CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

PROGRAM OF STUDIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction...... 2

Graduation Requirements...... 3

Selecting the Proper Courses

Career Planning...... 4-9

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)...... 10

Dual Enrollment Program/SAT Prep Course/CVHS Cyber...... 11

Suggestions for Students Interested in a Vocational-Technical Education...... 12

Course Descriptions

Language Arts...... 13-16

Social Studies...... 17-19

Science...... 20-27

Mathematics...... 28-34

World Language...... 35-43

Business Education...... 44-48

Technology Education...... 49-51

Health/Physical Education...... 52-53

Family & Consumer Science...... 54-55

Fine Arts...... 56-57

Instrumental...... 58-59

Choral...... 60-61

Drama and Theatre...... 62

General Music...... 63

Beaver County Career & Technology Center (BCCTC)...... 64-69

CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

160 Baker Road Ext. – Monaca, PA 15061

(724) 775-4300 (724) 775-6560 FAX

PROGRAM OF STUDIES

2013 - 2014

School Code or CEEB # 392-693

Counselor Student Assignments:

All Grade Levels 9-12

Mrs. Debra Kuntz – Ext. 16006Mr. Donald Phillips – Ext. 13162

(Assigned by Student’s Last Name) (Assigned by Student’s Last Name)

A – K L - Z

INTRODUCTION

Selection of a high school program is one of the most important decisions a secondary student must make. The selections you make will determine the avenues of opportunity available to you in your post-high school years. Be careful, choose wisely and weigh these choices against your life's goals. Selection of certain courses could determine acceptance into post-high school programs.

Subject selections should be reached as a joint decision with your parents. Both of you should familiarize yourselves with the contents of this booklet so you may arrive at the wisest choice of courses for you. Selecting courses that are both challenging and comprehensive will provide for your personal goals and will give you a rewarding experience.

Please keep in mind your teachers, counselors and administrators will assist you and answer any questions you may have concerning your selections. Should you and your parents need to schedule an appointment or need a question answered, please feel free to call (724)775-4300, Extension 16000.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION

Certain requirements must be met in order to graduate from Central Valley HighSchool. These subjects are required by both the Pennsylvania Office of Education and the Central Valley School Board and must be met by each student. These requirements are as follows:

CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Graduation Requirements

Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12

Starting with the 2012-2013 school year, students of the Central Valley School District in grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 will be required to earn a minimum of 28 credits in the following areas, along with completing a Graduation Project and achieving at the proficiency level or above on PSSA Testing or District local alternative assessments.

Credits needed for Graduation:

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  • 4 English
  • 4 Social Studies
  • 4 Science
  • 5 Math
  • 3 PE and Health
  • 1 Software Applications
  • 1 Speech
  • 6Electives
  • Total of 28 credits needed

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All graduation credits must be earned in the Central Valley School District. Dual enrollment credit will not be counted towards class rank.

Grading Scale Based on Percentages

90 - 100% = A

80 - 89% = B

70 - 79% =C

60 - 69%=D

0 - 59% =F

Forms of Grading

Class rank will be based on the percentage of the final grade for each course. Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be based on this system. New students who enter Central Valley High School must earn a minimum of 14 of the 28 required graduation credits (or 50%) in order to be eligible for Valedictorian and Salutatorian. All failing percentages on report cards, 50% and below, will default to 50% with the exception of finals and midterms.

Honor Roll Requirement

Highest Honors93 -100%

High Honors87 - 92.999%

Honors83 - 86.999%

  • A percentage of 69% or below in any course would eliminate students from consideration for Honor Roll.
  • Students receiving an Incomplete (I) will not be eligible for Honor Roll until the grade is completed.
  • Honor graduates earning a cumulative average of 85% or above will be recognized at commencement.

CAREER PLANNING

The Central Valley School District is committed to the preparation of our students for both post-secondary education and the world of work. We are committed to providing opportunities for our students to fulfill their aspirations. Choosing your future is one of the most challenging and exciting decisions you will make. To plan for your career, you must plan your high school academic program. The courses you take and your experiences and accomplishments in high school can lead you to a rewarding future. A career is more than just a job. It involves education, work, and lifestyle. Achieving success and a fulfilling future requires thoughtful planning and appropriate choices. Every effort will be made to offer the entire curriculum to all students. However, the offering of these classes will be based upon availability of staff and interest of students.

