Big Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

LANGUAGE ARTS

9th grade English/European Literature:   (1.0 Credit –  Full year)
This course emphasizes basic reading, writing, grammar skills, study skills, discussion and thinking skills with special units focused on European literature and library research.

9th grade English/European Literature Honors- (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This is an accelerated class for students who excel in English.  The pace is faster and the depth in some areas is extensive.  Reading requirements are significant.  More homework and higher expectations for projects will be expected. English grammar and syntax, sentence correctness, paragraphing and essay skills, as well as in-depth literature analysis will be covered.  The focus will be European Literature.  Students must be self-motivated and well behaved. 

10th grade - English/American Literature - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students will study writing techniques, usage, sentence, and paragraph development. Students will read and write functional, informational, and literary texts. They will begin the process of literary analysis by reading and discussing the five major literary genres.  The focus will be American Literature.

10th grade - English /American Literature Honors - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This course is an accelerated English class for students who excel in reading, writing, and oral skills. English 10 Honors is an intensive course; it is designed to fit with the entire advanced placement program. As such, it focuses on the mastery of essay writing, with an emphasis on incorporation of advanced grammar, usage, and mechanical skills into compositions. Most essays will take the form of traditional literary analysis, with the course work centered on American Literature. Because of the advanced nature of this course, students enrolling in this course should be highly self-motivated.  Students should also have successfully completed 9th grade Honors English or have teacher permission.

11th grade English /World Literature - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students continue to improve usage, grammar, and mechanical skills in preparation for an in-depth study of the writing process, focusing on essay structure and thesis development. Students will develop critical and literary skills by studying world literary movements, authors, techniques and styles. Presenting and viewing components of the state core will also be part of this course.

11th grade - English/World Literature Honors- (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class is an intensive study of literature set in an historical context it continues to prepare the student for the AP Literature exam by focusing on analysis of literature, individual author's styles, literary modes, and vocabulary. This course emphasizes student composition by helping students develop their own personal writing skills and style. Students will express themselves using a variety of techniques. Because of the advanced nature of this course, students enrolling in this course should be highly self-motivated.  Students should also have successfully completed 10th grade Honors English or have teacher permission.

12th grade – English /Modern Literature   - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students continue to practice language arts skills through the integration of reading, writing, speaking, listening, presenting, and viewing processes. Students will refine their writing and analytical skills. Modern literature will be the basis for study in this course.

12th grade AP English / Modern Literature   - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students continue to practice language arts skills through the integration of reading, writing, speaking, listening, presenting, and viewing processes. Students will learn to refine the necessary writing and analytical skills to become proficient in college writing; using these skills to pass the AP English exam. Modern literature will be the basis for study in this course.

Creative Writing Seminar - (0.5 – Half Year) 
This class provides an introduction to the basic genres of creative writing (fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, drama) with an emphasis on craft, the writing process, and the pleasures of language. Requirements include weekly readings, frequent writing assignments, and a Portfolio of complete, revised work in three genres. Prerequisite: Successful completion of 9th grade English or teacher permission.

Speech /Debate - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
Students will learn and develop a variety of speaking skills techniques, and strategies. Students will learn research, persuasion, organization, group processes, and refutation as they study many important issues facing the world, our nation, and ourselves. Students will compete with other schools.

Business Communications - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This class focuses on communication skills needed in the business field.  Technical reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills are stressed as they apply to the business world.  Students will learn how to write letters, memos and reports while using proper grammar skills as they write for the business world.

Yearbook - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
The students will develop and use skills in writing, editing, art, layout, design, photography and leadership. They will be involved in creating the school year book. Each student is expected to be self-motivated and willing to work extra hours to meet challenging deadlines.  This course does not satisfy the English requirement for graduation.

 

LEADERSHIP

Leadership I:  (0.5 credit – Half Year)
This course introduces students to concepts and theories of leadership to help students develop the skills essential to becoming leaders in the workplace, the community and society.

Leadership II: (0.5 credit – Half Year)
Further refines the student’s knowledge of concepts and theories of leadership to help students develop the skills essential to becoming leaders in the workplace, the community and society. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Leadership I or teacher permission.

Business - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This is a college-level economics class studying: national income and price determination, economic growth, and nature and function of product markets, and the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This class is for the academically motivated student who is willing to assume the responsibility of doing advanced intellectual work.   

