2006-2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
CONTACT NAMES
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
DESCRIPTIONS OF CURRICULA
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
HONOR
GRADING SYSTEM
CHANGING COURSES
WEIGHTED COURSES
EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION OF GRADES
CLASS RANK
“PASS/FAIL” COMPONENT
GIFTED PROGRAM
COURSE
DESCRIPTION BY DEPARTMENT
BUSINESS/COMPUTER SCIENCE
ENGLISH
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION
HOME ECONOMICS
MATHEMATICS
MUSIC
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Mr. Fred C. Schenck, President
Mr. Albert Wank, Vice-President
Mrs. Donna Kalovcak, Secretary
Mr. Albert D. Marazas, Treasurer
Mr. Michael Andruchek
Mr. Eugene Demcher
Mr. Joseph Polinsky
Mr. Scott Pothering
Mr. Daniel Shuman
CONTACT NAMES
Superintendent Mr. M. Joseph Brady 570-544-4764
Principal Mr. Carl McBreen 570-544-4761
Vice Principal Mr. Yacobacci 570-544-4761
Counselor Ms. Annie Buzalko 570-544-4761
Counselor Mr. John Barrett 570-544-4761
Guidance Secretary Mrs.Elizabeth Farrell 570-544-4761
DESCRIPTIONS OF CURRICULA
ACADEMIC
This curriculum is organized
for college preparation or entering the workforce. While these courses do not have a pace as
rigorous as the honors track, they will prepare our students for their future
and afford them the knowledge necessary to continue their education if they so
desire. These courses will not be
weighted. Students who excel in the
academic track may be asked to take honors classes in those fields of
excellence.
HONORS
This curriculum is organized for college
preparation. It is particularly well
adapted to meet the needs of students who plan to continue their study at a
college or university. Intensive instruction within a highly structured, whole
setting will challenge the most avid student and prepare him/her to meet the
challenges of the most rigorous educational institution. Highly motivated students from the secondary
level will have their needs met and will be expected to go beyond what is
covered in the academic courses. Students enrolled in this program may expect
some summertime work and longer and more rigorous homework assignments. Honors
courses will have a weight of 1.05 (the only exception will be Honors
Algebra I which is a non-weighted course).
*Students may select a combination of honors and academic courses during their high school career.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)
Advanced Placement courses are taught at the college level. They afford advanced tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students an opportunity to earn, in addition to high school credit, college credit and/or appropriate placement at the college level if they attain a specific score on a national standardized examination and if they attend one of many colleges and universities which recognize students’ participation in the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. AP courses will have a weight of 1.10. Maximum number of AP courses in the same year should be 3. To enroll in an AP course, students must have a grade point average of 80% or higher in the pertinent subject matter and in any other prerequisite courses and the recommendation of the most recent instructor in the academic discipline. Students enrolling in AP courses should expect intensive summer work to be completed and turned in.
BUSINESS
The Business Education program is designed to prepare students for careers in business and industry. Upon completion of the three-year program qualified students can directly seek employment as office workers or secretaries. The program also develops a foundation for students to pursue advanced studies in business, accounting and the secretarial field.
VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL
The Vocational Technical program begins in the 10th grade. This program of studies enables students to enhance skills in the vocational and technical fields. The program allows students to attend the Schuylkill Technology Centers to pursue their training. Successful completion of the program can lead to direct employment in the trade and technical fields. The program also allows students to pursue advanced programs of studies at a 2 year or 4 year degree program.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Standard
English 4.0 Credits
Social Studies 4.0 Credits
Mathematics 3.0 Credits
Science 3.0 Credits
P.E. 1.5 Credits
Health 0.5 Credits
Electives 8.0 Credits
(includes Tech. Ed. ,Arts & Languages)
Community Service 20 Hours
Portfolio
24 Minimum to Graduate with Standard Diploma
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS
GRADE 7 A student must complete 5.0 credits including English and Physical Education/Health.