SELECTING THE PROPER COURSES

Suggestions For The College Bound Student:

1.Students planning to attend college should take the most rigorous coursework available in advanced math, science and any two years of the same world language to meet minimum college entrance requirements.

2.Students desiring to study engineering or any other math or science related major in college should pursue four years of advanced math and science.

3.Students planning Business related majors in college should consider taking advanced mathematics, computer and accounting courses.

4.It is highly recommended that all college-bound students take an additional computer course beyond the software applications requirement.

5.CAD I (Computer Aided Drafting), Architecture Research & Development, and CAD II (Advanced CAD & 3D Design) courses would be beneficial for students planning to enroll in engineering, drafting, design, art, or architectural studies in college.

6.All college-bound students should complete a minimum of two (2) lab science courses and two levels of the same world language.

7.Any student planning to participate in college athletics must take at least one (1) lab science course. Refer to the N.C.A.A. Clearinghouse page and/or visit the website at for guidelines.

8.Careful planning must be made in order to schedule a combined program of business education courses and college entrance requirements. Students should consult with their counselor for scheduling assistance. Build a solid foundation of high school learning that can be built upon in college.

AP and College-in-High-School Courses

CVHS offers several AP and College-in-High-School credit courses. Through these college-level courses, a student has the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. These courses will help develop the study habits necessary for rigorous course work and demonstrate maturity and readiness for post-secondary education. Enrollment in these courses is a commitment to hard work and academic excellence. CVHS advanced level courses include: AP English,AP or College-in-High-School Statistics, AP or College-in-High-School Calculus (through the University of Pittsburgh), AP Environmental Science/Lab, AP Biology/Lab, AP Chemistry/Lab, AP Physics/Lab, AP Spanish, and College-in-High-School Psychology (through the Community College of Beaver County).

Starting with the Class of 2015, all Advanced Placement (AP) offerings are based on Advanced Placement/College Board curriculum approvaland will have an added valueof 1% to their cumulative average per AP course taken.

Students taking AP courses will be required to take the AP Exam.

ARTS & COMMUNICATION

Thiscareer area involves awareness, interpretation, application and creation of the arts and communication skills. Students may be interested in exploring this field if they:

  • Are interested in art, music or writing
  • Are creative and enjoy entertaining others
  • Are good oral and/or written communicators
  • Are open-minded
  • Like to work in groups or teams

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

Entertaining-Performing Arts: Acting and Redirecting, Dance, Drama/Theatre Arts

Visual & Performing Arts

Education: Dance, Drama, Music, Physical Education

Communications: Writer, Public Relations, Broadcasting, Digital Media, Journalist, Photojournalist

Music: Conducting, Piano, Voice

Fine Arts: Architecture, Art, Art History, Ceramic Arts, Graphic Design & Visual Communications, Drawing, Fashion Design & Illustration, Film/Cinema Studies, Film-Video Production, Visual Arts, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Jewelry Arts, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Jewelry Arts, Painting, Photography and Web Page Design, Florist

ELECTIVES TO CONSIDER:

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  • Advanced Art
  • Advanced Musical Performance
  • Architectural Design
  • Art I, II and III Fine Arts/Crafts
  • Beaver County Career & Technical Center Programs
  • Business Management
  • CAD I II
  • Chorus/Band
  • CVTV News
  • English Grammar/Composition
  • Family & Consumer Science Courses
  • Graphics & Web Page Design
  • International Business
  • Introduction to Musical Performance
  • Introduction to TechnologyEngineering
  • Journalism I-IV
  • Marketing
  • Materials Processing
  • MultiMedia Design
  • Music Appreciation
  • Music Theory
  • Musical Theatre
  • Publications
  • Software Applications
  • World Languages

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BUSINESS, FINANCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Careersin this area are for students interested in working in the world of business, finance and information services. Students may follow this career path if they:

  • Are interested in a business environment
  • Are interested in accounting/mathematics
  • Would like to own their own business
  • Enjoy working with others, planning events and leadership roles
  • Are interested in technology

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

FINANCE

Accounting, Banking, Business Administration, Financial Planning, Finance, Insurance and Risk Management, International Business/Economics, Legal Administration, Marketing.

