuarterPrerequisites: Current or prior enrollment in Civics

Grade Level: 12

Credit:

A major component of Civics is active citizenship.

In order to fulfill this requirement, each student

will be assigned to a one-quarter 5th

period

seminar in which he/she will research, design, and

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implement a service to the school, local, state,

national, or global community.

242

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This is an introductory course for all students

interested in a fun and relevant study of human

behavior. Students study basic concepts of

psychology, such as sensation and perception,

motivation, personality, stress reduction, and an

introduction to abnormal psychology. It is a

discussion-based course, and includes case studies,

film analysis, and experiments.

244INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY

Offered: Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 11-12

Credit:

This is an introductory course for all students

interested in the study of human interactions and

the human condition. Students study issues that

affect our lives, such as culture, racism, and crime.

It is a discussion-based course, and includesdebates, case studies, film analysis, experiments,

and a field trip.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

997

STUDY SKILLS

Offered: Quarter or Semester

Prerequisites: None

Grade Level: 9-12

Credit: or

This course is designed for students who want and

need an

2011-2012 course book

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