GRADE 8 A student must complete 5.0 credits including English, American Civics and Physical Education/Health.
GRADES 9-12 A student
must complete 5.5 credits including English.
HONOR
1. Distinguished Honors – A student must have all “A’s” in major subjects and nothing lower than a “B” in a minor subject. A student must have a minimum of three majors.
2. High Honors – A student must maintain all “A’s” or “B’s” in both major and minor subjects.
3. Honors – A student must have at least a “B” in all major subjects and have no more than one “C” in a minor subject.
*A major course is a full credit course in English, Social Studies, Math, and Science. All other full credit and semester credit courses are considered minor courses.
GRADING SYSTEM
90 – 100 (A) Percentage earned
80 - 89 (B) Percentage earned
70 - 79 (C) Percentage earned
60 - 69 (D) Percentage earned
0 - 59 (F) Percentage earned
CHANGING COURSES
All course changes require parental approval, counselors approval and approval of the principal. Requests to drop/add a full year course or semester course must be made during the one week the Guidance Counselors are present in the school during late July or early August. All schedule changes will need to be done at this time. Schedules will be mailed out to students in mid-June, and will contain the information of when counselors will be present.
In order to bring our grading in line with other weighted systems throughout the country and in an attempt to recognize the academic efforts of our motivated students, Minersville has decided to incorporate the following weighted system into its grading:
Academic no
weight
Honors & 3rd
or 4th year courses average X 1.05
Advanced
Placement average
X 1.10
By incorporating these weights into
our grading policy, we will be allowing our students to be equally recognized
and compared to other students by all colleges and universities.
EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION OF GRADES
Academic & Electives 86% x 1.00= 86.00% B
Honors & Third Year Courses 86% x 1.05= 90.30% A
AP 86% x 1.10= 94.60% A
CLASS RANK
Class Rank is an indicator of how well a student has done in their classes and the intensity or academic difficulty of their schedule. Class Rank is based on a student’s grade point average.
“PASS/FAIL” COMPONENT
A “pass/fail” component is offered on the belief that learning should be motivated by the intrinsic values of the subject material rather than merely the grade. This program will enable 10th, 11th, & 12th grade students to take a credit of work in a subject they are interested in, but perhaps apprehensive to take because of the fear of a grade. Here are the guidelines:
· This program is a requirement for Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
· Every sophomore, junior & senior will be obligated to take one”pass/fail” class each of these years.
· English may not be taken “pass/fail”.
· Honors and AP Courses may be taken as Pass/Fail with parental permission. Pass/Fail courses DO
NOT carry a weight.
· Each student will designate one unit per year as “pass/fail”.
· A “passing” grade (P) is recorded for a course average of 70 or above; a “failing” grade (F) reflects a course average below 70.
· The teacher will keep the numerical average for each grading period in the grade book. For those students who have taken the “pass/fail” option, the average will be converted to “pass/fail” (P or F) for the report card.
· Courses selected for “pass/fail” will not be calculated in class rank nor class average.
· Once a student designates a credit “pass/fail” the designation will not be changed.
· Students must receive a (P) to be considered for Honor Roll.
GIFTED PROGRAM
All students within the
district who are thought to be gifted may be referred for evaluation. The determination of mentally gifted must
include a multi-disciplinary assessment by a certified school
psychologist. The following indicators may suggest a
referral to be in order:
1.
I.Q. Scores – The most recent I.Q. score must be 130 or above. Confidentiality of information obtained
through individualized testing is protected.
2.
Achievement Test Scores – The scores should fall in the 95-99 percentiles.
3.
Rates of acquisitions and retention of subject matter evaluated is superior
compared to peers.
4.
Class Grade Averages – Demonstrated superior achievement in grade level
subject area(s).
9 weeks 5 None
.25 7
Art 7 students will have the opportunity to use their imaginations and express their ideas visually while learning art techniques and the elements of art. Drawing, painting, and several three-dimensional craft lessons will be part of the Art 7 experience.