Student Government -  (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This is a class for students who were elected to the student council.  The focus of this class will be the study of the constitution and how government functions.  They will learn fundamental skills in public speaking and the importance of the individual’s participation in the role of government.  Students will also plan school functions, service projects, and other activities.  This class includes all of the class councils and the student body officers.

 

WORLD LANGUAGES

AP Latin – (1.0 credit – Full Year)
This course covers the basic grammatical structure of the language. Readings include selections from the Vulgate and Medieval Church Latin. This course is intended to prepare students for the AP exam.

Spanish I - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Spanish I is the first half of a two-year course designed to meet college entrance requirements for foreign language. It must be followed by Spanish II to meet those requirements. Students who are not planning to take the full two years should not sign up for the first year. The course is an introduction to the language with emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, supported by basic writing, reading, listening, and conversation skills, and cultural information. Classroom attendance is of vital importance as is nightly review.

Spanish II - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Vocabulary, grammar, reading, and conversation study will continue from Spanish I. There is an emphasis is on conversation used in everyday situations which one might encounter in a Spanish-speaking country. More homework will be given than in Spanish I. Exams and/or quizzes are given each class period.  Prerequisite: Spanish I

Spanish III/ AP  - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class is a continuation of Spanish conversation, reading, advanced grammar, writing, and culture. The main emphasis on conversation used in everyday situations which one might encounter in a Spanish-speaking country. This course is intended to prepare students for the AP exam. Prerequisite: Spanish II.

French I - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
The course is an introduction to French with emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, supported by basic writing, reading, listening, and conversation skills, and cultural information. Classroom attendance is of vital importance. Students must do nightly review.

French II - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Vocabulary, conversation, and grammar study continue from French I. There is an emphasis on grammar, especially verbs, so the student can converse and write in a variety of situations. Regular attendance and nightly review become extremely important. Prerequisite: French I

French III/AP - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
French III is a continuation of French II. There is increased emphasis on grammar, vocabulary, and conversation used in everyday situations which one might encounter in a French-speaking country. Regular attendance and nightly review and conversation in French, are vital to success in French III. This course is intended to prepare students for the AP exam. Prerequisite: French II.

Introduction to Arabic (0.5 – Half Year)
This course is an introduction to the Arabic language and cultural information.  It focuses on basic vocabulary, listening and conversation skills. Classroom attendance is of vital importance. Students must do nightly review.

Introduction to Mandarin (0.5 – Half Year)
This course is an introduction to the Mandarin language and cultural information. It focuses on basic vocabulary, listening, and conversation skills. Classroom attendance is of vital importance. Students must do nightly review.

Introduction to Cantonese(0.5 – Half Year)
This course is an introduction to the Cantonese language and culture focusing on basic vocabulary, listening and conversation skills. Classroom attendance is of vital importance. Students must do nightly review.

            (Language availability will be based on student interest/demand.)

 

MATHEMATICS

High School Mathematics/Pre-Algebra - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
The major emphases of this course are rational numbers, proportionality, measurement, data collection and analysis, probability, and beginning Algebra concepts that serve as a transition into formal Algebra and Geometry. Students will develop a deep understanding of rational number concepts, become proficient in rational number computation, and learn to think flexibly about relationships among fractions, decimals, and percents. Concepts involving rational numbers will be developed through experience with problems involving a range of topics. Knowledge of proportionality concepts is developed through extensive applications of ratio and proportion, percent, similarity, scaling, and slope of linear equations. Students will learn to recognize and generate equivalent expressions as well as solve one- or two-step single-variable equations and inequalities. Students will investigate geometric relationships by drawing, measuring, visualizing, comparing, transforming, and classifying geometric objects. Important aspects of measurement will include selecting and using appropriate units and scales. Students will formulate questions; design studies; and collect, organize, and interpret data. Students will develop simple probabilities by using experimentation and analysis of possible outcomes.  This class does not satisfy mathematics requirement for graduation.

