POTOMAC FALLS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS WELCOME! Class of 2017! Introduction, Graduation Requirements, Scheduling

The PFHS Administration Ms. Janice Koslowski (Principal) Ms. Kelly Hayes (9 th Grade) Mr. Jarvis Weeks (10 th and 11 th Grade, ELL) Mr. Kirk Dolson (12 th Grade, IEP) Ms. Tamara Christman (Director of School Counseling)

Upcoming Events for Rising 9 th Grade Students and Parents February and through Spring Break- Freshman Scheduling March 22 -Activities Fair for Freshman July and August -Freshman Summer Institutes (check our website for dates TBD) Late August (check website for dates) 6:30 p.m.- Freshman Parent Orientation Late August 9:00 a.m.-1 p.m.- Freshman/Transfer orientation

The PFHS School Counseling Department The Counselors: Dr. Deborah Brom (9 th grade) Mr. Richard Bader (10-12 D-I, CAMPUS Mr. Shawn Dycks (10-12 A-C and ELL) Mrs. Rae Ann Paolozzi (10-12 J-Ra) Mrs. Amy Burgess (10-12 Re-Z) Support Staff: Ms. Lisa Torick Mrs. Toni Cicirelli Mrs. Stacey Thomas, Career Center Assistant Mr. Peter Kim, Testing Coordinator (SOL testing)

DIPLOMA TYPES Read the 2012 Program of Studies! Available Online Advanced Studies Standard Others as determined through Individualized Educational Plan (Mr. Dolson, Mrs. Robertson or Ms. Coyne can answer IEP questions)

Advanced Studies Diploma Each unit is 140 clock hours of instruction Four units of English Four units of Math Four units of Lab Science Four units of Social Science One unit of Economics (.5) and Personal Finance (.5) (taken in 11 th grade) One unit of Fine Arts or Career and Technical Three or Four units of Foreign Language Two units of Health and PE (PE 9 and 10) Three or more units of Electives One Virtual Course (implementation TBD)

Standard Diploma Each unit is 140 Clock Hours of Instruction Four units of English Three units of Math Three units of Lab Science Three units of Social Science Two units of Health and PE (PE 9 and 10) One unit of Economics (.5) and Personal Finance (.5) (taken in 11 th grade) One Fine Art, CTE or World Language 4 Electives One course should be a virtual course (Implementation TBD)

VERIFIED UNITS OF CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ADVANCED DIPLOMA A VERIFIED UNIT OF CREDIT IS A PASSED COURSE WITH THE CORRESPONDING PASSED STANDARDS OF LEARNING TEST 2 VERIFIED CREDITS IN ENGLISH (TAKEN IN GRADE 11) 2 VERIFIED CREDITS IN MATH 2 VERIFIED CREDITS IN LAB SCIENCE 2 VERIFIED CREDITS IN SOCIAL SCIENCE 1 ADDITIONAL FROM SOCIAL STUDIES, SCIENCE OR MATH

VERIFIED UNITS OF CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STANDARD DIPLOMA 2 UNITS IN ENGLISH (TAKEN IN GRADE 11) 1 UNIT IN MATH 1 UNIT IN LAB SCIENCE 1 UNIT IN SOCIAL SCIENCE 1 ADDITIONAL FROM SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES OR MATH

A TYPICAL FRESHMAN SCHEDULE! ENGLISH 9 (Academic, Honors) WORLD GEOGRAPHY/HISTORY 1 (Academic, Pre- Advanced Placement) **MATH (Algebra 1, Geometry, Functions, Algebra 2 or higher) EARTH SCIENCE (Academic, Honors)* HEALTH/PE 9 **FOREIGN LANGUAGE ELECTIVE (Review diploma type)_ FLEX (8 TH PERIOD) *CHECK TEACHER RECOMMENDATION **Expunging 6 th, 7 th or 8 th grade courses?

ELECTIVE CHOICES ART 1 ENSEMBLE (BAND), GUITAR, CHORUS THEATER ARTS 1, TECHNICAL THEATER 1, AND JOURNALISM 1 CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES BUSINESS COURSES

ART DEPARTMENT PICTURES FOR YOUR VIEWING ENJOYMENT! FRESHMAN MAY TAKE ART 1 ONLY: The course includes drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphic design, ceramics, and textiles, photography, and computer graphics.