Students will study the art of several cultures of the past and create their own interpretations of that art. They will use different media for each lesson while learning the elements of art. Drawing, painting, and several craft techniques will be a part of the Art 8 experience.
18 weeks 5 None
.50 9-12
A little bit of everything
describes this course. Drawing,
painting, lettering, clay sculpture, fibers, and collage are some of the areas
to be explored. Elect this course if you
enjoy doing artistic things even if you are not a serious artist.
18 weeks 5 None
.50 9-12
Students will learn a
variety of techniques to draw objects in their environment from live models and
photographs. Using the elements of art they
will learn to add value, texture, and depth to their drawings. One-point perspective will also be
covered. Media may include pencil,
charcoal, marker, paints, and colored pencil. A sketchbook is required for
practice drawings to be done as homework assignments.
.
36 weeks 5 Basic Drawing 1.00 10-12
or Life Drawing
Teacher
recommendation
For the serious art student
this course blends the fundamentals of design, drawing, and painting. Students will create original art works using
the elements and principles of design.
Drawing lessons will emphasize line, shape, value, texture, and space
while painting exercises will emphasize the principles of design and elements
of color (mixing the primary hues of red, yellow, and blue to make all other
colors). All will be combined to create
still-life, landscape, and abstract paintings.
A self-portrait painting in oil on canvas will be the final experience.
A sketchbook will be required for design and drawing practice outside of class.
18 weeks 5 None .50 9-12
Students will learn about basic techniques and
materials used with tempera, watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints. They will also practice mixing colors using
the three primary hues, and further explore the elements of value and intensity
of color. They will create original
paintings from their own drawings, painting on a variety of surfaces, and they
will learn to stretch a canvas for their final oil painting.
18 weeks 5 None
.50 9-12
Students will learn to draw the human figure, the human head, and animals by studying proportion and contours. They will work from live models and photographs and use a number of media including pencil, ink, and charcoal on a number of drawing surfaces. A sketchbook is required for practice drawings to be done as homework assignments.
18 weeks 5 None
.50 9-12
Students will design and
create original two and three-dimensional decorative and utilitarian objects
using techniques such as modeling, slab, coil and bas relief. They will also learn basic characteristics of
several types of clay and glaze and the fundamentals of kiln firing.
CERAMICS II*-(619)
Length of Course Periods per Week Prerequisite Credit Grade Level
18 weeks 5 Ceramics I .50 9-12
Students will create
projects using different techniques from Ceramics I. New projects will include making creative
cylinders and sculptures of biological forms with traditional clay to be glazed
and fired. They will also work with more
contemporary polymer clay, learning more new techniques such as making canes
and forming clay over armatures.
18 weeks 5 None
.50 9-12
Students will design and
create original two and three-dimensional artistic expressions using a variety
of craft media. Fiber arts including
tapestry weaving and fabric painting and papier mache sculpture are the main
areas that will be explored.
Drawing and painting with traditional and unexpected materials will be experienced in this course. Students will learn contour drawing, basic painting techniques with tempera, watercolor, acrylic, or oil paints, and application of colors, line, and shape to painting surfaces using unusual materials such as paper, fibers, objects from nature, and mosaic tiles. Each lesson will be based on a specific period of art, school of art, or individual artist.
18 weeks 5 None .50
9-12
CARTOON
Length of Course Periods
per Week Prerequisite Credit Grade Level
18 weeks 5 None .50 9-12
Students will experience creative expression and storytelling
through multiple types of cartoons, such as editorial, strip, and single block
cartoons. Varied styles and techniques
of cartooning will be explored, and original cartoon characters will be created
using a variety of media. The art form
of caricature may also be introduced.
18 weeks 5 None .50 7
This course strives for student
accuracy and speed and the utilization of the correct touch typing
technique. The students will use the
computer keyboard, various software programs, and also the typewriter. Also subjects such as formatting, letters,
reports, memos, and tables will also be covered.