Applied Mathematics I - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Applied Mathematics I is targeted, but not restricted, to students who are working toward technical training or college entrance. This course may be the last Algebra class for these students before entering their technical training. Applied Mathematics I contains the same concepts as an elementary Algebra course, with necessary extensions that prepare students for future technical training. This course will allow students to develop skills in recognizing, organizing, and using patterns, functions, and formulas. A strong emphasis will be placed on lab activities that demonstrate how algebraic concepts solve real-world linear and quadratic problems. These lab activities are a critical requirement of this course and must be implemented in order to teach for deep understanding rather than to an algorithmic level. After successfully completing Applied Mathematics I, a student is prepared for either Applied Mathematics II, which is an applied approach to Geometry, or a traditional Geometry course.
Prerequisite: Mastery of Pre-Algebra

Applied Mathematics II - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Applied Mathematics II is targeted, but not restricted, to students who are working toward technical training or college. Applied Mathematics II contains the same concepts as a traditional Geometry course. However, this course uses real-world applications with a strong emphasis on lab activities that engage students in cooperative learning teams. These lab activities are a critical requirement of this course and must be implemented in order to teach for deep understanding rather than at an algorithmic level. This platform allows students to experience concepts in a practical and relevant setting.  Upon successful completion of Applied Mathematics II, a student is prepared for Algebra II.
Prerequisite: Mastery of Elementary Algebra or Applied Mathematics I

Algebra I - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students in Algebra will learn Algebra as a style of thinking for formalizing patterns, functions, and generalizations. In this course, students will expand previously learned quantitative rational number relationships to include the irrational numbers. The focus will be on proficiency in recognizing and working effectively with linear relationships and their corresponding representations in tables, graphs, and equations; such proficiency includes competence in solving linear equations, generating equivalent expressions, using formulas, and applying proportionality. To develop proficiency in symbolic and graphical representations, students will use physical models, visual models, and technology. While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.  Prerequisite: Mastery of High School Mathematics

Geometry - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students in Geometry study Euclid’s postulates and theorems as the basis for an axiomatic system. Students will explore geometry through inductive and deductive processes, technology, constructions, manipulative, and algebraic connections. Topics of investigation include logic, angle and line relationships, triangles and other polygons, congruence, and similarity. Students also study coordinate geometry. Trigonometric ratios of sine, cosine, and tangent are used to solve triangle problems. Students will use area, volume, geometric probability, and geometric relationships to solve real-life problems. While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.  Prerequisite: Mastery of Algebra I

Algebra II - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Intermediate Algebra will build upon the knowledge previously learned in Elementary Algebra and Geometry. It will provide students with the reasoning skills necessary for many careers and the mathematical tools they will need to be successful in advanced mathematics classes. The study of functions is the primary focus of  Algebra II.  Exploring functions, investigating their behaviors, and making and verifying reasonable guesses about those behaviors will develop students’ reasoning and thinking skills. To develop these important skills, students will study functions algebraically by traditional methods, as well as numerically and graphically using technology and manipulative. Types of functions receiving a major focus in the course will be quadratic, absolute value, radical, and sine and cosine. The course will also emphasize the concepts of complex numbers, matrices, systems of equations and inequalities, and probability using permutations and combinations. While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on the understanding of concepts in depth, enabling students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life experiences. Because of the importance of technology in this course, a graphing calculator is required. Prerequisite: Mastery through Geometry

Advanced Mathematics I - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
In Advanced Mathematics I, topics from Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, discrete mathematics and mathematical analysis are interwoven to form a fully integrated text.  Word problems are developed throughout the problem sets and become progressively more elaborate.  With practice, students will be able to solve challenging problems such as rate problems and work problems involving abstract quantities.  A graphing calculator is used to graph functions and perform data analysis. A graphing calculator is required.

Advanced Mathematics II/ Pre Calculus -  (1.0 Credit - Full Year
Pre-calculus fills the minimum mathematics course requirement for students who plan to participate in post-secondary training. It also serves as the prerequisite for Advanced Placement Calculus. In preparation for this course, students should have mastered linear and quadratic functions, concepts from discrete mathematics involving sequences and series, and data analysis and probability techniques. They should also be able to confidently work with expressions containing rational exponents and radical and rational terms.  Areas of study for the course will include exponential, power, polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and piece-wise functions, along with trigonometric functions and their inverses. Students will investigate and explore mathematical ideas using methods that will help them gain a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, develop multiple strategies for analyzing complex situations, and acquire appropriate technological skills. Students will analyze situations verbally, numerically, graphically, and symbolically. Effective communication skills will be developed so that students will be able to discuss, explain, and justify their thoughts and ideas. While mathematical skills will be developed, teaching will focus on building a deep understanding of concepts that will enable students to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life’s experiences.  Because of the importance of technology in this course, access to a graphing calculator is required.
Prerequisite: Mastery Through Algebra II

AP Calculus - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Calculus covers all topics relevant to preparation for the AP calculus test.   Instruction takes full advantage of graphing calculators, using them to visually demonstrate concepts and confirm calculations.  It includes such topics as review of functions and trigonometry, derivatives, area between two curves, logarithmic differentiation, trapezoidal rule, convergence tests, Euler’s method and logistic growth. A graphing calculator is required. This course is intended to prepare students for the AP exam.

