Ponchatoula High School

Ponchatoula High School

Scheduling Information

2014-2015

Equal Opportunity

Tangipahoa Parish School Board and Ponchatoula High School adheres to the equal opportunity provision of federal civil rights laws and regulations that are applicable to this agency. Therefore, no one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), age, veteran status, or handicapping condition (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in the pursuit of educational goals and objectives and in the administration of personnel policies and procedures. Anyone with questions regarding this policy may contact Arlene Guerin, Tangipahoa Parish School Board Office, 59656 Puleston Road, Amite, LA 70462, Telephone (985) 748-7153.

Administration

Mr. Daniel Strickland, Principal

Ms. Mary Beth Crovetto, Asst. Principal

Mr. Byron Hurst, Asst. Principal

Ms. Christie Atkins, Curriculum

Ms. Melanie Monistere, Curriculum & Freshman Academy

Mr. Curtis White, Disciplinarian

Counselors

Ms. Denise Latour, A-D

985-474-8809

Ms. Orlisa DePhillips, E-K

985-474-8810

Ms. Katharine Meadors, L-Q

985-474-8805

Ms. Tommie Robertson

985-474-8808

Introduction

The information in this brochure is important to both you, as a student, and your parents. In order for Ponchatoula High School to provide you with the best possible education, you must take the responsibility of choosing classes that will help you achieve your goals. This guide will provide you with graduation requirements, scheduling requirements, course summaries, and other important information. Read this guide carefully and discuss your schedule with your parents. It is important that you make selections that meet state requirements and that are helpful in meeting your individual needs. Since you are not allowed to change teachers or courses once schedules are issued, you should give serious consideration to your selections.

A counselor is assigned to studentsat Ponchatoula High School to help them during their high school career. A student or parent may schedule a conference with a counselor for any reason. These areas may include academic, career, or personal/social concerns. Strict confidentiality is maintained unless the student reports a desire to harm self, harm someone else, or that he is being harmed by someone.

During the spring semester, students select their courses for the coming year with the help of their individual counselor. The proposed schedule is sent home for parent approval and signature. Classes are only changed in extenuating circumstances.

Louisiana Graduation Requirements

Through May 2017 graduates

College and Career Diploma

Louisiana Core 4 Curriculum

Louisiana Basic Core Curriculum

Career Diploma

Beginning with 14-15 Freshmen (May 2018 graduates)

College Diploma

Career Diploma

What can I do with each diploma?

Core 4 / Basic / Career
4 year college / √
2 year college / √ / √ / √
Technical college / √ / √ / √
Military / √ / √ / √
Work / √ / √ / √

State Policy

All students entering 9th grade are automatically placed on the LA Core 4 or College pathway.

At the end of the 10th grade year, a student with parent or guardian permission may opt into the Basic Core curriculum or Career Diploma.

Louisiana High School Graduation Requirements

PHS Course Offerings
(for students entering 9th grade in August 2008through August 2013)
La Core 4 Curriculum / Basic Core Curriculum
English – 4 units
English I, I, III, and IV
Math – 4 units
Algebra I or Algebra I Pt. 2
Geometry
Algebra II
Remaining unit shall come from the
following: Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math – PreCalculus, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Calculus
Science – 4 units
Biology
Chemistry
2 units from the following: Physical Science, Integrated Science, Physics, Biology II, Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Agriscience II, Anatomy and Physiology
Social Studies – 4 units
Civics
American History
2 units from the following: World Geography, World History, Psychology
Health – ½ unit
Physical Education – 1 1/2 units
Foreign Language – 2 units
2 units from the same foreign language or 2 units of speech
Arts – 1 unit
Fine Arts Survey or one unit of Art, Music, or Theatre
Elective – 3 units
Total units = 24 / English – 4 units
English I, II, III, and IV or Senior Applications in English
Math – 4 units
Algebra I or Algebra I Pt. 2
Geometry
Remaining units shall come from the following: Algebra II, Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math – PreCalculus, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Calculus
Science – 3 units
Biology
1 unit from physical science cluster: Physical Science, Integrated Science, Chemistry I, Physics I
1 unit from Biology II, Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Agriscience II, Anatomy and Physiology
Social Studies – 3 units
American History
Civics
1 unit from World History or World Geography
Health – ½ unit
Physical Education – 1 ½ units
Electives – 8 units
Education for Careers or Journey to Careers
Shall include the minimum courses required to complete a Career/Technical Area of Concentration
Total Units = 24

