getting ready for mvhs 8 th grade parent information february 2012
TRANSCRIPT
Getting Ready for MVHS
8th Grade Parent Information
February 2012
Welcome and IntroductionsCounselors Department:
Marti McGuirk, coordinator; Mariela Ho; Linda Schortz; Carol Bastian;
David Marroquin
College and Career Center:Mai Lien Nguyen, Coordinator
Bilingual Community Liaison:Carmen Mercado
Administration
Principal Keith Moody
Assistant Principals:• Donna Peltz A - G• Sharon Chrisman H – O• Mike Mathiesen M - Z
Graduation Requirements
• History/Social Science • English • Math• Science • World Language/Fine Arts/Practical Arts• Physical Education• Health • Electives
(3.5 year/ 35 credits)
(4 years/40 credits)
(2 years/20 credits)
(2 years/20 credits)
(2 years/20 credits)
(2 years/20 credits)
(1 semester/5 credits)
(60 credits)
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from MVHS, you must:• Enroll in and pass 5-6 classes each year• Earn a total of 220 credits• Remediate any class that you fail• Pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE)
In order to go to 4-year college, you must also:• Pass all of your classes with a grade of C or better• Take a specific set of college-prep courses, also known
as a-g requirements
a-g Requirements
a. History/Social Science (2 years required)– World History– US History/Civics
b. English (4 years required)
c. Math (3 years required/4 recommended)– Required courses: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
d. Laboratory Science (2 years required/3 recommended)– Biology (life science)– Chemistry or Physics (physical science)
a-g Requirements
e. Language other than English (2 years required/3 recommended)
– Must be in same language
f. Visual and Performing Arts (1 year required)
g. College Preparatory Elective (1 year required)
Core Freshman Classes
• All MVHS freshmen will enroll in:– Survey of Literature (English)– World Studies (Social Studies)– Grade 9 PE (required for all students,
regardless of participation in sports)
What about Honors courses?
• Honors courses:– Are designed by MVHS teachers– Offer accelerated study and greater depth in a
particular subject– Provide excellent challenge and preparation for
college-level work– Are a great way to explore a subject in which you
have an interest or passion
*All AP/Honors classes are weighted in the MVHS GPA.
Math Course OptionsSarah Good
• Math Mastery• Algebra I Enhanced• Algebra I• Geometry or Geometry Honors• Algebra II or Algebra II Honors
*We strongly recommend that students follow the recommendations given to them by their 8th grade math
instructors.
Geometry vs. Geometry Honors
Geometry:• Some class time spent
reviewing Algebra I topics• 30-45 minutes of
homework/night• Homework and test
problems from the first 2/3 of problem set
• Covers proofs, but not as rigorously as Geo H
Geometry Honors:• Minimal class time spent
reviewing Algebra I topics• 45 minutes of
homework/night• Homework and test
problems from last 2/3 of problem set (more difficult and require better problem-solving ability)
• Approach is more theoretical, proof-based, and faster paced.
Science Course OptionsDr. Katie Thornburg
• Earth Science
• Biology
• Covers foundational concepts in astronomy, geology, meteorology, oceanography
• Recommended for students taking Math Mastery or Algebra I
• Covers topics such as ecology, evolution, classification of living things, biochemistry, cell structure, and genetics
Science Course Options
• Biology Honors
• Chemistry Honors
• Covers same topics as Biology but with a greater level of detail and depth, and with more biochemical emphasis
• Advanced, in-depth, and detailed study of all topics covered in regular Chemistry and additional topics
• Requires excellent math, reading, and problem-solving skills
Foreign Language Course OptionsClotilde Gres
Four languages:
– Spanish: Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish II Honors, Spanish III Honors for Spanish Speakers
– Japanese: Japanese I, Japanese II, Japanese III, Japanese IV
– French: French I, French II, French III, French III Honors
– Chinese: Mandarin I, Mandarin II, Mandarin III
KONICHIWA
Social StudiesTim Farrell
• World Studies – introductory social studies course for all 9th graders
EnglishKathy Dewar
• Survey of Composition and Literature – required for all 9th graders
Physical EducationBarbara Kaufman
• Grade 9 Physical Education– one year course required– physical fitness for health and performance– demonstrate knowledge of fitness concepts
and training principles.– all students must pass 5 out of 6 State fitness
tests in order to apply for a 10th grade exemption for athletics
Sample Freshman Schedules
Example #2:
Survey of Literature
World Studies
Grade 9 PE
Biology
Geometry
Foreign Language
Sport
Example #3:
Survey of Literature
World Studies
Grade 9 PE
Biology (Honors)
Geometry (Honors)
Foreign Language
Music Elective
Example #1:
Survey of Literature
World Studies
Grade 9 PE
Earth Science
Algebra I
Art/Music Elective
Sport
MVHS recommends that freshman take no more than 7 classes. However, musicians can and do often take an additional class.
In choosing your schedule, please make sure you have a healthy balance between academics, activities, family time, and personal time.
Elective Options
• Performing Arts (music, drama, choir, dance)
• Visual Arts (drawing, painting, ceramics, photography)
• Computer Science and Technology (pre engineering)
More Electives
• Journalism• Yearbook• AVID• Broadcasting• Student
Government• Rally
Sports at MVHSJohn Payne
MVHS has three seasons of athletics:
fall, winter, spring
– 9th grade sports elective credit only
– Students may only participate on one team per season
– All sports require a tryout in order to participate on a team
– Athletes are required to earn at least a 2.0 GPA in order to participate on a team
Sports by Season
• Fall: Cross country, Football, Water Polo, Girls’ Tennis, Girls’ Volleyball
• Winter: Soccer, Basketball
• Spring: Track, Swimming, Boys’ Tennis, Boys’ Volleyball, Badminton, Softball, Baseball, Lacrosse, Golf
How to Register
• Students will register for 9th grade classes through the Student Information System (SIS)
Student Information System
• Use SIS access codes you receive
• Login access from MVHS home page
• Register for classes within time window• February 7th through February 20th
Timeline
February
March
June
August
• Register for classes
• Receive letter with course selections and opportunities to adjust
• Schedules mailed home
• SAVE THE DATES!
Freshmen orientation Aug 8th
Parent orientation Aug 7th
Questions