Financial Literacy - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
Students will gain an understanding of personal finance principles such as income, money management, spending, credit, saving, and investing. They will use this knowledge and related skills to take individual responsibility for personal economic well being. Students will explore banking transactions, financial investments, budgets, insurance, merchandise pricing, and employee financial records.  This class is required for graduation.

 

SCIENCE

Earth Systems - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
The study of the Earth’s Systems will help students understand the many natural processes occurring around them. The class will also explore other worlds and objects in the universe.

Biology  - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This is a basic course in life science.  There will be an overview of animal and plant groups as well as genetics, ecology, and conservation.  This class involves working in the laboratory, attending lectures, and participating in activities.

AP Biology  - ( 1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This is a course in life science. There will be an overview of animal and plant groups as well as genetics, ecology, and conservation. This class involves working in the laboratory, attending lectures, and participating in activities.  This course is intended to prepare students for the AP exam. This is for the student that excels in the Science disciplines.

Chemistry  -(1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students enrolled in this course will learn about matter, its structure, properties and composition and the changes that matter undergoes. It involves some laboratory work.  This course requires knowledge of Algebra.

AP Chemistry - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Students enrolled in this course will learn about matter, its structure, properties and composition and the changes that matter undergoes. It involves some laboratory work. This course is intended to prepare students for the AP exam. This is for the student that excels in the Science disciplines.  This course requires knowledge of Algebra.

Physics - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
An introduction to the mechanical nature of the universe and the study of heat, sound, light, and energy(electrical, atomic, nuclear). Prerequisite: Students must have completed a course in Geometry to take Physics.

AP Physics- (1.0 Credit- Full Year)
An introduction to the mechanical nature of the universe and the study of heat, sound, light, and energy(electrical, atomic, nuclear). This course is intended to prepare students for the AP exam. This is for the student that excels in the Science disciplines.   Prerequisite: Students must have completed a course in Geometry to take Physics.

Elective: Anatomy - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This is a course for the advanced student who has an interest in the function and structure of the human body. The student will obtain a basic knowledge of the organization and function of the organs and systems making up the human body. This class does not satisfy science requirement for graduation.

 

HISTORY/ SOCIAL STUDIES

U.S. Government & Citizenship - (0.5 Credit - Half Year) 
The goal of this course is to foster informed, responsible participation in public life. Knowing how to be a good citizen is essential to the preservation and improvement of the United States democracy. Upon completion of this course the student will understand the major ideas, protections, privileges, structures and economic systems that affect the life of a citizen in the United States political system.

U.S. Government & Citizenship Honors - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
The goal of this course is to foster informed, responsible participation in public life. Knowing how to be a good citizen is essential to the preservation and improvement of the United States democracy. Upon completion of this course the student will understand the major ideas, protections, privileges, structures and economic systems that affect the life of a citizen in the United States political system.  This class is intended for students who excel in History.  There are significant reading requirements, higher expectations and more homework.

U.S. History - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class devotes attention to economic, social, and political developments in United States history. It also develops an understanding of the Constitution, the legal system, and an appreciation of ethical considerations supported by American society. This class will cover from the age of Discovery to the present time period. Students will identify ways to solve problems, make decisions, and participate as effective citizens of the United States.

U.S. History Honors- (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class devotes attention to economic, social, and political developments in United States history. It also develops an understanding of the Constitution, the legal system, and an appreciation of ethical considerations supported by American society. This class will cover from the age of Discovery to the present time period. Students will identify ways to solve problems, make decisions, and participate as effective citizens of the United States.  This is an accelerated class for students who excel in History.  The pace is faster and more in depth.  Reading requirements are significant.  There is more homework and higher expectations for projects.

World Civilizations - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
A study of the interrelationships between our cultural worlds.  This course focuses on the history of diverse people and cultures of the world. The course analyzes similarities and differences across cultures in six spheres of human activity: social, scientific, economic, religious/philosophical, geographic, and political.

World Civilizations Honors - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This course focuses on the history of diverse people and cultures of the world. The course analyzes similarities and differences across cultures in six spheres of human activity: social, scientific, economic, religious/philosophical, geographic, and political. This is an accelerated class for students who excel in History.  The pace is faster and more in-depth.  Reading requirements are significant.  There is more homework and higher expectations for projects.

Geography - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
A comprehensive geographical view of the human and physical worlds and why and how they influence and relate to global interconnectedness and interdependence.

Geography Honors - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
A comprehensive geographical view of the human and physical worlds and why and how they influence and relate to global interconnectedness and interdependence.  This is an accelerated class for students who excel in History.  The pace is faster and more in depth.  Reading requirements are significant.  There is more homework and higher expectations for projects.

AP U.S. History - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class is a college-level (freshman) class requiring advanced historical awareness and writing skills. It devotes attention to economic, social, and political developments in United States history. It also develops an understanding of the Constitution, the legal system, and an appreciation of ethical considerations supported by American society. Students will identify ways to solve problems, make decisions, and participate as effective citizens of the United States.  It is intended to prepare students to take the AP History exam.

Psychology - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This course will include the study of human behavior that helps students understand the forces working on their personality and emotional development. It deals with the basic principles of the development of personality and the effect stress has on an individual, as well as developing interpersonal relationships with family, friends, spouses, and work colleagues. A portion of this course will be spent learning about how we deal with understanding our emotions, mental health, psychological disorders and methods of treatment (Psychotherapy.) This class does not satisfy the Social Studies requirement for graduation.

                                                                                                                             
FINE ARTS

Beginning Drawing - (0.5 Credit- Half Year)
A class designed for students to explore the basics of drawing.  Focus will be on beginning level drawing concepts, use of oils, extended techniques, and divergent production. Fee for supplies may be required.

Intermediate Drawing  (0.5 credit – Half Year)
A class designed for students who have the basics and want to expand their drawing skills. Emphasis will be on developing mastery of higher level drawing concepts, use of oils, extended techniques, and divergent production. Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing or Teacher permission. Fee for supplies may be required.

Beginning Painting - (0.5 Credit- Half Year)
This course involves a careful examination of art criticism and learning a visual vocabulary and how to paint what you see and feel.  The student will paint basic realistic objects to abstract and learn how to develop idea concepts to finished artworks.  The subject matter to be painting is wide open.  We will explore a variety of techniques.  This course might involve some print making.  Fee for supplies may be required.

Intermediate Painting (0.5 - Half Year)
This course involves a careful examination of art criticism and learning a visual vocabulary.  Emphases are on development of seeing, knowing, understanding, and judging basic and great works of art.  This course provides students with a variety of sharpening ones vision as to how to look at the figure and learn from basic geometric shapes and understanding lighting to make the figure come alive.  Prerequisite: Beginning Painting or Teacher permission.  Fee for supplies may be required

Beginning Photography - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
A digital camera supplied by student is required for this class. This is an introductory course that covers basic principles and techniques of Photography.  Topics include the use operation and care of adjustable cameras, picture composition, and photographic manipulation. Adjustable aperture, shutter speed, and focus are desirable.  Fee for supplies may be required

Intermediate Photography  - (0.5 Credit – Half Year)
A digital camera supplied by student is required for this class. This is an intermediate that goes beyond the basic principles and techniques of Photography.   Topics include the use operation and care of adjustable cameras, picture composition, and photographic manipulation. Adjustable aperture, shutter speed, and focus are desirable. Prerequisite: Beginning Photography or Teacher permission.  Fee for supplies may be required

Introduction to Drama/Film - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This is a beginning class on acting, interpretation and characterization.  Students will study pantomime, humorous and dramatic monologues, and classical and contemporary scenes from plays. Students will perform in front of others in class. This class may be taken for fine arts credit required for graduation.

Drama II/Film II - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class continues the study of performance, including pantomime, monologues, scenes, theater history, and interpretation. Students must have completed Intro to Drama/Film successfully to enroll in Drama/Film II or receive Teacher permission. Students are required to compete in various drama competitions during the year. This class may be taken for fine arts credit required for graduation.

Musical Theater – (0.5 credit – Half Year)
This course will include the study, rehearsal, and public performance of musical works for the stage.  May be taken as a full year, as each semester will include different material.

Drama Tech - (0.5 Credit - Half Year) 
This class is designed to give students experience in stage craft, design, scenery construction and light design for the stage. Students will serve as members of the stage crew for various productions including some work outside of regular school hours. This class may be taken for fine arts credit required for graduation.