18 weeks 5 None .50 8
Students will apply skills
learned in Basic Keyboarding. The focus
of the course will be formatting business documents such as memos, letters,
tables, and reports while maintaining accuracy using Microsoft Word. Students will also continue to improve their
speed while utilizing the touch-typing method.
18 weeks 5 None .50 9-11
Students will be using
Microsoft Office 2000 to learn the basics of word processing which includes the
following: creating documents, editing,
formatting, setting margins, setting tabs, and sorting. Students will also be introduced to helpful
word features such as spell checker, thesaurus, and find and replace. In addition students learn about desktop
publishing, creating columns, drawing graphics, wordart, clipart, borders and
shading techniques. Students will learn
how to increase efficiency using word templates and wizards. Students will learn the basics for printing
labels, envelopes, and mail merge.
Students will also be using Microsoft Excel to learn basic spreadsheet
concepts, change appearance of worksheets, use worksheet formulas, and function
formulas.
18 weeks 5 Intro Word/Excel .50 10-12
Students will use Microsoft
Word 2000 software to create a variety of documents. Advanced techniques such as mail merge,
customizing tables, creating charts, formatting columns and sections, and
formatting graphics will be explored.
Students will work with multiple and long documents. They will also be creating forms, customizing
toolbars and templates, and creating indexes and table of contents. Students will be designing documents that
are school-related (such as a research paper), business related (such as a
newsletter, form letters, mail merge), and documents one might use for personal
use (such as a resume and cover letter). Using the skills presented in this
course, students will be required to design other documents using enhanced features
and desk top publishing skills.
ACCOUNTING I (642)
36 Weeks 5 None 1.00 10-12
Students will learn the
basic bookkeeping cycle of businesses organized as a proprietorship and a
partnership. Students will learn to journalize entries to record sales,
purchases, cash receipts and payments, and accounts receivable and payable.
Entry-level accounting skills, such as journalizing, posting, making adjusting
entries, and preparing financial statements will be demonstrated and practiced.
ACCOUNTING II –
36 Weeks 5 Accounting 1.00 11-12
(75%
or better)
A comprehensive review of
basic accounting procedures and theory will be reviewed. New skills such as
using specialized journals, payroll, taxes, depreciation, accruals,
adjustments, and promissory notes for a business organized as a corporation.
Upon completion of all concepts, students will use the computer lab to complete
an automated accounting simulation.
18 weeks 5 Intro Word/Excel .50 10-12
Students will be applying advanced
formats to worksheets and charts, printing workbooks and formulas, using data
lists, and filtering and extracting data.
They will also be using advanced techniques such as PivotTables, macros,
importing and exporting data, using templates, and working with multiple
worksheets and workbooks.
18 weeks 5 Advanced Word .50 10-12
Students will work on a
series of 50 exercises within 6 lessons which all introduce different concepts
needed to create a PowerPoint presentation.
Each lesson is comprised of short exercises designed for using
PowerPoint 2000 in real-life business situations. After students are introduced to new terms
and procedure methods, they are given a step-by-step instruction to put their
skills to work. Each lesson ends with a Critical Thinking Exercise where students need to rely on their skills to complete
the task. Students are required to
design three major PowerPoint presentations (favorite interest, major school
subject concept, and a family history presentation). Students will be retrieving graphics and
information from the Internet. Students
will also be scanning pictures to use in their presentations.
18 weeks 5
Advanced Word .50 11-12
This course will utilize the
Internet as students create Web page designs using HTML Coding, Microsoft
FrontPage 2000 and Macromedia Dream Weaver. The following topics relating to
Web pages will be covered: text formatting, links, graphics, forms, tables,
frames, hyperlinks, navigation bars, etc.
