Course Catalog

Advanced Art Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art 1 with a grade of C or better. This class builds on principles and concepts covered in Art I, including analysis projects which involve art history. Studio focus is on drawing and painting, sculpture, linoleum printing, silk screen printing, ceramics (hand built and wheel thrown), and other crafts, with an emphasis on portfolio preparation and individual research into media techniques and personal expression. An Art fee of $5.00 per semester will be charged for this course.

Advanced Woods Prerequisite: Successful completion of Industrial Education. Using the skills and knowledge from Industrial Education, students will work on more complex projects of their own choice throughout the school year. Students will be responsible for their own materials.

Algebra 1 Part 1 Support Co-requisite: Algebra I Part 1 This course is designed as a second hour of instruction to help master Algebra 1 Part 1 concepts. Credit in this course will be recorded as an elective credit. Only students currently enrolled in Algebra 1 Part 1 may take this course. Supplementary activities are a part of this class. Additional remediation assignments are required for all students who fail to master the course content. This class is not available for all students; eligibility is determined by math assessments as well as teacher recommendation.

Algebra 1 Part 2 Prerequisite: successful completion of Algebra 1 Part 1 This course completes the 2nd half of Michigan Merit Curriculum course/credit requirements for Algebra Topics include: systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, quadratic expressions and equations, polynomials, radical functions, geometry concepts, rational functions and equations, and statistics and probability. This class is not available for all students; eligibility is determined by math assessments as well as teacher recommendation

Algebra I Prerequisite: successful completion of Math 7 This course provides the Michigan Merit Curriculum course/credit requirements for Algebra 1. Topics include: expressions, equations, functions, graphing, linear functions, absolute value equations, linear inequalities and absolute value inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponents and exponential functions, quadratic expressions and equations, polynomials, radical functions, geometry concepts, rational functions and equations, and statistics and probability. This class is not available for all students; eligibility is determined by math assessments as well as teacher recommendation.

Algebra II Part 1 Prerequisite: Successful completion Geometry 10 This course presents the first half of the Michigan Merit Curriculum Course/Credit requirements for Algebra 2. Topics include: equations and inequalities, linear equations and functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, quadratic functions, and polynomials and polynomial functions. This class is not available for all students; eligibility is determined by math assessments as well as teacher recommendation

Algebra II Part 2 Prerequisite: Successful completion of Alg. II Part 1 This course completes the 2nd half of the Michigan Merit Curriculum Course/Credit requirements for Algebra 2. Topics include: powers, roots and radicals, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational equations and functions, quadratic relations and conic sections, and sequences and series. This class is not available for all students; eligibility is determined by math assessments as well as teacher recommendation.

Anatomy & Physiology A prerequisite for this class is the successful completion of Biology. This course is an introductory to the human anatomy & physiology. Emphasis will be in the structure and function of the systems of the human body. Comparisons will be made to others from the animal Kingdom. An in-depth dissection of a fetal pig will be used to bring all of the materials covered in the class to a close. This class will be very beneficial for anyone looking to go into health-science programs, biological sciences, and science technology.

AP Calculus Prerequisite: Pre-Calculus and teacher recommendation/approval. The AP Calculus course is designed to be the equivalent of the Calculus I course usually taken during the first year of college. The course will develop the students’ under-standing of the concepts of calculus via graphical, numerical, analytical and verbal representations. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: work with functions represented in a variety of ways, understand the meaning of the derivative in terms of a rate of change and local linear approximation, understand the meaning of definite integral both as a limit of Riemann sums and as the net accumulation of change, and understand the relationship between the derivative and definite integral and their applications

AP Chemistry Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of Chemistry & Algebra II. Co-requisite: Science Support. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first college year. Students in this course should attain a depth of understanding of fundamentals and a reasonable competence in dealing with chemical problems. The course should contribute to the development of the students’ abilities to think clearly and to express their ideas, orally and in writing, with clarity & logic. The following areas will be covered: Chemical reactivity & products of chemical reactions Relationships in the periodic table: horizontal, vertical, & diagonal with examples from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, and the first series of transition elements. Introduction to organic chemistry: hydrocarbons & functional groups, structure, nomenclature, & chemical properties. This course fulfills the requirement of the math course needed during the senior year.

Art 9th - 12th grades Art 1 introduces the basic art concepts. Students study art elements and principles of design with a historical perspective of art. Emphasis is on drawing techniques using pencil, charcoal, and chalk including 1 and 2 point perspective. Students will be introduced to tempera and watercolor painting, calligraphy, the basics of printmaking, and ceramics. An Art fee of $5.00 per semester will be charged for this course.