Louisiana High School Graduation Requirements

PHS Course Offerings
(for students entering 9th grade in August 2014 and beyond )
College Curriculum / Career Curriculum
English – 4 units
English I, I, III, and IV
Math – 4 units
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Remaining unit shall come from the
following: Financial Math, Math Essentials, Advanced Math – PreCalculus, Advanced Math – Functions and Statistics, Calculus
Science – 4 units
Biology
Chemistry
2 units from the following:
Agriscience II, Biology II,
Chemistry II, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Physics, AP Physics I & II
Social Studies – 4 units
Civics
American History
World Geography
World History
Health – ½ unit
Physical Education – 1 1/2 units
Foreign Language – 2 units
2 units from the same foreign language
Arts – 1 unit
Fine Arts Survey; one unit of Art, Music, or Theatre; or Speech III & IV
Elective – 3 units
Total units = 24 / ?

Areas of Concentration

Each student MUST choose an Area of Concentration on the Individual Graduation Plan (IGP).

An Area of Concentration (AOC) is a sequence of courses based on a student’s interests.

Detailed course requirements for each Area of Concentration (AOC) may be found at

Areas of Concentration
•Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
•Agriculture Production/Management/Entrepreneurship
•Animal Science
•Architecture and Construction
•Carpentry and Construction
•Drafting
•Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication
•Graphic Arts
•Journalism
•Liberal Arts
•Mass Communication
•Performing Arts
•Business, Management and Administration
•Administrative Support
•Business, Administration
•Education and Training
•Advanced Studies/Core 4 only
•General Studies
•Finance
•Banking and Finance (NAF Academy)
•Government and Public Administration
•JROTC / •Health Science
•Nutrition and Food
•Emergency Health Care
•Health Professionals
•Pharmacy
•Hospitality and Tourism
•Culinary Arts
•Human Services
•Child Development Services
•Management of Family Resources
•Manufacturing
•Welding
•Marketing, Sales and Services
•Entrepreneurship
•Marketing and Sales Management
•Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
•Engineering

Individual Graduation Plan

IGP

According to the Career Options Law, every student must have an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) on file at the school.

The plan is initiated in 8th grade and will be updated each year.

The IGP shall be signed by the student and parent or legal guardian each year.

The IGP reflects the curriculum pathway and the recommended sequence of elective courses to meet Area of Concentration (AOC) requirements.

The IGP is flexible, yet sufficiently structured, to ensure that a student will meet the high school requirements for admission to a postsecondary education institution or to enter the workforce.

TOPS

Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive program of state scholarships and one of the most innovative and progressive student assistance programs in the nation. It is recommended that students and their parents visit the TOPS website at

TOPS is a series of merit-based scholarships that award amounts equal to tuition, some including a stipend, at a state public college, university, community college or technical school, (or the weighted average of public school tuition at certain in-state private colleges).

TOPS Opportunity, Performance, and Honors Awards

8 semesters of college tuition

TOPS Tech Award

2 years of technical college tuition

To qualify, students must follow the TOPS core curriculum and meet the GPA and ACT requirements. Students apply for TOPS by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 of their senior year.

TOPSCoreCurriculum

FortheOpportunity,Performance,andHonorsAwards

ForHighSchoolgraduatesof2014through2017.

ForHighSchoolgraduatesof2018andthereafterclickhere

Units / Courses1
ENGLISH= 4Units
4units / EnglishI,II,III,IV
MATH=4 Units
1unit / AlgebraI,orIntegratedMathematicsI,orAppliedAlgebraI
orAlgebraI-Parts12(twounits)
orAppliedMathematicsIII(twounits)
orAppliedAlgebra1Aand1B(twounits)
1unit / AlgebraIIorIntegratedMathematicsII
2units / Geometry,Pre-Calculus,AdvancedMath-Pre-Calculus,Calculus, AdvancedMath-FunctionsandStatistics,ProbabilityandStatistics, DiscreteMathematics,AppliedMathematicsIII,Integrated MathematicsIII,orAlgebraIII
SCIENCE= 4Units
1unit / BiologyIorII
1unit / ChemistryI orII,orChemistryCom
2units / EarthScience,PhysicalScience,EnvironmentalScience,Integrated Science,BiologyII,ChemistryII,Physics,PhysicsII,Physicsfor TechnologyIorII,orAnatomyandPhysiology
orbothAgriscienceIII(bothfor 1 unit)
SOCIALSTUDIES=4 Units
1unit / UnitedStatesHistory
1unit / CivicsandFreeEnterprise(1unit,combined),2 Civics(1year),orAP GovernmentandPolitics:UnitedStates
2units / WorldHistory,WesternCivilization,WorldGeography,European
History,HistoryofReligionorAPHumanGeography
FOREIGNLANGUAGE=2Units
2units / ForeignLanguage(2unitsinthesamelanguage)
FINEARTS=1Unit
1unit / FineArtsSurvey
or1unitofaperformancecourseinmusic,ordance,ortheater
or1unitofstudioart
or1unitofvisualart
orbothSpeechIIIIV(bothfor 1 unit)
TOTAL=19Units

1Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB)courseswith the same nameas a course listed in the TOPS

Core Curriculum maybe substituted.

2Can be usedonly bystudentswho enteredthe 9thgrade before July1, 2011. (See R.S.17:274.1)

Thiscore curriculumis accurate as of thedate of publication and includescourses listed in

TOPS statute and those determined to be equivalentby the La. Board of Regents and BESE.

(800)259-5626

P.O.Box91202,BatonRouge,LA70821-9202Updated: 08/15/2013

TOPSCoreCurriculum

FortheOpportunity,PerformanceandHonorsAwards

ForHighSchoolgraduatesof2018andthereafter

Units / Courses1
ENGLISH= 4Units
1Unit / EnglishI
1Unit / EnglishII
1Unitfromthefollowing: / EnglishIII,APEnglishLanguageArtsandComposition,orIB EnglishIII(LanguageAorLiteratureandPerformance)
1Unitfromthefollowing: / EnglishIV,APEnglishLiteratureandComposition,orIBEnglish
IV(LanguageAorLiteratureandPerformance)
MATH=4 Units
1Unit / AlgebraI
1Unit / Geometry
1Unit / AlgebraII
(IntegratedMathematicsI,IntegratedMathematicsII,and IntegratedMathematicsIIImaybesubstitutedfortheAlgebraI, Geometry,andAlgebraIIsequence)
1Unitfromthefollowing: / AlgebraIII;AdvancedMath-FunctionsandStatistics,Advanced
Math-Pre-Calculus,Pre-Calculus,orIBMathMethodsI (MathematicalStudiesSL);Calculus,APCalculusAB,orIBMath MethodsII(MathematicsSL);APCalculusBC;Probabilityand StatisticsorAPStatistics;IBFurtherMathematicsHL;IB MathematicsHL
SCIENCE= 4Units
1Unit / BiologyI
1Unit / ChemistryI
2Unitsfromthefollowing: / EarthScience;EnvironmentalScience;PhysicalScience; AgriscienceIandAgriscienceII(oneunitcombined);Chemistry
II,APChemistry,orIBChemistryII;APEnvironmentalScienceor IBEnvironmentalSystems;PhysicsI,APPhysicsB,orIBPhysics I;APPhysicsC:ElectricityandMagnetism,APPhysicsC:
Mechanics,orIBPhysicsII;APPhysicsIandAPPhysicsII;
BiologyII,APBiology,orIBBiologyII
SOCIALSTUDIES=4 Units
1Unitfromthefollowing: / U.S.History,APU.S.History,orIBU.S.History
½Unitfromthefollowing: / Government,APU.S.GovernmentandPolitics:Comparative,or
APU.S.GovernmentandPolitics:UnitedStates
½Unitfromthefollowing: / Economics,APMacroeconomics,orAPMicroeconomics
(oneunitofCivicsmaybesubstitutedforthetwo½Unitsabove)
2Unitsfromthefollowing: / WesternCivilization,EuropeanHistory,orAPEuropeanHistory; WorldGeography,APHumanGeography,orIBGeography; WorldHistory,APWorldHistory,orIBWorldHistory;Historyof Religion;IBEconomics
PleaseseereversesideforcontinuationofTOPSCoreCurriculum
FOREIGNLANGUAGE=2Units
ForeignLanguage,bothunitsinthesamelanguage,whichmay includethefollowing:APChineseLanguageandCulture,AP FrenchLanguageandCulture,APGermanLanguageand
Culture,APItalianLanguageandCulture,APJapanese
LanguageandCulture,APLatin,APSpanishLanguageand
Culture,IBFrenchIV,IBFrenchV,IBSpanishIV,andIBSpanishV
ART=1Unit
1Unitfromthefollowing: / PerformancecourseinMusic,DanceorTheatre;FineArts Survey;ArtI,II,III,andIV;TalentedArtI,II,III,andIV;Talented MusicI,II,IIIandIV;TalentedTheaterArtsI,II,III,andIV;
SpeechIIIandSpeechIV(oneunitcombined);APArtHistory;AP
StudioArt:2-DDesign;APStudioArt:3-DDesign;APStudioArt: Drawing;APMusicTheory;IBFilmStudyI;IBFilmStudyII;IB MusicI;IBMusicII;IBArtDesignIII;IBArtDesignIV;orIB TheatreI
TOTAL=19Units