Beginning Video Production - (0.5  Credit - Half  Year)
Instruction covers basic video production skills and techniques. Students will have an opportunity to explore story boarding, script writing, pre-production planning, camcorder skills, and editing techniques and skills. Class members will have the opportunity to complete several video productions.

Intermediate Video Production - (0.5  Credit - Half  Year)
Instruction continues with video production skills and techniques where Beginning Video production left off. Students will have an opportunity to explore story boarding, script writing, pre-production planning, camcorder skills, and editing techniques and skills. Class members will have the opportunity to complete several video productions.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of Beginning Video production or teacher permission.

 

CHOIR

Concert Choir - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class is offered to any student who is serious about choral music and desires training. Along with choral training, this class will review music fundamentals. Out of class time is required for both rehearsals and performances. 

Chamber Choir - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This is a madrigal ensemble. Uniform purchase is required.  Open by Audition only.  Out of class time is required for both rehearsals and performances. 

 

BAND & ORCHESTRA

Concert Band - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This particular section is designed for beginning to intermediate students.  Students will be encouraged to increase their musical knowledge and talents through the study and performance on their chosen band instrument. This ensemble will incorporate woodwind, brass, and percussion performers.  Students will be encouraged to increase their musical skills through personal study and performance opportunities as a soloist and in groups.

Jazz Band - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
Simultaneous participation in Symphonic Band, Orchestra, or Percussion Ensemble is required, unless given teacher approval. This course is designed for advanced students on saxophone, trumpet, trombone, electric bass guitar, drum set, guitar, and piano.  Students are encouraged to increase their musical knowledge and talents through the study of their chosen instrument, performance of a wide variety of jazz music, and improvisation. Students will be expected to play all 12 major scales with ease, and be available for multiple performance opportunities.  Open by Audition Only.

Symphonic Band - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This course is designed for intermediate to advanced students in which students will be encouraged to increase their musical knowledge and talents through the study and performance on their chosen band instrument.  This ensemble will incorporate woodwind, brass, and percussion performers. Students will be encouraged to increase their musical skills through personal study and performance opportunities as a soloist and in groups. Open by Audition Only.

Symphony Orchestra - (1.0 Credit- Full Year)
This particular section is designed for beginning to intermediate students in.  Students will be encouraged to increase their musical knowledge and talents through the study and performance on their chosen orchestral instrument.  This ensemble will incorporate violin, viola, cello, and bass instrument. Students will be encouraged to increase their musical skills through personal study and performance opportunities as a soloist and in groups.

Philharmonic Orchestra - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This course is designed for intermediate to advanced students in which students will be encouraged to increase their musical knowledge and talents through the study and performance on their chosen orchestral instrument.  This ensemble will incorporate violin, viola, cello, and bass, with the possible inclusion of woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists that are concurrently enrolled in symphonic band or percussion ensemble. Students will be encouraged to increase their musical skills through personal study and performance opportunities as a soloist and in groups. Open by Audition Only.

 


HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Dance I - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This beginning dance class is designed to cover the qualities of movement, through the elements of dance - time, space, and energy. Compositions are choreographed by teachers and students. This is a good starting class to learn the basics of dance technique and to increase creativity skills. Students will also study the history of dance and will increase their physical stamina, flexibility and body alignment. No prior dance experience is required.  May count for Fine Arts requirement

Dance II - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This is a Dance technique class on an advanced level. Daily warm-ups, across the floor progressions, and center floor technique in jazz and /or ballet will be taught.  Movement combinations will also be given on a daily basis.  Prerequisite: Dance I or teacher permission.  May count for Fine Arts requirement.

Cheerleading - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
This class will teach basic cheer skills and may require attendance at sports events.  Some out of class time rehearsals and a costume fee will be required.  Students must meet specific grade/citizenship requirements.  Tryouts required. Fee may be required.

Drill Team - (1.0 Credit – Full Year)  
A class to develop fundamental skills in various marching styles, military movements, jazz dance and drill downs.  Some out of class time rehearsals and a costume fee will be required.  Students must meet specific grade/citizenship requirements.  Tryouts required.  Fee may be required.

Health - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
The class will focus on all aspects of health and personal-wellness related issues.

Fitness for Life - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This coed course is an individualized, concepts-based course designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to self-assess, create, conduct, evaluate, and redesign their own personal fitness program. This is a combination of classroom-based and activity-based learning activities with a focus on student’s mastery of skills and concepts necessary to becoming independent monitors of their personal lifetime fitness. Athletics may not substitute for this course.