Biology 9th or 10th grade This course meets the Michigan Merit Exam Course/Credit requirements for Biology. Topics include; inquiry, reflections, social implications, the organization and development of living systems, the interdependence of living systems and environment, genetics, and evolution and biodiversity.

Chemistry 11th grade Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry This course meets the Michigan Merit Exam Course/Credit requirements for Chemistry. Topics include: inquiry, reflection, social implications, forms of energy, energy transfer and conservation, properties of matter, and changes in matter.

Crafts Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I with a grade of C or better. Students will learn about the contributions made by craftspeople to society. Projects may include weaving, batik, mask making, and jewelry-making. An Art fee of $5.00 per semester will be charged for this course.

English 10 Writing and grammar are a major component of this course, with the writing process emphasized. The QRTP writing format is followed and expanded from the ninth grade level. Students are required to write essays which demonstrate proficiency in the QRTP writing style. A large focus is also on literature which consists of fiction and nonfiction. Students will also continue working on spelling and vocabulary.

English 11 Writing, note taking, test taking, vocabulary, time management, and study skills are emphasized in this class. This class is designed to challenge the students with critical reading and thinking skills in preparation for postsecondary education. In the area of literature the students study the writing of major American authors. The students will prepare for success on the Michigan Merit Exam (this includes the ACT Plus Writing and the Work Keys Reading Comprehension) as well as Work Place Readiness Skills.

English 9 Reading Support Students will receive research based interventions and activities to enhance reading fluency and comprehension. This is a semester class and is required for students not reaching reading benchmark. Admission to this class is based on MEAP scores and teacher recommendation

Financial Math Prerequisite: Successful completion of Geometry (or Geometry 10). Understanding and managing finances are key to one’s future financial success. This one-semester course presents essential knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about real world financial issues. Students will learn how choices influence occupational options and future earning potential. Students will also learn to apply decision making skills to evaluate career choices and set personal goals. The course content is designed to help the learner make wise spending, saving, and credit decisions and to make effective use of income to achieve personal financial success. The knowledge provided in this course will be useful to all students in their adult lives!!

Geometry Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra I. This course presents the Michigan Merit Curriculum course/credit requirements for Geometry. Topics include: essentials of geometry, reasoning and proof, parallel and perpendicular lines, congruent triangles, relationships within triangles, similarity, right triangles and trigonometry, quadrilaterals, properties of transformations, properties of circles, measuring length and area, and surface area and volume of solids. This class is not available for all students; eligibility is determined by math assessments as well as teacher recommendation.

Geometry 10 Support Co-requisite Geometry 10. This course is designed as a second hour of instruction to help master Geometry concepts. Credit in this course will be recorded as an elective credit. Only students currently enrolled in Geometry 10 may take this course. Additional remediation assignments are required for all students who fail to master the course content. This class is not available for all students; eligibility is determined by math assessments as well as teacher recommendation.

History Based Movie Class 10th-12th Movies will be on a three year rotation, so movies watched this year will not be shown the next year. Students can take this elective class more than once. This class is a research and project based class. The curriculum will be based Hollywood movies and documentaries that have been created about actual historical events and people. This is a history class elective that is not based on a textbook approach to learning, but a way learning about historical events and people in a creative way, all while enjoying some movies. As part of this class we will fact check and do some comparison and contrasting of movies to reality. Students may be asked to read, do research, having class discussions and complete projects as part of this class. We will attempt to do some field trips and use Skype to communicate with people about our topics. Students will be required to occasionally take tests and quizzes about the movies. You will also need to be able to write based on the QRTP format for essay writing. The focus of writing in class will be to help you develop your writing by using details, evidence and examples in your writing, as well as expanding your thoughts. Attendance is necessary for this class so you don’t miss parts of this movie or class discussions. All students who want to enroll in this class must have a parent sign a waiver to allow their student to watch movies rated higher than G ratings. All movies will be selected based on their historical importance, when deciding appropriateness of the movies. Some potential examples of movies that may (not guaranteed) be watched in class: Saving Private Ryan, Ghandi, Apollo 13, Ali, Selma, Unbroken, etc. Students may also have some say in movies that will be seen in class.