1 GIFTEDCOURSES:Anycore curriculumcoursethat istakenbyastudentwho has beenidentifiedas giftedpursuanttoState BoardofElementaryandSecondaryEducation(BESE)policyandthat istaken infulfillmentofthestudent’sIndividualized EducationPlanshallbeconsidereda“GiftedCourse”and shallfulfillthecorecurriculum.

Beginningwithstudentsenteringthe9thgradein2014-2015andgraduatinginthe2017-2018school yearandthereafter,thecalculationoftheTOPS CoreCurriculumgradepointaverage(GPA) willusea five-(5.00)pointscaleforgradesearnedincertainAdvancedPlacement (AP)courses,International Baccalaureate(IB)courses,GiftedCourses,andDualEnrollmentcoursesusedtocompletetheTOPS CoreCurriculum.Atthistime,BESEandtheBoardofRegentshavenotdesignatedthecoursesthat willbecalculatedonthefive-(5.00)pointscale.1 Forsuchcourses,fivequalitypointswillbeassigned toalettergradeof“A”,fourqualitypointswillbeassignedtoalettergradeof“B”,threequalitypoints willbeassigned toalettergradeof“C”,twoqualitypointswillbeassigned toalettergradeof“D”,and zero qualitypointswillbeassignedtoalettergradeof“F”. Notethat studentsearningcreditincourses gradedonthefive(5.00)pointscalemayearnagradepointaverageontheTOPSCoreCurriculum thatexceeds4.00.

1Courses approved for the five- (5.00) point scale will be noted in updatesto this document.

Thiscorecurriculum is accurate asofthedateofpublication andincludescourses listed inTOPSstatue.

(800)259‐5626

P.O.Box91202,BatonRouge,LA70821‐9202Updated:09/10/2013

TOPSTechCoreCurriculum

FortheTOPSTechAward–Option1andOption2

ForHighSchoolgraduatesof2014andthereafter

StudentsmayalsoqualifyfortheTOPSTechAwardbycompletingtheTOPSCore

CurriculumfortheOpportunity,PerformanceandHonorsAwards

Units / Courses
3 Units / English I, II, and III
1 Unit / English IV, Business English or Senior Applications in English
1 Unit / Algebra I, or Algebra I, Parts 1 and 2 (two units); or Applied Algebra I or Applied
Mathematics I and II (two units)
2 Units / Geometry, Applied Mathematics III, Algebra II, Math Essentials, Financial Mathematics, Advanced Math – Pre-Calculus, AdvancedMath – Functions and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, Pre-Calculus or Algebra III
(Integrated Mathematics I, IIand III may be substituted for Algebra I, Geometry and
Algebra II, and shall be considered the equivalent of the 3 required math units)
1 Unit / Biology
1 Unit / Chemistry or Applied Chemistry
1 Unit / Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physical Science, Integrated Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physics I, Physics II, Physics for Technology, Anatomy and Physiology or Agriscience I and Agriscience II (both for one unit)
1 Unit / United States History
1 Unit / Civics (oneunit)
1 Unit / World History, Western Civilization, World Geography, EuropeanHistory or AP Human
Geography
Option 1
1 Unit / Fine Arts Survey (or substitute two unitsof performancecourses in music, dance or theatre; or two units of visual art; or two units of studio art; or a career/technical studies course approved by Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE); or substitute one unit of an elective from among the other subjects listed in this core curriculum) or Speech III and Speech IV (two units)
2 Units / Foreign Language, Technical Writing, Speech I or Speech II
1 Unit / Computer educationprogramofstudies approved by BESE
TOTAL: 17 units
Option 2
4 Units / A career major comprised of a sequence ofrelated specialty course and approved for the school by BESE. For a complete listof majors and courses, please go to
education-area-of-concentration-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=2
1 Unit / Related or technical field course
1 Unit / Basic computer course
TOTAL: 19 units

This core curriculumis accurate asof the date of publication and includes courses listed in TOPS statute and those determined to be equivalent by the La. Board of Regents and BESE.

