Introduction
The Enrollment and Course Description book is designed to provide students and parents with the information needed to make good choices about enrollment for the upcoming year. Decisions about which courses to take are impacted by individual student skill levels, and what opportunities are available for them in the future. Students are encouraged to consider taking courses that will help them pursue their career interests. Students that have questions or are unsure should see the counselor for more information.
Scheduling Procedures
The scheduling process is the shared responsibility of student, parent, teachers and the counselor. All contribute and encourage the student to choose classes that will help them in the future. Parents act as the encourager and provide support to the child as they make choices that affect their future plans. Teachers provide the expertise in helping students decide which skill level or courses best suit them. The counselor works to help each student choose classes that help them move towards their career interests. Students are asked to choose courses that are challenging and are able to provide them with needed future skills, as well as making sure their course choices meet the necessary graduation requirements.
The information contained in this booklet will help students and parents understand the graduation requirements, Board of Regents Qualified Admission requirements, the State Scholar Curriculum, and where to find information about the NCAA clearinghouse for athletes. Brief course descriptions listed by Department are also included.
Class Changes/Drops & Transfers
During the first week of the school year (or semester for a semester class) counselor and parent approval is required for class changes and transfers. After the first week of classes, a student may drop a class or transfer to another class only after there has been counselor and administrative consultation with the teacher and parent/guardian, with the final decision made by an administrator. After the second week of classes, an administrator may approve a drop or transfer provided extenuating circumstances.
General Graduation Requirements: (27 credits are required)
English: 4 credits
Social Science: 3 credits (1 credit of American History, ½ credit of American Government,
1 credit or World Cultural History and ½ credit of Economics)
Math: 3 credits (Algebra and above)
Science: 3 credits
Physical Education and Health: 1 credit
Practical Arts: 1 ½ credits (1 class must be from the following options Personal Finance, Accounting 1, Business Essentials or Ag Business)
Fine Arts: 1 credit **
Elective subjects to bring total to 27 credits
* Practical Arts credit can be earned by taking courses from any of the following Departments: Business/Computer, Industrial Technology, Agricultural Science, and Health Science
** Fine Arts credit can be earned by taking courses from the Music, Drama, or Art Departments
Board of Regents Qualified Admissions Curriculum
You must meet the following requirements to qualify for admission to five of the six Kansas Regents universities:
· ACT composite score of 21 or above; or
· Rank in the top one-third of your high school’s graduating class; AND
· Achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher on any college credit taken in high school
· Complete the Qualified Admissions curriculum listed below with at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
English 4 credits – 1 per year
Mathematics 3 credits with an ACT math score of 22 or better
· Algebra I
· Geometry
· Algebra II
· Any course with Algebra II as a prerequisite
OR
4 credits with one taken the year of graduation, 3 must include:
· Algebra I
· Geometry
· Algebra II
· Any course with Algebra II as a prerequisite
Social Science 3 credits
· World Cultural History
· American History
· American Government I
· Economics I
Natural Science 3 credits
· Biology
· Earth/Space Science
· Chemistry OR Physics
Electives 3 credits from the following:
· English ● Computer Information Systems
· Math ● Foreign Languages
· Natural Science ● Personal Finance
· Social Science ● Speech, Debate, Forensics
· Fine Arts ● Journalism
● Career/Technical Education
KU’s Admission Criteria
· 21+ ACT (1060+ SAT*) and 3.25+ GPA or 24+ ACT (1160+ SAT*) and 3.0+ GPA
· AND 2.0+ GPA (2.5+ for out-of-state students) in a college-prep curriculum
· If applicable, achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher on any college credit taken in high school
Please note that meeting our assured admission standards earns you entry into KU’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; other schools and programs have their own requirements for admission.
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State of Kansas Scholarship Program Curriculum
This program recognizes outstanding Kansas high school seniors. Designation by the Kansas Board of Regents as ‘State Scholar’ is based upon ACT assessment scores, the cumulative seventh semester grade point average, and completion of the Regents Recommended Curriculum. This curriculum is NOT the same as the Qualified Admissions Curriculum.
English 4 credits – 1 per year
Mathematics 4 credits
· 3 must include Algebra I*, Algebra II, & Geometry
· 1 must include Trigonometry, Adv. Algebra, College Algebra, or Calculus
*Algebra I taken in 8th grade is accepted
Social Science 3 credits
· World Cultural History (1 credit)
· American History (1 credit)
· American Government I (.5 credit)
· Economics I (.5 credit)
Natural Science 3 credits
· Biology
· Chemistry
· Physics
Foreign Language 2 credits of the same foreign language
Any student who completes the above curriculum will be designated as a ‘Kansas State Scholar Curriculum Completer’. The following scores from the ACT assessment will be considered in the scholarship competition: scores from high school seniors who took the ACT test in February, April, or June of their junior year or October or December of their senior year. ACT will automatically report the scores to the State Scholarship Program unless instructed not to do so in writing.