MANAGEMENT

Advertising, Entrepreneurship, Fashion Merchandising, Hospital Administration, Hotel/Restaurant Management, Human Resource Management, Logistics and Materials Management, Organizational Behavior, Political Science, Real Estate, Retail Management and Travel-Tourism Management.

PROFESSIONAL

Software Engineer, Tax Examiner, Desktop Publisher, Sales Representative, Operations Analyst, Chief Executive Officer.

ELECTIVES TO CONSIDER:

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  • Accounting I
  • AP Statistics
  • Automated Accounting
  • Business Calculus
  • Business Law
  • Business Management
  • C++
  • CAD I & II
  • Calculus/AP Calculus
  • Child Development
  • Custom Manufacturing I & II
  • English Grammar/Composition
  • Foods I & II
  • Graphics & Web Page Design
  • Introduction to Technology & Engineering
  • Marketing
  • Materials Processing
  • Mechatronics I & II
  • MultiMedia Design
  • Personal Finance
  • Psychology
  • Publications
  • Robotics
  • Selected Themes in Social Science
  • Software Applications
  • World Languages I-VI

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ENGINEERINGINDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

This career area relates to design, development, installation or maintenance of physical systems. Occupations involve responsibility for engineering and structural design in the manufacture, construction or transportation of products or utilities.

STUDENTS MIGHT CONSIDER THIS CAREER PATH IF THEY:

  • Enjoy building things
  • Prefer math and science
  • Enjoy design projects
  • Like research
  • Are detail oriented
  • Enjoy working as part of a team
  • Enjoy problem solving

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

Engineer, (Aeronautical, Petroleum, Nuclear, Plastics, Chemical, Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical), Architect, Drafter/Designer, Health & Safety Inspector, Robotics, Astronaut, Computer Networking Manager, Air Traffic Control, Electrician, Civil Engineer, CAD/CAM, Diesel Mechanic, Plumber, Carpenter, Mason, Machine Operator & Systems Administration.

ELECTIVES TO CONSIDER:

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All Chemistry classes

All Physics classes

Architectural Research & Development

Art I

Beaver County Career & Technical Center (BCCTC)

CAD I & II

Custom Manufacturing I & II

Graphics & Web Page Design

Introduction to Technology & Engineering

Materials Processing

Mathematics (HighestLevels) Calculus/AP Calculus; Business Calculus

Mechatronics I & II

Robotics

World Languages

HUMAN SERVICES

Human services careersrequire skills and experiences related to meeting family and human needs. These occupations include positions of high responsibility in caring for the personal needs and welfare of others in social service and education.

STUDENTS MIGHT CONSIDER THIS CAREER PATH IF THEY:

  • They are interested in caring for people
  • Enjoy communicating with others
  • Like serving others’ needs
  • Enjoy helping people reach their potential
  • Like to work with people of all ages
  • Are tolerant of differences among people
  • Are patient

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

College Professor, Principal, Teacher, Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychologist, Recreation Therapist, Athletic Trainer, Athletic Agent, Park Ranger, FBI Agent, Crime Lab Technician, Massage Therapist, Cosmetologist, Travel Agent, Armed Services, Post Service Worker, Fire Fighter, Personal Trainer, Health Services Manager, Music Therapist, Social Worker, Counselor, Funeral Director, Meeting

and Convention Planner, Customs Inspector, Police Officer.

ELECTIVES TO CONSIDER:

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Advanced Sciences

Beaver County Career & Technical Programs

Business Law

Child Development Family Living

Chorus

Drama and Theatre

English/Grammar Composition

Foods I & II

Human Anatomy/Physiology

Instrumental Music

Living on Your Own

Mathematics (Highest Levels) Calculus/AP Calculus; Business Calculus

MultiMedia Design

Psychology

Sociology

Software Applications

World Languages

SCIENCE and HEALTH

Students with interest in the life, physical and behavioral sciences may find this area rewarding. It involves the planning, managing, and providing of therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health information and biochemistry research and development.