Updated: 08/01/2013

State Assessments

End of Course Test

Students must pass three End of Course tests to graduate.

English IIorEnglish III

Algebra IorGeometry

Biology IorAmerican History

* EOC Test will count as 15% of the final grade *

Standardized Testing Sequence

9th grade – EOC, Explore

10th grade – EOC, PLAN

11th grade – EOC, ACT, PSAT, SAT, ASVAB

12th grade –repeat above tests as needed

Classification by Grade Levels

Credits
9th / 0 – 5.5
10th / 6 – 10.5
11th / 11 – 16.5
12th / 17 -

Information about Honors Courses

What are Honors Courses?

Honors courses are developed locally by high school teachers to help meet the needs of accelerated students. Honors classes offer the same curriculum as non-honors classes but are more challenging. Honors courses are faster-paced and cover topics more in-depth.

What are advantages of taking Honors Courses?

• You can gain an edge in the college admission process.

• College admission officers look for students who take rigorous courses. It shows them that you like to challenge yourself.

• You can develop study habits that will prepare you for college.

• College courses are more rigorous than standard high school classes. By taking the more challenging honors classes in high school, you will be better prepared to succeed in college.

• Studies have shown that the rigor of a student's high school curriculum is the single best predictor of success in college.

• Working hard in high school establishes habits that make the transition to college smoother.

• You will challenge yourself in more demanding classes.
• You have a chance to study subjects in greater depth and detail.
• You will be taking classes with others who want to achieve and learn.

Who is eligible to take an honors course?

Students may be considered for honors if they meet three of five of the following criteria:

–Minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8

–Minimum subject area average of 3.0.

–Teacher recommendation based on a subject-area checklist.

–Acknowledge reviewing the Student Application and Self-Evaluation Form

–Score Mastery or Advanced on LEAP or EOC test in subject area.

Don’t be under the impression that only "top" students should take honors courses.

Advanced-level courses are worth the extra effort!

Student Application for Honors Enrollment and Self-Evaluation Form

Student:

To give an overall picture of your potential as an honors student, including your willingness to work, interest in the subject matter, and future goals, please read the following statements and check the appropriate column. Please note that you do not have to answer every question with a “yes.” Checking “no” for any item will not disqualify you from enrolling in an honors class.

Yes / No
I usually come to class prepared, with materials ready and assignments completed.
I work well with other students.
I am concerned about grades and learning.
I am interested in the subject matter.
I set goals and look for ways to achieve them.
I do not mind homework and believe that it is important to build knowledge.
I am willing to work hard and go above-and-beyond the minimum expectations for class work.
I understand that honors classes often require additional work and more challenging assignments.
I am good at pacing myself when I have many assignments and can complete them all on time.
I realize the value of education and would like to take advantage of every opportunity to be prepared for life beyond high school.
I want to take an honors course because I want to have a high school transcript that will make me more competitive for getting into college.
I have taken an honors course before.

I have reviewed the information about honors courses and completed the self-evaluation. I believe that I would be a good candidate for the honors course indicated above, and my parent/guardian has reviewed this form and the information about honors classes as well.

Dual Enrollment with Southeastern LA University

The Dual Enrollment program gives Ponchatoula High School students the opportunity to take college level courses at Ponchatoula High School and receive credit on their high school and college transcripts. PHS plans to offer 42 hours of college level courses during the 2013-2014 school year. Credits earned in these courses will be transferable to most state universities and many out-of-state universities.

Dual Enrollment Offerings

SLU Course(s) Corresponding High School CourseTeacher

MATH 161/MATH 162 Advanced Math Pre-Calculus-HDahmer

MATH 161/MATH 241 Advanced Math Statistics-HDahmer

MATH 163/MATH 241 Calculus-H H. Thompson

ENG 101/102English IV-HWaller

GBIO 151Biology II-HPonseti

HIST 101World History-HWatts

HIST 202American History-HGrigas

SPAN101/SPAN102 Spanish II-HHair/Hoover

MUSIC 151Fine Arts Survey-HSquare

CHEM 101Chemistry II-HAmerson

PSYC 101Psychology-HHientz