ENSEMBLE, CHORUS AND GUITAR BAND-ENSEMBLE 1 OR 2 (BASED ON AUDITION) CHORUS, MEN’S, WOMEN’S SHOW CHOIR, PANTHERA (BASED ON AUDITION) BEGINNING, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVELS OFFERED (BASED ON AUDITION AND TEACHER RECOMMENDATION) STRINGS (AUDITION) MUSIC APPRECATION: Students will explore music throughout the ages and how it relates to history. MUSIC THEORY: Students will learn about the language of music. This course is designed for students who are planning on pursuing music in college. No performance is required. Students may opt to take AP Music Theory later on.

THEATER ARTS 1, TECHNICAL THEATER 1 AND JOURNALISM 1 All are intro courses and required for higher levels Journalism 1 prepares you for newspaper and yearbook classes and how to write objectively Theater Arts I: Students survey the technical and performing art of theater, including improvisation, mime, basic acting, the history of the theater, stage settings, costuming, make up, and lighting Technical Theater I: Behind the scenes, lighting, sound, computer technology, stage set up, etc.

CAREER AND TECHNICAL ELECTIVES Semester courses (must be taken with another.5 credit course): INDEPENDENT LIVING– how to make a budget, let yourself in the house and be independent! (.5 credits) LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT—public speaking, community leadership, politics! (.5 credits) FASHION DESIGN—wardrobe, color analysis, and the business of designing fashions! (.5 credits) CHOICES—exploring the stuff teens deal with daily! (.5 credits) GOURMET FOODS—learn to cook, clean, measure and impress! (.5 credits) HUMAN DEVELOPMENT—what do small children need now to be productive healthy teens later? (.5 credits) INTRO TO HOUSING AND INTERIOR DESIGN—how to design room settings, lay out, paint and wall paper colors, etc., Full year courses 1.0 Credits Each) APPLIED TECHNOLOGY 1—tools of the trade and how to use them! INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS AND MARKETING—marketing, advertising and fun!

BUSINESS ELECTIVES.5 Credit Courses (Semester Courses): KEYBOARDING (.5 credits) ADVANCED KEYBOARDING (.5 credits) (must have taken 6 th grade keyboarding to qualify for this course) 1.0 Credit Courses (Full Year): COMPUTER APPLICATIONS (If you took keyboarding in 6 th grade you qualify for this course)

WHAT IS CAMPUS? An academic and college preparation program designed to meet the specific needs of students from historically under- represented populations in higher education and prospective first-generation college students attending LCPS high schools Seeks to support and encourage students who demonstrate ability to achieve academic success and college admission Serves over 500 students countywide Admission to and success in college are among the goals of the program.

How CAMPUS Supports You! Academic enrichment and support (Mandatory CAMPUS class and/or meetings) 2-Day Summer Seminar College and university visits College and scholarship preparation Community service projects and activities Leadership development

CAMPUS Application Process Majority of applicants are selected from rising 9 th grade applicant pool. Applications are available through LCPS website and middle school counseling offices. Application deadline is March 19th! Late applications will not be accepted Mr. Bader will be at RBMS to discuss CAMPUS w/interested students! See Mrs. Gwizdala for more information!

EXPUNGING HIGH SCHOOL CREDITED COURSES TAKEN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL… REVIEW ALL MATERIALS SENT HOME WITH THE LAST REPORT CARD FILL OUT EXPUNGEMENT FORM AND RETURN TO THE PFHS COUNSELING OFFICE NO LATER THAN MID-JULY SUMMER BEFORE THE FRESHMAN YEAR IS THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY TO EXPUNGE! REVIEW ALL 8 TH GRADE HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT COURSES AND GRADES!

COURSE CHANGES 3 RD QUARTER REPORT CARDS WILL ALSO INCLUDE COURSE REQUEST LETTER WITH TEACHER- RECOMMENDED COURSES (April 10) AFTER 4 TH QUARTER REPORT CARDS ARE SENT HOME, YOU HAVE ABOUT ONE WEEK TO VERIFY THE COURSE REQUESTS. NO CHANGES WILL BE GRANTED AFTER JUNE 17, 2013! REVIEW COURSE REQUESTS AND THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES ONLINE CAREFULLY!

ONLINE LCPS PROGRAM OF STUDIES

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN AND THEIR PARENTS… COMMUNICATE WITH TEACHERS AND OTHER SUPPORT STAFF (COUNSELORS AND ADMINISTRATORS)! GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL! GET TO KNOW THE MAIN OFFICE AND COUNSELING STAFF! READ THE NEWSLETTER AND REVIEW THE PFHS WEBSITE OFTEN CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!