Getting Ready for MVHS 8 th Grade Parent Information February 2012

Welcome and Introductions Counselors 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 ChrismanH – O Mike MathiesenM - 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) (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 Options Sarah 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 8 th grade math instructors.

Geometry vs. Geometry Honors Geometry: Some class time spent reviewing Algebra I topics 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 Options Dr. 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 Options Clotilde 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

Social Studies Tim Farrell World Studies – introductory social studies course for all 9 th graders

English Kathy Dewar Survey of Composition and Literature – required for all 9 th graders

Physical Education Barbara 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 10 th 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 MVHS John Payne MVHS has three seasons of athletics: fall, winter, spring –9 th 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 9 th 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 7 th through February 20 th

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 8 th Parent orientation Aug 7 th

Questions