OFFICE TECHNOLOGY * (644)Not offered this year
36 Weeks 5 Advanced Word 1.00 11-12
This junior - senior level course is designed to combine business skills learned throughout the business curriculum in order to prepare students for entry-level office positions upon graduation. Office simulations will be used to demonstrate student knowledge and application of word processing, database, business calculations, telephone skills, and interpersonal skills. All business students are required to take this course prior to graduation.
MARKETING (645)
36 weeks 5 None 1.00 11-12
Students will study and learn
all of the activities and concepts related to the bringing of products and
services from the producer to the consumer.
Some topics and activities that will be covered include: financing, buying, packaging, transporting,
receiving, storing pricing, promoting, selling, and record keeping.
BUSINESS LAW (646)
36 weeks 5 None 1.00 11-12
Here students will learn
about how to understand the many laws of business, how they affect the
businesses, and how they affect our
lives. We will discuss topics such
as: ethics, the history of the law, the
kinds of laws, crimes, torts, breach of contracts, and consumer and business
laws. Students will then learn sales
contracts, risk of loss, product liability, bankruptcy, union laws, types of
insurance, wills, estate planning, proprietorships, partnerships, and
corporations.
BUSINESS
36 Weeks 5 None 1.00 10-12
This course develops math
skill needed in the business office. Students will complete a comprehensive
review of basic math skills with an emphasis on percentages. Payroll records,
including calculation of gross and net pay will be studied in depth. Basic
concepts of borrowing and investing money will be introduced. Students will
learn math skills needed in business ownership and management such as financial
statement preparation.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
Length
of Course Periods per Week Prerequisites Credit Grade Level
18
weeks 5 None .50 7
In
this course, students will learn to read, analyze, and interpret literature and
content area materials. The course will
also cover test-taking strategies and study skills such as note-taking and the
formulation of short-answer responses.
ENGLISH 7 (110)
Length
of Course Periods per Week Prerequisites Credit Grade Level
36
weeks 5 None 1.00 7
In
this comprehensive program, students are challenged to hone their writing
skills through a practical study of basic grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and
usage. In-depth study of literature from
all genres introduces young readers to delightful classic characters such as
Rip Van Winkle, Sherlock Holmes, and Tom Sawyer. The intricacies of language are explored as
students learn to interpret etymologies, dialectical differences, and the
different levels of language. Some
planned public speaking in the classroom emphasizes organizational skills and
the importance of good communication skills.
ENGLISH 8 (111)
Length
of Course Periods per Week Prerequisite Credit Grade Level
36
weeks 5 None 1.00 8
Students will receive grammar instruction on all
parts of speech, phrases, clauses and sentence mechanics. This material will be reinforced through
student construction of several types of writing assignments in order to
demonstrate proper use of grammar skills.
Students will also read selected short stories, poems, and a play
version of the Diary of Anne Frank. The
class will also involve a study of vocabulary terms to improve word usage in
writing as well as every day communication.
HONORS ENGLISH 9 (116)
Length of Course Periods
per Week Prerequisite Credit Grade Level
36 weeks 5 None 1.00 9
This course involves a rigorous study of grammar
usage and requires the student to utilize the skills acquired in a variety of
writing assignments. Students should
expect to read and/or construct literary works including, but not limited to
short stories, poems, essays and plays.
Vocabulary will also be enhanced in this comprehensive course as terms
relate to literature as well as for supplemental review in order to improve
student knowledge and speaking ability.
ACADEMIC
ENGLISH 9 (115)
Length of Course Periods
per Week Prerequisite Credit Grade Level
36 weeks 5 None 1.00 9
This freshman academic English course will focus on
an in-depth study of grammar including terminology, structure, rules, and
usage. Students will strengthen their
literary skills and appreciation of literature through a variety of reading
experiences. Similarly, students will
advance their writing and vocabulary skills, especially those needed for later
post-secondary studies.
HONORS ENGLISH 10* (126)
Length of Course Periods
per Week Prerequisite Credit Grade Level