History Based Movies 10th-12th Movies will be on a three year rotation, so movies watched this year will not be shown the next year. Students can take this elective class more than once. This class is a research and project based class. The curriculum will be based Hollywood movies and documentaries that have been created about actual historical events and people. This is a history class elective that is not based on a textbook approach to learning, but a way learning about historical events and people in a creative way, all while enjoying some movies. As part of this class we will fact check and do some comparison and contrasting of movies to reality. Students may be asked to read, do research, having class discussions and complete projects as part of this class. We will attempt to do some field trips and use Skype to communicate with people about our topics. Students will be required to occasionally take tests and quizzes about the movies. You will also need to be able to write based on the QRTP format for essay writing. The focus of writing in class will be to help you develop your writing by using details, evidence and examples in your writing, as well as expanding your thoughts. Attendance is necessary for this class so you don’t miss parts of this movie or class discussions. All students who want to enroll in this class must have a parent sign a waiver to allow their student to watch movies rated higher than G ratings. All movies will be selected based on their historical importance, when deciding appropriateness of the movies. Some potential examples of movies that may (not guaranteed) be watched in class: Saving Private Ryan, Ghandi, Apollo 13, Ali, Selma, Unbroken, etc. Students may also have some say in movies that will be seen in class.

Intro to Agriscience 9th –12th grades This is a two semester course in which one semester will be on plant science and the second semester will be on animal science. Plant science will cover soils, flowers, plants, fertilizers, and crops. Animal science will look at the different sciences and breeds of livestock animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, and horses. Animal science will also take a look at alternative energy to power farms. Class work is supplement by hands-on experiences and potential field trips. Class projects, lectures, the use of the animal facility, working with plants, and group activities will be a part of the classroom environment. Credit in Science will be received

Physical Education Strength & Conditioning 9th—12 grades Students who are involved in this course will train four times during the week, lifting in phases: including chest, shoulders, legs and arms once a week, combined with plyometric and core training on Tuesday’s. The objective is to enhance the students’ strength and inner core, and to help build one’s appearance and self-esteem.

Physical Science Physical Science is an overview of general principles in both physics and chemistry. In general, it includes the study of matter and its interactions, as well as the motion of matter and energy. We will be exploring and applying physics and chemistry concepts though various methods of learning including hands-on activities and labs. This course will be more general than the physics or chemistry courses.

Pre-Calculus Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra II. This course presents the Michigan Merit Curriculum Course Credit requirements for Pre-Calculus. Topics include functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; quadratic functions; polynomial functions; rational functions and difference quotients; trigonometric functions; vectors, matrices, and systems of equations; sequences, series, and mathematical induction; polar coordinates, parametrization, and conic sections.

Sculpture & Ceramics Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art I with a grade of C or better. This 3-dimensional art class will explore sculpture as relief and in-the-round. Students will use a variety of media including plaster, cardboard, wire, wood, & clay. The ceramics component will develop hand building and wheel throwing skills, along with surface decoration. Sketchbook is required. An Art fee of $5.00 per semester will be charged for this course.

Spanish I 8th - 12th grades Students will be introduced to the basics of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. This will be done through a variety of activities designed to develop Spanish reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Short stories will be a central theme in the curriculum. By learning these fundamental building blocks, students will be ready to pursue the study of Spanish at a higher level. Credit for this course will require successful completion of a year-long summative assessment.

STEM Robotics Students will be given an introduction to robotics, data logging and robotic programming through hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities. Students will be required to work collaboratively to build a robot that will perform basic functions. By the end of the semester, groups will be able to create robots that can perform complex maneuvers.

Technology 9th – 12th grades Online technology is an elective course that allows students to focus on an individualized curriculum. Students will master online technology related skills and will be allowed to utilize those skills to continue along a path that best fits their needs. Students will participate in programs such as Michigan Virtual High School, Edgenuity, and online college course as part of their learning process.

Test Prep Required for 2nd semester sophomore year or 1st semester junior year. Students will focus on building vocabulary, enhancing grammatical skills, improving reading speed and comprehension, as well as learn how to respond more efficiently to writing prompts. Khan Academy will be used as supplemental material to help students become more familiar with the SAT format

World History & Geography 11th This class will be a combination of both geography and history of our world. Students study will include ancient and classical civilizations, dynastic cycles, the Age of Imperialism, regional studies, and current world issues. Geography topics include: regions, human and environment interaction, physical & much more. * EB ( 7:04 - 8:10 a.m. ) World History & Geography may be offered for Juniors—dependent on number of student requests.