Graduation with Academic Honors
In order to be eligible for graduation honors at Hiawatha High School, students must complete the Kansas State Board of Regents Qualified Admission Curriculum given above. Students may graduate with the following honors:
Summa cum Laude - cumulative GPA of 3.95 or above
Magna cum Laude - cumulative GPA between 3.80 and 3.94
Cum Laude - cumulative GPA between 3.65 and 3.79
Graduation Honors: Citizenship
Seniors have the opportunity to graduate with “honors” based on citizenship during their senior year. The criteria for this program are as follows:
· 98% of class work handed in on time
· 97% attendance
· NO significant discipline issues (verified by administration)
· Five points of active involvement:
· 2 points from community service (10 hours = 1 point)
· 1 point from active participation in a school organization or activity
· The remaining 2 points can come from a combination of community service and participation in a school organization or activity
Hiawatha High Grading Scale
A 90-100 4 grade points D 60-69 1 grade point
B 80-89 3 grade points F Below 60 0 grade points
C 70-79 2 grade points
Figuring your Grade Point Average
The grade point average represents the average number of grade points a student earns for each graded course. To calculate your GPA, use the formula below.
1. Take the number of grades and multiply that number times the grade point value
Your grades Grade point value Total
# of A’s 3 X 4 = 12
# of B’s 2 X 3 = 6
# of C’s 1 X 2 = 2
# of D’s 1 X 1 = 1
# of F’s 1 X 0 = 0
Total (8) Total Grade Points (21)
2. Add your grade points
3. Divide the number of grade points by the total number of grades
Total number of grades points 21 / Total number of grades 8 = 2.62 GPA
Why is my Grade Point Average Important?
Although there are many exceptions, many times your grade point average (GPA) reflects how seriously you have taken your high school courses. Your GPA is often a reflection of your study habits and dedication. It is important to try to earn the highest GPA possible throughout your four years of school. This cumulative GPA will be used by colleges, universities, technical schools and even employers for a variety of reasons.
· Admission Requirements
A good high school GPA could help you get admitted to your school of choice. Post-secondary institutions have found that a student’s high school GPA is a very good predictor of college success. For this reason, many institutions require that students enter their university with a qualifying GPA. If a student applies with a GPA that does not qualify for admission, that student may be admitted on a probationary basis or sometimes not at all.
· Scholarships
Another important reason to maintain a solid GPA is that many grant and scholarship organizations require a “B” average or higher when considering applicants. If your cumulative GPA falls below this range, you will find that scholarship and/or award monies will be difficult to obtain.
· Resumes
The average company receives numerous resumes for every one job opening it posts. With that kind of competition it is important that your resume reflects your abilities and skills. A strong GPA will not only show employers your dedication and commitment to learning, but it will also be measurable evidence of subject mastery and proven academic achievement overtime.
Remember, whether you have plans to pursue a professional/technical career or plan to land a winning job immediately after graduation, a strong GPA will help equip you for success.
Preparatory College Testing
PSAT (Preliminary SAT)
This test provides practice to sophomores and juniors for the SAT Reasoning Test. The test measures skills in critical reading, math problem solving, and writing. It is used to offer feedback on strengths and weaknesses of skills necessary for college.
The PSAT is also connected with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is open to juniors who meet entry requirements. You must score at the stated cut off on the PSAT in order to be considered. Students who qualify for recognition in the National Merit Program are notified through their schools in September.
The National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition for Black American juniors who take the PSAT. Students must register for this program by marking Section 14 on their PSAT Answer Sheet. Students who qualify for recognition in the National Achievement Scholarship Program are notified through their schools in September.
The most common reason students take the PSAT is:
· To receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
· To see how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
· To help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
www.collegeboard.com
SAT (Scholarship Aptitude Test)
This test is a measure of the critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college. This test assesses how well students solve problems, a skill needed in college. The SAT is a standardized measure of your college readiness.
Colleges will use your scores to compare you with other students who took the test. The SAT is only a part of what colleges will look at for admissions. They also consider your high school record, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.
Not all schools require the SAT. Therefore it is important that you begin researching schools that are of interest in your sophomore and junior years. This will give you time to research if it is necessary to actually take this test. Generally, colleges on the east and west coasts require the SAT, while most colleges in the Midwest will accept the ACT.
www.collegeboard.com
ACT (American College Test)
This test assesses skill level master in English, Math, Reading Comprehension, and Science. Test scores weigh heavily in many admission and scholarship decisions. ACT scores along with high school grades, class rank, high school activities, and community service are the main information colleges use to identify students who would best benefit from their programs. They also use the information for class placements and scholarships.
It is vital to understand the ACT test and how this will affect your future. In order to plan for your future, you must value personal success. It is never too soon to start exploring your options.
If you are considering a four year college, it is important to take the ACT at least once during your junior year and if need be, in the fall semester of your senior year. You make take the ACT test as many times as you want. The more you learn in school, the more knowledge you will have to improve your ACT scores.
College Readiness
ACT has identified the minimum score needed on each ACT test to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding first-year college course.