WELCOME MARKHAM DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL GRADE 8 PARENTS’ NIGHT January 8, 2015

Principal’s Welcome – Mr. S. Schreiber Vice Principals’ Comments –Ms. D. Heron and Mr. C. McArthur School Council Reps – Ms. J. Amenta Guidance Presentation - Ms. S. Joseph Career Cruising: Course Planner - Ms. E. Kerhoulas Students’ Council Reps – E. Hopkins & H. Patankar Closing Comments, Gifted Presentation & Tours of School Agenda

… and the “New” Markham District High School … opened September 2010 History of MDHS The original Markham High School  opened in 1858 and then was erected on Joseph St Then Markham District High School  opened in 1954 on Church St. and had additions over the next 20 years

General Information about MDHS  Student population ~1400  100+ Teachers  1 Principal and 2 Vice-Principals  A non- semestered high school  A strong academic program enhanced by the Arts, Business, and Technology  150+ years of tradition

Gifted, AP and Enriched Club s eco-Markham “Green” school “ living wall” Leadership Opportunities LEAD & Peer Mentors Successful Sports Teams - Metro Bowl Football Champs! Strong EQAO Results and high academic standards New School Construction 21 st C Technology Diverse Arts Programs – Music, Drama, Visual Active Students’ Council Diversity of Special Education Programs Composite non- semestered school Tech  Hair & Aesthetics “New” Business  DECA Physical Education Arts MDHS Classics & Latin High Performance Athlete Positive School Climate Gifted, AP and Enriched Clubs eco-Markham “Green” school“ “living wall” Leadership Opportunities LEAD & Peer Mentors Successful Sports Teams Strong EQAO Results and high academic standards New School Construction 21 st C Technology Diverse Arts Programs – Music, Drama, Visual Active Students’ Council Diversity of Special Education Programs MDHS Classics & Latin High Performance Athlete Positive School Climate Composite non- semestered school with rich history EOP + Alt Ed SHSM Programs

Life at MDHS…

Diploma Requirements (O.S.S.D.) for the 4 year program O.S.S.D 18 Compulsory Credits 12 Optional Credits Successful completion of Ontario School Literacy Test 40 hours of Community Involvement

18 Compulsory Credits 4Credits in English (1 credit per grade) 1Credit in French as a Second Language 3Credits in Mathematics (at least 1 in Gr. 11 or 12) 2Credits in Science 1Credit in Canadian History 1Credit in Canadian Geography 1Credit in the Arts 1Credit in Health and Physical Education.5Credit in Civics &.5 Credit in Career Studies (grade 10) Plus………..

Compulsory Credits (cont’d) Plus: Group 1: 1 additional credit in English, or French as a Second Language, or a Native Language/Studies, or a Classical or an International Language, or Social Sciences and the Humanities, or Canadian and World Studies, or Guidance and Career Education (including Learning Strategies), or Cooperative Education*

Compulsory Credits (cont’d) Group 2: 1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or Business Studies, or the Arts (music, art, drama), or French as a Second Language or Cooperative Education* Group 3: 1 additional credit in science (grade 11 or 12) or technological education (grades 9-12), or French as a Second Language or Computer Studies or Cooperative Education*

The12 Optional Credits Electives Optional credits allow students to build an educational program over the 4 years that suit their individual interests and meet college, university, workplace and/or apprenticeship requirements. On TYKTHS Day, grade 8 students toured the following areas: Business, Music, Visual Arts, Drama, Family Studies, Latin & Technology

The Grade 10 Literacy Test A Diploma requirement. Administered in late March or early April of the grade 10 year A test based on language and communication (reading and writing) expectations of curricula up to and including grade 9 Accommodations, deferrals and exemptions may be appropriate for some students If standard not met in first attempt, schools will provide remedial support; test is re-administered until student successfully completes the test or the Grade 12 Literacy Course

Community Involvement A diploma requirement Encourages civic responsibility, promotes community values and reinforces importance of volunteerism Complete 40 hours before graduation Can start in summer of grade 8 Student responsibility to keep record of activities Guidelines and forms will be provided to help track community involvement A good way to explore career interests

More Life … at MDHS

COURSE PATHWAY OPTIONS IN Gr. 9 & 10 APPLIEDACADEMICOPEN LOCALLY DEVELOPED

PATHWAYAPPROACH APPLIEDStep by step approach to learning using theory and practical examples. ACADEMICTheoretical and independent approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking skills LOCALLY DEVELOPED Guided approach to learning using practical examples and concrete objects. OPENAn opportunity to explore an area of interest for all students ABILITY Working at or above grade level Working below grade level in Math, English and Science Available to all students

Course Pathways English Math Science French History Geography Applied or Academic English Math Science History Locally Developed Physical Education is the same for all students. Classes are divided by Male and Female.

OPTIONAL COURSES FOR GRADE 9 STUDENTS Technological Studies Business Studies The Arts VisualDramaMusic Learning Strategies Family Studies Latin

Destinations … Four Pathways to Opportunity  Apprenticeship - prepare for training  College - hands on training & theory  University - theory and reasoning  Workplace - prepare for work When thinking about the future, ask yourself: How do you learn best? What are the admission requirements for College, Apprenticeships and University entrance? What courses do you need to prepare for the work force?

Individual Pathways Plan or IPP The IPP is the primary planning tool that students will use as they proceed through school towards their initial postsecondary destination (Creating Pathways to Success 2012) Students will perform a four-step inquiry process performed through grades 7-12 based on four questions linked to four areas of learning. The web- based tool which will hold the IPP is called Career Cruising.

 Course and Post-Secondary Pathways are changeable and flexible.  As interests, skills and aptitudes develop and mature, there will be many opportunities to re-chart your journey Remember….

Making Choices…??? Parents/guardians and students will select courses in collaboration with elementary school teachers, guidance counsellors and administrators. Grade 8 students and their parents or guardians choose grade 9 courses on the basis of the students’ needs, interests, strengths and past achievements. These choices may also be influenced by learning opportunities available outside the school.

Support for Students Guidance Department Annual teacher-assisted IPP updates Learning Strategies (recommended by Principal) ESL Courses Student Advocacy Team Peer Mentors

For More Information…… York Region District School Board Regional Course Directory York Region District School Board York Region District School Board Guidance Services Ministry of Education for policy and curriculum docs

To Access On-line Course Selection: