High School & Beyond Tomball High School 2017-18

Begin with the end in mind… What kind of life do I want in the future? What college do I want to go to? What do I want to study? What kind of career goal(s) have I set for myself?

What is required to graduate? Twenty-six (26) credits are required to graduate in the State of Texas Students are also required to meet or exceed score requirements on 5 End of Course Exams (EOC) English I English II Algebra Biology U.S. History

What is a credit? A credit is what you receive when you pass a full year of one subject Passing one semester (or a half a year) will earn you a ½ credit Some classes are just a ½ credit but most are one whole credit If you choose a ½ credit course you will need to choose another ½ credit course for the second semester (two halves make a whole).

What is a prerequisite? A course that is required prior to taking a more advanced course. Chemistry I Chemistry II

What is a sequence? Courses that follow a pathway, usually three to four courses in the same area of study. They become more advanced and/or more specific as you reach the junior/senior year. Example: Introduction to Engineering (9th) Principles of Engineering (10th) Biological Engineering (11th)

What is Grade Point Average (GPA)? Semester averages are recorded on a transcript (a record of all high school semester averages) The GPA for high school courses is required on college and scholarship applications. The GPA starts when entering 9th grade and does not include junior high grades.

How many courses? 7 classes in a day Choose 7 courses 4 core courses each year (English, Math, Science, Social Studies) 3 elective courses of choice* 7 total courses 2 alternate elective choices (backups) 9 total choices *remember if you choose ½ credit course you must choose a second ½ credit course!

What level classes are best to take? Regular or Advanced PAP (Pre-Advanced Placement) begins 9th grade AP (Advanced Placement)10th through 12th DC (Dual Credit) 11th through 12th Advantage of Advanced 15 quality points added to the final semester average “when” the GPA is calculated (IF passed) Noted on the transcript that the course was advanced. Disadvantage of Advanced More rigorous and requires self-motivation, outside reading, organizational skills & additional study

Advanced classes? Consider these guidelines. Must be self-motivated and an independent worker. Must be willing to spend hours out of class completing research, projects and supplemental reading. Must have good study skills and time management (use a planner and keep up with long-term projects). Consider outside activities and responsibilities.

Advanced is the choice? Open enrollment: Can request to be moved with D or F: After first three weeks After first six weeks End of semester English I PAP has a summer assignment (check online in May or June)

Plan Ahead! Additional Required courses besides the 4 core: 2 credits in same Foreign Language 1 Fine Arts credit 1 semester of: Speech Health 1 credit in P.E. or equivalent 5 or more electives of your choice and apply toward your chosen Endorsement. Anything else you take is considered an elective.

What is an Endorsement Subject areas where students can elect courses according to their interests. It indicates the type of elective coursework in which students choose to focus during high school. There are 5 Endorsement Areas STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) Business & Industry Public Service Arts & Humanities Multidisciplinary

It’s Your Decision! When to take the additional required courses and when to take chosen electives. Remember that some advanced electives will have a prerequisite so be aware and be prepared in planning. See the Course Selection Guide on the Tomball ISD website.

What foreign language do you want to take and when? French German Spanish

What Fine Arts do you want to take and when? Band (Spring) Choir Dance / Drill Team Floral Design Orchestra Theatre Technical Theatre

What Health course to take and when? Health Education (.5 credit) Principles of Health Science (1 credit) open to 10th graders and up

When to take the speech course? One Semester: Professional Communications (.5 credit) Debate (1 credit)

What PE to take and when? One year or one credit is required (additional credits count as electives) General P.E. Individual/Team Sports Dance/ Aerobics ROTC Cheerleading (one year credit) Tryouts required. Local credit after 1st year. Drill Team – Tryouts required Marching Band / Color Guard- fall semester only Athletics Must live within TISD boundaries and be registered at THS Must have been promoted not placed to 9th grade to be eligible the 1st six weeks Must have physical completed on UIL form-TISD physicals will be held Spring 2017 $20 participation fee Baseball, Boys/Girls Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Boys/Girls Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Volleyball Off Campus P.E. – requires prior-to-semester Central Office approval

Distinguished Level of Achievement Successful completion of required courses Successful completion of at least one endorsement Four credits in Math (including Algebra II) Four Credits in Science Required to be eligible for top 10% and automatic state college admissions

Performance Acknowledgments 12 hours of dual credit with a 3.0 grade equivalent on 4.0 scale or An Associate degree while in high school or Outstanding performance in bilingualism & biliteracy or A Score of 3 or more on an AP Exam or Outstanding performance on PSAT/NMSQT, ACT, SAT or Nationally recognized industry certification score or license

How to choose electives? Step 1 What are students interests? What are students strengths? Step 2 What area of Study or Endorsement(s) does your student want to focus on STEM; Business & Industry; Public Service Arts & Humanities; Multidisciplinary Step 3 Visit the TISD Course Selection Guide for a brief description and prerequisites for each course offered www.tomballisd.net Step 4 Choose the specific classes wanted or needed for your Career Pathway and when to take them Consider prerequisites and sequencing Remember electives can help you choose a career!

9th Elective Choices: Principles of Ag (FFA) Principles of Architecture Principles of Business, Mkt. & Finance Money Matters Business Info Mgt. (Microsoft Office) Computer Science (programming--Alg. is prerequisite) Medical Terminology Debate Principles of Education Nutrition/Wellness(1/2) Intro to Culinary Arts Introduction to Engineering Design (STEM) Journalism (1/2) Photojournalism (1/2) Advertising (1/2) Sports & Entertainment (1/2)

THS Course Selection Timeline Week of January 23-27 Current 8th Grade Students February 7, 2017 Verification sheet sent home February 16, 2017 All changes Due

How to make Changes Verification Sheets will be given to students on February 7, 2017 Make changes on the sheet and return to the Junior High Counselor Final Change deadline is February 16, 2017