STUDENTS MIGHT CONSIDER THIS CAREER PATH IF THEY:

  • Are interested in the health care environment
  • Are interested in environmental issues
  • Enjoy working in science and experimentation
  • Like working outdoors
  • Enjoy interacting with and assisting people
  • Are conscientious and dependable

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

Physician, Athletic Trainer, Biologist, Chemist, Farmer, Lab Technician, Medical Researcher, Nursing, Anesthesiology, Anesthetist, Occupational/Physical Therapist, Dietician, Animal Caretaker, Wildlife Reserve Worker, Zoo Caretaker, Optician, Healthcare Technicians, Dental Hygienist, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Assistant, Fish & Game Worker, Respiratory Therapist, Chiropractor, Agronomist, Geographer, Marine Biologist, Veterinarian, Geneticist, Statistician, Zoologist, Ecologist, Pathologist, Meteorologist, Physicist.

ELECTIVES TO CONSIDER:

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Advanced and AP Biology

Advanced and AP Chemistry

Advanced and AP Physics

AP Statistics

Astronomy/Oceanography

Beaver County Career & Technical Programs

Child Development & Family Living

English/Grammar Composition

Environmental Science

Foods I & II

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Mathematics (Highest Levels)

Psychology

Sociology

Software Applications

World Languages

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National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Standards for the Student Athlete

Website Address:

What is the NCAA?

The NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, was established in 1906 and serves as the athletics governing body for more than 1,300 colleges, universities, conferences and organizations. The national office is in Indianapolis, but the member colleges and universities develop the rules and guidelines for athletics eligibility and athletics competition for each of the three NCAA divisions. The NCAA is committed to the student-athlete and to governing competition in a fair, safe, inclusive and sportsmanlike manner.

What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?

The NCAA Eligibility Center will certify the Academic and amateur credentials of all college-bound student-athletes who wish to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics. To assist with this process, the Eligibility Center staff is eager to foster a cooperative environment of education and partnership with high schools, high school coaches and college-bound student-athletes.

To be eligible to play at the Division 1 or Division 2 levels, high school students must graduate high school with a set of specific “core courses”, SAT scores, and Percentage Average. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure they are enrolled in enough “core courses” to be eligible to play college sports. Ultimately, the individual student-athlete is responsible for achieving and protecting his or her eligibility status. If there are any questions or concerns regarding this process,please see your guidance counselor.

Students who intend to participate in Division 1 or Division 2 college-level athletics should go online and review all eligibility requirements of the NCAA. Students may access the Eligibility Center’s resource page on our website at clicking on “Resources” and then selecting the type of student you are. Students can navigate through the resources to find helpful information and complete their registration online.There is a fee to register. Important: Print two (2) copies of the “Transcript Release Form” and submit them to the Guidance Office. While online, view or print a copy of the “NCAA Guide for the College-Bound-Student-Athlete”.

Students who will be registering at the Eligibility Center should register to take the SAT examin the spring of their junior year. Online registration for the SAT is available at During registration for the SAT, students should send an “Additional Report” of their scores to the Clearinghouse – this is free to do when you register for the SAT. The additional ReportCode for the NCAA is 9999.

The CEEB # or School Code for Central Valley High School is 392-693.

NCAA Eligibility to participate in college athletics is not determined until after highschool graduation.

CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Dual Enrollment Program

Central Valley School District is committed in preparing our students for post-secondary education. Dual Enrollment allows schools to partner with eligible post-secondary partners to offer juniors and seniors an opportunity to earn college credit while completing their high school requirements.

ELIGIBILITY:

  1. Student must be a high school junior or senior. Acceptance will be based on college admission’s standard GPA.
  2. Must be able to provide own transportation.
  3. Student must have the class time and days approved with his/her guidance counselor and a modified high school schedule must be pre-arranged with the counselor prior to the official college course enrollment. Student must also meet the individual post-secondary institution admission requirements for dual enrollment.
  4. In order to remain in this program, the student must maintain a minimum 70% in each dually-enrolled course.
  5. It is the student’s responsibility to secure a copy of the college transcript for the college admissions process.

Dual Enrollment credits taken off-campus at local colleges will not factor into a student’s high school percentage average or class rank. Students who are eligible, and register for a post-secondary course, must be committed to the Dual Enrollment Program and follow the policies and timelines of each institution for class registration/withdrawal. Central Valley High School offers a wide range of courses for students. Students are encouraged to take advantage of our many electives particularly in the arts, humanities, family and consumer sciences and business departments. For additional information and or Dual Enrollment Forms, please set up an appointment with your high school guidance counselor.