Individual Lifetime Activities - (1.0 Credit - Full Year)
A coed course designed for continued improvement of physical fitness. The course content includes an understanding of the components of fitness, i.e., heart-lung fitness, strength, flexibility, muscle endurance, weight control/nutrition, and stress management.  The course will include weight training.  The course is intended to cultivate lifetime habits necessary for a healthy lifestyle.

School Competition Teams - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This course offers skill development in a variety of lifetime individual and team sports. Running and exercise skills to improve physical conditioning are included.  The class includes discussions of nutrition and exercise and their relation to good health.  For Competitions/games outside of RCHS.

Participation Sports  - (0.5 Credit - Half Year) 
This coed course offers skill development in a variety of lifetime individual and team sports. Running and exercise skills to improve physical conditioning are included.  The class includes discussions of nutrition and exercise and their relation to good health.

Elective:  Outside Competition Sport/Event - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
Must be approved and monitored by Mentor.

                                                                                                                             
Library Media/Education Technology/Careers/Electives

Research/Multi Media - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This course provides students with an introduction to the Internet.  Students will demonstrate a basic knowledge of the Internet and its tools through the use of e-mail and browsers. HTML and web publishing software will be used to create, format, edit and publish web pages. This course also instructs students in the proper methodology of Research.

Computer Technology I - (0.5 Credit - Half Year) 
Educational, vocational, and career choices are changing yearly.  This class will include computer skills, career software, guest speakers from the working world, information on post high school training and educational opportunities and skills to find and keep a job. Students will master touch operation on a computer keyboard.  The student will use basic word processing functions on a variety of document types. Students who pass the Utah State Competency Exam will receive a competency certificate. This class is required for graduation.

Computer Technology II  - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
Computer programming is a course of study that teaches students critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork skills through the application of programming/engineering methodology. It enables students to produce computer programs through the use of industry standard computer languages. The courses are also intended to expose students to the computer programming/software engineering industry. The course introduces students to the fundamental of computer programming, to simple control and data structures, to basic operating system commands, and to the use of text files. Students will learn to design, code and test their own programs. Students are introduced to more complex data strictures and their uses, including sequential files, arrays, classes, object oriented programming and recursive processes. PREREQUISITE: Computer Technology I & Algebra or teacher permission.

Careers Seminar - (0.5 Credit- Half Year)  
This class provides an awareness of career opportunities and their importance in our global economy. Students will explore the traits and characteristics of successful careers.  They will learn strategies and applications through guest speakers and activities.

Clothing I - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This course teaches students basic construction skills with an emphasis on fabrics and projects such as bags, hoodies, sweats, pajama pants, and other items.  Topics such as sewing equipment, pressing, and textiles; as well as techniques such as casings, pockets, hems, buttons and buttonholes will be taught.  There will be a fee for personal projects.  Fee for supplies may be required

Clothing II - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This course is for students who already have sewing skills and want to learn advanced skills such as enclosed seams, facings and interfacings, fitting, zippers, and decorative sewing.  Tailoring is also taught.  Students may take this course more than once with teacher approval. Prerequisite:  Clothing I or teacher permission.  Fee for supplies may be required

Foods - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This course is for students who are interested in understanding the principles of nutrition and in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Attention will be given to the selection and preparation of food for personal health and well-being. Fee for supplies may be required

Advanced Foods  - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This course is for students who are interested in understanding the principles of nutrition and food preparation with a global perspective. Students will be introduced to various food cultures, food patterns in the family life cycle, consumer skills, and learn meal management. Advanced food science and preparation techniques will be included in this course. Students will prepare ethnic foods and study other cultures. Fee for supplies may be required

Released Time/Seminary - ( No Credit )
Religious instruction offered off campus.  Open to all students.   Students who register for Released Time must attend or lose the privilege.

 

Drivers Education - (0.5 Credit - Half Year)
This Class meets all the State of Utah requirements to obtain a Utah Drivers license. Driver education covers Utah laws, rules, testing, vehicle knowledge, and special driving conditions, plus the required hours of classroom time and driving time to get a license.  Age limits 1st semester turn 16 yrs old on or before April 1. 2nd Semester turn 16 yrs old after April 1Fee will be required.

Portfolio Development
Mentor – guided Advanced Study of any Fine Arts.  Does not satisfy the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.